America is still in the midst of the Cold War and John F Kennedy address is not only to the American people, but to America’s allies and enemies. To his allies he pledges support in protecting free democracies. To our enemies he offers diplomacy, but with a warning that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness. And finally to the American people John F Kennedy’s most famous quote “And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country” Kennedy was imploring his fellow countrymen to stand up and continue to make America the best country it can be. Kennedy declared that a “new generation” was assuming leadership and he called on Americans to cast off complacency and self-indulgence and serve the common good (pg 1024).
America is in a unique place in history, our economy is strong, but we still have poverty, and there is a strong civil rights movement in the works. We are also under the threat on a nuclear war. Kennedy is challenging American’s to do more for their country to stand up against poverty, racisms and to keep the dream alive for democracy. These issues were at the fore front of the public’s minds when Kennedy is addressing them and by challenging instead of asking them, shows leadership.
Kennedy had a short legacy as president and was assassinated in 1963. He did not get to reach his full potential of presidency. His famous inaugural address is directed at the challenging times that America is facing. He was not going to back down to our enemies, but he did want to find diplomatic solutions.
I did find Kennedy’s address convincing he did not back down to our enemies, he supported our allies and he challenge the American public to do better.
I agree with you Tamara, I found Kennedy’s speech to be convincing as well, but I found it to be convincing mostly because to me he seemed very persuasive in many ways! He is persuasive because he lays down logical steps (making himself seem prepared beforehand) to take in order to get to peace, and on how to protect it. An example of one is when Kennedy promises to protect the Americas from communist subversion and support the United Nations as a stronger power in order to protect peace. Also makes a great approach by letting everyone clearly know that he wants peace and freedom throughout the world, and by asking his listeners to take an active part in American goals, telling them that the power to do so is in their hands. “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. He also is persuasive because he makes the people of the world see that America cares about others. “To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” He is also very persuasive by letting everyone know that as the president, he is going to touch on as much as he can when it concerns, poverty, hunger, and many other problems.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Kennedy's address was convincing. It was interesting that Kennedy pledged to support his allies while at the same time, dealing with our enemies diplomatically. Kennedy follows a logical procedure in his actions. He takes precaution and thinks ahead of the game. "Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us." I think what makes President Kennedy's speech so powerful is the pathos approach he took. When he Kennedy stated "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.", I think it gave the audience a moral boost in their confidence to stand up for what is just for their country. The same tactic is probably used in most speeches today; to strike the audience emotionally.
ReplyDelete