In his effort to better explain the decision for proceeding with a non-violent, direct action approach toward ending racial integration in Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote his fellow clergymen a letter entitled "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Throughout the course of this extremely well written letter, King respectfully acknowledges his peer's criticisms of him and reverently responds to those criticisms in a most likable manner. King appeals to the clergymen throughout his letter by the use of emotional and personal experiences, logical reasoning, and by appealing to their authority and reputation. King reflects upon each statement that he disagrees with and defends his position intelligently and with the utmost respect for his peers. Subsequent to the reading of King's letter, not only do I have a more empathetic understanding of how the Negroes were treated unjustly in the 1960's, but I also have a sense of admiration for both the beliefs and dedicated persistence King and his followers so bravely display.
             King begins his letter in an effort to emotionally appeal to his readers by placing them on the scene. In doing so, King refers to his confinement in the Birmingham city jail. King then attempts to appeal to his reader's reputation and authority by inferring that their criticisms of his actions were of genuine good will, although he disagrees with their opinions of him and his actions in Birmingham.
             Secondly, King addresses the clergymen's argument against "outsiders coming in." King carefully uses an approach appealing to his intended readers by relating himself to their level of authority and reputation. In using this approach, he informs them of his current position as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an affiliate of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. King also uses a logical approach by explaining that his presence ...