Those looking for hope in a different world were looking for an example of a happy, educated, and respected African-American. Martin King accomplished just that. He separated himself from the term "Negro" by his formal speech and by his precise pronunciation of the words "the emancipation proclamation." Megan wrote in "Touching Lives" that "King knew exactly what the people were challenged with because he faced the same problem." I agree that, with this audience, King had a connection that rivals any other.
"We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote." This sentence provided the exact audience awareness that opens people's minds. He knew that blacks in Mississippi weren't aloud to vote and the black residents of New York didn't have a candidate in New York supporting their rights. This appeals to both the educated and uneducated black American. I can see the educated black man feeling a camaraderie with King. He might also feel accomplishment in also becoming educated in a very difficult time. The uneducated portion on his audience could feel hope from his words. They could see the potential of their children, because of Kings' efforts.
The white supporters gained confidence when King referred to them as "white brothers." He acknowledged their realization of the connection between white and black destinies. He said he wouldn't be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream." After this comment the crowd went crazy in agreement. Other personification he uses helps the people identify with "storms of persecution," "winds of police brutality," and "oasis of freedom and justice." Anyone in attendance would feel the strength of the storm and the wind oppressing them, and the eventual oasis of happy, free, life. One idea to note is how his pattern of speech shows his audience awareness. He repeats the words "I have a dream" with increasing power in a similar pattern to how a black southern baptist preacher will often do. Since over 80% of his listeners were black southerners, credit is due to his use of these connective words. This obviously resonates well with those accustomed to the preacher type voice.
This needs significant work. What I'd like you to do in audience analysis is to give me an idea of the separate groups that make up his audience and this has a long way to go. Let's talk about this.
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