Various historical figures throughout time have advocated for beliefs, such as world peace, through nonviolent protest. Cesar Chavez was one individual who practiced nonviolence as a labor union organizer and Civil Rights leader. He strongly believed in resistance without violence and expresses his ideas in an article of a religious organization to promote his views on poverty and the workforce through moral. According to Chavez, victory and violence does not correlate in American society. Cesar speaks to his audience by using strategies like motivational anecdote and tearful emotional appeal to promote nonviolent protesting.
Present at the beginning of the article, Chavez uses an anecdote about Martin Luther King Jr. to advocate for his beliefs. The author involves Dr.King because of his accomplishments and change produced by his impactful Civil Rights campaigns. In the excerpt Chavez writes, “Dr King’s entire life was an example of power that nonviolence brings to hear in the real world”. Since Chaves stands on the side of nonviolence, both the wealthy and poor are targeted to follow suit of both his and King’s protests. Involving the historical figure of Dr. King opens eyes to the audience on how
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many laws and acts were produced from so called “ineffective” nonviolent protests. Generalization appears with many Americans claiming that only violence can speak words to the government by producing alarm and fear.
Chavez acknowledges the peoples feelings of frustration and anger, but refutes the idea, claiming that nonviolence is greatly powerful. Elaborating his point, Cesar includes, “Nonviolence provides the opportunity to stay on the offensive, and that is crucial importance to win any contest”. The author advocates to win in his fight not only for himself but for his own union of farm workers. Promotion of equal working laws, with benefits such as shorter hours, drives Chavez to speak to the government. Back in this period, not only were laborers working grueling work hours in overheated weather conditions, but also received minimal
wages. Consequently, the harsh reality becomes present in Chavez’s article to raise awareness of the effects that low economic citizens in America had to overcome. Groups such as farm workers were miserable because of the unjust decisions the government and congress made at the time of the Civil Rights movement. Pathos is used by Chavez to highlight emotions and conflicts, “However important the struggle is and however much misery, poverty and exploration exist, we know that it cannot be more important than one human life”. Adding on to the point that this article is to a religious magazine, morals of being a good humanitarian is present. Compassion for those in need is a big priority for Chavez and his followers, rather than destroying property in a riot. In conclusion Chavez advocates to the less fortunate citizens of America through non violence. Speaking up for this group shows courage and compassion; a staple of the Civil Rights movement. Although some citizens are on the side of violence, Chavez promotes to his audience to be peaceful in times of conflict. Claiming that nonviolence has the best rate of effect, Chavez stands by his chain of nonviolent campaigns. For topics such as shorter work hours and equality, the Civil Rights movement was a monumental movement in the 1960’s. With figures like Cesar Chavez, the voices of the weak were heard in a respectful an moral manner.
After having read and watched the video about Cesar Chavez’s union, I gained an understanding about his long struggle to gain rights for field workers. But after having attended the event “What I learned about Cesar Chavez” I even gained a better understanding about how Cesar Chavez accomplished what he did. Throughout Grossman's lecture I was able to form several connections to what I learned from the book. Grossman spoke about Cesar Chavez’s determination and ability to inspire others. These characteristics inspired me to fight for what I believe in.
Utilizing paradox, Chavez describes the effectiveness of nonviolent protest to his audience. Recalling the achievements of MLK, Chavez claims that King “learned how to successfully fight hatred and violence with the unstoppable power of nonviolence.” This quote demonstrates
In 1938, the Chavez family lost their farm due to the Great Depression. They were forced to relocate to California and become migrant workers. Chavez was distressed by the poor treatment that migrant farmworkers endured on a daily basis. His powerful religious convictions, dedication to change, and a skill at non violent organizing cultivated the establishment of the United Farmworkers (UFW). It was also referred to as “La Causa” by supporters and eventually became a vital movement for self-determination in the lives of California's farmworkers. The astounding nationwide lettuce and grape boycotts along with public support revealed the atrocities of California agribusiness and resulted in the first union hiring halls and collective bargaining for migrant workers. The details of the childhood of Cesar Chavez and how they would later shape his actions are a vital aspect of this book and the establishment of the farm workers movement.
Chávez’s leadership was based on an unshakable commitment to nonviolence, personal sacrifice and a strict work ethic. He emphasized the necessity of adhering to nonviolence, even when faced with violence from employers and growers, because he knew if the strikers used violence to further their goals, the growers and police would not hesitate to respond with even greater vehemence. Despite his commitment to nonviolence, many of the movement’s ‘enemies’, so to speak, made efforts to paint the mo...
Both of the speeches, Martin Luther King's and Cesar Chavez', are powerful peices and communicate one vision: equality. King and Chavez have two very different styles of writing but the message from both is simmilar. for example both king and chavez discuss how their people are discriminated against because of their skin color, and how their people have neither the right to vote in the the south, nor the will to vote in the north , and in Chavez' situation, to have their vote counted. however similar their message's may be, their writing styles are different. Chavez talks about statistics, about why and how his people are treated. king held that the atrocitys commited against his people were self evident and as such did not need to be proved to anyone. kings message was meant to encompass the entire Uninted States while Chavez' was directed primarily at California.
A logical appeal is used in the quotation, ”If, for every violent act committed against us, we respond with nonviolence, we attract people’s support.” It stands to reason that those who commit atrocities will not be supported en masse. However, what commands real respect is the ability to have grace under fire. When one is being attacked without due cause, people will attempt to help the victim, not the aggressor. Therefore, the most logical way to gain support for one’s movement is to turn the other cheek. Chavez also uses a logical argument when he references a recurring theme throughout history. In almost every violent uprising, it is the poor who end up with the most casualties. Therefore, if Chavez uses violent tactics, those he led would be the ones hardest hit, not those who supported the system. For them, it would be economically and strategically infeasible for them to keep up the attack. In Chavez’s reasoning, the most rational course of action is to refrain from
Cesar Chavez was able to win the Civil Rights Battle by being dedicated and committed to his goal, having confidence that his strategic plans would work, and by influencing important and famous people to give him their support. Through his boycotts, marches, and strikes Cesar Chavez achieved what he wanted for the people, which was better working conditions, better pay, and better treatment of workers. Cesar Chavez is now recognized as the Martin Luther King Jr. of the migrant farm workers, and of the Mexican People.
Through the years, individuals have shown that a single man can make a difference. Men who, when committed to a cause, will rise up with honor, integrity, and courage. Cesar Chavez was such a man. He represented the people and rose above his self concerns to meet the needs of the people. Cesar Chavez showed us that, “The highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline.” He lived by this standard and fought freedom with the highest form of dignity and character.
Senator Robert F. Kennedy described him as “one of the heroic figures of our time” (Cesar Chavez Foundation). This shows that Cesar Chavez made a difference in people’s lives, including Senator Robert’s. Some people may say that immigrants are bad people but Cesar Chavez was an immigrant himself yet, also a hero to the country. Experts say he was an American farm worker, labor leader, and a civil rights activist. This shows that he fought for what he believed in. Being a farm worker wasn’t something he planned on doing but he had no choice because he was an immigrant. He saw how cruel Americans were treating immigrants so he fought for their rights. He spoke for all the immigrants everywhere. The Cesar Chavez Foundation mentioned that at age 11, his family lost their farm during the great depression and became migrant farm workers. This shows how and why Cesar Chavez fought for farmworkers rights. He grew up not having the best childhood but he took others lives into consideration and fought for them to have a better and brighter
Cesar Chavez, published an article on the tenth anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. In his argument, he emphasizes about advocating for nonviolent resistance and invokes the ideals of Dr. KIng. Implementing a resolute tone, he repeats about the fact that nonviolence is more powerful than violence since nonviolence will only be able to achieve civil rights activist's goals. This is appealing to ethos and pathos but also bringing in the rhetorical question of helping his argument for nonviolent resistance. Which he is using contrast diction to differentiate the violent and nonviolent actions. By doing this, he is reasoning for the virtues of the aftermath, like his conviction and the use of plural nouns. Chavez is appealing
By using allusion, Chavez forces the reader to recall previous events where violence was not the answer. In this essay, Chavez references several events in US history, including Martin Luther King’s fight for equal rights in the 1960’s; “Dr King’s entire life was an example of the power that nonviolence brings to rear in the real world.” (Line 1) By referring to this important event in America’s history, Chavez makes the reader realize how important nonviolence really is, and how it truly can make a change. Chavez also references the farm worker’s movement, known as the UFW (United Farm Workers), which was a movement also in the 60’s to protect the rights of Mexican laborers. Chavez played a major role in this union, and by mentioning it, he shows that if a multitude of weak individuals work together, they can also make a change for good, which applies to anyone reading this essay, no matter what era they are reading it
When making note of the Civil Rights movement, one can’t help but think of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; as a civil rights activist, King is known for practicing nonviolence, especially in the fight for freedom. On the tenth anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez published an essay that makes note of the significance of the practice of nonviolence resistance. When addressing the audience- members of a religious organization devoted to helping those in need- Chavez develops a serious and profound argument through the use of various complex rhetorical strategies.
Nevertheless, if one observes the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez and compares them to the actions of other groups or individuals who have attempted to bring about social change, a simple conclusion can be reached. Nonviolent means of protest are the most effective way to bring about change, and also the best way to give others an understanding of why the change is necessary. In conclusion King wrote and spoke amazing words about freedom, equality, and justice his work along with others like him, have changed the United States, and has given people what he wanted the most dignity and respect.
Chavez dedicated his life to improving the treatment, pay and working conditions for farm workers. He knew all too well the hardships farm workers faced. Chavez spoke to the board and people of his town, about Martin Luther King, and about the death and punishment for the children and workers in his town. The grape fields were filled with pesticides and killing young children and babies. What Chavez said that inspired everyone to make the change was, “ You are never strong enough to where you don’t need help” (Chavez) Chavez inspired everyone to help make the change because he was not strong enough, and did not have the voice to make the change in their community. Another thing Chavez said that inspired people was, “Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” (Chavez) Cesar Chavez said this because of the disrespect for his culture and everyone around his culture. Chavez inspired others to make the change, and have respect for everyone around them, because maybe they could get the chance they
Cesar Chavez was motivated to fight for justice after he personally learned the struggles of a field worker. Cesar faced the challenges of losing his farmhouse, and then going off to attend many different