Robert F. Kennedy’s Speech on King’s Assassination, Essay Example

Robert F. Kennedy was a tremendous figure throughout history whether it was working as the campaign manager for his brother’s presidential campaign or to ultimately run for office as a United States Senator.

Kennedy’s influence on the audience with his speech “Remarks on the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.” was very clear.  First of all, Kennedy was able to appeal to the culture of the United States throughout the speech.  He maintained a tone in which was severly sympathetic to the United States as an entire country but also towards the African American communities that had immediate hostile thoughts and there was a growing threat of physical retaliation for murdering a national icon – especially an icon that fought so hard for the rights of one specific race within the United States (“Robert Kennedy”).  The next influence on the audience came from his psychological comments surrounding the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.  Robert Kennedy made comments that showed sympathy not just for the culture, but also from a family perspective.  He mentioned his understanding for the loss of a national icon from a family perspective because he had lost his own brother to a similar hostile act.  However, psychologically Kennedy used this emotional appeal to suggest to the American people and the African American communities that hostile actions do not make this right and that the country cannot respond with hatred.

Ultimately, Senator Robert Kennedy had a very close relationship to the audience.  He was also a national icon stemming from his election to the United States Senate but also to his relationship with one of the most beloved presidents in the history of the country.

Works Cited

“Robert Kennedy: Delivering News of King’s Death : NPR.” NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. Web. 05 June 2011. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89365887>.