Response To 'Letter From Birmingham Jail'

1
Jenny Lum
10/10/14
Period 1
"Letter From Birmingham Jail" Essay Response Martin Luther King Jr. wrote in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” claiming “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection”. This was the view King had on white people who supported racial equality but initiated no action pertaining to it. Through previous experiences in my life, I disagree with King's statement, believing it as false. “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will” is the first part of King’s statement. I do not agree with
him on this view because I feel that even if a person understands your point of view a little bit, then you'd have done a good job of explaining your side of the story.
In my opinion, having the other agree with you even a little bit is more satisfying then complete and utter disagreement. For example, my friend Kristy and I love to discuss our favorite music while riding the bus to school to pass the time. Whenever we have different views on a subject of debate, we argue about it trying to convince the other to change their views to agree with our own. Whenever I am successful, even just a little, at persuading her that I am correct, I achieved a feeling of accomplishment. This feeling is greater than the feeling of disappointment I get when she still sticks to her original beliefs. The second part of King’s observation, “Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection” is another statement that I disagree with. It is in human

2 nature to want to be accepted by another group of people. Rejection is one feeling that no human would ever hope for. My experience trying out for the soccer team is a perfect example of why
“lukewarm acceptance” is better than “outright rejection”. The first year I tried out I did not
even come close to making the team, being kicked out on first cuts. I was devastated because I really love contending to the sport of soccer. The next year I tried out again and was lucky enough to make the team, barely. During the season I did not have that much playing time, and this is equivalent to “lukewarm acceptance”. Despite this experience, I still had the time of my life being on the soccer team. I practiced daily, improved my skills, and even developed friendships with new acquaintances. Making the soccer team was a significantly better outcome than being cut. King’s observation that “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection” was meant to describe the people were for his cause but did not attempt to help him out in any way. In other words, people who mean well that understand half of a concept can cause more frustration than those who don't understand the idea.
Through my own life experiences, and the feelings that I compiled from them, I disagree with
King’s observation.