Rhetorical Analysis of Obama Speech

Literatures and Foreign Languages Let Us Learn and imagi country Together 23 November 2008 empty talkal Analysis of A More consummate(a) tense Union Speech The tongue titled A More unadulterated Union was delivered by Senator Barack Obama on March 18, 2008 near the historical point of the signing of the U. S. establish ment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The speech responds to the video clip of Barack Obamas oldenor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, making raci aloney charged comments against the States and Israel. The pundits and various tidings media outlets played the clip repeatedly on the television, radio, YouTube, and podcasts.First, the Senators speech examines to call off the state of matter on their concerns of his affiliation with Reverend Wright. Second, the speech addresses the sustaining and prevailing issues of consort inwardly America and how it paralyzes our nation. The speech is compelling be convey it possesses the necessary elements of in commit(p) and weighty rhetoric in summation, Obamas rhetoric works. Rhetoric is the study of opp singlent arguments, misinterpret, and miscommunication. Also, relevant to this analysis, rhetoric leave alone be defined as the tycoon to speak and write effectively and to do language and oratory strategically.Despite the putting surface employment of speech writers by most politicians, Senator Obama wrote the speech himself. By addressing the misunderstanding and miscommunication connected to and perpetrated by racism in America, the reference understands precisely how effective Obamas speech is when examined by such lenses as the classical and twentieth century rhetorical theories and concepts from Aristotle, Richard Weaver, Stephen Toulmin, Chaim Perelman, and Michel Foucault. Barack Obamas speech echoes the rhetorical concepts of ethos, pity, and logos that atomic number 18 explicitly discussed inwardly Aristotles The Rhetoric.Ethos is how the speakers char phone numberer and aptnes s aids his or her influence of the audience w presentas pathos is a rhetorical device that alters the audiences perceptions through with(predicate) storytelling and emotional appeals (181). Logos uses cerebrate to construct an argument and to covey an idea (182). Finally, kairos attempts to conceptualize the read for the a identify measure (201). Therefore, ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are all evident deep down the speech and show in various offices, striking language and repetition, and through diametric receptors, emotions and logic.Ethos is well-bred on intellectual, social, spiritual, and biologic levels. Senator Obama does this by giving factual information. He interjects historical references he explains the extent of his family tree. Thus, the Senator gives creditability to his speech and validity to his message. The implication is that everyone should listen he is the authority. He acknowledges that the press routinely looks for the latest evidence of racial p olarization, non just in hurt of neat and black, only if black and dark-brown as well (Obama, par. 7).From this quote, the audience is being s representationd by the classical theoretic concepts of opposing arguments. The audience is fully aware of the division between the pelt alongs, and the speech is very effective due to the fact that Barack Obama is resulting to speak of what is very much unspoken. When addressing his intellectual ethos, Obama mentions that he has gone to some of the best schools in America (Obama, par. 6). Secondly, he recites, We the commonwealth, in order to form a more perfect union, which is easily recognized as the first line in the U. S. Constitution (Obama, par. 2).Even those who do not possess complete knowledge of the famous line immediately understand that something of importance is being conveyed to them. Thirdly, he demonstrates his awareness of past occurrences and present concerns on the global scale. Senator Obama recalls the legacy of break ones backry and Jim Crow indoors our nation (Obama, par. 24). He acknowledges the present dangers of conflicts in the Middle East and explains the cause of such conflict (Obama, par. 10). The audience is given evidence that he understands the single-valued function of record as well as the present-day global concerns touching our nation.Furthermore, Senator Obama uses ethos to gain credibility with his knowledge of social issues that pervade our society today. He states, The most segregated hour of American life occurs on sunlight morning (Obama, par. 12). He acknowledges that the indignations of the black and white communities arent always verbalised in polite company, but these resentments are manifested in spite of appearance our society in destructive ways, like racism (Obama, par. 31). The audience feels that he is knowledgeable and credible on the immediate topics affecting our future and our daily lives.Ethos is also use on a spiritual level by mentioning his p resent trust and making Biblical references. He states that more than 20 years ago he was introduced to Christian faith with obligations to love one another, to care for the sick and wage hike up the poor (Obama, par. 13). He noted how black people merged with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lions den, and Ezekiels field of dry bones (Obama, par. 16). Senator Obama is holdfast the language.Christians did not exist in the Old Testament story of Ezekiel, but Senator Obama is effectively connecting with every major religion. Simultaneously, he is reaching out to the secular world as well. Being cognizant that everyone does not actively coiffe a religious faith, Obama chooses stories that everyone, Christians and non-Christians, could identify and recognize. Thus, these religious references connect with masses as well as members of the three major religions. Finally, Senator Obama gains ethos by explaining his own catching makeup.He sta tes that he is the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas He stretchs that he is married to a Black American who carries within her the pipeline of slaves and slave owners so, he acknowledges that he has brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins of every race and every chromaticity scattered across three continents (Obama, par. 6). In essence, he reveals that he has the origin of Africa, the birthplace of piece, and the blood of a woman of French descent within him. He has married a woman who has twain slave and slave owner flowing within her.Moreover, he has fathered children who baffle the blood of humanity African, European, slave, and the Caucasian slave owner within them. Thus, he is an authority on race. He states, his story is seared into his genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more that the sum of its partsthat out of many, we are truly one (Obama, par. 6). The audience revels at his remarkable story, and ethos is achieved th rough storytelling. In essence, Obama forges a biological connection with his audience. The connection is strengthened through Senator Obamas use of pathos.It is achieved through the use of emotional appeals. He alters the thoughts and feelings of his audience through storytelling, imagery, and allusion. The topic of race, within itself, chew outs strong emotions, even to this very moment, this very second. The senator begins by telling a story of his grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Pattons army during World War II (Obama, par. 6). The use of key terms such as Depression, Pattons army, and World War II evoke the emotional responses of patriotism and self-sacrifice.Toward the end of his speech, Obama shares another story he tells of a young, white, Southern campaignerAshley Baiawho inspires an old, black, Southern man to vote (Obama, par. 45-46). In essence, Baia encourages pathos by telling her story. Barack Obama uses Baias story of inspiration to highlight the actor in sharing his own story. The audience is able to connect through the emotional appeals that take place at the very core of humanity. It is well-to-do to disrespect and dishonor something that is foreign and unknown, but it is hard to turn absent from the essence of another mans soul.As fellow humans, the audience recognizes the slew humanity in the story. Pathos is also achieved through the use of allusion and imagery. The imagery that is provoked with terms such as slave or thraldom is still poignant today. Most people are cognizant of the enlist of slaves within this country. The audience would be aware of the racism that ensued and the devastation and closing off that thraldom caused in American history. When Barack Obama describes the various ways that racism manifested within our society, pathos is achieved because of the powerful imagery of the allusions to race and racial conflicts within our association.The audience is trapped and becomes aware of the prejudice s and experiences of race and racism within their own lives, consequently ca use emotions to surge and overflow. Pathos, being the weakest form of rhetoric, is utilized by Senator Obama sparingly. Instead, he overwhelmingly utilizes the most powerful form of rhetoric, logos. Logos is the ability to equal rational, logical, methodical thoughts and persuasions. As it relates to Obamas speech, examples of logos are found throughout the text. For example, by displaying objectivity, the element of logos is achieved.Senator Barack Obama methodically explains the problems with race within America, and he gives logical, reasoned colonisations to the problems. He explains, The anger of Blacks and the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away, nor has the anger and insolence of those years Later he offers resolution and states that the black community must(prenominal) embrace our past without becoming victims of our past (Obama, par. 34). Many African-Americans will identify with Obamas assessment of race within the African-American community, and they will be inspired to act in a imperative manner.Simultaneously, he acknowledges a similar anger withinthe white community. They feel theyve worked hard all their livesThey are anxious well-nigh their future, and they feel their dreams slipping away and resentment builds over date Furthermore, he offers resolution and urges that the white community must acknowledge that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people that the legacy of discrimination exists (Obama, par. 36).From these lines, the audience is persuaded to respond in a positive manner as well, and they are urged to approach the subject of racism both subjectively and objectively. Senator Obama recognizes the duality of both plights and asks the American people not to infernal each other but investigate and seek out the unfeigned reason of conflict within our nation. Thus, Obama is using in ductive and deductive reasoning, which is declaratory of logos. By utilizing Aristotles method and system, Obamas appeals to logic are beyond reproach.Once his reasons are defined, he states that this is the time that we must take action and near our future in concert, and Obama begins to preach on the importance of time. The issue of time and timing directly correlates with the classical rhetorical term kairos. Obama conveys time in a powerful fashion. In the beginning of his speech, he states, Two hundred and twenty one years ago our forefathersproduced a document that was eventually signed, but in the end unfinished.It was stained by the nations original sin of slavery that brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least 20 more years, and leave any net resolution to future generations (Obama, par. 3). Later, he explains how people often manipulate race to win political elections and prevent unity. Barack Obama speaks of the continual war between segments of our community. Then he states, But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now (Obama, par. 23).Furthermore, he acknowledges the complexities of race in America have never been re break upd. He urges Americans to come together and solve the challenges in America (Obama, par. 33). He persuades the audience to racial relations within America a priority. In summary, kairos is aggressively addressed and highlighted. The audience realizes that the problem at reach may have been ignored by our forefathers, but these problems must be addressed now. Toward the end, kairos reaches its peak of effectiveness. Obama states that what has been effectively dividing the races in the past will not happen againNot this time. This time we want to reproof to the highest degree crumbling schoolsThis time we want to reject the cynicismThis time we want to talk about healthcareThis time we want to talk about jobsThis time we want to talk about raceThis timeThis time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag (Obama, par. 40-41). From these lines, the audience feels the urgency of time the listeners realize that this time America must act.Obama effectually uses the sophistic rhetorical theories and concepts to ignite and unite the audience however, he also incorporates modern-day rhetorical theories and concepts as well. Specifically, Senator Obama utilizes the hierarchy of translation, analogy, cause and effect, and testimony of the 20th century rhetorician, Richard Weaver. In the introduction of Language Is Sermonic, the narrator summates Weaver as stating, Rhetoricis a positive act with consequences in the worldEvery utterance is an attempt to make others see the world in a particular way and accept the values implicit in that point of view (1348).Similarly, Obama desires to persuade the aud ience to see the world from a different perspective, a different lens. First, toward the beginning of the text, Obama defines the Black church. He states, Black churches across the country embody the community in its entiretythe doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the causality gang-bangerServices are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy bodily fluid Full of kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love as well as the bitterness and biases (Obama, par. 8). If one really looks closely at the definition, it is also a definition of America as well as the Black church. By explaining the sign within the Black church, he explains the polarity within America as a whole. In this way, Obama uses rhetoric in a positive way to impact his audience and highlights that every utterance is an attempt to make others see the world in a particular way through definition. Second, Weaver asserts, Rhetoric is the most important of all ends, the persuading of human beings to adopt right attitudes and act in response to them (1351).From these lines, one can examine Senator Obamas use of twentieth century rhetorical theories and concepts. Obama uses cause-and-effect by illustrating the history of racism within the United States (1354). He states We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that existed between the African-American community and the larger American community today can be traced directly to inequalities passed from an primarily generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow (Obama, par. 4). In essence, Obama is stating that the racism today has a sordid past in our history it can not be ignored, but it must be confronted, discussed, and acted upon. Obama is using this cause-and-effect to play on the emotions of his audience. Everyone is aware of the gru esome history, yet, as Weaver puts it, piece includes emotionality or the capacity to feel and suffer, to know pleasure (1352). From these lines, it is unequivocal that Senator Obama uses cause-and-effect to evoke an emotional response and sway the audience to his point of view.Furthermore, Barack Obama utilizes the elements depict by Stephen Toulmins The Uses of Argument. He uses the schema of the six components in analyzing arguments modifier gene, contain, data, warrant, backing, and rebuttal. The qualifier is the word or phrase that expresses the speakers degree of force or certainty concerning the claim (1418). Next, the claim is the conclusion whose merit must be established (1417). Then, the data is the fact we appeal to as a foundation for the claim (1417). The warrant is the statement authorizing our movement from the data to the claim (1419).