Rhetorical Analysis Of President John F. Kennedy's Steel Industry
In President John F. Kennedy’s address of industries raising steel prices, he reprimands
these companies for not keeping general public and international affairs in mind regarding
repercussions. As Kennedy takes his address, he shows citizens of the U.S. of how unnecessary
the increase of steel prices truly was. In three basic ways, the president offers his opinion in three
simple tactics including: pathos, logos, and ethos.
The President of 1962 brings many things to light about the steel industry that can affect
every American in their daily lives, since most do not believe to be involved with it. In
households it is not expected to fear a price of steel industry, but Kennedy makes a point that by
steel executives raising revenue
“it would increase the cost of homes, autos, appliances” (line
24). Also explained by Kennedy, is the effect on elderly and how this causes an “inflammatory
spiral” (line 29) using pensions and causing debt. By involving seniors, people become more
sympathetic of the country and make an effort to cope with national changes. During a time of
need for the country these steel companies make struggles more difficult after “servicemen risk
their lives-and four died” (line 12).
Many statistics are brought up in a way to frighten bystanders with large sums of debt
America will be facing. Keen facts are used against the raising of prices such as: steel companies
were not working to full capacity (at the time) and still making a profit, steel prices were
expected to drop because of the increase in labor force, and revenue was expected to be the
highest that year in history. A large part of this opinion is backed by the results of previous
years’ research. The President makes argument that steel industries had a dividend of 600 million
dollars in the last five years, in turn having no legitimate need to discourage the economy of
America.
An advantage Kennedy uses to his own benefit in an attempt to confront steel executives,
is the fact he is the president of the United States. By the president making an address over the
issue, people are bound to recognize it is a major, and possibly detrimental, effect on the country.
The investigation by the Department of Defense and “its impact on their policies of
procurement” shows the magnitude of the ordeal. The president uses largely known departments
in an attempt to use credibility of importance.
these companies for not keeping general public and international affairs in mind regarding
repercussions. As Kennedy takes his address, he shows citizens of the U.S. of how unnecessary
the increase of steel prices truly was. In three basic ways, the president offers his opinion in three
simple tactics including: pathos, logos, and ethos.
The President of 1962 brings many things to light about the steel industry that can affect
every American in their daily lives, since most do not believe to be involved with it. In
households it is not expected to fear a price of steel industry, but Kennedy makes a point that by
steel executives raising revenue
“it would increase the cost of homes, autos, appliances” (line
24). Also explained by Kennedy, is the effect on elderly and how this causes an “inflammatory
spiral” (line 29) using pensions and causing debt. By involving seniors, people become more
sympathetic of the country and make an effort to cope with national changes. During a time of
need for the country these steel companies make struggles more difficult after “servicemen risk
their lives-and four died” (line 12).
Many statistics are brought up in a way to frighten bystanders with large sums of debt
America will be facing. Keen facts are used against the raising of prices such as: steel companies
were not working to full capacity (at the time) and still making a profit, steel prices were
expected to drop because of the increase in labor force, and revenue was expected to be the
highest that year in history. A large part of this opinion is backed by the results of previous
years’ research. The President makes argument that steel industries had a dividend of 600 million
dollars in the last five years, in turn having no legitimate need to discourage the economy of
America.
An advantage Kennedy uses to his own benefit in an attempt to confront steel executives,
is the fact he is the president of the United States. By the president making an address over the
issue, people are bound to recognize it is a major, and possibly detrimental, effect on the country.
The investigation by the Department of Defense and “its impact on their policies of
procurement” shows the magnitude of the ordeal. The president uses largely known departments
in an attempt to use credibility of importance.