the civil rights act of 1964
TRANSCRIPT
Background Information
Passed on July 2, 196414th amendment guaranteed equal protection15th amendment protect voting rights Ended racial segregation
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
- MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
President Lyndon B. Johnson'sRadio and Television Remarks Upon Signing the Civil Rights
Bill
July 2, 1964
Lyndon B. Johnson
President of the United States
Sworn into Presidency 2 hours after JFK was assassinated
Signed the Civil Rights bill
Neo-Aristotelian TheoryRole of the speaker in relationship with the audience
Who is the speaker? Lyndon B. Johnson
Is he credible? Yes- President of US, carried out JFK plan on
passing bill No- poor records prior to civil rights movement
Who is the audience? Fellow American citizens
Neo-Aristotelian (Cont.)
What is the purpose of the speech? “I am about to sign into law the Civil Rights Act
of 1964. I want to take this occasion to talk to you about what that law means to every American" (Johnson, 1964).
Evidence
“Its purpose is to promote a more abiding commitment to freedom, a more constant pursuit of justice, and a deeper respect for human dignity (Johnson, 1964).
“We believe that all men are created equal. Yet many are denied equal treatment.”
“We believe that all men are entitled to the blessings of liberty. Yet millions are being deprived of those blessings--not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin.”
Key Conclusions
“So tonight I urge every public official, every religious leader, every business and professional man, every workingman, every housewife--I urge every American--to join in this effort to bring justice and hope to all our people--and to bring peace to our land.”
Encourage Americans to come together and make the nation a whole
Neo-Aristotelian (Cont.)
What are the consequences if not followed?
African Americans may not have the freedom and respect that they indeed have today
How does LBJ appeal to emotions? “Civil Rights Act is a challenge to all of us to go to
work in our communities and our States, in our homes and in our hearts, to eliminate the last vestiges of injustice in our beloved country.”
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Remarks_upon_Signing_the_Civil_Rights_Bill_%28July_2%2C_1964%29_Lyndon_Baines_Johnson.theora.ogv
Situational Theory Case or situation that demands prompt action
Who is the audience? Fellow Americans
What situation caused this speech to be delivered?
Civil Rights movement Segregation and discrimination
Situational Theory (Cont.)
What situation limitations are put on LBJ?
Southern white individuals when focus is on black individuals
Trying to appeal to everyone
Does the response address the situation successfully?
YES!
The New York Times 1964
Civil Rights Bill Passes 73-27
Johnson Urges All to Comply: Dirksen
Berates Goldwater By: E.W. Kenworthy
Neo-Aristotelian
Who is the speaker? E.W. Kenworthy, a journalist writing for The
New York Times
Is he credible? Yes!
Who is the audience? Americans Any one who reads The New York Times
Neo-Aristotelian (Cont.)
What is the purpose of the newspaper article?
Reveal final voting outcome for the Civil Rights bill
Show how much effort goes into counting the votes
Show Americans how important passing this bill was for everyone
Evidence
“The Senate passed the civil rights bill today by a vote of 73 – 27. Voting for the bill were 46 Democrats and 27 Republicans. Voting against it were 21 Democrats and six Republicans.”
“Representatives Emanuel Celler, Democrat of New York, and William M. McCulloch, Republican of Ohio, who are the chairman and ranking minority member of the House Judiciary Committee, said that they would accept the Senate version of the bill.”
Neo-Aristotelian (Cont.)
What are the consequences if not followed?
The bill would not be passed
How does Kenworthy appeal to emotions? "I ask you to look into your hearts--not in search of
charity, for the Negro neither wants nor needs condescension--but for the one plain, proud and priceless quality that united us all as Americans: A sense of justice." (John F. Kennedy)
Key Conclusions
Senator Humphrey states that this was “the greatest piece of social legislation of our generation.”
Language
Repetition Senator, House of Representatives
Grammatical errors
Did it meets its purpose? YES!
Dramatism“Who, when where why and how.”
Who? Journalist E.W. Kenworthy
When? June 19, 1964, the day the Senate passed the
Civil Rights Bill
Where? The New York Times
Dramatism (Cont.)
Why? Show Americans the issue of segregation and
discrimination was being handled
How? The New York Times, arguably the most credible
newspaper at the time