Rhetorical Analysis Of Attorney General Eric Holder's Speech

Regression, in regards to civil rights, is becoming a trend in America’s struggle with the stronghold of inequality. Injustice is prevalent and our society needs continual positive reformation until justice becomes a badge we as a country can honorably wear. Attorney General Eric Holder conveyed an influential message to Morgan State University’s Class of 2014 on May 17, 2014; and through the use of distinct historical occurrences and personal references he challenged his audience to conduct their lives in a manner that would push our nation toward a true post-racial and equitable society. In his speech he addresses and refutes the idea that we, as a country, have reached our peak in the uphill trek of equality; while simultaneously weaving …show more content…
By advertising his desire for the audience’s prosperity as the underlying theme of his speech and connecting first with their hearts, he was able to successfully incorporate the subsidiary cause of pushing toward a more progressive America. In constantly implementing emotional allure Attorney General Holder’s attempt at grasping the full attention of the audience was likely effective. He establishes his credibility when speaking on the subject of racial injustice and inequality in our nation by both status and the providing of factual historical events. In addition, Holder’s speech was unwavering in the consistency of its delivery, which etched his powerful words into the minds and hearts of the newly graduated students. Attorney General Holder’s persistent appeals to pathos paired with his reassuring tone allowed him to convince his audience of to move forward in their lives while holding fast to his agenda. Holder’s speech was not only sufficient in persuading his immediate audience to be over-achieving, goal oriented, and progressive leaders; but his uplifting and heartening motive echoed from the printed text and had a lasting effect on his secondary