King Flashcards
- Why does King say it is particularly important that he practice his activism in
Birmingham?
he was asked to come. he wants to influence beyond his town like Paul, and b ham is the most segregated city.
Beyond this, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the eighth century prophets left their little villages and carried their “thus saith the Lord” far beyond the boundaries of their home towns; and just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Graeco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular home town. Like Paul, I must constantly
respond to the Macedonian call for aid. (2) Most through segregated city is b ham.
- What are the four basic elements of nonviolent action?
four basic steps: 1) collection of the facts to determine whether injustices are alive; 2) negotiation; 3) self-purification; and 4) direct action.
- Why does King reject the idea that he and his followers should wait until there is a better climate for social change?
Negotiations have not worked this far. No one with power willingly gives it up.
We must come to see with the distinguished jurist of yesterday that “justice
too long delayed is justice denied.” (9)
We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights.
Basically they have waited long enough. those who say wait have not expirienced neg segregation.
- What is the difference between a just and an unjust law?
An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. . Any law that uplifts human personality is just.unjust law is a code that a majority inflicts on a minority that is not binding on itself. This is difference made legal.
On the other hand a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.
- Can we ever break the law, according to King? What are the requirements for doing so if we can?
I would agree with Saint Augustine that “An unjust law is no law at all.” (11)
- Why is King frustrated with the white moderates?
because they do not understand that others are not listening, and you have to make them listen. They are also against breaking the laws.
but the white moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direst action”; who paternalistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a “more convenient season.” Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection
