Speech Ethos Pathos Logos
ENGL 1302
4 November, 2013
Revealing Rhetoric in Historical Speeches During every campaign season, politicians and activists seek approval of the public by affirming issues of concern and making decent pledges to the electorate. They use rhetorical techniques as well as political gimmickry to capture the public’s attention, get their approval and persuade them tactfully, all this in order to achieve power. This is interesting because the public’s approval plays a significant role in ascertaining the president’s political power and policy-making.
Comparing Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” and Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” reveals strands of logos and pathos. For example, Malcolm X’s speech “The Ballot or the Bullet,” addresses …show more content…
the strand of discrimination against African-Americans.
This is interesting because Malcolm stresses that he is addressing the social, economic and political issues that face the black people and not their religious beliefs. Additionally, Malcolm X speaks of hard truths that the blacks had learned to embrace as a normal life. For instance, in his speech, Malcolm states “It isn 't that time is running out -- time has run out!” He does not use emotions to bring his points across; nor does he dwell on the religious values of not revenging and perseverance. Malcolm calls upon his people to demand change, to demand equality and to die for them if they are not granted. He mainly uses logos to persuade the people to change their situation. Unlike Malcolm, King addresses the public about his dream in his famous “I have a Dream” speech. The speech is filled with pathos to pass his point across. The theme builds up with an appeal of consciousness of the white people and a renewed hope for people of his own skin color. He wants them to
keep believing because King hopes one day what they desire shall come to pass. He speaks with such gentleness and enthusiasm at a time when racism was at his highest. King builds his speech with words filled with hope and assurance. Consequently, He wants his people to keep believing and keep looking forward to a day when they will not be discriminated on the basis of race. King repeats words such as “freedom” and “I have a dream” to bring the pleasant tune of equality. He speaks to a person drowned in the misery of prejudice on a basis they cannot change.
The binary of equality versus inequality in both speeches is significant because these people were experiencing discrimination at the time and were in search of hope and belonging, which is revealing because it greatly impacted these people. Jennifer Fuller explains that “An analysis of articles from mainstream and black publications shows that race was central to how people analyzed King as a historical text. This includes whether or not they thought it was "true," on what grounds they made that evaluation, and who they thought had authority to tell the story. In short, what was considered "dangerous" about King differed along racial lines. Of course, there are variations and contradictions within these large categories, but the differences between white and black reception are the most striking (Fuller 41).”
Additionally, King’s words draw the beauty of equality as he addresses the black and white people as Americans. This serves as a diplomatic technique because he does not attack anyone but maneuvers his way to their conscious and gives them an opportunity to do what is right so that they can make the world better for all of them. It is evident that these two leaders use two completely different styles to address the public. King is soft in his speech and appeals with pathos, he speaks to the hearts and souls of people to bring equality. On the other hand, Malcolm is a tough leader who does not believe in turning the other cheek or perseverance for change. He believes that having people lie to themselves or rather believe in the lies of the white people who would rather exploit them than improve their status. Malcolm uses hard facts and logic to address the audience for a change that can only happen if they were to fight for it.
Both President Kennedy and President Johnson address the public on the importance of unity for peace and progress. In President Kennedy’s “Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association,” Kennedy uses pathos as well as logos to appeal to the public. He mainly dwells in pathos to bring together the country, incorporating the people who did not vote for him. Kennedy wants the country to unite as one so that they can achieve victory. He addresses the victory as for all people and not for his party alone because they had acquired freedom. As Americans, they have common enemies which are poverty, diseases and especially war and not each other. These choices of words are revealing because they emphasize how he wants the people to view themselves as one, united in the bonds of freedom, as Americans and with the same values of justice and liberty. This proves interesting because it gives each individual a sense of belonging. Kennedy includes the poor society in his speech as an acknowledgement of them and their welfare. He addresses the issue of peace as a rational path to choose and not a sense of weakness. The country needs to keep of war in order to progress socially and economically. Thus, he bids the people not to fight even though they are a strong state.
Kennedy immediately brings a strand of religion when he states “… I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues issue--perhaps deliberately…” This is strange because Kennedy uses logos once again, as he goes back to the heritage of the country. He proceeds to mention they were to carry on with the heritage because it was not only by the night that America came into being but through faith. The country was to be built on these values and he, being a Christian, could appeal for the stand. Kennedy compares the good and the bad that science and technology have brought. They were to focus on the good because clearly, the scientist weapons can cause havoc that does not benefit anyone but the good of its innovation brings prosperity. Hence, it was necessary to appeal to people to think of the effects such lengths could cause. Kennedy’s speech promotes peace through emotions and logic which is interesting because he emphasizes on unity, a state the country was to acquire if they are to prosper. Furthermore, Kennedy reminds the citizens of what they value, the biblical principals the country was built on and prosperity since the war was over for the time. The ethics he represented as a self-proclaimed Christian garners enough persuasion from the audience that the matters that he was addressing is what he had embraced and held close to heart. After the death of President Kennedy, President Johnson, takes up the country. In “The American Promise” Johnson uses logos more than pathos. He addresses facts rather than the emotions. This new President, Johnson, is ready to take the country to higher grounds and if he were to put up a fight, he would not hesitate. “The president called for stronger federal statutes to punish those interfering with civil rights efforts, new procedures on jury selection to prevent discrimination, broader powers for the attorney general in efforts to press desegregation of public facilities and schools, and legislation that would bar discrimination in the sale or rental of the nation 's housing (Goldzwig).” Peace is important but it would be chosen at very low costs as opposed to all costs. He is rational because he speaks of choices, choices that have to be made to reach the destiny of a nation. There is optimism in his voice but he is also factual and to the point. Johnson appeals that the land has plenty and the people have to receive. The government is to provide for the citizens the necessary resources for them to fend for themselves. This is the justice he speaks about, for a government to carry out its duties to its citizens. He speaks of disunity as tragedy to appeal to the people not to choose such a path because there was enough for everyone, rich and poor alike. To fight would be to destroy the wealth that every one of the Americans deserved a share. Finally, the speaker appeals ethically on the stand of the American people; the values that build the state. The norms and standards passed down from previous generations. A heritage they strongly believe in because it brought them victory over their enemies while there are principles that bring unity and prosperity. They both emphasize on the principles that were used to build the state. However, President Kennedy appeals to the audience through pathos while President Johnson uses logos for most times.
Works Cited
Fuller, Jennifer. "Dangerous Fictions- Race, History and King." Cinema Journal 49.2 (2010): 40-62. Project MUSE. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.
Johnson, Lyndon B. "The American Promise." Speech. 15 Mar. 1965. LBJ Presidential Library. Web. 2013.
Kennedy, John F. "Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association." Speech. Rice Hotel,
Houston. 12 Sept. 1960. American Rhetoric. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.
King, Martin Luther, Jr. "I Have a Dream." Speech. 28 Aug. 1963. American Rhetoric. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
Goldzwig, Steven R. "LBJ, the Rhetoric of Transcendence, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968."Rhetoric and Public Affairs 6.1 (2003): 25-53. Project Muse. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
X, Malcolm. "The Ballot or the Bullet." Speech. Cleveland. 3 Apr. 1964. American Rhetoric. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.
4 November, 2013
Revealing Rhetoric in Historical Speeches During every campaign season, politicians and activists seek approval of the public by affirming issues of concern and making decent pledges to the electorate. They use rhetorical techniques as well as political gimmickry to capture the public’s attention, get their approval and persuade them tactfully, all this in order to achieve power. This is interesting because the public’s approval plays a significant role in ascertaining the president’s political power and policy-making.
Comparing Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” and Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” reveals strands of logos and pathos. For example, Malcolm X’s speech “The Ballot or the Bullet,” addresses …show more content…
the strand of discrimination against African-Americans.
This is interesting because Malcolm stresses that he is addressing the social, economic and political issues that face the black people and not their religious beliefs. Additionally, Malcolm X speaks of hard truths that the blacks had learned to embrace as a normal life. For instance, in his speech, Malcolm states “It isn 't that time is running out -- time has run out!” He does not use emotions to bring his points across; nor does he dwell on the religious values of not revenging and perseverance. Malcolm calls upon his people to demand change, to demand equality and to die for them if they are not granted. He mainly uses logos to persuade the people to change their situation. Unlike Malcolm, King addresses the public about his dream in his famous “I have a Dream” speech. The speech is filled with pathos to pass his point across. The theme builds up with an appeal of consciousness of the white people and a renewed hope for people of his own skin color. He wants them to
keep believing because King hopes one day what they desire shall come to pass. He speaks with such gentleness and enthusiasm at a time when racism was at his highest. King builds his speech with words filled with hope and assurance. Consequently, He wants his people to keep believing and keep looking forward to a day when they will not be discriminated on the basis of race. King repeats words such as “freedom” and “I have a dream” to bring the pleasant tune of equality. He speaks to a person drowned in the misery of prejudice on a basis they cannot change.
The binary of equality versus inequality in both speeches is significant because these people were experiencing discrimination at the time and were in search of hope and belonging, which is revealing because it greatly impacted these people. Jennifer Fuller explains that “An analysis of articles from mainstream and black publications shows that race was central to how people analyzed King as a historical text. This includes whether or not they thought it was "true," on what grounds they made that evaluation, and who they thought had authority to tell the story. In short, what was considered "dangerous" about King differed along racial lines. Of course, there are variations and contradictions within these large categories, but the differences between white and black reception are the most striking (Fuller 41).”
Additionally, King’s words draw the beauty of equality as he addresses the black and white people as Americans. This serves as a diplomatic technique because he does not attack anyone but maneuvers his way to their conscious and gives them an opportunity to do what is right so that they can make the world better for all of them. It is evident that these two leaders use two completely different styles to address the public. King is soft in his speech and appeals with pathos, he speaks to the hearts and souls of people to bring equality. On the other hand, Malcolm is a tough leader who does not believe in turning the other cheek or perseverance for change. He believes that having people lie to themselves or rather believe in the lies of the white people who would rather exploit them than improve their status. Malcolm uses hard facts and logic to address the audience for a change that can only happen if they were to fight for it.
Both President Kennedy and President Johnson address the public on the importance of unity for peace and progress. In President Kennedy’s “Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association,” Kennedy uses pathos as well as logos to appeal to the public. He mainly dwells in pathos to bring together the country, incorporating the people who did not vote for him. Kennedy wants the country to unite as one so that they can achieve victory. He addresses the victory as for all people and not for his party alone because they had acquired freedom. As Americans, they have common enemies which are poverty, diseases and especially war and not each other. These choices of words are revealing because they emphasize how he wants the people to view themselves as one, united in the bonds of freedom, as Americans and with the same values of justice and liberty. This proves interesting because it gives each individual a sense of belonging. Kennedy includes the poor society in his speech as an acknowledgement of them and their welfare. He addresses the issue of peace as a rational path to choose and not a sense of weakness. The country needs to keep of war in order to progress socially and economically. Thus, he bids the people not to fight even though they are a strong state.
Kennedy immediately brings a strand of religion when he states “… I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues issue--perhaps deliberately…” This is strange because Kennedy uses logos once again, as he goes back to the heritage of the country. He proceeds to mention they were to carry on with the heritage because it was not only by the night that America came into being but through faith. The country was to be built on these values and he, being a Christian, could appeal for the stand. Kennedy compares the good and the bad that science and technology have brought. They were to focus on the good because clearly, the scientist weapons can cause havoc that does not benefit anyone but the good of its innovation brings prosperity. Hence, it was necessary to appeal to people to think of the effects such lengths could cause. Kennedy’s speech promotes peace through emotions and logic which is interesting because he emphasizes on unity, a state the country was to acquire if they are to prosper. Furthermore, Kennedy reminds the citizens of what they value, the biblical principals the country was built on and prosperity since the war was over for the time. The ethics he represented as a self-proclaimed Christian garners enough persuasion from the audience that the matters that he was addressing is what he had embraced and held close to heart. After the death of President Kennedy, President Johnson, takes up the country. In “The American Promise” Johnson uses logos more than pathos. He addresses facts rather than the emotions. This new President, Johnson, is ready to take the country to higher grounds and if he were to put up a fight, he would not hesitate. “The president called for stronger federal statutes to punish those interfering with civil rights efforts, new procedures on jury selection to prevent discrimination, broader powers for the attorney general in efforts to press desegregation of public facilities and schools, and legislation that would bar discrimination in the sale or rental of the nation 's housing (Goldzwig).” Peace is important but it would be chosen at very low costs as opposed to all costs. He is rational because he speaks of choices, choices that have to be made to reach the destiny of a nation. There is optimism in his voice but he is also factual and to the point. Johnson appeals that the land has plenty and the people have to receive. The government is to provide for the citizens the necessary resources for them to fend for themselves. This is the justice he speaks about, for a government to carry out its duties to its citizens. He speaks of disunity as tragedy to appeal to the people not to choose such a path because there was enough for everyone, rich and poor alike. To fight would be to destroy the wealth that every one of the Americans deserved a share. Finally, the speaker appeals ethically on the stand of the American people; the values that build the state. The norms and standards passed down from previous generations. A heritage they strongly believe in because it brought them victory over their enemies while there are principles that bring unity and prosperity. They both emphasize on the principles that were used to build the state. However, President Kennedy appeals to the audience through pathos while President Johnson uses logos for most times.
Works Cited
Fuller, Jennifer. "Dangerous Fictions- Race, History and King." Cinema Journal 49.2 (2010): 40-62. Project MUSE. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.
Johnson, Lyndon B. "The American Promise." Speech. 15 Mar. 1965. LBJ Presidential Library. Web. 2013.
Kennedy, John F. "Address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association." Speech. Rice Hotel,
Houston. 12 Sept. 1960. American Rhetoric. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.
King, Martin Luther, Jr. "I Have a Dream." Speech. 28 Aug. 1963. American Rhetoric. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
Goldzwig, Steven R. "LBJ, the Rhetoric of Transcendence, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968."Rhetoric and Public Affairs 6.1 (2003): 25-53. Project Muse. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
X, Malcolm. "The Ballot or the Bullet." Speech. Cleveland. 3 Apr. 1964. American Rhetoric. Web. 5 Nov. 2013.