write an essay that explains the strategies Dr. King uses to try to build a sense of trust and respect between himself and the clergymen (He tries to establish common ground in the Rogerian Argument style). Of course, you may want to use examples of his common ground strategies found in other parts of the letter, not just the first two pages. Also, you may include parts of the clergymen's letter as well when you refer to their letter.

Question

Strategy means an approach, method, or action. His strategy is seen in the words that he used. What words did he use? How did he try to establish common ground by identifying points of agreement between the audience and himself? What did he think they could agree on?

Common ground means that we (the writer and his/her audience) have something in common or we have something that we can agree on. Think about this: Why would he want to establish common ground with the white clergymen who attacked him in their letter to which he is responding? They criticized the civil rights demonstrations and called King an outside agitator. Their letter was published in the local newspaper. When someone showed it to Dr. King, he decided to write a response. The object of a Rogerian-style argument is to convince the opposing audience that your position and point of view are right. What strategies does King use to try to get these white clergymen to understand his point of view?

Did King identify the ideas and beliefs that he and the clergymen share or have in common? How is he responding to their attack? Your answers should help you identify what strategies he uses.

You are to approach this assignment in your own way as long as your central point is clearly defined and supported.

Answer 1

In his letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. utilizes various strategies to build a sense of trust and respect between himself and the white clergymen. Through employing the Rogerian Argument style, he not only addresses their concerns but also attempts to establish common ground by identifying points of agreement. Though the clergymen had criticized King and the civil rights demonstrations, King recognized the importance of engaging with them in order to foster understanding and progress.

One of the strategies employed by King to establish common ground is through the use of shared religious beliefs. In the clergymen's letter, they mention that they affirm their "previously expressed hope that the white religious leadership of this community would see the justice of our cause and, with deep moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our just grievances could reach the power structure" (King Jr.). King acknowledges this shared hope and expresses his keen disappointment in the lack of support from the white religious leaders. By addressing their shared belief in the importance of religious leadership, King attempts to appeal to their sense of faith and moral responsibility.

Furthermore, King emphasizes the common goal of social order and justice that he believes both sides can agree upon. He acknowledges that the clergymen are concerned about social tension, unrest, and the potential for violence resulting from the civil rights demonstrations. King states, "I share this concern for order too. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court's decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. [...] We can never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was 'legal'" (King Jr.). In this statement, King draws a parallel between the injustice of segregation and the laws enacted by Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. By using this comparison, he invites the clergymen to examine the nature of unjust laws and question their own commitment to upholding such laws.

Moreover, King appeals to the clergymen's sense of responsibility and moral duty to address the ongoing issues of racial injustice. He emphasizes that they have a shared responsibility to promote equality and justice. King points out that "freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed" (King Jr.). Through this statement, he highlights the necessity of active engagement in order to bring about change. King also mentions his disappointment in the moderate white community who are more devoted to order than to justice. By referencing their responsibility and the importance of justice, King attempts to foster a sense of duty and shared commitment.

Another strategy employed by King is the use of historical references to resonate with the clergymen. He appeals to their knowledge of historical figures such as Socrates, Apostle Paul, and Thomas Jefferson. He states, "Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood" (King Jr.). By referencing these historical figures and their role in challenging the status quo, King attempts to legitimize his approach and resonate with the clergymen's understanding of history.

In conclusion, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. utilizes various strategies to build a sense of trust and respect between himself and the white clergymen. Through recognizing shared religious beliefs, emphasizing common goals of social order and justice, appealing to their sense of responsibility, and using historical references, King attempts to establish common ground and foster understanding. By engaging with the clergymen's concerns and addressing their criticisms, he aims to bridge the divide and convince them of the righteousness of his cause. Through his strategies, King exemplifies the power of reasoned argumentation and dialogue in the pursuit of racial equality and justice.