The Persuasive Power of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Positions on Oppression
Prompt: “Oppression is widely defined as “prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority”
(OED). Hence, to “oppress” is “to keep down by the cruel or unjust use of power or authority; rule
harshly; tyrannize over” (Webster’s New World Dictionary).
In his essay “Three Ways of Meeting Oppression,” Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. offers various
reasons in support of his positions against acquiescence, against violence, and for non-violent resistance.
But is King right in his positions? Do you find his specific reasoned arguments convincing and
persuasive?
Assignment: State and develop a thesis arguing why, how, and the extent to which you agree and/or
disagree with any three of King’s distinct reasons he argues in support of one or more of his positions on
“The Ways of Meeting Oppression.”
Focus and Thesis: Decide whether your thesis statement and analysis will focus on just one, two, or all
three positions King takes: against acquiescence, against violence, and for non-violent resistance.
Whatever scope you establish, however, please limit your thesis and discussion to three or four distinct
claims/reasons why you agree and/or disagree with King’s reasons and, by extension, his position(s). In
doing so, make sure you primarily respond to specific reasons King offers as justification for his
positions, though feel free to also introduce reasons King does not include, and/or to use additional
critical authoritative sources that challenge King’s position (e.g. possibly defend/advocate for violence).
Support/Development: Support your thesis by
Providing at least two fully developed examples from Douglass’s Narrative and/or from Vuong’s
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous examining the various ways Douglass himself (and possibly his
fellow slaves and/or even his masters) and/or Little Dog (and other characters, and possibly the
author Vuong himself) meets his oppression: through acquiescence, violence, and/or non-violent
resistance [make sure at least 60% of your evidence comes from Douglass’s and/or Vuong’s
text(s)]
Providing at least one fully developed example from history.
And by
Providing at least one example from current events, pop culture, and/or from personal experience.
Additional Guidelines: Support your thesis by citing ideas and evidence from King’s essay, Douglass’s
Narrative and/or Vuong’s novel, and at least one other secondary authoritative, critical source.
Length: Approximately four-to-six pages, typed and double-spaced.
The Persuasive Power of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Positions on Oppression
Thesis Statement
I agree with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s positions on oppression and find his specific reasoned arguments against acquiescence, violence, and in favor of non-violent resistance to be convincing and persuasive. Through examining examples from Frederick Douglass's Narrative, Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, historical events, and personal experiences, it is evident that King's positions offer a more effective and morally just approach to addressing oppression.
Against Acquiescence
One of Dr. King's key arguments against acquiescence is that it perpetuates the cycle of oppression. He argues that remaining silent and accepting unjust treatment only empowers the oppressor and allows them to continue their oppressive actions unchecked. I find this reasoning to be highly persuasive and applicable to various contexts.
In Frederick Douglass's Narrative, Douglass himself initially acquiesces to his oppression as a slave. He endures physical and psychological abuse without resistance. However, he later realizes the futility of acquiescence and decides to resist. Through Douglass's example, we see the transformative power of rejecting acquiescence and standing up against oppression. This supports King's argument that passive acceptance only serves to prolong and intensify unjust treatment.
Against Violence
Dr. King's argument against violence as a means of meeting oppression is rooted in the belief that violence begets more violence, leading to a never-ending cycle of conflict and suffering. He advocates for non-violent resistance as a more effective and morally just approach. I find this reasoning to be both convincing and applicable in today's society.
In On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, Little Dog and his family face various forms of oppression as Vietnamese immigrants. Despite the injustices they endure, Little Dog's grandmother practices non-violent resistance by speaking out against the mistreatment she and other immigrants face. This example illustrates the power of non-violence in challenging oppressive systems and fostering change.
Furthermore, historical events such as the Civil Rights Movement, led by Dr. King, demonstrate the effectiveness of non-violent resistance in dismantling systemic racism. The peaceful protests and acts of civil disobedience carried out during this movement brought attention to the injustices faced by African Americans and eventually led to significant legislative changes. This historical evidence supports King's argument for non-violent resistance as a powerful tool against oppression.
For Non-Violent Resistance
Dr. King's advocacy for non-violent resistance is based on the belief that it allows for moral superiority over the oppressor while still achieving meaningful change. I agree with this position as it aligns with principles of justice, compassion, and inclusivity.
In both Frederick Douglass's Narrative and On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, the protagonists demonstrate the power of non-violent resistance through their narratives. Douglass's courageous escape from slavery and his subsequent work as an abolitionist exemplify the effectiveness of non-violence in dismantling oppressive systems.
Similarly, Little Dog's vulnerability and willingness to share his experiences through writing provide a powerful form of resistance against societal norms and oppression. By expressing his truth in a non-violent manner, Little Dog challenges existing power structures and invites empathy from others.
Moreover, personal experiences further reinforce the effectiveness of non-violent resistance. In my own life, I have witnessed the power of peaceful protests and acts of non-violence in raising awareness about social injustices and inspiring positive change within communities.
Conclusion
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s positions against acquiescence, violence, and in favor of non-violent resistance offer compelling arguments for addressing oppression. Through examples from Frederick Douglass's Narrative, Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, historical events, and personal experiences, it becomes evident that King's positions provide a more effective and morally just approach to combating oppression. By rejecting acquiescence, advocating against violence, and embracing non-violent resistance, individuals can create lasting change while upholding principles of justice, compassion, and equality.