Neo Artistotelian Criticism

Martin Luther King impact's me in an extremely positive way. The way he address racial issues affects people emotionally in a positive way from both sides of the civil right's platform. I am a huge fan of this man who was able to lead so many people in such a way that demonstrations were to be peaceful, and in the end beneficial to his cause. In my opinion few great men exist as he.

I have picked the speech “A Realistic Look at the Question of Progress in the Area of Race Relations,” to analyze for this assignment. The reasons I pick this speech:

My children

This speech was delivered in April 1957 at the Saint Louis Freedom Rally with 8,000 inter-racial diverse people in Attendance.

http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/primarydocuments/Vol4/10-Apr-1957_ARealisticLook.pdf

Martin Luther King Jr. claims that there are 3 ways to look at the current situation on civil rights.

1. extreme optimism, "Now the extreme optimist would argue that we have
come a long, long way in the area of race relations. He would point proudly to the
marvelous strides that have been made in the area of civil rights over the last few
decades. From this he would conclude that the problem is just about solved, and
that we can sit comfortably by the wayside and wait on the coming of the inevitable."http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/primarydocuments/Vol4/10-Apr-1957_ARealisticLook.pdf


2. extreme pessimist, " would argue that we have made only minor strides in the area of race relations. He would argue that the rhythmic beat of the deep rumblings of discontent that we hear from the South land today is indicative of the fact that we have created more problems than we have solved. He would say that we are retrogressing instead of
progressing. He might even turn to the realms of an orthodox theology and argue
that hovering over every man is the tragic taint of original sin and that at bottom
human nature cannot be changed."


3. Realistic position, "The realist in the area of race relations seeks to reconcile the truths of two opposites while avoiding the extremes of both. So the realist would agree with the optimist that we have come a long, long way. He would go on to balance that by agreeing with the pessimist that we have a long, long way to go. And it is this basic theme that I would like to set forth this evening. We have come along, long way but we have a long, long way to go."http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/primarydocuments/Vol4/10-Apr-1957_ARealisticLook.pdf


Martin Luther King Jr than uses these elements to appeal to the audience.

Logo the proof that Black's still have decreased wages and rights.

Ethos: His credibility is remarkable and he is looked upon by not only blacks but whites as well as a true leader so he carries a lot of credibility to this speech.

Pathos: He talks about the history of the black man and the slavery that existed painting an image of slavery. He also speaks about God and religion.


Did the speech work? Yes, the root of civil rights had already grown but it continued to push the movement further.


I believe as Martin Luther King Jr stated back in 1957, "This new world in which men will

learn the old principle of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
They will hear once more the voice of Jesus crying out through the generations
saying, “Love everybody.” This is that world. Then right here in
America we will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country ’Ti's of thee (Amen),
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the Pilgrims pride,
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring.
As "

http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/primarydocuments/Vol4/10-Apr-1957_ARealisticLook.pdf

I do not believe that total equality exist at this time for blacks. I am currently raising 4 black children 1 has been moved to another elementary since the children will not stop harassing her with racial slurs and physical violence. I have the experience of walking through a grocery stores and asked if my children have AIDS. I have been looked upon and glared at in almost every situation when I am with my children in a large group. My friends who are also black here in America have many many stories to tell. To me if one thinks that equality exist between blacks and whites at this time then that person has viewed the situation with their eyes closed. As Martin Luther king state in his speech, "We have come along, long way but we have a long, long way to go".