The sixties era was a time of political upheaval, both around the world and in our own nation. Many conflicting ideas caused tension among Americans as we faced threats of a nuclear war and discrimination amongst those in our country. The leaders who rose up to face the challenges of the past will always be admired for their dedication to this nation and its people. Two such leaders, of whom I am speaking, are Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. In both King’s and Kennedy’s speeches, they use metaphors, tone of voice, and belief in a peaceful nation to persuade America to change.Though different in both circumstances and position, these two leaders were influential in leading the Americans through turmoil to stand up for what they believed was right.
In his speech, King uses metaphors to draw out the struggle that many African-American citizens faced at the time of the Civil Rights Movement. Americans coming to the white house to cash a check that will ensure all citizens freedom is one particular metaphor he uses to explain the trial that African-Americans were facing at that time. He uses this metaphor to explain that all men are created equal in the eyes of God, no matter the color of their skin. King says, “... America has given the Negro people a bad check; a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds”” (King 371).…show more content… Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, he begins by saying that, “I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same oath…” (Kennedy 511). Much like King, Kennedy uses God in his speech so as not to take all power in becoming president of the United States. Kennedy is humble because he both begins and ends his speech by referring to a Higher Power. He also talks about America as if it is one person with one heart and one mind. When he addresses the crowd, Kennedy treats the American citizens as his equal. By structuring his speech in a humble tone with slight metaphors, he is able to gain the people’s attention and relate to
