John F Kennedy Civil Rights Address Rhetorical Analysis

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John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States. During his time in office, segregation and discrimination were taking place in many cities, causing a tremendous threat for public safety. John F. Kennedy was extremely disappointed for the way Americans treating African Americans. Thus, he believed it was time for a change for the benefits of the country. Determined to change the emotions of carless Americans towards African Americans, using strong argumentative appeals, repetition and imagery, President John F. Kenney delivers his Civil Rights Address to the public on June 11, 1963. Making sure that the audience understands his main point, Kennedy uses repetition. The first example he uses is this, “They are not yet freed from …show more content…

He emphasized how African Americans fell short in everyday life during the Civil Rights Movement compared to white citizens during a struggling time period of segregation. Continually, he explained the situation in detail, “…has about one-half as much chance of completing a high school as a white baby born in the same place on the same day, one-third as much chance of completing college, one-third as much chance of becoming a professional man, twice as much chance of becoming unemployed, about one-seventh as much chance of earning $10,000 a year, a life expectancy which is 7 years shorter, and the prospects of earning only half as much.” With the goal to make his audience think about the big picture, Kennedy delivered a strong message of conviction to change the minds of Americans. He addressed this issue because most white citizens had no interest of looking through African Americans prospective. Kennedy then uses logical appeal, “This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” Kennedy used a phrase that came from the Declaration of Independence. Reminding America that this is a country of all mankind, not just for whites only. Kennedy used strong appeals to change the way how white citizens treat African

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