May 4, 1970: Kent State Exploded

Webster's Dictionary defines language as "the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community". While the definition seems to be quite elementary, it is painstakingly obvious that language holds much more power than any dictionary could possibly give credit for. Language cannot be described with a simple phrase. Language is the rare phenomenon that is somehow akin to each of the five senses. Language can make an audience cringe in fear or cry in sorrow, all in the blink of an eye. More importantly, language can tell a story in many different ways. The portrayal and explanation of the events surrounding the tragedy on May 4, 1970 at KentState University show the importance of proper language use. An analysis of several speeches and documents involving the events of May 4 reveals that language can be an extremely powerful tool of persuasion.

The events of May 4, 1970 can be attributed to virtually countless causes. One of the most influential occurrences leading up to this fateful day is the speech presented by President Richard Nixon on April 30, 1970. During this speech, President Nixon announced his plans for the invasion of Cambodia, with the stated goal of "cleaning out major North Vietnamese and Vietcong-occupied territories, these sanctuaries which serve as bases for attacks on both Cambodian and American and South Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam" (Nixon). A speech such as this is very effective for several reasons. First of all, it tugs at the heart-strings of . Nixon is trying to look into the eyes of each and every viewer and question their view about their homeland. For example, when Nixon says that "it is not our power but our will and character that is being tested tonight," he obviously is persuading Americans into thinking that the only choice is no choice.