Analysis of Alfred M. Green’s Speech

Persuasion is the influence of beliefs, attitudes, actions, intentions and other such things; it is a process aimed at a person’s or group’s attitude or behavior towards some event, idea, object, or person. Albert Green cleverly uses connection and inspiration to persuade his fellow African Americans to join the ranks of the military. He connects with them by not only using unifying diction but also by appealing to their emotions, namely by speaking of their common historical plights, their “sires” or fathers.

Green, instead of separating himself as the speaker, from his audience, and singling out the individuals making up the audience, in attempt and hope of persuading each and every one of them separately through the appeal of logic, as done commonly in the execution of persuasive speeches, uses unifying diction to connect with his fellow African Americans. He does so by using such phrasing as “we” instead of “you” or “I” and “ours” instead of “yours. ” This simple change in word choice makes his tone sound sincere and genuine.

Through the use of the word “brethren,” Green is able to make a religious connection. “Brethren” is the formal word used for brother in many religious scriptures predating the 12th century.

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Green hopes to connect with them at an emotional as well as spiritual level through use of commonly labeled as religious diction that is familiar to the African American people of this time, of whom a majority are highly religious Christians. He also connects with his audience through references to their common history, concerning their “sires” or fathers, dating back to the times of Washington and the Revolutionary War.

He brings to light the failures “to bring [them] into recognition as citizens” and abuse caused by the fugitive-slave laws, Dred Scott decisions, indictments for treason…” Green does not hide these acts of humiliation, injustice and abuse; he claims that it is their “duty … is not to cavil over past grievances. ” He tells his fellow “brethren” that they should not keep grudges over the past for it has already happened and cannot be altered.

Instead, he pushes and attempts to persuade them through inspiration, to take action and charge of the present and change the future for the better. To truly inspire another, one must appeal to their deep emotion and character ad Green does in his speech. Green makes reference to one’s honor and values as he explains they “may again give evidence to the world of the bravery and patriotism of a race in whose hearts burn the love of country of freedom, and of civil and religious toleration.

Green speaks of “duty” when telling them they must “endeavor to hope for the future and improve the present auspicious movement” to make new their “claims upon the justice and honor of the Republic,” nor let the “honor and glory achieved by [their] fathers be blasted or sullied by a want of heroism. ” What Green means by this is that he and his fellow “brethren” should not sulk over the “rights and wrongs” of the past but instead take action to form and enforce better for the present and upcoming future. Green wants them

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