Question

During the Civil Rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders insisted upon avoiding violence in the pursuit of equality. Why do you think the nonviolent approach was used instead of allowing for violence in achieving the movement’s goals?

Answer 1

Once you get violent, people see you movement and cause as violent. This can turn away potential supporters and make your cause look bad.

Answer 2

The nonviolent approach could earn sympathy from the public if violence was used against those in the movement.