The Civil Rights Act of 1964 By: Kayla Cancelmo

Background Information  Passed on July 2, 1964  14 th amendment guaranteed equal protection  15 th amendment protect voting rights  Ended racial segregation

Before..

July 2, 1964: Civil Rights bill passed!

“

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's Radio 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 Theory Role 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 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.”

Language  Repetition : “we” and “our” “the law”  Did it meet its purpose? YES! The bill was passed!

ns/f/fe/Remarks_upon_Signing_the_Civil_Rig hts_Bill_%28July_2%2C_1964%29_Lyndon_ Baines_Johnson.theora.ogv ns/f/fe/Remarks_upon_Signing_the_Civil_Rig hts_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 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

Any questions?