Text Analysis: Inaugural Address, John F. Kennedy, 1961

1. What is the author arguing?

On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy was sworn into office and delivered one of the most famous and remembered inaugural addresses in U.S. history. Seeking to calm fears about the rise of Soviet power during the 1950`s, Kennedy spoke vividly of the United States as a near limitless power for change in the world. By doing this, he was calling upon American citizens to act in support of their government and citizens from all nations all over the world to join together in peace to benefit all of mankind. In addition, during this address, Kennedy motivated Americans to defend freedom and democracy and introduced a new era of change with his tactics for presidency, while promoting patriotism and international support as well. Kennedy also emphasizes that his victory in the presidential election should be looked at as a “celebration of freedom” that symbolizes an end, and a renewal, as well as a new beginning of change. This is a strong credibility appeal since it instantly shows he is not conceited at all, and that he is primarily interested in the nation`s well-being. Similarly, Kennedy is making it clear to the American people and the nation that he will “pay any price, bear any burden, and meet any hardship” to “assure the survival and success of liberty”, while clearly arguing that peaceful resolutions need to be made to avoid the destruction of the world. However, he is also arguing that man now holds the power to destroy all human life and all human poverty, making citizens a key part of the new era of change and renewal. Similarly, Kennedy makes it clear that the revolutionary beliefs our “forebears” fought for, are still an issue around the world. But the "torch has been passed" to the next generation, while reminding Americans that they are the heirs of that first revolution. At the same time, Kennedy states that the United States is pledging their support and aide to the new States, people struggling across the globe, the United Nations, and the sister republics, while at the same time pledging for a global peaceful revolution of hope. Furthermore, JFK is arguing that the struggle against “enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself” need to be overcome in peaceful ways, such as "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation.” It is clear that Kennedy is emphasizing that a global alliance of “North and South, East and West” is needed to ensure a better life for the next generation as well as their own. With JFK`s famous line “ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man”, he is arguing and informing the nation that the only way change can happen is if all people contribute their efforts to a global peaceful revolution. Thus, with the last line of his address “but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own”, Kennedy makes it clear that the only way mankind can prosper is to unite “both sides”, or powerful groups of nations and adversaries, to venture on from their present course to “explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us”, to prevent the “the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction”, and to form this new era of hope, renewal, and change. Therefore, by referring to God in parts of this address, Kennedy is strengthening his argument for world peace and hope, and gaining credibility in his ideals since almost 90 percent of Americans believe in God, therefore, reminding Americans that their rights come from God, not the state, and Gods work must be their own.

2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?

In JFK’s Inaugural Address, he builds up his fellow Americans pride and calls the nation to support their country in many ways. He approaches these goals subtly though, and uses a string of rhetoric to increase the odds of a positive public reaction. Kennedy appeals to logos (logic) effectively when he explained why it was logical to avoid war and secure a global peace. Kennedy urges “both sides” to help each other through problems rather than letting the issues divide the countries, to focus on the positive effects that science can have on society rather than its harmful and disastrous effects, and to unite all nations to create a world “where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.” Kennedy`s pleas for a peaceful world was exactly what the American people needed to hear since it was a time when nobody wanted to be at war since nuclear weapons could literately devastate the United States and the world as well. Since Kennedy was elected during the Cold war, many Americans built bomb shelters and were struck with fear of a nuclear attack. However, Kennedy restored their hope in themselves and their country with his inaugural address. At the same time, when Kennedy states "In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course", he is showing logical cause and effect; if American citizens show their loyalty and devotion to America, then Democracy will be preserved. Similarly, Kennedy shows negotiations as civilized progress towards the United States goals instead of being looked at as a weakness. Kennedy`s use of rhetoric makes pathos the most represented appeal in his address. He appeals to Pathos (emotional quality) when he states his victory in the presidential election is actually a “celebration of freedom”, since it is “symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning--signifying renewal, as well as change.” These lines from his address show that he was very emotional about presenting the whole free world with a responsibility to spread freedom, justice, and to rid the world of all evils. Similarly, Kennedy calls upon the American people to stand strong to overcome the “long twilight struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war.” Since Kennedy is promoting global peace, he makes it clear that the United States and Soviet Union are wasting money and time making weapons to destroy all life, and that our nations final success and failure lies within our generations. However, because of Kennedy`s low mandate, he used antithesis to appeal to and represent the thoughts of everyone in America. At the same time, Kennedy`s emotional quality shows as he awakens the public`s preexisting sense of pride. After being sworn in he uses allusion by stating “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.” Kennedy alludes to the nation`s independence in order to build up the great character he is. He does this by bringing up Americas proudest moment, independence. Moreover, by stating, “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it”, Kennedy is showing that he has passion to end war and start a new revolution of helping other nations and ensuring peaceful negotiations. Kennedy appeals to Ethos by naming how important God is to him in his life and to the future of the United States. Since 63 percent of Americans belonged to a church in 1960, and polls reported that 95 percent of all Americans believed in God, many Americans admired the ideals Kennedy was emotionally portraying during his address both in the audience, and across the nation on television as well.  However, conformity was at large during this era. In addition, when he says, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation”, he is emphasizing his belief in hope for a better era, and having patience with adversaries instead of jumping into war like the past. By doing this, he is finding common ground with the audience, and establishing his values and beliefs to the nation. In his address when he states "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation", he shows his dream of an improved generation of all nations. At the same time, by quoting the Bible (Isaiah 58:6), Kennedy shows that he is a caring person that wants to establish a new era of peace with “both sides”, and to create “a new world of law” where peace is preserved and justice prevails. Thus, by stating “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago”, Kennedy is establishing his credibility and his goal to continue the work of past presidents and forefathers, and showing his positive attitude on the situation since he has Americas best interests at heart as well. Lastly, Kennedy appeals to a blend of all three; logos, pathos, and ethos, all at the same time by saying, "civility is a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.” The logic comes from stressing that civility is not a sign of weakness, and we should not fear to negotiate. This is a logical appeal because in 1961, many voters were alive during WWII and were not willing to start another world war, especially with how communism (red scare) was on the rise. This is also an emotional appeal since Kennedy is relating to the American citizens on a personal level by saying, “us.” The credibility appeal comes when Kennedy makes it clear he will always be willing to negotiate with enemy`s, and he will never be persuaded by fear. Lastly, I feel that the end of his speech had the most weight, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country”, and “My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." These lines are very emotional and powerful since it relates to the audience and all listeners across the nation, makes the American listeners and audience want to do something good for their country, and makes the listener agree that all nations of the world should stop worrying about war and power, and instead focus on a new era of peace.

3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?

This document is historically significant since it is one of the most powerful inaugural speeches in American history and is full of fantastic political rhetoric. It reflects the views and values of John F Kennedy, the 35^th president of the United States, whose idealism and policies continue to impact the world today despite his brief time in office. Historically, Kennedy was the first president to hold live press conferences on television, giving the television a huge roll in his presidential election campaign. Since 87 percent of all American households owned a television set by 1960, and spent an average of 5 hours a day watching it, almost everyone in the nation was able to see and hear his address. After his narrow victory, Kennedy remarked ““We wouldn’t have had a prayer without that gadget”. In addition, by 1960, 63 percent of Americans belonged to a church and 95 percent believed in God, which played a role in this address as well. Since so many Americans believed in God or conformed to the majority of societies beliefs, Kennedy`s ideals regarding peace and his reference to God in his address made Americans feel they were serving God and their country both loyally at the same time. However, this was also a time of conformity to religion for many Americans in attempt to fit in with society. Furthermore, this speech is full of fantastic political rhetoric and powerful lines that have been felt through the decades since the day it was spoken. In addition, Since Kennedy was elected during the Cold war, his address gave Americans much needed hope and helped calm down fear of nuclear warfare by attempting to unite the world in peace. In fact, these powerful lines express hope, effort, and time that must be contributed if the true American dream is to be reached. At the same time, Kennedy's address revealed how far the United States had moved in international affairs. The isolationism of the 1930s had given way to a foreign policy based on fighting Communism anywhere in the world. He also speaks on the long road this new era of change and hope has ahead of it by saying, “All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.” By saying this, he is actually touching upon the American dream, and his proposal to begin a new era of global peace. To me, it is very rare to find a president with such positive effects on their country as well as the world, giving Kennedy and his inaugural address tremendous historical significance. As a result of this inspiring address, many Americans went on to join the military in hope of spreading peace and liberty across the nation. Similarly, Kennedy was elected during the Cold War; so naturally, he is advising communists to see the benefits of Democracy, and to avoid the destruction of the world by using peaceful negotiations, or in JFK`s words “that both sides begin a new the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.” In addition, Kennedy`s most famous line “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country” is one of the most historically famous lines in American History since it reflected the ideology of a president that had faith in the people of his country to seek out opportunities to serve their country, and to progress into a new era of hope and peaceful negotiations or helping each other instead of war. This also assured Americans that they are fully capable of making change since a lot of Americans were building bomb shelters and frightened by the Cold War since the Soviet Union possessed nuclear weapons of mass destruction. When Kennedy says “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man”, he is calling upon the whole world to “explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us”, and for both sides to form together and “let us go forth to lead the land we love.” In addition, one section in particular shows the Cold war looming, " But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course—both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war." Therefore, Kennedy confirmed his democratic ‘Cold Warrior’ position for the whole world to hear by saying “Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty”, while declaring that "the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans", showing his commitment to defending liberty.

4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?

While the world was split between two major ideologies of democracy and communism, and the Cold war was in effect, John F Kennedy made his inaugural address, contributing to him convincing the world it was a time for change. This address proved very convincing since it spread across the nations with Kennedy glorifying the United States as the nation that will unite all people from all walks of life without regard for their religion, skin color, class, or ethnicity. In addition, JFK`s encouragement for Americans and America to be the leaders in the free world in finding equality and peace in all nations made his argument logical since racism, segregation, war, and poverty, were decaying the world around us. With Kennedy challenging the American people to “ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country” and asking the world to “ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man”, Kennedy gave a sense of pride and responsibility as Americans to take action towards a peaceful generation, as well as all nations to form together to negotiate peaceful resolutions instead of war, and to help each other achieve goals and prosperity for the sake of mankind. Kennedy also sends a request that both sides can begin a new quest for peace, before either planned or accidental destruction kills us all. This is definitely a reference to the Soviet Union, and is also a strong credibility appeal. Kennedy is showing that he knows there is tension between the two nations, but he is more interested in resolving it than getting involved in a war that would ultimately end in the destruction of the planet. As a result, Kennedy made it a point to promote global peace between all nations in this new generation of renewal and hope. The fact that Kennedy was attempting to secure global peace and negotiate terms in peaceful ways with adversaries instead of war, makes his argument very convincing since it would ensure the prosperity of America, and all nations alike. The spirit of renewal and hope possessed by Kennedy also made his address very convincing to me. One of the most ringing lines in his speech showed his spirit for change when he stated “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” This shows that the success of liberty and justice is of up most importance to Kennedy since it defines what was established by our “forebears”, or also known as forefathers. Similarly, Kennedy`s address seems very convincing since he uses the sense of pride and unity in all Americans and people of all nations to make a plea for national support. After he discusses previous American`s loyalty to their country, Kennedy makes a convincing statement, “Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle”, which make his requests seem less demanding while clearly inspiring Americans. Lastly, Kennedy`s call for action is moving and inspiring to American people and people of all nations, and most convincing due to the syntax of his address. Furthermore, I find the subject of tiger riding as being compared to the use of nuclear weapons to gain power convincing as well. Both the tiger riding and using nuclear weapons both share similar characteristics: tiger riding is intimidating to others but poses a high risk for the rider, such as being thrown off or eaten, and using nuclear bombs and weapons to gain power is intimidating to others but poses a high risk for their country and the world. This metaphor consequently makes any country that would try this look foolish and reckless, while creating an undercurrent of disdain towards the countries listening to the address. Lastly, with Kennedy`s use of parallelism when he states, “Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us”, “Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms”, “Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors”, by doing this he keeps single ideas working and flowing, acts as an offer to other countries, and creates the idea in the audience that any country that would refuse the offer disgraceful.