John F. Kennedy’s ” Civil rights speech” created many controversies because of the way that John F. Kennedy approaches racial issues in America. John F. Kennedy was elected as president after the assassination of John F. Kennedy and John Fitzgerald Kennedy gave his first State of The Union Address at regular session of the United States 87th United States Congress on January 30, 1961.
As you read John F. Kennedy’s “Civil Rights Address,” it is important to remember that in the 1960s, many places across America enforced strict segregation policies. John F. Kennedy was speaking in an era when black Americans were not allowed to eat at the same restaurants as whites, were not allowed to live in the same neighborhoods as whites, and most importantly they were not allowed equal rights under the law. John F. Kennedy wanted all of that to change, and he made his “Civil Rights Address” with that goal in mind.
John F. Kennedy begins his “Civil Rights Address” by saying how far society has come since slaves first arrived on African shores hundreds of years ago (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy is making it clear that he believes society, as whole, has changed for the better regarding race issues since the beginning of African slavery. John F. Kennedy then says how great strides have been made for racial equality in recent years (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy explains how even though change still needs to be made, there is positive movement towards equality across America and throughout the world (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy begins his “Civil Rights Address” by explaining that American culture has changed dramatically over the past two hundred or so years, and now focuses on equal rights rather than discrimination against minorities (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy feels it necessary to point out these changes so his audience remembers where America stands on the issue of civil rights. John F Kennedy continues his “Civil Rights Address” by saying how segregation is a national problem and requires a united effort from all citizens to fix it, as America cannot afford the social problems that stem from racism (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy explains that if America wants to move forward as a nation, segregation has to end whether people want it to or not (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy understands that ending segregation may result in some backlash among those who benefit from it, but John F. Kennedy does not care about them; John F. Kennedy only cares about making sure minorities are treated equally under the law going forward (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy says how the laws which govern the country were not created with discrimination in mind, and that they need to be applied equally to everyone (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy talks about how many of the laws in America are old and do not take into account modern day issues like segregation, so John F. Kennedy says these laws require some reworking so they can better serve all Americans (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy explains how opposing segregation is not about taking rights away from one group but instead giving additional rights to another group which was previously denied them (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy continues his “Civil Rights Address” by saying how past generations fought for equality under the law, while current generations must continue their fight for full equality on all fronts (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy wants future generations to remember that John F. Kennedy and other civil rights proponents are not trying to take anything away from them, but instead John F. Kennedy is trying add equality which was previously lacking in society (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy says how the fight for equality is a long process and will require many hours of hard work and determination, but John F. Kennedy believes it is worth fighting for (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy tells his audience they must treat all Americans equally under the law in order to move forward as a nation (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy continues his “Civil Rights Address” by explaining that racism only creates an environment where violence thrives, and that if America can end segregation then it can end such violence (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy says how racism causes people to lash out and hurt others just because of the color of their skin, and John F. Kennedy believes if segregation ends then so too will this type of violence (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy wants to make it clear that America has made its fair share of mistakes in regard to race relations, but that John F. Kennedy is confident everyone can work together in order to fix things for the better going forward (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy continues his “Civil Rights Address” by saying how he understands not all whites are racist, but John F. Kennedy does believe racists must be willing to change their ways if progress is ever going to be made (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy implores his audience to help end segregation in order to unite the country under one banner of freedom instead of continuing John F. Kennedy’s nation’s long history of division over race relations (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy finishes his “Civil Rights Address” by saying how change is never easy, but it is better than the alternative which is continued strife between races in America (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy wants everyone to remember that although African Americans have suffered a lot in the past, John F. Kennedy trusts they will be able to handle whatever obstacles are presented to them because John F. Kennedy knows just how strong they are as people (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy believes in them, and John F. Kennedy wants to give the African American community the peace of mind knowing they have a friend in John F. Kennedy going forward (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy knows that without a doubt things are going to get better from here on out because John F. Kennedy has faith in humanity regardless of race or creed, but John F. Kennedy also knows it will require effort from everyone if change is ever going to come about for all Americans regardless of how things used to be done in the past (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedys “Civil Rights Address” is meant for both blacks and whites alike; he implores his audience to help end segregation while also explaining why integration is necessary for society to continue to exist in the future (Kennedy). John F. Kennedy wants his audience to understand why he is pushing for change, and John F. Kennedy wants them to help make this change come about (Kennedy).
John F. Kennedy appeals to Americans on both sides of the issue because John F. Kennedy understands that although there are racists out there, John F. Kennedy also knows they can be taught to act differently by their peers who do not share these same extremist views (Kennedy).