In Robert Kennedy's speech announcing the assassination of Martin Luther King, the audience he is generally addressing is citizens of the United States. Specifically, though, he is addressing liberal Americans who supported Dr. King's beliefs for an equal, peaceful, intergrated America. Kennedy is sympathizing with King's supporters because he is one himself. He mentions that the assassination was a "sad time" and a "difficult time" which indicated he was directing his attention to King's supporters. He goes on to give purpose to King's mission to have an America where people no matter what race could get along with one another. This gives King credibility and leads the speech to be focused on audiences that not only supported King, but viewed him as a loving individual. Kennedy's speech moves on to focus on the audience of African Americans. He understands that African Americans will feel hate and vengeance and blame White people for the assassination, but urges them to follow the non-violent vision that King had. Kennedy goes on to address the majority of liberal Blacks and Whites when he mentions that they should live together in peace and build the nation up.
-Ebonie Massey
Is there any specific age group that Kennedy addresses? Or is he addressing people of all ages at the same time?
ReplyDelete-Mariah
All points that you made are very valid. Just keep in mind that he may also be sympathizing and mourning with some whites, because there were white people who also supported Dr. King. So make sure you address that point. Also, he does state at the beginning of the video that he "has has very sad news for people who love peace all over the world". Therefore, the audience may not just be African Americans.
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