Kennedy’s Ethos in Jfk Inaugural Address

Introduction: The Power of Kennedy’s Speech

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, given on January 20, 1961, is one of those speeches that folks still talk about. It’s considered super influential in American history. In this speech, Kennedy wanted to bring people together and share his vision for America. How did he do that? Well, he used some smart rhetorical tricks like ethos, pathos, and logos. But here, we’re gonna dive into the ethos part—how he built up his credibility and connected with what people believe in.

Understanding Ethos in Kennedy's Speech

So, what's ethos all about? Aristotle talked about it as the speaker's credibility or ethical appeal. In his speech, Kennedy was pretty strategic with this. Right at the start, he leaned on the shared wisdom and experience of Americans by saying, “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.” Kinda deep, right? By calling on the legacy of past leaders and showing respect for American values and traditions, he made himself seem like a leader who gets what America is all about.

The Use of Inclusive Language

Kennedy also used words like “we” and “our” a bunch of times. It wasn’t just him talking; it was like he was speaking for everyone. He said stuff like, “Let every nation know… we shall pay any price… oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.” When you hear that “we,” it makes it feel like a team effort. He tied himself to the American dream and freedom ideals—pretty clever way to boost his image as a credible leader.

Moral Appeals: Justice and Unity

Another thing—Kennedy talked a lot about justice, equality, and human rights. To allies with shared cultural roots, he promised loyalty: “United, there is little we cannot do… Divided, there is little we can do.” What’s he getting at? Basically, stick together 'cause that's how you tackle challenges. All these calls for unity and shared values helped him come across as a leader who truly cared about what America stands for.

Conclusion: Why Ethos Mattered

Wrapping it up—Kennedy’s inaugural address is an awesome example of using ethos effectively. He leaned on shared wisdom from history, spoke inclusively like one of us, and appealed to core American principles. This combo inspired people and got them on board with his vision for America’s future.

References

• Kennedy, J.F. (1961). Inaugural Address.
• Aristotle. (2004). Rhetoric (W. Rhys Roberts Trans.). Dover Publications.
• Cohen, M.A., & Solomon Jr., L.D. (1995). "The Political Legacy of John F. Kennedy". Politics & Policy Studies Review.