Robert F. Kennedy, in his speech, The Mindless Menace of Violence, asserts that the disunity in America is detrimental to society. Kennedy supports his assertion by explaining that the problem is not of just one group of people, but of all citizens of the country. The author’s purpose is to unite the people so that the violence surrounding Dr. King’s death will be stopped. Kennedy speaks in a somber tone for the participants of the rally in Indianapolis as well as people around the nation. By calling for unity among all groups of people in the country, then emphasizing a common goal between them, Robert F. Kennedy conveys to his audience that the violence and discord among them will destroy the country if it is not stopped. Robert F. Kennedy …show more content…
Although his word choice remains similar throughout the entire speech, there are slight differences, as his intention changes in the second half of the speech. Kennedy’s structure is important because he works to unify the people in the first half of his speech so that they will recognize they have more in common than believed, and their response to his call to action will motivate others to fix the problem. Although Kennedy’s first half of his speech is used to unify the people, he recognizes that the common goal of the people cannot be met without first seeing the disunity of people groups. The goal Kennedy speaks on is “to achieve justice among our fellow citizens.” However, he understands the main obstacle stopping the nation from obtaining this is the way people are taught to treat others around them. There is a natural clash between different groups due to the hatred and fear that is instilled within people from teachings, or handling trials with conquest and not cooperation. Kennedy uses contrasts between the way people think at the time of his speech and the way that people will achieve justice for all people. Kennedy’s word choice through the repetition and connotation of the word “common" depicts the change the country must go through to end the violence. As citizens view their neighbors as aliens, they share no community or common effort, but only a common dwelling -
“Let both sides” be united in a common cause (Paragraphs 16-19). Tactfully, JFK has introduced to America a presidential goal he is seeking to accomplish during his term in office. The effect Kennedy has created by addressing the specific group when speaking of his audience-specific goals creates the inception of trust to build between the new leader and the
Kennedy was the president of the United States from 1961-63. In Kennedy’s Inaugural Address he talked about what he thought was needed to help the civil rights movement. Kennedy thought a more peaceful approach was better. In the beginning of this speech he uses the repetition of the word “to,” to show the audience who the United States will try to help. Then he uses the phrase “Let both sides” over and over again to show that we need to be peaceful.
Kennedy reminds the world that “men from many nations and backgrounds founded this nation”. President Kennedy expresses how we should all unite as a group no matter the race, religion, or background of the man beside you. Kennedy later lets the world know that “the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are
Kennedy talks about how the country needs to avoid division and come closer together through the terrible death of Martin Luther King Jr. When Kennedy said this, it made people feel like if they don't learn to love everyone it could cause a divide. This makes the audience feel fear because they don’t want out country to go to ruin. Also, when he talks about violence it could cause people to feel anxious and worried about what could happen if we don’t learn to have compassion for each other. Kennedy is also appealing to their inner sense of love by discussing how America should feel justice towards those that suffer.
Robert F. Kennedy, in his speech The Mindless Menace of Violence, suggests that by inspiring American citizens to stand together against violence, Kennedy enhances his speech through, the repetition of core values and the cause and effects of violence eroding our society. Kennedy supports his assertion by illustrating that all human beings are responsible for the ongoing violence, regardless of wealth, race, or age. His purpose is to bring awareness of the destructive violence cultivated by America’s involvement. Robert F. Kennedy’s usage of repetition amplifies the urgent need for action, to tackle the problem of violence in American society. Throughout the speech, he repeats specific words and phrases to create a pattern and flow, as well
Robert F. Kennedy, in his speech Mindless Menace of Violence, speaks formally to all listeners that had been given the news that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated the previous day. The author’s purpose is to change people’s opinions on using violence to get revenge in order to bring peace to the nation during this time. Kennedy asserts that the devastation that has occurred must not be met with anger, but the desire for change. He supports his claim by discussing the many ways people suffer and how people can improve. By addressing the audience in a convicting tone and organizing the speech inductively, leading to the end goal, Robert F. Kennedy inspires citizens to unify and create a world that strives to achieve peace.
On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy gave his remarks on the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Robert’s goal was to inform people on Martin Luther King’s journey and to strengthen people’s attitudes on the whole situation. Robert’s main points throughout the speech were how the country as a whole should move forward, why the states should not resort to violence but unity instead, and he also addressed that the country needed unity, love, and compassion.
Kennedy shared the news with the crowd that Dr. King was dead and grieved with the crowd as they fell silent, but then addressed the hateful and violent thoughts on their minds. Using specific word choice, he referred to the tragedy as a “time of shame and sorrow”, creating an empathetic and compassionate tone. Then, Kennedy separates himself from his audience by using the word “I” and “you” when saying “I have saved this one opportunity to speak briefly to you about this mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives” reminding them of his
He establishes a solemn tone while addressing the predominantly black neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kennedy is able to effectively use repetition, allusion, and ethical appeal to support his claim that through tough times, no matter the color of your skin the nation needs to come together and support each other. Kennedy 's use of repetition emphasizes that the United States needs to come together as a nation. Kennedy explains that, “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness…”
John F. Kennedy discusses and analyzes on how the nation differs from the past and present day in that time period. Kennedy narrators on the division and war in the the world to appeal to the audience patriotism by using pathos and logos. In this speech President Kennedy states “to thoses who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request; that both sides begin the quest for peace, before the dark power of destruction unleashed.” He uses this quote to obtain a logical appeal to the appeal to the people. Kennedy uses logos to show that he wants the nation to come together and be humble together in one peace.
In this momentous speech, Kennedy must persuade his fellow Americans that the best way for mankind to operate is to create a sense of peace and togetherness. He asks the citizens of the United States, “Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort? “ JFK realized that if he can bring together all nations, it would be a monumental landmark in history and could bring world peace, an idea long lost in history, back to the people. Kennedy uses a rhetorical questions to call upon man’s instinct to be known and go down in
Kennedy often sets himself equal to his audience, as if saying that he is no better than anybody else, gaining their respect and support. For example in Kennedy’s inaugural speech, he states, “ United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures.” In this Kennedy is placing himself in the same category as his audience and saying that he needs them, just as much as they need him. Another example of Kennedy setting himself equal to his audience is, “ In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” In this statement, John F. Kennedy is saying that the people of America, united, have more power than him.
Kennedy delivered a speech on April 4, 1968 titled Remarks on the Assasination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In this speech Kennedy tells his audience that Dr. Martin Luther King, has just been assassinated. Kennedy talks about all the things that King has done for the human race. A rhetorical device that was most prominent in Kennedy’s speech was anaphora, “What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion towards one another.”
Kennedy realized how easy it was for a country to break apart in a time that they needed to come together. Being sworn into office, he could see the fear of the future in the eyes of the nation and truly wanted to reassure them that by being willing to face change as one, success was possible. Kennedy was able to assertively get his point across by emphasizing how prioritizing unification of the country is by relying on
On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was in Indianapolis for a campaign stop, when he received news that Martin Luther King was killed, causing Kennedy to write and deliver a speech regarding the assassination. This speech was succinct but not only was it about the assassination, it was also to tell the people there is still wisdom and hope in this time of turmoil. To reach this purpose, he first builds up his ethos, uses pathos to add mood and hope, and unifies the people. The combination of these elements makes it a very powerful and memorable speech. Robert F. Kennedy builds his credibility by relating his personal experience and knowledge of what the audience is feeling to the current events.