Analysis Of William J. Fulbright's 'On The Arrogance Of Power'

A Critical Evaluation of William J. Fulbright’s “On the Arrogance of Power, 1966”

With power comes responsibility. However, the responsibility to act in foreign conflicts has always been cause for skepticism, especially in America. In his essay "On the Arrogance of Power, 1966", Senator William J. Fulbright uses all three categories of Aristotle’s rhetorical strategies to successfully argue why America’s arrogance of power is not always well received by the countries it is trying to help. Fulbright argues that it is America’s power that makes it arrogant when involving themselves with the plights of other countries. Although his argument is not without flaws, Fulbright uses emotion, logic, and credibility to make a strong argument for why

Throughout his essay Fulbright makes several appeals to the emotions of the reader. By making strong emotional appeals Fulbright strengthens his position by making the reader experience a range of emotions from anger to empathy. For example, Fulbrigt starts his essay characterizing America as arrogant. An accusation of arrogance would generally envoke anger. However, Fulbright quickly explains that it is Americas overwhelming power that makes it arrogant when interacting with impoverished countries. Fulbright explains that the South Vietnamese resist America’s presence because they fear they would lose their coveted traditions due to the great cultural and economic impact associated with America. By doing so, not only does Fulbright make the reader feel validated but he also makes them feel empathy towards the impoverished South

Several times throughout his essay, Fulbright asks that the American people set a precedent to other countries by not participating in foreign affairs but rather to use its positive relationships with other countries to exemplify strength. By explaining that America’s positive relations with other countries shows its ability to be cooperative, understanding, reliable, and respectful, Fulbright plays on the emotion of his target audience. Furthermore, Fulbright asks that if America must act, that it do so with both empathy and compassion. In his conclusion, Fulbright states “It will involve, no doubt, the loss of certain glories, but that seems a price worth paying for the probable rewards, which are the happiness of America and the peace of the world” (Fulbright). By insinuating that America is capable of happiness and promoting world peace in consideration of his proposal, Fulbright invites his readers to feel hopeful and