The ones behind the September 11 attack changed America’s psyche and history. It happened one of those days in September when Bush spoke of terrorists’ attack against the W.T.C. and Pentagon. He strove to write a phrase of immortality that would unite people and soothe the frightened one. This resulted in the stunning power of a few well-articulated words that were the binding element between the divided nation, propelling the country onwards and high. However, utilizing pathos, ethos, and logos, he united a single mass for an uprising and resistance.
September 11, tragedy allowed the forty-third United States president to show himself in a positive light and under unfavorable circumstances. However, President Bush, who is famous for straightforward talks with his people, comforted and encouraged the U.S. as we witnessed this tragic event of attacks by terrorists on W.T.C. in N.Y. City. That was grit and resilience. That is why he aimed to make them feel extremely hungry. However, such a thing is undisputed; without a doubt, his conduct might have been counted as one of those steps that made the country’s future one of the darkest in history.
The President’s audience was that country made of wrecked, diversified people who needed compassion and direction after the 9/11 attacks. The attacks deeply touched each American, and Bush intentionally tried to bring America together for one enemy. He called on other people to share the same danger that had never occurred to them. Sensing the gravity of the matter, the President sought to engage the crowd by calling on the citizens to work hand in hand to overcome these challenges.
The application of ethos in George W. Bush’s 9/11 speech aimed to create confidence and belief in the Americans. Bush exhibited authority and responsibility in that he pointed out being the President of America during the unprecedented crisis. “Our country has its biggest problem today and this says a lot,” constitutes an emblematic example of the ethos in action. Indirectly, the President reminded the country how hard it was to be born and emphasized that the situation was severe (Kraybill et al.). Moreover, this statement shows that we are responsible for overcoming the challenges of the post-9/11 environment. For instance, ethos is demonstrated in his report, “I’m here to remind every American that we will stand together as a nation to win the war.” He does not stop there, noting cooperation and endurance in these trying times. By renewing his pledge for national unity and depicting the fight against terrorism in its true essence as a common struggle, he shows that he is not only for the whole people but also on behalf of the whole nation. To this end, the message appeals to the audience’s national identity. It demonstrates the President’s ability to unify people and tenacity to steer the government in the face of approaching hardships. Bush chose specific sentiments to reinforce the ethos in his rhetorical speech and connect him to the Americans.
Emotionally, the 9/11 attacks were devastating, and President Bush adeptly exploited the nation’s mutual sense of grief and jitters. To engage his audience, he used sympathetic speech, “These acts of mass murder were meant to strike fear into chaos that would drive us back. But it has failed” (Bush). Bush touched his audience’s emotions when he voiced his apprehension and determination about the issue. He also refers to the collective as an individual memory of grief and pain. This line of argument by Bush can also be seen in his speech when he says, “The resolve shall not die neither pass away! We will never forget that Tuesday and those who were killed” (Bush). By remembering that “awful” day, he creates a common bond, feels with us, and reemphasizes that collective resolve. Compassionate language will bond the audience in their grief and lay down an emotional foundation strong enough to argue resilience and peace.
Bush employed logos to bolster his argument and promote unity by providing a coherent and logical account of the events. The objective was to reassure people that the administration had a well-thought-out plan by providing a concise and logical explanation of the circumstances. Through the speech, the President narrates the attack’s scope, whereby Al-Qaeda was named as the leading terrorist group, and provides specifics on the government’s response. “The terrorists will not determine the course of this country. We will not live at the mercy of murderers or accept a future of fear”(The White House). Through that speech, the audience can see the nation’s resistance to terrorist activities in a logical manner. His strong and rational argument in response to the 9/11 terrorists highlights that the government will not accept a future dominated by terror and will proceed to pave its course. Through this statement, the audience can see the government’s commitment to protecting them from attacks while also communicating a calculated strategy meant to prevent terrorists from determining the future of American history. By presenting such a logical articulation, the President hopes to soothe the nation by offering a sense of direction and purpose amid the conflicts from the 9/11 events.
The President’s concise and rational defense of the U.S.A. government’s action, he also made use of logos, noting, “Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared” (The White House). By making this statement, the speech summarizes the military’s readiness, the primary focus on public safety, and ongoing emergency activities, which provides a logical sequence of events. The President offered well-structured action and a logical plan, assuring the citizens that the administration was taking decisive action. This application of logos not only brings a sense of safety and control but also supports the idea that the nation is grieving but also aiding the terrible events of September 11, 2001, in a correct and decided manner.
In his 9/11 speech, the President skillfully navigated the emotional terrain of difficulties and terrified the audience by using ethos, pathos, and logos. He used these rhetorical strategies to depict a coherent and rational response to the tragedy, demonstrating his credibility and emotional connection with the people. The President’s speech successfully galvanized citizens in the face of difficulties, strengthening solidarity and resolve that would meaningfully impact the people’s collective reaction to the historic attacks of September 11, 2001. The speech was necessary to unite the citizens and promote a resilient framework during hardship and revolutionary historical times.
Works Cited
Bush, George W. “9/11 Address to the Nation.” Finding Freedom. Routledge, 2021. 145-155.
Kraybill, Jeanine E., and Raul Madrid Jr. “The Rhetoric of Crisis: George W. Bush during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.” American Communication Journal 21.1 (2019).
The White House. Statement by the President in His Address to the Nation. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010911-16.html#:~:text=A%20great%20people%20has%20been,the%20steel%20of%20American%20resolve.
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