Reading Response - Essay Example

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address Despite John Kennedy’s election as the president of the United States, his inaugural speech established not only his vision for the country, but also a vision to the whole world urging global unity, voicing his support for freedom, and human rights to humanity. Fondly referred as JFK, John F. Kennedy’s speech appeals to the United States audience and to the larger audience of all citizens of the world more than fifty years later; his message resonates well with the current world in the realization of world peace, freedom for all, and liberty.

While JFK realizes two opposing sides in America and in the world, he increases the appreciation of his message to the audience by using rhetoric effectively. Kennedy welcomed the responsibility of dealing with friends and foes alike in order to become a global representation of peace. To achieve this, he shared his energy with the people and made each person in the audience realize that these goals were achievable once everyone played their role towards their achievement. Clearly, he shows the role each opposing force can play in order to solve problems affecting and bring peace to America and the world.

This is clear when he states his idea by asking opposing nations to propose ways of controlling arms in order to "bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations” (Kennedy). Metaphorically, Kennedy appeals to his audience illustrating his vision for a world that respects freedom and liberation of people. In this regard, he voices his vision to help realize and respect freedom by offering "to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty" (Kennedy).

This metaphor allows the audience to realize his vision of ending past injustices and becoming more aware of his vision in ensuring liberation of all people in the world. On the other hand, Kennedy shows intentions of ensuring justice in the world by telling dictators that, "those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside" (Kennedy). In conclusion, calling people to action remains the basis of the whole speech. However, his use of figure of speech is impressive and helps him put his message in such a way it resonates well with the audience.

On the other hand, his message remains vital in the current world where conflicts are the order of the day. It is therefore important to ask whether America and the world can learn from this speech. In addition, is there any leader in the world who can currently rise and lead the world towards achieving President Kennedy’s vision?Work CitedKennedy , John F. "John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address."American Rhetoric. n.p., 20 Jan. 1961. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. .