First, it should be noted how King approaches the issue of white privilege opposed to the lack of it for black people in his letter. This is a critical issue even in the modern world, and sometimes it becomes more acute. To fully describe the difference between the lives of blacks and whites, King contrasts the social and demographic characteristics of their existence. Discussing the problem of black people, King cites the example of the situation, “when your first name becomes “nigger” and your middle name becomes “boy” (however old you are)” (King 81). Thus, white people have the privilege of having their name and being considered full members of society, while people of color sometimes do not even have that. This is one of the most definite signs of social injustice and racism. Showing this opposition, King expresses his negative attitude towards the white privilege in contrast with severe life conditions of black people. His point is that humanity has to get rid of this because each human being is valuable and deserves a careful attitude. Indeed, even now, people must remember it and follow this position.
Second, an essential opposition in King’s letter is the comparison of violence and non-violence. Speaking about this, he cites an example of a typical representative of the oppressed strata of the population. According to King, when people repress their strong emotions, they can then logically be manifested in more harmful and violent ways (85). Violence has many meanings and tells about hidden pain and anger. Undoubtedly, screaming or fighting is the easiest way to deal with something painful and offensive. Nevertheless, it does not contribute to understanding and partnership in any way. Therefore, King makes the audience understand that non-violence is necessary for the expression of feelings without harm; it always helps to come to common solutions to problems. Its purpose is a productive communication, which allows a careful attitude towards each other from all sides. Hence, people should always listen to themselves and understand their deepest feelings and intentions. As a result, they become more conscientious members of a non-violent society. Thus, this opposition helps readers better understand the need for equality and be more mindful regarding this issue.
A third critical opposition in this essay is justice and injustice. King asks readers: “will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice, or will we be extremists for the cause of justice?” (86). By saying this, the author shows that this issue has two extremes: just and unjust. On the one hand, people can fight every slightest manifestation of injustice. However, it can sometimes feel like treating the symptoms of a disease without considering its underlying cause. On the other hand, it is crucial to focus on establishing ethical norms and order in society. Building such a reliable system will allow people to withstand and solve problems. This is how they can achieve harmony and give every citizen to live freely. It can be established by following the just law: a system where people are treated equally. It is opposed to the unjust law that does not support basic human rights. It does not depend on race or ethnicity and is concentrated on non-violence actions. Thus, the essay by Martin Luther King Jr. is a prime example of how social issues can be described in an interesting way.
Work Cited
King Jr., Martin Luther. “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 212, no. 2, 1963, pp. 78-88.