Question

Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of the text. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” King expresses his disappointment with “white moderates.” He writes, “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.” How does King develop this theme? Select each correct answer. He describes white moderates as paternalistic and condescending. He insists that white moderates do not have good will toward African Americans. He states that white moderates encourage African Americans to wait until more whites support civil rights. He claims white moderates are more racist than the Ku Klux Klan.

Answer 1

He states that white moderates encourage African Americans to wait until more whites support civil rights.


He describes white moderates as paternalistic and condescending.

Answer 2

The correct answer is:

He describes white moderates as paternalistic and condescending.

Explanation:

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote The Letter from Birmingham Jail in April 16, 1963, when he was imprisoned at the Birmingham Jail for the Birmingham campaign to end segregation. On his letter King expressed his philosophy of nonviolence manifestation, and his frustration towards white moderates who claimed to support the cause but used to say that the time was not right, nor the methods used.

He described white moderates as paternalistic and condescending, white moderates thought they should protect African American people, they claimed that they supported the cause and agreed that they deserved the same rights and freedom but didn't allow them to have freedom because they thought the time was not right, and it was not convenient for the entire population of white men. This is why King stated that shallow understanding is more dangerous than opposition.