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Effective Use Of Ethos In Lyndon B. Johnson's Speech

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After the 15th Amendment stated that the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, southern state governments began to require black citizens to pay voting taxes, pass literacy tests and endure many other unfair restrictions on their right to vote. In response to their rights being infringed upon, several groups led marches to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the mistreatment that they have had to endure. Six hundred marchers assembled in Selma on Sunday, March 7, and were met by Alabama State troopers who promptly ordered them to turn around. When the marchers refused, the officers shot teargas into the crowd and beat the nonviolent protestors; hospitalizing over fifty people. This event was televised all over the world and it disgusted the viewers who witnessed the horrific police brutality. In response to this, President Lyndon …show more content…

Another example of ethos in this speech is the various times that god was mentioned; Johnson states, “One good man--a man of God--was killed.” and “It is right in the eyes of man and God that it should come…” This approach appeals to the nations religious values. Ethos is an appeal to ethics, and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader. As the President of the United States, L.B.J’s character and personal credibility had already been established. He has vast experience in politics; being one in only four people to serve in all four elected federal offices. This ensures that he is capable of leading the country in the right direction and allows the audience to put their trust in him. In addition to his political experiences, he has also helped to pass other equality legislation, an example being the Civil Rights Act of

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