Understanding Thoughts on Oppression and Freedom in "Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Explore the perspectives on oppression, freedom of speech, abuse of power, and combating societal issues presented in "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" by Dunn and MLK. Discover the common thread that ties these thoughts together, illustrating the impact of censorship, failed negotiations, and the role of various societal entities in shaping a community's dynamics.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
The way a writer thinks about a topic and its subtopics Found through writer s commentary and reader s inferences What does Dunn think about oppression? What are his thoughts on freedom of speech? What are his thoughts on abuse of power? What does he think citizens should do to combat oppression? What does MLK think about segregation? What are his thoughts on Birmingham s white power structure? What does he think about unfair laws? What does he think about white moderates? What does he think about white church leaders? What does he think about law enforcement?
Common thread that brings all of the writers thoughts together Think of it as a form of theme Usually clearly reflected in the writer s thoughts (reasoning) on the main topic
Topic Reasoning Topic Reasoning Subtopic Reasoning Subtopic Reasoning Censorship causes conflict among residents Conflict causes government intervention that impacts businesses, education, daily life Deterioration from oppression Government intervention causes an abuse of power Abuse of power results in citizens fleeing or being banished, leading to a deteriorated (almost non- functional) society
Topic Reasoning Topic Reasoning Subtopic Reasoning Subtopic Reasoning Failed negotiations with Birmingham s white power structure Upholding of unjust laws Causes that Necessitated Protest Lack of concern/involvement of white moderates Lack of moral connection regarding segregation by white church leaders (used legality) Brutality of law enforcement upholding unjust laws
Identify the evidence Establish the intended function of the evidence (set a mood, give an example, associate, amplify a point) Determine the author s intended purpose for the evidence Are the function/purpose achieved? How? If so, the evidence and reasoning are connected!
Identify the evidence Identify the evidence Definitions of just and unjust laws Examples of implementation of unjust laws (Hitler) Examples of philosophers and protestors in history who stood against unjust laws Connection to First Amendment/American foundational documents and right to protest Connected these definitions and examples to Alabama Function patriotism Function make associations between segregation, morality and Purpose American way of life Purpose show unjust laws/practices in Birmingham are threats to the Functions/purpose achieved? Yes, clear connections between the examples appeal to readers sense of responsibity
Identify the evidence Identify the evidence Function Function Purpose Purpose Functions/purpose achieved?
The evidence should connect to and support the claim LBJ unjust laws are defined as those in contrast with God s laws/morality History has shown such laws must be abolished Segregation unjust law that must be abolished (unstated connection to thesis)
