Stasis Theory: MLK "Why I am Opposed to Vietnam"
In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speech, "Why I am Opposed to Vietnam", the aspect of stasis theory that Dr. King dresses is the evaluation stage. The audience is completely aware of the Vietnam War and what it is, so Dr. King strives to evaluate the war as a whole, from people, to countries. Dr. King exploits many of the faults in the logistical reasoning of the war. One example has to deal with the cost, "...it is estimated that we spend $500,000 to kill each enemy soldier, while we spend only fifty-three dollars for each person classified as poor". He uses examples like this in order to stand by his stance that he does not support the war. He touches on all aspects of Stasis Theory, but mainly he speaks in order to show his evaluation of the war, which is that the war should end. Speakers like Dr. King do not come around that often, because most people do not want to address serious flaws in society. While he speaks out mainly against Vietnam, most of his argument is directed towards the government, and why they are wrong for doing what they do, in the country and outside of the country.
I agree with your analysis of the texts, and I think that evaluation is definitely a strong aspect of stasis theory in MLKs sheep. How did you come to the conclusion that evaluation was the strongest or most evident stasis in this speech? Do you believe that MLK's beliefs and ideas could also be represented by another stasis and if so why?
ReplyDeleteThis is Andrew Maduakor
DeleteThis is an excellent example of how useful stasis theory is in real-world scenarios. MLK Jr. was such an impactful speaker, and his use of this theory worked very well to get his point across. I also believe that he uses theory #1, which is defining the problem since he uses so many examples.
ReplyDeleteI think its also possible to make the argument Dr. King was using Cause and Effect Stasis as well. At many places he points to the actions of the US government and how it affected the citizens.
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