Prompt: “Oppression is widely defined as “prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority”
(OED). Hence, to “oppress” is “to keep down by the cruel or unjust use of power or authority; rule
harshly; tyrannize over” (Webster’s New World Dictionary).
In his essay “Three Ways of Meeting Oppression,” Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. offers various
reasons in support of his positions against acquiescence, against violence, and for non-violent resistance.
But is King right in his positions? Do you find his specific reasoned arguments convincing and
persuasive?
Assignment: State and develop a thesis arguing why, how, and the extent to which you agree and/or
disagree with any three of King’s distinct reasons he argues in support of one or more of his positions on
“The Ways of Meeting Oppression.”
Focus and Thesis: Decide whether your thesis statement and analysis will focus on just one, two, or all
three positions King takes: against acquiescence, against violence, and for non-violent resistance.
Whatever scope you establish, however, please limit your thesis and discussion to three or four distinct
claims/reasons why you agree and/or disagree with King’s reasons and, by extension, his position(s). In
doing so, make sure you primarily respond to specific reasons King offers as justification for his
positions, though feel free to also introduce reasons King does not include, and/or to use additional
critical authoritative sources that challenge King’s position (e.g. possibly defend/advocate for violence).
Support/Development: Support your thesis by
Providing at least two fully developed examples from Douglass’s Narrative and/or from Vuong’s
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous examining the various ways Douglass himself (and possibly his
fellow slaves and/or even his masters) and/or Little Dog (and other characters, and possibly the
author Vuong himself) meets his oppression: through acquiescence, violence, and/or non-violent
resistance [make sure at least 60% of your evidence comes from Douglass’s and/or Vuong’s
text(s)]
Providing at least one fully developed example from history.
And by
Providing at least one example from current events, pop culture, and/or from personal experience.
Additional Guidelines: Support your thesis by citing ideas and evidence from King’s essay, Douglass’s
Narrative and/or Vuong’s novel, and at least one other secondary authoritative, critical source.
Length: Approximately four-to-six pages, typed and double-spaced.
