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disappointed that fellow clergymen would see my nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist. i began thinking about the fact that i stand in the middle of two opposing forces in the negro community. one is a force of complacency, 1 made up in part of negroes who, as a result of long years of oppression, are so drained of self respect and a sense of \somebodiness\ that they have adjusted to segregation; and in part of a few middle - class negroes who, because of a degree of academic and economic security and because in some ways they profit by segregation, have become insensitive to the problems of the masses. the other force is one of bitterness and hatred, and it comes perilously close to advocating violence. it is expressed in the various black nationalist groups that are springing up across the nation, the largest and best known being elijah muhammads muslim movement. 2 nourished by the negros frustration over the continued existence of racial discrimination, this movement is made up of people who have lost faith in america, who have absolutely repudiated christianity, and who have concluded that the white man is an incorrigible \devil.\
i have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need emulate neither the \do nothingism\ of the complacent nor the hatred and despair of the black nationalist. for there is the more excellent way of love and nonviolent protest. i am grateful to god that, through the
assessment questions

1. re - read paragraphs 27 - 30. how does dr. king respond to being labeled an \extremist,\ and how does his use of the word \extremist\ contribute to the tone of the text?

Explanation:

Dr. King re - frames the term "extremist." He mentions that there are two opposing forces in the Negro community: complacency (those who are too adjusted to segregation) and bitterness (black nationalist groups advocating violence). He positions himself as an "extremist" for love, truth, and justice. By using the word "extremist," he gives it a positive connotation. It contributes to a tone of determination and moral clarity. He is not backing down from the label but rather re - defining it to show that his non - violent efforts are a form of extremism in the pursuit of what is right.

Answer:

Dr. King re - frames "extremist" as being for love, truth, and justice (opposing the two negative forces of complacency and bitterness in the Negro community). The use of "extremist" gives a tone of determination and moral clarity as he re - defines the term to highlight the righteousness of his non - violent cause.