Rhetoric: Ethos and Identity

Rhetoric Applied to Robert Kennedy's Speech on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death

In Robert Kennedy's Speech to the nation about Martin Luther King Junior's death, there were many instances where rhetoric, ethos, and identity played a part in convincing the reader or listener to forego hatred and embrace peace among the races. The influence and use of these elements were applied to several different persons or groups within his speech, including himself, the nation as a whole, and also the black community. By successfully employing rhetoric, ethos and identity within his speech, Robert Kennedy was able to bring forth his message with power, substance, and persuasion.

The reader or listener of Robert Kennedy's speech first comes to an understanding of his character based upon what they knew of where he came from, and what he stood for. Mr. Kennedy's identity for the purpose of this speech rested solely in how the people he addressed understood him to be. It is said that, "we routinely grant presidents a presumption of expertise in whatever matter is before them" and also that "we hope that presidents will rise above party affiliation to do what's best for the country" (Ramage, 92). Because Robert Kennedy was most often associated with President John F. Kennedy, many trusted and/or hoped that his ethos would be congruent with J.F.K.'s values and expertise.

In his speech, Robert Kennedy discusses where part of the source of his identity and ethos stem from. In reference to growing anger amongst the black population over Martin Luther King's murder he said, "I would only say that I can also feel in my own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man" (Kennedy, 1). This bit of rhetoric is useful in showing Kennedy's ethos by further explaining his morals based upon his experience. These experiences have helped to shape his identity. Congruently, using his personal experience about losing his family member, was one that many could relate to upon losing the loss of their leader. This emotional pull combined with his logical plan for the country to pull together, created a rhetorical foundation for his speech.