Pros And Cons Of John F Kennedy Civil Rights Speech

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Sydney Johnston Johnston 1 Mrs. Karger Speech and Debate 20 November 2014 John F. Kennedy Civil Rights Address John F. Kennedy gave his Civil Rights Address June 11, 1963 (Kennedy). Although he was being told not to give this speech, he went against what his peers told him to do. Afterwards, he was praised for the speech. A week after the speech, Kennedy submitted strong civil rights legislation to Congress. This legislation made the American public far more aware of issues pertaining to equal rights and it incited change throughout America (Peniel). John F. Kennedy gave this speech on June 11, 1963 at the White House (Kennedy). He is qualified to give this speech for the obvious reason, he is the President of the United States. He was elected at 43, as one of the youngest presidents. Kennedy wasn't planning on giving this speech, and made the speech in only a few hours. He decided to give this speech after The University of Alabama was allowing for admission of multiple African American students into the school and felt this was the time to bring the issue to an end. Previously, the President had been timid on his position on civil rights (Lord 43). Kennedy wrote this speech to get people to realize the horrible way they were treating African Americans. The overall theme is freedom and equality got all people, no matter who they are. Kennedy goes through the speech telling us the disadvantages that African …show more content…

He wants people to focus solely on what he's saying and doesn't want anyone to be distracted by it. Kennedy uses eye contact with the camera and with the audience to show his sincerity. Kennedy also pauses after he says something important and inflects his voice when he wants you to really pay attention. Kennedy is also dressed appropriately for the situation, in a suit and tie. This shows that he respects

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