1. What is the author arguing?
John F. Kennedy was arguing for free nations. "The right for individuals to make their own choices in their lives and for freedom to flourish, it had to extend to all individuals." Kennedy was taking a stance against the existence of the Berlin Wall which trapped its citizens. He argued that "Germans had earned the right to be free."
2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?
In the begining of his speech Kennedy addresses the argument that may be made for a communist society and justly refutes those arguments throughout his speech when speaking of freedom. For example, "There are some who say that 'communism is the wave of the future.' Let them come to Berlin" and then goes on to state that some say "Yes, that it's true, that communism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress.' Ler them come to Berlin!"
Kennedy acknowledges that "democracy is not perfect" but that "we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us!" He also states that it is "an offense not only against humanity, seperating families, diving husbands and wives and brothers and sisters and dividing a people who wished to be joined together!" With those statements his pleas are a mixture of logos and pathos.
Kennedy not only addresses the people of Berlin but people of the world when he makes an emotional plea that "freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, no man is free."
He once again pulls at the listener or readers emotions when he states that "All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin." And in closing his speech states "I take pride in the words 'Ich bin ein Berliner!(I am a Berliner)." His last statement addresses his character. The American people had already been charmed by as our textbook states "grace, vigor, and self mocking wit." He made a personal appeal and with that statement made himself seem to be just a citizen declaring his views as opposed to the political leader he was. He was respectful of the German people when he said "In the eighteen years of peace and good faith this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free."
3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
This speech occured during the Cold War. The Soviet Union had built the "Berlin Wall" as a blockade to prevent movement between East and West Germany. Kennedy was taking a stance against communism in speaking to the people of Berlin. He was speaking to encourage a democratic society. Kennedy acknowledges that East Berlin is under Soviet control. Priorly Germany had been divided into territories amongst the Allied powers. When he spoke although he was speaking to the people of Berlin, he was at that moment declaring to the Soviets, the U.S. stance against their actions.
4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?
I found JFK's speech convincing. He spoke with authority and respect. His emotional appeals were well placed and direct that it made me care for the ordeal the people of Berlin were experiencing. His speech was a morale booster for not only those of Berlin but those around the world. Kennedy spoke for the freedom of all people.
