Rhetorical Analysis Of Jfk Speech

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Two years after the Iron Curtain was bestowed on Berlin, splicing it into a dichotomy of different governing institutions, John Fitzgerald Kennedy addressed the citizens of West Berlin with his infamous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. Upon the steps of the Rathaus Schӧneberg, Kennedy demonizes the oppression set forth by Communism, and further emphasizes his support for the freedom of the people of Berlin. To instill confidence in the people of Germany, Kennedy conveys an inspiring tone as he encourages the people of Berlin, and of Germany, that eventually the power of democracy will persevere and the people of the eastern and western bloc will be united once again. Kennedy’s commencement of his speech acknowledges that Communism is a present …show more content…
Kennedy appeals to the audience’s plethora of emotions as he states that “freedom has many difficulties,” and that democracy will not always be a perfect institution. This instills a sense of hope onto the audience, as they are able to hear a first-hand account of the hardships that come with democracy, including the compromise of freedom at times. Kennedy pinpoints the enemy as he associates Communism’s weak attempt to erect a wall to prevent people from leaving with the failures of the system. The wall is a tangible, constant reminder to the city of the disparity of world systems, democracy and Communism. The tactic of flattery is utilized by Kennedy as he audibly admires how Berlin has handled the misfortune bestowed upon them, how they “still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope, and the determination of the city of West Berlin.” Finally, Kennedy appeals to the grieving emotions of the audience as he addresses that the only win Communism has gained is the separation of families, and of people whom wish to be united under their shared humanity. Kennedy builds a bridge based on empathy to reach out to West Berlin, as he reminds them of the current circumstances, and how Communism has made a pathetic attempt to maintain power. He gives them inspiration for fighting back, and to fight for their own institution of democracy in order