Letter from Birmingham Jail- Martin Luther King Jr.

Perhaps one of the most influential pieces of writing I have read, Martin Luther King Jr. places his argument against the religious clergymen who thought that King's nonviolent protesting was taking measures thought to be too extreme. The clergymen urged King to stop his movement. Not only did King rebuttle their views with such potent words and powerful analogies, but he also was able to accomplish such a task behind bars.

Everytime I have read this letter, I find another great argument or point that King is trying convey to his reader. King writes, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" (500). His words strike true today--40 years after this letter was written. We have seen the injustice created in Sudan with the genocide and we hear and see photographs about the sex trade that plumets our society. We hear about the need to start taking more sustantative actions to preserve our environment---but are we, each and every one of us, doing anything about it? All of these issues that strike the conscience of the world's mind today are seen as injust. Just as the racial divide that segregated the country when King wrote his letter, our society will always be faced with unjust problems.

While reading this letter over again, I found reason to believe that King is looking for more radicals to help create a more peaceful and equal society. In fact, King compares himself to radicals seen throughout history including Jesus Christ. King expresses, "But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love...Amos an extremist for justice...Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel..." (509). He goes on to list many famous historical figures that we read in our textbooks year after year. And his point with each man that is listed simply gets stronger and stronger. Why are these men studied in our nation so fervently? It is because they were willing to take a risk and be seen as a radical--they were willing to make a difference.

While the risks we are willing to take do not have to be a momental as King, Paul, or Jesus Christ--we can make small steps towards a radical life. Only a few are meant and gifted enough to stand in line with these great men. However, our small actions can make a radical difference to those who know us. For example, if one feels strongly about perserving the environment, perhaps that individual will try not to drive and instead find optional transportation whether that be carpooling, using public transportation or by simply walking. Little things can be done to make a difference.

I truly admire King a little more every time I read this letter. His letter pours out the discontent that he sees and is flushed into words through the ignited passion that he possesses. While few may be able to reach the level that King has reached, each of us, as King expresses can help make a small difference to the injustice felt everywhere. Nothing is too insignificant when looking at creating a more just society.