An Idea of Possibilities

People respond to new ideas; we are fascinated by that which does not exist but it suggested because it not only challenges the currently set beliefs, but also our own beliefs. That is why Martin Luther King Jr. is considered a great orator and rhetorician. According to Poulakos, rhetoric encompasses three things: the opportune moment, the appropriate and the possible. The letter that MLK wrote from jail has all three of these objectives. In 1963, the apogee of the Civil Rights movement, leaders were needed. MLK stepped up as this movement's most influential leader. He understood the need for new ideas at this point in time. His message of hope and defense of his cause written from a jail cell was a perfectly timed illustration of the strength of civil rights groups in the South. MLK's supporters rallied around their imprisoned leader and his words of encouragement as well as transferring his sentiments to the rest of the african-american population. Dr. King took his vulnerable position and maintained his dignity as the leader of this great cause. This strength made this letter even more appropriate because he could convey his beliefs at the very point that they were being tested. He wrote in his letter of his criticisms of the past and present and also of his hope for the future and the benefits of constant re-evaluation. He demanded that the people make decisions about their role in this movement. He demanded that the civil rights groups and leaders lead the people with strength and conviction. He demanded nothing less than this for himself. In this letter, Dr. King was also able to share human emotion and doubt, asking himself questions about his own strength and perserverance. He was able to do this while also asserting that his belief in this important cause would never be swayed by these emotions, evident by Dr. King's position as he was writing. It was by these means that Dr. King was able to charismatically lead from the letter written in a jail cell.