A More Perfect Union Rhetorical Analysis

Rhetorical Analysis (Essay #3)

In his speech “A More Perfect Union,” Barack Obama uses different types of rhetorical concepts to emphasize his views on the importance of unity in America in order to eradicate racism. The purpose of the speech was to address Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s (His former pastor) racial comment, and to encourage people to form “A More Perfect Union”. The speech is effective because Obama uses ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade the audience to come together as one nation, regardless of any differences, to put an end to racist thinking and racism in America.

Obama‘s speech accentuates the significance of unity in a divisive multi-cultural country in expectancy of his election. He explains that the goals of the founding fathers were to establish unity but that these goals have not been met for generations. Obama uses his own experience to show that he too has been through racism. He states, “At various stages in the

campaign, some commentators have judged him as either ‘too black’ or ‘not black enough’ ” (555). Obama’s personal experience of racism influences the audience’s perception of America and heightens the awareness of racist thinking by a small percentage of White Americans. He told his story because he wants the audience to know that the country is still a long way from eradicating racism. Even though the nation has made great strides over the years, there’s still ample work to be done. The use of his personal experience made Obama’s speech thought-provoking and influential indicating the need for the nation to come together as one human race.
Obama also used ethos to gain the audience’s trust and eventually vote, by giving a autobiography that in some form relates to everyone in the room. He states, “I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas…I am a married to a black woman who carries within her the blood of a slave and slave owners… have brothers ,sisters ,nieces ,nephews, uncles and cousins , of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents” (555). By telling his family history, Obama uses himself as an example in the racial history of America. Showing that his parents are from different race and he was raised in a time were racism was paramount; yet, he also received two college degrees in two of the best universities in America. In essence, Obama shows why and how he has an authority on race, and as such is qualified to make his claims. He also conveys that no matter where one is from or what genetic make-up one possesses, anything is possible in the land of opportunities. By giving his autobiography, Obama is able to create a personal connection between the audience and himself which enables him to gains ethos. The audience would be more likely to trust Obama if they feel they can connect with him on a more personal level.
To further establish a connection with the audience, Obama uses pathos through the expression of anger.

Pathos is the use emotions to influence the audience. He states, “This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of Black children and White children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children…and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, and every walk of life” (563). By making these problems evident, Obama appeals to the emotions of the audience by making them feel compassionate towards the children of America and the struggles that they face. He intelligently makes no distinction based on race regarding the education of children. Being able to talk about education in this way, influences the audience to believe that Obama will fight for their children’s education, regardless of race. Obama also uses this appeal to the audience’s emotions to create a sense of unity that he hopes would motivate them to change

America.
In conjunction with using ethos and pathos, Obama also uses logos to persuade the audience. Logos is the ability to use reasoning to convince the audience. Obama discusses the problem with race in America, and he provides logical solutions to tackle this problem. Obama states that “a similar anger exist within segments of the white community…They are anxious about their future, and feel their dreams slipping away…resentment builds over time” (560-561). Furthermore, Obama recommended some ways to fix this problem by suggesting that the white community must take into consideration the discrimination that black people face are real and must be addressed. Obama also suggests that all Americans should invest in the country regardless of what race they are from because on the long-run it would be beneficial in the progress of America (562). From these lines, the audience is convinced to react in a more positive way and encouraged to tackle the issue of racism from a subjective and objective standpoint.

In conclusion, Obama effectively discusses the issue of race and uses logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and his personal experiences to persuade the audience to develop unity among one another regardless of their race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Obama hopes to have a positive impact on racism and to encourage the audience to move forward from the negativity of the past. He understands that this country has come a very long way to make significant strides in accepting minorities and celebrating cultural diversities. We have a long way to go to change the mindset of those who still believe White is superior to Black. His personal experience of being judged by his skin tone showed Americans how judgmental and race-obsessed the country is, and it also inspired them to forgo those racial thoughts and embrace each other because we are all from one human race representing the United States of America.