Question

D4.1

Review Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech Answer the following question.

1. King’s highly metaphoric speech appeals to emotions. But it also offers reasons. What reasons, for instance, does King give to support his belief that African Americans should not resort to physical violence in their struggle against segregation and discrimination?

Answer 1

King’s highly metaphoric speech appeals to emotions. But it also offers reasons.When his audience returns home after his speech, Dr. King wants them to know about the situation African Americans face.That action needs to be taken in order for them to receive the same treatment as everyone else and that one day, they'll succeed in getting that recognition and will be served equality and justice like everyone else. He has a dream for his children that that they'll one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.Before, there were actions taken by other people to support justice but it hasn't affected black people. They need to take action without supporting violence, but by peacefully protesting for equality. They need to stick together. They cannot be flustered by others and need to stand firm in their desire for justice. He has a dream where discrimination has disappeared and everyone has joined hands with smiles."Thirst for freedom." The use of the word "thirst" relates to a physical need, something people must have in order to live. The powerful choice of words shows that freedom isn't simply something King and his followers want; it is a basic human need.Cup of bitterness and hatred." This phrase develops the idea of thirst. The phrase implies that thirst can be quenched in various ways. King warns his listeners against taking a dark path. He refers to the African American as an "exile to his own land".He means that black people are being viewed like an outcast when they're the same as everyone else and deserve the same treatment as everyone else.King makes comparison between the African American struggle for equality and the cashing of a check.He's saying that America refuses to give black people the reward that they deserve so they return the check with the words "insufficient funds" to show them that they supposedly don't have anything to offer them.He says that "unearned suffering is redemptive" and suggests that the pain you don't deserve will backfire onto those who inflicted the pain and will serve to make amends from the endurer to the harmer. The choice of words can greatly impact how a speech is received and how it can affect whether the listener was moved by it and had learned something valuable from it.