Martin Luther King Jr. states his purpose in the "I Have a Dream" speech as advocating for civil rights. He cites U.S. documents like the Declaration of Independence, employing logos and ethos appeals.
In his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King Jr. states that his purpose is to advocate for civil and economic rights for African Americans and to call for an end to racism and segregation in the United States. He articulates his dream of a nation where people are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.
King references several U.S. documents in his speech, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. These references serve as appeals to logos (logical appeal) and ethos (ethical appeal).
1. Logos (Logical Appeal): King cites these documents to logically argue that the principles of freedom, equality, and justice enshrined in the nation's foundational documents should be extended to all citizens, regardless of race. He appeals to the rationality and logic embedded in these founding texts.
2. Ethos (Ethical Appeal): By invoking the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, King establishes his ethical credibility and aligns the civil rights movement with the core values of the United States. He presents the struggle for civil rights as a pursuit consistent with the nation's moral principles.
In addition to logos and ethos, King's speech is also characterized by pathos (emotional appeal) as he eloquently expresses the emotional and moral urgency of the civil rights movement. The use of these appeals collectively contributes to the effectiveness and persuasiveness of King's speech.