John F. Kennedy's Social Cycle Theory

The social cycle theory is the theory that history is full of patterns that simply repeat themselves over and over again. In this theory, there is social progress, but there is also an underlying cycle of major events that define the course. Sociological theories such as this are hard to scientifically prove, but there is apparent evidence that supports the cycle theory. The world today is having strikingly similar problems as the world was having in the sixties. One of the first things that Kennedy says in his speech is that “the world is very different now.” The world is still a different place now, but there are fundamental similarities. Although John F. Kennedy delivered his first inaugural address in January of 1961, his speech is a rare work that has the ability to transcend time and embodies the messages that America needs to hear in January of 2017. “For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life” In
the sixties, this referred to the nuclear arms race during the Cold War. The United State and Russia faced each other in a race to build an atomic bomb. Science was on the rise, and the chances of an nuclear atomic bomb wiping out massive amounts of people were high. In modern times, the constant threat is a terrorism attack. Science has gotten so advanced that the terrorist groups have multiple ways of attacking and multiple ways to hide their plans. This element of surprise leaves nations nearly defenseless against the radical terror groups. “Let the world go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this country, tempered by war, disciplined by hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of … human rights.” The “new” generation that Kennedy knew was the baby boomers.
They fought and protested against the social injustices of the world. They were anti war and all for peace. In this day and age, the baby boomers can be seen as the young African Americans fighting for justice. They are angry about the war between the black community and the justice system. They are disciplined by a promise of peace that at times it has been difficult to keep. They are proud and willing to fight for the same heritage that make them a target to prejudice. They refuse to let their rights be taken away from them. The new generation now relates just as much to Kennedy’s words as the old new generation
did. “We pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required.” Kennedy pledge this county’s help to all the impoverished people in the world. Now that number has grown rapidly, but people still fail to see the morality behind helping those less fortunate. “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” The United States needs a leader that believes in this theory and will do all that he or she can to help them. Many countries have slammed their doors in the faces of refugees looking for shelter. Human nature still causes people to intrinsically care about themselves first and then spread that compassion to people around them. Now more than ever, the nation needs a leader that will abide by the same principles that Kennedy spoke more than fifty years ago. John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address could be presented today and still be relevant, but people still may ignore the message. History will continue to repeat itself until humanity realizes that “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to [the role of defending freedom and peace] will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.”