Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Delivery of RFK's Speech
The importance of the delivery of RFK's speech begins with the fact that he was the one giving it. People looked to him as a leader of the movement for peace between all peoples and forgiveness on a national scale. The natural reaction of civil rights activists when they heard about MLK's death was first grief, followed by anger. RFK's words on the matter reflected those that King himself might have said. Reacting to violence with violence, would only make things worse. His carrying on of King's legacy was exactly what was needed. The group of people following King needed a new figure to look to, and someone to remind them of their goal. RFK did just this, when in the face of adversity, he practiced what he preached. He did not swear revenge, instead he urged those feeling the same way as himself to accept what had happened. He focused on moving forward and carrying on the legacy of Martin Luther King.
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It is interesting how you portray how RFK was carrying on the legacy of MLK. I wonder is RFK thought of himself that way when he was making his speech. Both RFK and MLK probably would agree in many ways on how to deal with an event such as this, but I think RFK already had his own legacy and was simply doing his duty as president.
ReplyDeleteThe tone of voice is also an important aspect of delivery. RFK spoke with a balance of sadness and urgency. He showed sorrow, but also made it clear that the response to the tragedy was of vital importance.
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