John F. Kennedy's Inflated Steel Prices

Improved Essays
In response to the phenomenon of inflated steel prices, John F. Kennedy delivered a speech on April 11, 1962 highlighting how the substantial inflation of steel prices would cause major negative reverberations in the American economy and calling for more stabilized steel prices. By inflicting guilt upon steel companies, identifying with his audience, and employing the use of cause and effect, President John F. Kennedy informs the public about the economic distress the rise of steel prices is causing and heightens the awareness of companies in regards to how their decisions affect the American people and the economy. In order to educate major steel companies about how their decisions affect Americans and the economy, President Kennedy successfully …show more content…
Kennedy places himself in the shoes of the average Americans he leads, condemning the steel executives’ actions as “wholly unjustifiable” and “irresponsible” and asserting that Americans “have a right” to be influenced by responsible businesses. President Kennedy’s expressed disdain towards the executives’ decision to raise steel prices makes his audience feel as if their president has sympathy for them in a time that the profit of a steel company takes precedence over their own well-being. Kennedy’s ability to identify with the audience on such a personal level increases the willingness of his audience to view his information as trustworthy. To further his connection with the audience, Kennedy states that “employment costs per unit of steel output in 1961” have remained unchanged since 1958, providing yet another example of steel companies’ failure to cater to the needs of the American people. Americans were directly affected by the effects of the stagnant nature of employment costs per unit of steel, so Kennedy’s mention of this fact conveys his awareness of the economic conditions afflicting the people, strengthening his relationship with his …show more content…
Kennedy effectively informs the public about the economic peril increasing steel prices are causing and makes companies more knowledgeable about how their actions affect many facets of American life and the economy by making steel companies feel guilty, utilizing cause and effect, and identifying with his audience. In a time that the selfish decisions of a few steel executives were endangering the well-being of Americans and the economy, Kennedy’s speech was crucial in curbing the certain economic ruin that would ensue if the power of steel companies was left unchecked. Simply put, Kennedy’s speech was a perfect way to remedy a worsening situation before it got out of

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