

(1929-1968) dedicated his life to the nonviolent struggle for justice in the United States. addresses throughout his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Whether intended or not, he communicates his message effectively by using different strategies.Baptist minister and social activist Dr. Overall, there are a couple of audiences that Dr. King directly addresses them as some of the main culprits behind the lethargy that the nation feels towards the Civil Rights Movement. Connor are involved and addresses by name. By using the names of these powerful men, he creates another unintended audience because now Mr. Connor in his letters as being indifferent toward the civil rights movement. When outsiders read this letter, the use of these words makes the reader feel like they are part of King’s struggle. Also, he uses the words “we” and “us” in order to convey the message that he is not the only one who thinks that social justice is attainable. He talks about the apathy of the American people and what they should do in order to create social justice.


King’s unintended audience is very noticeable. For the most part, King is trying to convince his intended audience that what he is doing is right. He is also telling his intended audience that in order to obtain that social justice, the community must take action. He is telling his intended audience that he is doing nothing wrong by wanting social justice. He says, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor it must be demanded by the oppressed.” By saying this, King declares his innocence. In the text, King claims he is doing nothing wrong by protesting peacefully. King’s intended audience is the clergy who are critical of his activities. Overall, these two messages deliver a powerful message to unite against injustice. However, King’s unintended audience is the apathetic people of the United States. The intended audience is King’s fellow clergy because he wrote specifically to them. In “Letters from Birmingham Jail,” King directs his message to two distinct audiences. In order to accomplish his goal, he wants African Americans to join together to peacefully protest the unjust laws that are in place. King wants to eradicate all social injustices in the American South during the Civil Rights Era. In Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letters from Birmingham Jail,” the message is clear.
