About the Author:
John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), was one
of the most distinguished Presidents of USA. He was born on 29th May
1917 in Boston, Massachusetts. His father Joseph Kennedy was a successful
businessman and politician. John Kennedy graduated from Harvard University and
in 1943, he joined the American Navy. When the Second World War ended he joined
politics as a Democrat and was elected to the House of Representative for three
terms. In the Presidential Election, he won in 1960 and became the President of
America. “Why England Slept” and “Profile in Courage” are his most popular
books. It was most unfortunate that he was assassinated on 23rd
November 1963.
Introduction:
The speech “What Kind of Peace do We
Want?” was delivered by John F. Kennedy, the former President of the United
States of America, at the American University on June 10, 1963. On the
occasion, he talked about the most important topic on earth: World Peace.
The Kind of peace Kennedy hopes for:
While answering the question he has
raised, Kennedy defines the kind of peace he hopes for in very simple terms.
The popular diplomat hopes for “genuine peace. The kind of peace that makes
life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and
to hope and to build a better life for their children – not merely peace of
Americans but peace for all men and women – not merely peace in our time, but
peace for all time”.
The violent face of Modern War:
Kennedy gives the reason for talking
about the necessity of universal peace. Peace is necessitated by the expansion
of war on a very large scale. Modern nuclear weapons are far more destructive
than the weapons used in the Second World War. The modern deadly weapons when
wielded on nations, it will not only poison wind, water, soil and seed but also
adversely affect generations yet unborn , cautions Kennedy. Millions of dollars
are spent every year on modernizing weapons. The acquisition of such stockpiles
will only destroy and never create.
Attitude of people towards peace:
Kennedy talks of the negative attitude
of some people who think that peace is impossible to attain. Kennedy remarks
that such an attitude is a dangerous, defeatist belief. Some others think in
terms of universal peace and goodwill. This is only a wild dream. Kennedy’s
concept of peace is based on a gradual evolution and effective agreements. He
further reveals the truth that there is no single key or magic formula to
peace. It is a process, a way of solving problem.
The process in attaining genuine peace:
Kennedy suggests the course in which
we can attain genuine peace. First of all, he says perseverance is absolutely
necessary in trying to establish peace. Set backs are bound to occur. At times,
conflicts between nations are sure to break out. But they should learn to
tolerate one another. Instead of making much of differences, we should increase
our common interests. What is common among us is that we all inhabit the same
world, breathe the same air, and share the same concern for one children, says
Kennedy.
Conclusion:
In his inspiring speech, Kennedy
appealed to the hopes of Americans. The reality of enmity between nations and
the dangerous arms race between super powers and rightly pointed out in his
speech. The suggestions put forward by Kennedy towards attaining world peace
are a matter of concern for nations.
Ommmu
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