PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG VALENZUELA

Maysan Road corner Tongco Street, Maysan, Valenzuela City

Oral Interpretation of Literature and Performance Studies

Module # 3

CERVANTES, Ralph Raymond G.

BSEd Major in English Language and Literature 2-1
Professor Liezel N. Fulgencio
 Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy
Performed by Ralph Raymond G. Cervantes

When I'm ascertaining a literary excerpt, I consider the message and overall
purpose of it. Since I was enamored of the notion of politics that perpetually touch my
heart and utmost soul, I choose the Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth
President of the United States of America, serving from January 1961 until his
assassination in November 1963; he was one of the most historic moments in American
history. His inaugural address touched on many topics, including economic growth, a
strong military, cooperation with allies and communism abroad, and human rights at
home. Kennedy's message was uplifting and inspiring in its call for civic engagement and
looking beyond, even then, our self-interests. He and his message embodied what we
most wanted and needed, and still do, which was forward-thinking leadership and set no
challenge, including reaching the moon, as too high or unattainable by our society.
This speech came when America had lost many of its jobs to globalization and
faced an emerging Cold War with the Soviet Union. His actions during these times were
aimed at saving American society from deteriorating further despite these obstacles, and
he tried to maintain good relations with both allies and adversaries for mutual benefit. The
most famous quotation and certainly stood out for me is, "My fellow Americans, ask not
what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." His speech
changed America forever but still echoes to this day. It elucidates that the government
does not own you any things from the public domain, but you must provide for yourself,
and the government will try to protect you from all foreign and domestic enemies. Instead
of being concerned with how individuals can benefit from the government's actions, they
should discuss how their actions can help their government. As is apparent during the
Coronavirus pandemic, Americans have a penchant for rugged individualism. Kennedy
was trying to persuade and exhort the Americans of his time to be concerned for the
greater good.
Overall, President Kennedy's inaugural address reflected his understanding of the
American system. His address has adequate and abundant meaningful quotes that
encourage me to be a better citizen. One of my ultimate dreams is to become a politician,
so I chose this piece and reenacted his memorable speech. When I peruse his address,
it clenched my heart to have the capability to stir the souls of people around the world
and through the years in the hearts of the people who heard the words and in the spirit of
the man who pronounced them. John F. Kennedy is the epitome of the youth, especially
those who aspire to attain and obtain a tremendous change to the world.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/5d6b0Ze36Qg