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Read the excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail."

"Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation."

What is the author's purpose for including this sentence?

A. To establish the suffering experienced under segregation
B. To define the concept of a direct action campaign
C. To criticize the public officials who endorse segregation
D. To explain his unwillingness to postpone his efforts

Answer :

Final answer:

Dr. King's statement in his letter emphasizes the urgency of civil rights action, illustrating his refusal to postpone efforts for justice. It critiques the perspective of those calculating the timing of action without understanding the suffering caused by segregation. This reflects his broader call to immediate and direct action against injustice.


Explanation:

Understanding the Purpose of King's Statement


In the excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail," the author articulates a powerful response to criticisms of his approach to civil rights. The sentence in question states, "Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation." This statement serves a critical purpose in his overall argument.



Analyzing the Options



  • To establish the suffering experienced under segregation: This option is partially correct but does not fully encapsulate the complete intent behind King’s words.

  • To define the concept of a direct action campaign: While King discusses direct action, this sentence is not primarily focused on defining it.

  • To criticize the public officials who endorse segregation: This is an indirect outcome of King’s words but is not the primary purpose of this sentence.

  • To explain his unwillingness to postpone his efforts: This is the most accurate interpretation. King is emphasizing the urgency of action against injustice and the futility of waiting as suggested by those who do not share the same experience of oppression.



In essence, King's statement underscores his refusal to wait for a "better time" to pursue justice and equality, highlighting the critical need for immediate action from those who have suffered.


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