Martin Luther King Jr., an esteemed historical figure, is celebrated for his contributions to the civil rights movement and his renowned I Have a Dream Speech. This speech had a profound impact on the black community and inspired hope globally. The success of the speech can be attributed to King’s skill in motivating and stirring emotions in his audience through various language techniques. One such technique, known as Burk and Burk’s charging of language, involves using powerful words to influence the listener’s perspective. Furthermore, King employs glittering generalities by utilizing words that elicit agreement with his message. Lastly, he utilizes argumentum ad populum by addressing what the audience wants to hear. By incorporating these language techniques, King effectively communicated to fellow Negroes their unfulfilled promises and emphasized the necessity for a better life.
Martin Luther King Jr. refers to the Emancipation Proclamation in his speech as evidence of broken promises made to African Americans. He stresses that despite the Proclamation being a symbol of hope for countless enslaved individuals, they remain unfree even after a century. King asserts that African Americans’ lives are still plagued by injustice in today’s society. Additionally, he highlights how the Declaration of Independence had pledged “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for African Americans, yet society has once again deceived them. King compares this deception to a worthless check given to African Americans by America with insufficient funds. He urges his audience to demand that this check be cashed, using powerful language to evoke emotions and mobilize them in their fight for what they were promised.
King appeals to his fellow Negroes to rise from the darkness, make justice a reality, and lift racial injustices. He emphasizes that there will be no rest or tranquility in America until the Negro is granted citizenship rights. He highlights their victimization through police brutality and urges them not to be satisfied with their current situation. He states that they cannot be content until they can lodge at a motel and achieve basic mobility beyond ghettos. He asserts that the Negro has no reason to be satisfied until justice and righteousness prevail. Accordingly, King urges the crowd not to engage in wrong deeds. These glittering generalities are employed by King to incite the crowd’s attitude of resistance against the injustices faced by the Negro. This language is crucial, as it prevents passive listening and compels action.
King employs an argumentum ad populum in his final remarks to the African American audience, appealing to their desires. He expresses that they have been deprived of a meaningful existence and should not accept their current circumstances. He shares his dream – a dream that resonates with all of them and will eventually become reality. “I have a dream that one day the descendants of former slaves and the descendants of former slave owners will unite as equals,” declares King. Furthermore, he asserts, “The principles on which this country was founded will be fully realized: we believe that all men are created equal.” Additionally, he promises the crowd, “In my dream, my children will live in a nation where they will not be judged by their skin color but by their character.” King affirms, “This is our hope – we know that one day we will be liberated.” To conclude his monumental speech, King summons an old African American spiritual and proclaims that one day God’s children will join hands and sing, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Martin Luther King Jr. effectively persuades his audience by using specific types of language. He employs charged language to stir up anger and frustration among the crowd, causing them to feel compelled to take action. By using glittering generalities, he sparks excitement and creates a sense of injustice, prompting the crowd to proclaim their determination to bring about change. Additionally, he utilizes argumentum ad populum to convey that his dream aligns with theirs and promises a future of freedom. This language effectively conveys King’s message, empowering his fellow African Americans while instilling hope for a society free from oppression.
