During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the United States District Court issued an order for the University of Alabama to admit two qualified Negro students onto their college campus. Due to threats and protest, the Alabama National Guard was required to ensure that these students were allowed on campus peacefully. This incident outlined the necessity for equality in America and prompted President John F. Kennedy to address the nation. He spoke about the mistreatment of Negroes in America and proposed a plan to improve race relations. In Kennedy’s Civil Rights Address, he integrates appeals to American values, inclusive diction, and repetition to persuade the public to provide equality for all. Kennedy appeals to American values and…show more content… Kennedy includes the audience from the beginning, starting with “my fellow Americans” (Kennedy 1). Not only does this establish that everyone is American, but it implies that because everyone is American they should be granted equal rights. Additionally, Kennedy states that the issue of equality is “a problem which faces us all” (4). By saying that this concern pertains to everyone, it prevents any American from disagreeing with Kennedy by saying that the issue does not pertain to them. To add to the audience’s feeling that they are a part of the issue Kennedy includes first person pronouns, “we” and “us” (Kennedy 1-4). Hearing these words reminds the audience that they are a part of a cause bigger than any one person, which makes the audience more receptive and more engaged in Kennedy’s message. The public’s interest would lead to motivation to support the struggle for equality. The inclusive diction also reduces the distance between Kennedy and the American public, creating a feeling that Kennedy is directly requesting the audience to help him. Since Kennedy is the president, which is an esteemed position, the audience feels important that Kennedy is asking for their help. Kennedy’s ability to devise a personal atmosphere generates the public’s support and is more effective than if Kennedy blamed or
