Blogging Prompt #6

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address is a powerful rhetorical example. The former President was known for the gift of oration and established himself as a Rhetor. His inaugural address contains many persuasive techniques. This in combination with JFK’s charisma embodies the relationship between rhetoric and building a community. In his speech to the nation, Kennedy leans on repetition and parallelism to create associations between ideas as well as emphasize parts of his argument. In Herrick’s article is says, “Arrangement refers to the planned ordering of a message to achieve the greatest effect, whether of persuasion, clarity, or beauty.” Kennedy’s arrangement of language is planned and provides clear emphasis. In his speech he says,

“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, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

LET BOTH SIDES seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

LET BOTH SIDES unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah — to “undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.”

This anaphoric langauge is a strong rhetorical tool employed by Kennedy to imprint the message of coming together. One thing that is special about Kennedy is there seems to be a genuineness about his speech that gives this tool a stronger message. Kennedy spoke like a founding father in many respects, earlier in the speech he says, “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.” People do not talk like that anymore, and it’s powerful language. It gives JFK credibility in a sense because he uses a style of speaking that is beautiful. In Herrick’s “An Overview of Rhetoric” he writes, “The art of rhetoric can render symbol use more persuasive, beautiful, memorable, forceful, thoughtful, clear, and thus generally more compelling.” President Kennedy always had artful language and presentation that made his words more inviting.

John F. Kennedy used his swagger and charisma to transform the text he read into passionate art. This gave him the ability to be an outstanding Rhetor. This particular speech speaks to uniting a nation.

“And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor — not a new balance of power, but a new world of law — where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.”

This quotation from the inaugural address summarizes JFK’s main point. He wishes to arm America to unite as one community that protects the human dignity of all people. This is a strong claim that is charged with various social and political issues, but he leans on human’s innate goodness to forget their other loyalties and to join his militia for change.