Letter from Birmingham Jail: Section 2: Non-Violent Direct Action Summary

And Why We Aren't as Dumb as You Make Us Out to Be

  • Dr. King asks how the clergymen can express their unhappiness with the demonstrations while ignoring the whole reason they're happening in the first place. He patiently explains that the Black community has no choice.
  • He details how the SCLC leadership has been doing everything very deliberately, and how they've carefully chosen when and where to protest and demonstrate: Birmingham, because it's one of the most segregated places in America; "Now" because they've already delayed the campaign several times waiting for the local elections to be over so they wouldn't interfere with the result.
  • Dr. King gives a mini-lecture on nonviolent direct action and how it's used to force negotiation. Yes, it's uncomfortable for everyone, he agrees, but he reminds his readers that it's been downright oppressive for Black citizens. Progress and growth can be uncomfortable, but that's how it goes.