JFK’s main idea is that putting a man on the moon will not only be positive for the local
community, but also something America must do because Americans do not shy away from a
challenge.
Appeals
1. Appeal to Emotion: What does President Kennedy say to appeal to his audience’s emotions?
- JFK discusses how space science will become either a “force for good or ill,” and the
outcome depends on humanity. He mentions the need for America to “occupy a position of
pre-eminence” so that we can steer the outcome, directly appealing to his audience’s sense of
responsibility and patriotism.
- JFK repeatedly discusses that “we choose to go to the moon” not because it is easy but
because it is hard. He discusses that it will be “the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest
adventure on which man has ever embarked.”
- JFK uses words like “set sail” and “furthest outpost” and “old frontier of the West.” These
would appeal to the adventurous spirit.
- JFK tells his listeners that there is knowledge to be gained for “all people,” and that space is
“hostile to us all.” That would effectively pull people together and inspire unity.
- JFK discusses “Rice play[ing] Texas” as an example of something that is hard, but is done
anyway. (Here he is referring to their football teams competing since Texas historically has a
good football team and Rice, not so much.) Pride! Go team!
- JFK asks for “God’s blessing on the...adventure.” Christian values.
2. Appeal to Logic: What does President Kennedy say to appeal to his audience’s logic and
reason?
- He makes a reference to “35 years ago, fly[ing] the Atlantic.” This shows the audience that
there have been things in the past that we felt were impossible and dangerous that are now
commonplace to us. Flying across the Atlantic Ocean is a logical comparison to space travel.
- He discusses how “science and education will be enriched by new knowledge” as well as
many other references to the benefits of space travel and space science including to Rice
University specifically. By showing the benefits to the scientific community, he gives people
an under standing that the benefits are worth the risks and costs. It also gives them a personal
stake in the decision for any that work or attend Rice University in the science fields.
- He reassures the audience that we will not “go unprotected.” This makes his audience feel as
if it is not a hasty and unreasonably unsafe decision. Appeals to those that might be dubious
towards the prospect of space exploration.
- He mentions how many jobs have already been created and how the region and the state will
flourish as “the heart of a large scientific and engineering community.” The long-term benefits
to the Houston area are clearly positive outcomes.
