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Kennedy's Rhetorical Analysis: The Hike In Gas Prices

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On April 10, 1962, the United States’ largest steel companies raised their prices by 3.5 percent. The people of the nation were unhappy and had wondered why this change had occurred. I compare this to when gas prices go up; no one is happy when gas prices raise. Some figure that we already spend enough. Kennedy uses a number of rhetorical devices in his speech which help to justice the reasons behind the raised prices. Repetition is a great way to get your point across as whoever you’re talking to will eventually listen and hear your message. During the news conference when Kennedy was speaking, he continues to say, “when we are,” as to make those listening understand that the prices affect him too. Kennedy wants them to understands that all of the United States’ people were unified and together. Such as if something affects the country, it affects every individual in the country. He also continues to say “we” to ensure the people that his is a part of the nation’s body and he does not entirely agree with it either. By using repetition, it helps Americans to recognize that their president also feels the emotions they are feeling. …show more content…

By using pathos, people can begin to fathom what they would be sacrificing. “… it would increase the cost of homes, autos, appliances, and most other items for every American family.” Though he lists how the steel prices would affect their everyday and business lives, later in his speech, Kennedy states that the labor costs per ton of steel are actually expected to decline. Americans may be sad or angry at what they are giving up, but Kennedy assures them that there may be lighter times coming ahead and there are possible safeguards to protect the public

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Kennedy says in his news conference," If this rise in the cost of steel is imitated by the rest of the industry, instead of rescinded, it would increase the cost of homes, autos, appliances, and most other items for every American family. It would increase the cost of machinery and tools to every American businessman and farmer. It would seriously handicap our efforts to prevent an inflationary spiral from eating up the pensions of our older citizens, and our new gains in purchasing power"(line 23-31) This shows that when the decline of the companies it will seriously handicap the American people due to the large increase in prices. This is also shown in, "And it would surely handicap our efforts to induce other industries and unions adopt responsible price and wage policies"(line 43-45)

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Kennedy uses a concern tone to make the audience trust him; furthermore, John F. Kennedy persuades the audience to act against the steel cost by striving to relate the issue to the audience. In paragraph three, John F. Kennedy starts describing how the increase in the cost of steel will affect all of America. He reminds the audience that it is not only the people who buys steel who are affected, but rather anyone who buys “homes, autos, appliances, and most other items” would also be affected since the cost of those items will increase. Since the audience will also be affected by the increase in steel price, they can relate to the problem; therefore, they will agree with John F. Kennedy and try to find ways to change the increase of steel price. By acknowledging that the increase in steel prices will affect the audience and that the older citizens will not be able to pay for the high prices of steel-based products, John F. Kennedy conveys that he is concerned about the audience.

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