Obama Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Through capturing these events and images in the minds of his audience, Obama writes, “Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world” (14). Obama’s references of biblical and historical events which are known today from history as powerful stories of difficulty and perseverance is used to describe the struggles of racial inequality. As racial inequality itself is a huge problem which creates separation between races even till today, Obama’s allusion to these events match well with putting into perspective

what it has been like in the struggle for equality in America. Additionally, while other allusions are present in Obama writing these two examples reflect Obama’s well-crafted writing abilities and how he prior to his presentation wanted to write his speech.
Obama’s usage of antanagoge is important to note when he speaks on his past affiliations with Reverend Wright and what most would consider pre dominantly black churches that share the perspective of African Americans and their views of America. Noting that his connection to Wright was “twenty years ago” (13), Obama’s answers pertaining to Wright have both criticism in discouraging what Wright has said in his more extreme views of American, however, also compliment the good which Wright has done over the years through his care and support of others. As Obama explains his relationship with Wright, he praises Wright’s activities such as “housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.“(13). While Obama states he does not share the same views as Wright and condemn Wright’s views, Obama does speak on the positive things during his years with Wright which he has seen.
It can be noted that Obama’s compliments of Wright reflect more positive aspects in Wright’s character, which Obama through his mentions of those who came before in previous decades who never experienced the “American dream” (26) and were “defeated by discrimination” (26) give reasons for why certain individuals have more extreme views in race relations. Through this explanation Obama provides an answer for Wright’s views, however, does not support them, but more so compliment the good Wright has done for others and the community. This is an important section in Obama’s speech as much of his criticism at the time was his past affiliation to Wright, which in some minds provoked questions pertaining to Obama’s character
While metaphors can be identified in Obama’s speech, one notable passage that reflects the state of racial issues in America for blacks is found in Obama’s references of black churches and what they embody for some people on Sunday’s. As Obama writes, “And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews.” (27). Here the comparison is that the frustrations which black people have endured over the years due to discrimination through the many aspects of American society, is something which on Sunday mornings can be expressed by some, as the bitterness and anger people have can surface. This is an interesting statement by Obama pertaining to why it would be Sunday, however, Sunday happens to be, as it is a common belief, the day when most people socialize with family and friends.
This is an important metaphor made by Obama because what he initially is saying is that peoples inner feelings towards other races is not something which gets expressed publicly but more so in specific environments. This expression of anger is not only a black thing but it is also similar for white people because even if it is hidden the reality of the matter is that many people in America regardless of race share a common resentment towards one another. However, as Obama goes on to explain this form of attitude is something that Americans need to leave in the past because in creating a better future this form of mentality, which makes another race the cause ones problem, is just not the reality. By this explanation Obama is then able to direct the audience’s attention towards the real problems which need a resolution such as the political, economic, and government aspects of American society and culture.
Examining Obama’s speech and its rhetorical context to see and analyze how Obama structured his letter, again, can reflect his televised speech in its entirety and purpose. Beginning with Obama’s purpose or aim in writing his speech. It can be identified that Obama’s reason for writing the speech is to speak on ethical and racial issues in America. In Obama’s speech he intends to explore and explain the racial issues that exist in the country. By explaining racial issues that has existed both historically and in the present time, Obama’s intentions to do so can be identified by his attempts of persuasion in which he attempts to gain the audiences support. Obama’s views while they contain no bias in this particular content, however, does contain a pro approach to fighting racial injustices and inequality as he reminds the audience his intentions as president is to bring change and attempt to find a solution for much of the economic, social, and racial problems in America. Additionally, Obama’s speech is objective towards the intentions of the media, as he criticize the media’s involvement in creating stories and headlines that are not entirely factual by calling headlines of him a “distraction” that keep people from thinking about solutions and answers the country needs.
While those in attendance are the ones who physically viewed Obama’s televised presentation, however, Obama’s speech in a larger perspective was written for the American public and voters of the election during that time in America. Obama’s speech is well timed as Obama’s serious candidacy for president and recent criticism from critics on many things required him to address the American public sooner or later. In his speech a segment of Obama’s speech was to addresses his affiliations to a more controversial recent event in which he answered no serious ties or any similarities in views with Reverend Wright. Nevertheless, Obama’s direction and approach on the issue was more subtle as he breaks off in his speech to go and speak on a bigger cause, being the difficulties experienced by many black people in prior decades, ultimately, which has left them with a bitter view of America.
Obama’s overall purpose for his speech, as it is similar to his campaign slogan, at the time revolving around the word “change” was to remind his audience that racial inequality and economic problems still exists and they need think about how these problems can be resolved for future generations instead of ignored. In a passage Obama writes, “The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.”(35). This line can reflect much of what Obama’s speech intends to highlight as he reminds the audience through caring for another and one’s communities a real change can happen, which will not divide people, but bring them together in working towards building better healthcare, jobs, and education. Understanding that Obama’s speech is in different segments each which speak on a specific topic, however, through analysis Obama’s overall tone in his speech can be identified as being resistant. The reason for this would be that Obama in steps, first resonates in peoples’ memories and understanding of the problems that exist in America, which he then secondly redefines and attempts provide solutions for. Through this Obama is able to promote his to audience think about moving forward instead of thinking about the same things which never provide any real resolutions.
Achieving a positive reaction from his audience through his speech which tackles various issues pertaining to ethics and politics.

Obama is able to gain his listeners’ ears because of his clear and effective writing. In Obama’s writing various elements of rhetorical framework create a strong and persuasive argument that Obama is able to present in grabbing his audience’s attention and consideration. Seen through his writing, Obama’s use of rhetorical appeals, devices, and context create an in-depth look into the problem of the racial divide which still exist today. In writing an effective argument, Obama employ’s through rhetoric’s personal experience, historical events, religion, and the current state of things, which he asks his audience think more about. By noting that the problems of America as a whole is a problem that every citizen shares and not a problem that exist individually for different races. Obama is able to have his audience focus on the real issues Americans face moving forward. Ultimately, as it is seen prior before the speech was published and given, Obama’s intent on the direction and how his speech would be formed, along with writing techniques that were used to craft the speech, all reveal his personal knowledge of rhetoric’s and ability to write a persuasive argument. Through his speech Obama is easily able to dismisses his critics and do what he intended to do, being that he wants his audience to focus their attention on to the more serious problems that remain unsolved for American

citizens.