Political Speech Ethos

Ethos and pathos: Necessities of a political speech India and South Africa are two different countries in terms of their geographical location, religion, language, etc. however they have one entity in common. Both these countries were ruled by the British; both countries fought to regain their freedom and establish democracy. They wanted a solid government, which could assist them to stand on their feet and assure them that not a single citizen suffers. Nelson Mandela, first black African president of South Africa, and Jawaharlal Nehru, first prime minister of Independent India, were two distinct freedom fighters who played a major part in their country’s freedom fight and had devoted their lives to serve their country. This lends them

They mentioned how it’s now the citizens’ responsibility to come forward and support the country to flourish. In his speech Nehru says, “We have hard work ahead. There is no resting for anyone of us till we redeem our pledge in full, till we make all the people of India what destiny intended them to be (Para 20).” We can observe a similar appeal made to South African citizens in Nelson Mandela’s Inaugural statement. He says, “We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world (Para 26).” It was a novel beginning for everyone and their leaders were doing their best job to show people that they needed the support of the citizens. Both Mandela and Nehru wanted their citizens to comprehend that they were a huge part of the democracy. The citizens of both countries had never experienced true democracy and they never had a voice of their own. Here their leader were giving them an opportunity to express themselves; their leaders were recognizing them as a part of the nation. This sense of belonging was definitely a heart-touching experience for the citizens of both

It was their way of showing their credibility. For several years South Africa had seen the white minority relish a high standard of living while the black majority had to suffer to acquire a decent income, education, housing, etc. (Wikipedia) Similarly, in India the British rule had implemented harsh land taxes, which made life arduous for countless people (Wikipedia - India). The speeches reflect how the speakers mentioned the suffering of their people and assured the citizens that no one was going to suffer again in the same way. In Para 17 of Mandela’s statement he says that, “We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.” We can notice a comparable statement made in the speech given by Mr. Nehru. He says that, “To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man, to the peasants and workers of India…to build up a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation, and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman(Para 19).” Here they were establishing their role as their countries leader. They were establishing themselves as trustworthy leaders who could guide their nations to a thriving