Question

In his letter, Dr. King addresses false statements and fallacies presented by his critics.

Read the following excerpt:

“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word 'Wait!' It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This 'Wait' has almost always meant 'Never.' We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

Which fallacy is Dr. King addressing and disproving in this excerpt?
Question 2 options:

One must wait for the right time to act or demand justice.


One must appeal to lawmakers and politicians if they want true change to occur.


One must demand justice, even if it results in violence.


One must go through the judicial system (courts) to attain true justice.

Answer 1

Correct answer: One must wait for the right time to act or demand justice.

Explanation: King is rebutting the “wait” argument — the claim that African Americans should postpone direct action until a more “convenient” or “well-timed” moment. He shows that waiting has historically meant “never” and cites “justice too long delayed is justice denied” to argue immediate action is necessary.