If you have a suggestion about this website or are experiencing a problem with it, or if you need to report abuse on the site, please let us know. These two techniques played a crucial role in furthering his purpose and in provoking a powerful response from the audience that made this speech memorable and awe-inspiring. Overall, Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently argues against the United States involvement in Vietnam through his use of parallelism, diction, and imagery. Dr. King paints a vivid, heart-wrenching picture of the devastation in Vietnam. How Does Martin Luther King Use Rhetorical Devices Dr. King genuinely believes that the war is in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ and therefore the church must speak out in a united voice against it. For these practical and logical reasons, the church should join the opposition. Would you like to get a custom case study? Widely known for his work in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr eventually also gained momentum in the anti-war movement against the war in Vietnam. If you have a suggestion about this website or are experiencing a problem with it, or if you need to report abuse on the site, please let us know. He does this when he writes, "It was a step that rocked the richest, most powerful nation to its foundations" (King 96-97). Beyond_Vietnam_Rhetorical_Analysis_Essay.docx.docx - Thomas On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr gave us one of one of the most rhetorically moving speeches ever given. So far we may have killed a million of them, mostly children (King). Additionally, by constructing an optimistic view on the civil rights situation during that time period and immediately refuting it, King is able to establish a strong sense of, Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential leaders of his time and played a crucial role in the African-American Civil Rights movement. Right at the outset, King involves religious figures to establish the credibility for his reason and to prove that war was improper and inhuman. However, a very powerful speech, in manys opinion, is the Ive Been to the Mountaintop speech, given shortly before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. It also describes the Jim Crow laws and the busboy cot from 1955. Analysis Of Beyond Vietnam: A Time To Break Silence By Martin | Cram By showing his own emotions, King inspires compassion in the. In his essay, Dr. King uses the metaphor America has given the Negro people a bad check, which came back marked insufficient funds (46). Widely known for his work in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr eventually also gained momentum in the anti-war movement against the war in Vietnam. Moreover, Martin Luther King Jr meticulously chooses specific words that carry with them a negative connotation that helps associate the Vietnamese war with injustice. In this way, he tries to stress that even if we have progressed, we have grown nowhere better than the ancient barbarians that killed for fun. In front of over 3000 people at the New York Riverside Church King preaches to a room filled with clergy and laymen concerned about the Vietnam. He does this by appealing to certain issues the public see as important, using irony, and using diction and tone in persuasive ways. The persuasive techniques utilized by King Jr are aimed at making people think over the outcomes of Vietnam war and if it was not against Americas integrity. Supplemental understanding of the topic including revealing main issues described in the particular theme; He specifically mentions a poverty program that was looking promising before the United States became involved in Vietnam. When he argues that the war's immoral nature should be "incandescently clear," he implies to his audience that those who do not voice their opinion against the war are not concerned for, "the integrity and life of America.". In order to convince his audience that the civil rights movement in the United States should oppose the Vietnam War, the speaker appealed to their ethos, pathos, and logos. Read More Use Of Nonviolence In Cesar Chavez's Speech 409 Words | 2 Pages Martin Luther King Jr. was extremely passionate about nonviolence. King is effectively able to convey his point about his topic by using rhetorical devices such as logos, ethos, pathos. Rhetorical Analysis, Martin Luther King Rhetorical Devices Analysis, Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.S Speech, A Rhetorical Analysis Journey Through Martin Luther King Jr.s SpeechI Have a Dream. King uses personal anecdotes, elaborate word choice, and reliable facts to persuade his audience of the injustice of the war. Dont He tries to make people see the other side of the picture where both black and white men were being pushed into hell without considering and questioning the outcome. He successfully proves that The United States has done far more harm to the Vietnamese than good. 2 February 2013. requirements? The United States got involved in the Vietnam War because they wanted to stop the spread of communism. He uses metaphorical imagery, powerful diction,and symbolism to create an impact on the audience. As a civil right mover he gave this great speech to all Americans (black and white) so that he could give off the idea of equality on the same level. He uses the word 'We', connecting with the audience and ensuring them that together they will bring change to social conditions and attitudes. King wants his audience. Hence, Kings works always had the recurring theme of the unity and strength of combined willpower. Through the emotional, destruction of America's effort to support the war, King's powerful use of diction talking the loss of desire and new lives causes the audience to feel sorry for the poor of America. He notes how essential it is to break silence before all hope is lost. Favorite Quote:Failures help one grow as a person. It is why he constructs an argument that will help people decide which side to stand with and which to not. King Jr makes a strong statement against war and his speech successfully evokes compassion and sympathy for the poor and the weak in both Vietnam and America. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. (King). He believed that the Vietnam War diverted money and attention from domestic programs created to aid the black poor and would benefit only the banks who fund wars and the industries that supply the war. He includes various perspectives and addresses several counterarguments with the intention to prove the futility of war as a tool to address social, economic and political problems. new way beyond the darkness that seems so close around us. He also focuses on the maltreatment of humanity, and how the Vietnam War is a start to the violence that occurs in America. "The Speech Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence by Martin Luther King, Jr: Rhetorical Analysis." 663 Words; His audience at Riverside Church, likely familiar with his Civil Rights work, would most likely than view him with more credibility because they too could sympathize to an injustice done by the American government. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King's "Beyond Vietnam - StudyMode For instance, he does when he depicts the, "Negro and white boys on TV screens as they kill and die together for a nation that has been unable to seat them together in the same schools." His use of diction and imagery arouses anger while increasing his credibility since he criticizes the unjust war he describes. Dr. King includes a brief, but poignant history of the war in Vietnam which is important because he needs to prove that he knows and understands the politics of the situation. Rhetorical Mlk Speech "Beyond Vietnam". His audience at Riverside Church, likely familiar with his Civil Rights work, would most likely than view him with more credibility because they too could sympathize to an injustice done by the American government. Beyond Vietnam: A Rhetorical Analysis . Also, if you have a comment about a particular piece of work on this website, please go to the page where that work is displayed and post a comment on it. Likewise, during this time period, America [put little effort into] rehabilitation of its poor creating an even harder life for them (Source A). On April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King, Jr., an enormously influential civil rights activist, conveys his indignant and hopeful thoughts regarding the Vietnam War, in his speech "Beyond Vietnam," by utilizing biblical allusion, anaphora, and use of diction. Many people believed that America had no reason to interfere, Dr. King being one of those people. He evaluates the psychological as well as social, political and economic implications of America's participation in Vietnam war. Martin Luther King notes that we have been repeatedly faced with the cruel irony of watching Negro and white boys on TV screens as they kill and die together for a nation that has been unable to seat them together in the same schools (King). In Martin Luther King Jr's passionate speech about America's involvement in Vietnam, he manages to create a strong and compelling argument that America's involvement in unjust . King said, the war was doing far more than devastating the hopes of the poor at homeWe were taking the black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them eight thousand miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in southwest Georgia and East Harlem. You may use it as a guide or sample for The war lasted from 1955 to 1975.The nation as a whole began to uproar over the war and the major consequences of the war. In Dr. Martin Luther King's speech "Beyond VietnamA Time to Break Silence" (1967), Dr. King asserts that the war in Vietnam is totally immoral and has far reaching negative implications not only for Vietnam, but for The United States and the rest of the World as well. Instead, King chooses to use facts to show what an illness war is. King was really able to speak to his audience by using evidence, reasoning, and a persuasive writing style throughout his speech. 838 Words Beyond Vietnam- A Time to Break Silence speech delivered on April 4, 1967, revolved around the growing concern with America's involvement in the Vietnam war. Along with, and the almost facile connection between the war in Vietnam, First, Martin Luther King Jr. uses emotional appeals to persuade his audience that the Vietnam War is unjust because it is unfairly killing the poor and its destroying the country. His efforts to consolidate and harmonise the US into one country for all is reflected in many of his writings and speeches spanning his career. He states, repeatedly, To begin, King uses figurative language in the first half of his speech to highlight the destructive nature of the war, strengthening his overall position. King uses personal anecdotes, elaborate word choice, and reliable facts to persuade his audience of the injustice of the war. Favorite Quote:What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Both religion and society condemn war and even popular religious figures have stood up to speak against it for the toll it takes upon human lives and for it is against the spirit of humanity and brotherhood. report, Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther Kings Beyond Vietnam: a Time to Break Silence. To get his point through and make the meaning clear, King uses phrases like break the silence of the night, a vocation of agony, based upon the mandates of conscience, deeper level of awareness. Rhetorical Analysis Of Mlk's Beyond Vietnam. Additionally, Kings statement that Southeast Asia is eight thousand miles away strengthens the irony by making Southeast Asia seem like a place which is completely disconnected from America. Furthermore his speech did not. His use of imagery and diction is aimed at making people break their silence and express their anger clearly. His speech emphasizes at transitioning from war to peace and from violence to a nonviolent and peaceful society. This lecture became an explosive example of colorful language and visual examples that expanded the idea of rhetoric. Issues have been resolved because now the draft is less common because more people volunteer for war so the poor are not forced. He expresses his anguish at seeing people of Vietnam and America suffer and also notes that if American folks do not break their silence they stand to lose much more than their opponents. The audience now feel as though this is very important because it has to do with regular poor people and t effects them as well. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. It also uses a bit of strong imagery. Moreover, this set of diction allows King to logically state that he can not continue to fight on behalf of the oppressed if he himself doesn't address their oppressor, the U.S. government. "The Speech Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence by Martin Luther King, Jr: Rhetorical Analysis." These arguments work because they point out that even though the war is not happening on our soil, it is having a devastating effect here, especially in poor areas where people cannot afford to be hindered any more than they already are. The speech deemed racial segregation to be an inhumane practice that subdivides society into groups that essentially alienate them from the true sense of humanity; which is brotherhood. (2016, Nov 14). Through his compelling arguments and moral vision, King inspired many people to join the movement against the Vietnam War and to work for a more just and peaceful world. He also mentions emotional situations the readers probably cant even imagine. Rhetorical Analysis of MLK's Speech "Beyond Vietnam" December 22, 2016 By Richcoca PLATINUM, Canoga Park, California More by this author Widely known for his work in the Civil Rights Movement,. Moreover, this set of diction allows King to logically state that he can not continue to fight on behalf of the oppressed if he himself doesn't address their oppressor, the U.S. government. Apart from being an advocate of Mahatma Gandhi's idea of nonviolence, Martin Luther King Jr was a great leader and rhetor of all times. He applies ethos to establish credibility, pathos to appeal to emotions, and logos to support his claims with hard evidence. His first reasons are all about practicality. However, he wishes that they would have lived up to his respect, and continues to hope that they will do so in the future. His masterful delivery of these metaphors and the frequent repetition makes the speech much like a poem or a part of a song. "The Speech Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence by Martin Luther King, Jr: Rhetorical Analysis." Introduction Martin Luther King, Jr in his speech "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" argued that US foreign policy was hypocritical when compared to the inequality present in the United States. King is effectively able to convey his point about his topic by using rhetorical devices such as logos, ethos, pathos. 804-506-0782 Retrieved from https://studycorgi.com/the-speech-beyond-vietnam-a-time-to-break-silence-by-martin-luther-king-jr-rhetorical-analysis/, StudyCorgi. He says we were taking the black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them eight thousand miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in southwest Georgia and East Harlem. King uses this statement to point out the inconsistency with America trying to establish freedom far away before establishing freedom on their own home soil. Though disappointed, King still loves the church. Kings criticism of the war as broken and eviscerated, allows him to establish a disappointed tone that conveys the idea that the war is immoral and by doing so his precise word choice lets him to attack it as such. Likewise, the image of men, both black and while, "in brutal solidarity burning the huts of a poor village," helps establish the war in Vietnam as a complete disaster and atrocity. As example, King uses I have a dream that one day and Let freedom ring.. to open his points on how Americans should change against racial indifferences. Likewise, during this time period, America [put little effort into] rehabilitation of its poor creating an even harder life for them (Source A). What Is the Macro Environment in Business Analysis? Apart from highlighting the wicked nature of the war, King Jr 's speech also sets the urgency for protest. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. "beyond Vietnam-A Time To Break Silence" Rhetorical Analysis Rhetorical devices are included in Martin Luther Kings speeches to prove conflict. The war lasted from 1955 to 1975.The nation as a whole began to uproar over the war and the major consequences of the war. Favorite Quote:"Faith is taking another step without seeing the entire staircase.". The Speech Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence by Martin Luther King, Jr: Rhetorical Analysis. In his speech addressed to the laymen and clergy at Riverside Church he used pathos, logos, imagery, and an argument shift to list the reasons why America should withdraw their troops, and to create sympathy within his audience. Likewise, the image of men, both black and while, "in brutal solidarity burning the huts of a poor village," helps establish the war in Vietnam as a complete disaster and atrocity. He also says the war is further crippling the poor in the United States by sending a disproportional number of them to the front lines to die. For example, this quote personifies war as being an enemy. Copyright 2023 service.graduateway.com. King, Martin Luther Jr. Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence. Church Meeting, 1967, Riverside Church, New York City. [emailprotected] In his speech on the meaninglessness of the Vietnam war and to persuade the audience to listen to its own conscience rather than to conform to the idea of war in the name of patriotism, King Jr draws from the realms of economy, society, polity as well as religion and philosophy. He also reminds the church leaders of something seemingly obvious that they may have lost sight of: the Father is deeply concerned especially for his suffering and helpless and outcast children (13). In his second paragraph, he connects with his audience by saying we have been repeatedly faced, For instance, in the second paragraph of his speech, he says, I could not be silent in the face of such cruel manipulation of the poor. The words silent, cruel, and manipulation speak out to an audience, especially for one that has faced hardship themselves in times of need. Please enter the email address that you use to login to TeenInk.com, and we'll email you instructions to reset your password. He efficiently uses the anecdote to tell how he has spoken with young men, telling them how violence will not solve their problems. Favorite Quote:Make as many as mistakes as you want, just don't make the same mistake. He offers many practical reasons for the opposition, as well as spiritual and moral reasons. The war in Vietnam to do this day has gone down as one of the influential and controversial wars in United States history. Martin Luther King Jr. disagreed with the way the war was being handled, and thought nonviolent demonstrations would be more efficient. There is at the outset a very obvious and almost facile connection between the war in Vietnam and the struggle I, and others, have been waging in America. King spoke for the weak that did not have the voices to speak for themselves; for example, he represented the poor. Rhetorical Analysis of MLK's Speech "Beyond Vietnam" Widely known for his work in the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr eventually also gained momentum in the anti-war movement against the war in Vietnam. "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection" Essay by Carl Sagan. Dr. Kings purpose is to make the church leaders he is speaking to aware that the time has come for them to speak out loudly in opposition of the war in Vietnam. Rhetorical Analysis of MLK's Speech "Beyond Vietnam", Key Ingredients to Being a Successful Student. Therefore, to remain silent would truly be betrayal. This use of repetitive language conveys urgency and shows that he deeply believes the churches may influence the government if they speak against the war. Beyond Vietnam Rhetorical Analysis Essay.docx - Course Hero To this day, Kings speech remains one of the most famous and influential speeches in, Martin Luther King was a determined activist for equality for all. The idea of nonviolence is much larger than ordinary people see. Titled as the I Have a Dream Speech, he read this speech to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Perhaps the most convincing part of the speech is the emotional appeal. To achieve this, he used rhetorical strategies such as appeal to pathos and repetition. StudyCorgi. The war with Vietnam was just as unjust as unnecessary. Overall, Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently argues against the United States involvement in Vietnam through his use of parallelism, diction, and imagery. 6 Effective Content Marketing Strategies You May Have Overlooked, Market Analysis Definition (With Explanation and Examples). In addition, his use of parallelism allows him to appeal to his audience's pity for the oppressed in order for him to express his call to action, a call for activism that goes beyond Vietnam. Through his use of imagery, diction, and parallel structure, Martin Luther King Jr associates the war in Vietnam with injustice in his famous speech, "Beyond Vietnam - A Time to Break. Then the segregation of African Americans and White Americans started. However, all wanted clarity on the subject. Additionally, when King claims that all this horror is in the name of America, he appeals to his audience's anger, leading them to believe that it is time for them to break silence on the fact that the United States became involved in an unjust war in Vietnam. Which of your works would you like to tell your friends about? To start, Dr. Kings use of metaphors allows his audience to understand his viewpoint better. Public Speech. King uses emotional words and descriptions to capture the audiences attention and convey the injustices caused by the Vietnam War. His use of diction and imagery arouses anger while increasing his credibility since he criticizes the unjust war he describes. Despite having a shining moment of experiments, hopes, [and] new beginnings during the struggle for human rights, King illustrates the Vietnam War as broken and eviscerate and a political plaything of a society gone mad on war. Rhetorical Analysis of MLK's Speech "Beyond Vietnam" Since the founding of the Americas in the late 1400s, slavery was a problem; until the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. He is using vivid language to describe the casualties; however, they are also supported by evidence, as he is using precise numbers in this part of the speech. Correct writing styles (it is advised to use correct citations) StudyCorgi, 4 May 2022, studycorgi.com/the-speech-beyond-vietnam-a-time-to-break-silence-by-martin-luther-king-jr-rhetorical-analysis/. They wander into the towns and see thousands of the children, homeless, without clothes, running in packs on the streets like animals (20). Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. For example, he writes vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will, drown your sisters and brothers and hated filled policemen even kill your brothers and sisters (3). Moreover, it is the poor and the helpless mainly who are falling prey to this war game. May 4, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/the-speech-beyond-vietnam-a-time-to-break-silence-by-martin-luther-king-jr-rhetorical-analysis/. King was establishing his point that America was more troubled about healing and adjusting other countries, but would never invest the same in their own country. It is clear that he wants the audience of church leaders to go back to their churches and fearlessly speak out in opposition of the war. Favorite Quote:Make as many as mistakes as you want, just don't make the same mistake. For instance, he starts by stating the effects of the Vietnam War forced the American poverty program: "experiments, hopes, new beginnings." Finally, Martin Luther King Jr. uses parallelism within his own reflection to evoke emotions in his audience to show that . In Martin Luther King Jr.s speech Beyond Vietnam- A Time to Break Silence, delivered at Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967, he claims that the American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust. Rhetorical Analysis Of Martin Luther King Beyond Vietnam 534 Words3 Pages In 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech "Beyond Vietnam-A Time to Break Silence." In the speech, King argues against American involvement in the Vietnam War and explains why he cannot remain silent. (2022, May 4). He then paints a picture of the suffering endured by Vietnam and tells how the United States has a long history of doing the wrong thing to this tiny country. Thomas 1 Javon Thomas Mrs. Yelton English 1301 - Period 4 14 September 2018 Beyond Vietnam Rhetorical Analysis Essay In Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, Beyond Vietnam-A Time to Break Silence, King discusses his opinion on America's involvement in the Vietnam War.