Analyzing The Statue Of Rosa Parks

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Rosa Parks is one of the most prominent and recognized members of the Civil Rights Movement due to her refusal to give up her seat to a white man. In 2013, a statue was raised in the White House to acknowledge her contributions to society. To dedicate the statue, former President Barack Obama commemorates Parks by conveying the bravery of her actions, displaying the positive effects caused by her determination, and explaining how she inspired others in order to urge his audience of fellow Americans to carry on her legacy by standing up for what they believe is right. To commence his speech, Obama speaks about the lack of traditional power and status that Rosa Parks held. He states that "Rose Parks held no elected office. She possessed no fortune; …show more content…

This made it very risky for her to proudly display her opinion, but she did it anyway in order to make change. Although she did not have any “traditional” form of power, she created her own definition of power by inspiring a nation to change the way it operated to foster a better life for those who were discriminated against. Thus, convincing the audience that Parks’ is deserving of her statue due to her valor. Obama then goes on to explain that when Rosa Parks was threatened with arrest after refusing to give up her seat, all she stated was "You may do that." This sentence portrays Parks as someone who is calm in times where others display fear or rage. Parks did not fear the repercussions of her actions because she knew that what she did rebelled against an unjust system and she would be able to make change by doing so. Her lack of fear reveals to the people around her that she will stay loyal to what she believes in no matter what consequences she may face, and her composure reveals that she is fit to lead a

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