Robert F. Kennedy, in his speech The Mindless Menace of Violence, determines that violence has been deeply enrooted and accepted in American society, creating a system of prejudice and hatred. Kennedy supports his argument by confronting the brutality of American citizens in an attempt to elicit an emotional response, leading them to change their ways. The author’s purpose is to address the increasing number of riots and brutality that was emerging within American communities. Kennedy writes his speech in a sincere and conscience-striking tone in order for the American citizens to recognize their wrongdoing. By encouraging citizens to fight against the violence gradually overtaking American society and by urging them to commit to battle for true …show more content…
Kennedy uses imagery to describe the brutality in America by saying it stains “our land” and stains “every one of our lives.” Toward’s the beginning, his tone is grave as he draws attention to his concern of unnecessary violence. He uses alliteration in “shame and sorrow,” and “mindless menace,” enthralls the audience and leads them to recognizing that Kennedy’s speech is not meant to promote useless politics, but to recognize that there is a deep seated problem in America and the people desperately need to do something about it. In paragraph 5, Kennedy uses juxtaposition to describe situations that most people would deem to be immoral with those that could be seen as justifiable. For example, he says that acts of violence done “in the name of the law” or “the defiance of the law” and “in an attack of violence” or “in response to violence,” whether it could be seen as good or not, are absolutely unacceptable. He implores the audience to see that violence has never accomplished anything and no wrongs have been set right by