Skip to content

Civil rights Quote by John F. Kennedy

“We are confronted primarily with a moral issue... whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated.” quote by John F. Kennedy
Download Open image
“We are confronted primarily with a moral issue... whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated.”

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

Source Speech: Inaugural Address, John F. Kennedy, 1961

The quote stresses that America must address moral equality, granting all citizens equal rights and opportunities, and treating each other as they themselves wish to be treated.

In simple terms: America must ensure equal rights and fair treatment for everyone.

Key Takeaway

Promote fairness and empathy in society.

Themes

eity human rights social justice

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • education
  • community building
  • legal reform

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy civil rights reciprocity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we measure true equality?
  • What actions can individuals take to foster fairness?
A Different Perspective

Equality can be hard to achieve without systemic change.

2.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John F. Kennedy

Explore all 824 John F. Kennedy quotes

More Civil rights quotes

Browse all 1,552 Civil rights quotes