1) In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address he is arguing for a balance between protecting America and for peace in the world and to warn hostile regimes that America will respond. One of the tools he is purposing to use is the United Nations. There is definite an underlying threat to the communists to not take over other nations and therefore threaten the US and others in the world But there is also a call for Americans to help in the effort to promote peace in a call against, tyranny poverty disease and war.
2) JFK appeals to logos in that he notes early on how we have the power to abolish “All forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.” Throughout his address he uses comparisons to highlight friendly actions vs. hostile actions to build a logical case that supports friendly actions and not hostile actions.
From the perspective of ethos some of the things that bring out the emotion are reminders of Americans that have died in past wars and a call to “Dare not tempt them with weakness.” a clear reference to our enemies as well as Americana citizens to show that we are strong and not afraid of being bullied by other nations.
Regarding ethos JFK makes reference to god a few times throughout his address however, the clearest summary of his ethics are shown in the statement to the “peoples in the huts” showing them that we pledge to help them “not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.” He also makes a reference to the book of Isaiah from the bible to “let oppress go free” Also he ends his statement that “gods work must truly be our own.”
3) This speech is historically relevant in that since it occurred in 1961 we are in the time period during the time period of the Korean War during the cold war and also dealing with the issue of Civil rights and before what would become the peace corp. It is also during a time of increased communist influence around the globe. Basically JFK’s speech gives the feeling you are either with us or against us.
4) I find JFK’s argument very convincing because he is offering help and friendship while warning tyrants that they will not be tolerated. There is a call for correct morality in how people should be treated and how situations should be dealt with. There is also a call to be cautious with weapons that can destroy mankind that hints at although we do not wish to use them we will if forced.
I like how you said Kennedy is arguing for a balance between protecting America and for peace in the world and to warn hostile regimes that America will respond. He is basically leading America to live a double life,saying that both sides must be peaceful and come to negotiations while not hesitating to threaten and fight those who do wrong. He says, "...to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self destruction." Kennedy knows that although the military powers of America and the power of its adversaries will continue to build-up and threaten one another with the thought of war, he calls for peace, compromise, and solutions between them. But he also knows that if anything were to arise, America would without a doubt fight and go to war against its enemies.
ReplyDeleteI think the famous statement, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what America can do for you--ask what you can do for your country" gives us an insight of the ethos Kennedy is including in his speech. These questions and remarks of patriotism really pulls the heartstrings of the audience to truly do something for this country and by these sort of comments I think he influenced a lot of Americans. Besides the references to faith and God, he talks a lot about the peace and patriotism that every citizen is entitled to live by. His confident, bold, and enemy-threatening speech most definitely appealed to all the qualities of an American listener at the time.
This is one of the more interesting and thought provoking inaugural speeches that I have had the pleasure to read. JFK delivers all of the things that people want to hear, and in many minds what makes America a great place to live and want to live, that is the key here. His speech gives you the thoughts and instant ambition to fuel the fire of desire to make such a glorious place better. JFK represented change. JFK represented things that most people don't such as integrity and forthright ambition. inaguration speeches are all about letting the public know your intentions, and making the public feel good about what is going to happen in the next 4 years.
ReplyDeleteJFK's speech was one I enjoyed reading very much and the way you wrote your TA did a great job of explaining the important parts of the speech, such as how America needs to be protected and given peace which of course everyone would want.The speech was written in a way that showed the American people that JFK was the president that would provide much needed change for America.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this speech. While reading it, I got lost in the words in a good way. JFK was able to cover so many bases within a seemingly short address. He encouraged the American people to be involved and was sure to emphasize to other nations that we are a friendly country but if you choose to be a foe do not be surprised by the backlash. Thus i found his speech both convincing and appealing to many audiences. He seemed knowledgable, spoke with eloquence and even when addressing possible problems, you felt that he spoke with America and other Nations best interests in mind. JFK was also historically significant in that he was the first President to have televised speeches. I think this made him more relatable and real to the American people.
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