The Speech By Martin Luther King - Essay Example

Kings explain that racial problems have deep historical roots and closely connected with the period of slavery and dominance of "whites". While "whites" are universally proud of their background, contemporary African-Americans are still the target of discrimination and outright racism. The cause of this problems lies in the fact that slaves were seen as a tool deprived of human rights and were unequal to masters. King hopes that "one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood" (King, 492).

Exclamation marks, quotes and parallel structure of sentences revealed the oral version of the speech and add emotional coloring. King attempts to persuade readers (listeners) that all people are equal and racial discrimination is nothing more than the echo of the past which should be overcome. He tries to persuade Americans to be tolerant of other races and nations and stop senseless oppression and discrimination against their neighbors. To prove his position, King addresses the present day situation in America and gives supportive examples of his point of view.