“Radio and Television Report to the American People on Civil Rights,” President John F. Kennedy

Question

The following passage is a transcript of a radio and television address made by President John F. Kennedy on June 11, 1963, when the first African American students were admitted to the University of Alabama. Read the passage, in which President Kennedy uses the language of his day. Then, answer the question(s).

(1) Good evening, my fellow citizens:

(2) This afternoon, following a series of threats and defiant statements, the presence of Alabama National Guardsmen was required on the University of Alabama to carry out the final and unequivocal order of the United States District Court of the Northern District of Alabama. That order called for the admission of two clearly qualified young Alabama residents who happened to have been born Negro. That they were admitted peacefully on the campus is due in good measure to the conduct of the students of the University of Alabama, who met their responsibilities in a constructive way.

(3) I hope that every American, regardless of where he lives, will stop and examine his conscience about this and other related incidents. This Nation was founded by men of many nations and backgrounds. It was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened. . . .

(4) . . . We face, therefore, a moral crisis as a country and a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It cannot be left to increased demonstrations in the streets. It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk. It is a time to act in the Congress, in your State and local legislative body and, above all, in all of our daily lives. It is not enough to pin the blame on others, to say this is a problem of one section of the country or another, or deplore the facts that we face. A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation, is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all. Those who do nothing are inviting shame, as well as violence. Those who act boldly are recognizing right, as well as reality.

Answer 1

In his address on June 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy conveyed a powerful message regarding civil rights and the necessity for collective action and moral responsibility. Here are some reflections and analysis based on the passage provided:

Key Themes and Analysis:

1. National Unity and Equality: Kennedy emphasizes that the United States was built on the principle of equality for all men, regardless of race. He urges Americans to reflect on their own conscience concerning civil rights issues, highlighting that the foundation of the nation is threatened when any individual's rights are compromised.

2. Moral Crisis: The President describes the situation as a "moral crisis," indicating that it transcends legal or political issues and strikes at the ethical core of society. He asserts that solutions cannot come from repression or mere token gestures but require substantive action.

3. Call to Action: Kennedy's directive is clear: change must occur at all levels, including Congress and local governments, as well as in everyday actions of citizens. He emphasizes the idea that passive behavior in the face of injustice leads to both shame and violence, urging his audience to actively pursue equality and justice.

4. Constructive Change: Kennedy contrasts passive acceptance of injustice with the need for bold action. He frames the ongoing struggle for civil rights as a necessary revolution that should be peaceful and constructive, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play in effecting this change.

Conclusion:

President Kennedy's address is a poignant reminder of the urgency and significance of civil rights in America. His use of inclusive language ("every American") and appeals to conscience amplify the moral imperative for unity and action, resonating deeply as a call for justice and equality during a tumultuous time in U.S. history.