Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Starters

Jan 13

Critical Analysis

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” ― Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail.

What is the main point Dr. King is making in this quote?
Do you agree with Dr. King?
What is an example of injustice in our world today and how does that injustice affect you?
Explain whether it is true that we are all tied together and interconnected.
Describe any example you can think of where we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality:
Do you know why Dr. King was in the Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963?
What was the most significant consequence of Dr. King’s lifework?
What would Dr. King think about our world today?
How are you celebrating Dr. King’s life on this holiday?
The Declaration of Independence claims that, “All men are created Equal.” What would Dr. King say about the difference between the promise and that reality of equality in the United States today?

Learning Extension

One of the most important and moving letters in American history is Dr. King's brilliant and inspiring Letter from a Birmingham Jail. You can read it in a twenty minute sitting. You could even read it aloud to your class. We also have a great lesson on Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail.