Answer the questions after reading Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Formal paper isnt needed
1. In King’s philosophy of non-violent direct action, the first step is to determine whether injustice is actually occurring. Looking at today, what are some examples of racial injustice that are sometimes cited today? Have you heard some counter-arguments that try to argue these situations aren’t actually unjust? What are your thoughts? Two specific areas of interest you may like to consider are criminal justice and public education, although you may explore any area you wish. If you find any statistics to back up your claims, please share them along with sources.
2. According to King, what makes a law just or unjust? Can you think of any laws that you consider unjust that others believe are just, or vice versa? How does Kings analysis apply to these laws? (Some options to consider: abortion laws, physician-assisted suicide, drug laws, stop and frisk, the individual mandate of ACA, immigration laws, marriage laws, bathroom laws, and others.)
3. King has said that an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Do you agree? What practical implications does this have for us today when we observe injustices in areas other than our own? Should we mind our own business, or is it required that we fight for justice even if it doesnt directly affect us?
4. Some critics of the group Black Lives Matter argue that their work is not in the spirit of the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What kinds of criticisms have you heard about Black Lives Matter protests? How does Kings philosophy apply to this movement and/or these criticisms you mentioned? Do you agree with the criticism that BLM’s work is inconsistent with King’s philosophy?
5. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. criticized the white church in the south for not taking an active role in promoting racial equality. The white clergy at the time argued that a slower, more measured approach was needed, but King argued that he and other African Americans were tired of waiting for the right time to fight for justice. Fast-forward 50 years to the time of the Movement for Black Lives. Do you think that the church has an obligation to get involved, and actively work to promote racial equality in this country? If so, what kinds of specific steps can or should it take? (If youre interested in this topic, here is a link to an article that discusses the churchs responsibility regarding racial injustice today.) https://medium.com/theology-of-ferguson/ferguson-and-the-churchs-responsibility-a-call-to-black-power-2d5630c8d961#.phiyryp5i
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