In paragraph 11, King argues that historical experience shows oppressors never willingly grant freedom; the oppressed must actively demand it. He criticizes the notion of waiting, stating it often leads to inaction and prolonged injustice. King emphasizes that delayed justice is tantamount to justice denied, countering the call for patience with a sense of urgency for immediate action against segregation.
In paragraph 11, Martin Luther King Jr. asserts that history teaches oppressors do not willingly grant freedom; the oppressed must demand it. He critiques the common refrain of "Wait," arguing it often translates to "Never" and perpetuates the disease of segregation. King, drawing from his experiences, challenges the notion of well-timed actions, asserting that those unaffected by segregation deem them untimely.
He emphasizes the urgent need for direct action, dismissing the delayed justice as justice denied. King calls for a collective understanding that waiting perpetuates injustice, urging swift and determined efforts to overcome the deeply ingrained systemic discrimination.
The complete question is:
Similarly, King further states, “...freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Paragraph 11 King elaborates and provides supporting evidence for his claim. Summarize his argument.
paragraph 11: We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant "Never." We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied."