Robert F. Kennedy
On June 6th, 1966, Robert F. Kennedy gives a speech to the National Union of South African Students. In his speech , Kennedy talks about how the young African people of a western civilization must fight for equality. Kennedy is able to successfully persuade his audience by appealing to western values, referencing current successes, and opportunity to an almost finished revolution,
First of all, Kennedy tells his audience about the values of western society. He says that being free and liberal is what sets the west apart from other places such as Nazi Germany and Persia. With this, the audience feels glad that they have it a lot better than others. Then he talks why those values are under threat; there is call for action. He explains how his country being the major flag bearer of the West, has struggled to fight against the huge problem of prejudice and discrimination. Kennedy helps them realize that if they don't work to fight against this problem, it will eventually snowball into much bigger issue where west is no different from places like Russia, where people go to jail for being intellectuals, or Indonesia where thousands are slaughtered.
Secondly, Kennedy encourages the audience by referencing successes. Despite coming from very poor background, African American are doing well. One African American is training to become an astronaut. African American is a chief barrister of the U.S. government. Lastly Martin Luther King is the second man of African descent to win the Nobel Prize for his efforts of social justice between different races. This makes the audience feel that there is great trend in their favor.
Last but not least, Kennedy motivates his young audience by giving them hope that the job is almost done. Last remnants of racism is about to be finished. It is going to happen with you or without you. He creates a opportunity (and urgency) for young Africans to be part of something great.
In Conclusion, Kennedy is able to successfully persuade his audience through his use of appealing to western values, referencing current successes, and providing an opportunity to an almost finished revolution. With this, Kennedy hopes to that these young African Americans fight for their right of equality.
First of all, Kennedy tells his audience about the values of western society. He says that being free and liberal is what sets the west apart from other places such as Nazi Germany and Persia. With this, the audience feels glad that they have it a lot better than others. Then he talks why those values are under threat; there is call for action. He explains how his country being the major flag bearer of the West, has struggled to fight against the huge problem of prejudice and discrimination. Kennedy helps them realize that if they don't work to fight against this problem, it will eventually snowball into much bigger issue where west is no different from places like Russia, where people go to jail for being intellectuals, or Indonesia where thousands are slaughtered.
Secondly, Kennedy encourages the audience by referencing successes. Despite coming from very poor background, African American are doing well. One African American is training to become an astronaut. African American is a chief barrister of the U.S. government. Lastly Martin Luther King is the second man of African descent to win the Nobel Prize for his efforts of social justice between different races. This makes the audience feel that there is great trend in their favor.
Last but not least, Kennedy motivates his young audience by giving them hope that the job is almost done. Last remnants of racism is about to be finished. It is going to happen with you or without you. He creates a opportunity (and urgency) for young Africans to be part of something great.
In Conclusion, Kennedy is able to successfully persuade his audience through his use of appealing to western values, referencing current successes, and providing an opportunity to an almost finished revolution. With this, Kennedy hopes to that these young African Americans fight for their right of equality.
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