mlk

Final Project Instructions

  • Due Date: Final project is officially due in two weeks from today (in two Wednesdays).
  • Recommendations:
      - Work on the project now and add final touches before submission.
      - Review the project rubric closely and use it as a checklist to ensure all necessary components are included.
      - Importance: Missing key elements like primary sources or non-Internet-based secondary sources can significantly lower your grade.

Upcoming Events

  • World War II Reenactor Presentation by Eric
      - Date/Time: Tomorrow at 03:30 PM
      - Location: Gambit 153
      - Extra Credit Opportunities:
        - Attend the presentation: Earn 2 bonus points on the final exam.
        - Bring a friend: Earn an additional 2 bonus points on the final exam.
        - Total potential reward: 4 points or 8 percentage points on the final exam.
      - Public History Extra Credit Project:
        - Attending can count towards a semester-long extra credit project. Requirements include taking a picture and writing a paragraph about the experience, allowing you to skip one essay question on the final exam.
        - Total possible extra credit: 9 points swing in the final exam score.

Attendance Check

  • Attendees Called:
      - Ivy, Luke, Luigi, Eva, Erica, Jules, Joseph, Ryan, Genevieve, Liam, Alan, Ali, Andrew, Jack, Isabella, Ralph, Michael, Michelle, Addy, Christian, Kumar, Roe, Mia, Joseph, John, Brooke, Mike, Kalin, Jacob.

Discussion on "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

General Impressions
  • Unique structure that includes dialogue.
      - Dialogues in the letter enhance understanding of varying positions.
  • Intentional writing style to convey dual perspectives and strengthen King's message.
  • King's arguments focus on actions and consequences of supporters and their inaction.
Key Concepts in King’s Argument
  • Writing From Jail: Adds gravity to his words since it represents a high-stakes context within the civil rights movement.
  • Importance of Nonviolent Protest: King outlines the specific steps of a nonviolent campaign.
      - Steps Include:
        1. Collection of Facts: Determines whether injustice exists.
        2. Negotiation: Attempts to peacefully resolve issues.
        3. Self-Purification: Preparing participants for nonviolence and accepting possible consequences.
        4. Direct Action: Engaging in protests and civil disobedience directly to evoke tension and prompt action.
Role of Direct Action
  • Purpose:
      - Creates tension that compels the need for dialogue and social change.
      - Disruption aimed at societal issues, leading to heightened awareness and urgent discussions.
  • Context: Planned for Easter to disrupt shopping and potentially gain attention to civil rights causes.
Critiques of White Clergy
  • White clergy advocates for patience but King argues:
      - Patience equates to continued oppression and stalling progress in civil rights.
      - Historical Parallel: Drawing parallels to the American Revolution, demonstrating that oppressors will not willingly relinquish power.
Morality vs. Legality
  • Key Distinction: Just because a law is legal does not mean it is moral.
      - Example: Actions of the Nazis during the Holocaust were legal but fundamentally immoral.
  • King argues that breaking unjust laws is not immoral but part of a higher moral obligation.
Disappointment in White Moderates
  • King expresses disappointment in white moderates who prefer comfort over justice.
      - These individuals understand that racism is wrong but avoid taking action that disrupts their comfort.
  • This unwillingness to engage in meaningful change hinders progress in civil rights.
Identification of Extremism
  • King reframes the notion of extremism to include well-respected historical figures (e.g., Jesus, Lincoln) who fought for justice.
  • By aligning himself with these figures, King redefines extremism positively, challenging prevailing views on civil disobedience.
Heroism in the South
  • King indicates that true heroes of the South are often overshadowed by Confederate leaders.
  • Reflection of Historical Context: The civil rights movement occurred simultaneously with a surge in Confederate monument construction, indicative of the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
Essay Assignment
  • Paper Requirements: Two pages analyzing "Letter from Birmingham Jail" addressing:
      - The who, where, why, and when of King's letter.
      - King's views on civil rights and the significance of his time in Birmingham.
      - Assessing the reliability of King's letter as a source and its importance in history.
  • Students may reference class materials, including lectures and textbooks.

Conclusion

  • Importance of these discussions in understanding historical contexts and struggles for civil rights.
  • Encouragement to engage with projects, discussions, and upcoming events to maximize learning and extra credit opportunities.