Jackie Robinson: Change comes to those who Wait

Jackie Robinson is a civil rights pioneer. In 1947, he was the first African American man to step onto a professional baseball field as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson's efforts to end segregation were patient and unwavering. In his speech, "Free Minds and Hearts at Work," Robinson addresses the importance of believing in the good of man. This response will work to analyze the most persua…sive elements of Robinson's speech and provide evidence of how he was able to appeal to his listeners.

First, he draws in his listeners by praising mankind for acting in time rather than bashing them for not ending segregation sooner. Robinson is careful not to use negative language in his speech. He does not dwell on negative acts against African Americans, but instead calls the total human race “imperfect” and this imperfection allows for mistakes. Robinson indicates that these imperfections do not inhibit men from learning from their mistakes however, and those with good hearts and free minds will urge progress on. By indicating that men are good and able to think freely, Robinson is appealing to their character (ethos) and mind (logos) and therefore he will gain their attention and promote his thoughts.

Furthermore, Robinson argues in his speech that he is only one man and was only able to make a difference in his sport. Robinson combined his passion for his fellow African-American athletes with his love for baseball. Baseball was the “area” where he “found imperfection” and he sought to correct the flaw in the system. He continued to fight because the cause was not doomed because of his beliefs in the greater good of man. Robinson, again, is careful to compliment the progress that was made and not sounds too boastful about what he was able to accomplish. In the end of his speech Robinson does not take credit for the movement in baseball at all, he instead dedicates his accomplishments to God because his faith preserved his battle. By bringing up his faith in a greater power, Robinson has appealed to an even larger audience by encouraging them not to give up in whatever they are fighting for in life. Robinson is able to persuade people to believe that change is not instant, but it is possible.

In closing, Robinson’s main premise for this speech was to convince men that change is possible, but not always instant. He worked to persuade his audience that man is good at heart and capable of making changes. Robinson warns people not to be down if change does not occur immediately; change is a process and differences are made little by little. Robinson also works to persuade people to keep their faith in their cause and mankind are to strive to make an effort in whatever area possible.