A More Perfect Union: Usage of Ethos, Logos, Pathos

A More Perfect Union: Usage of Ethos, Logos, Pathos

Throughout our history race, religion, and culture have split the U.S. ever since our framers defined our constitution. Since then we can find many examples which break us apart but also characterizes us as Americans. Even in today’s society, sometimes individuals tend to look at others who do not look similar to themselves as an inferior species. Due to these acts of racism and other prejudices against those individuals, many people have raised their voices and agreed that it is time to stop these immoral acts which only break us apart. In March 28, 2008 Senator Barack Obama addressed the nation with one of the greatest speeches ever given; it was not only a wake up call for America but also a starting of a new era. In “A More Perfect Union”, Senator Obama uses ethos, logos, and pathos to persuade Americans to forget the past and start a new chapter as a unified America.

One of the reasons why Obama was able to deliver his speech with success was the accurate use of ethos. He begins by telling his “American story” where he states that “[he is] the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. [He] was raised with the help of a white grandfather who... [served] in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line...” (1-2). The mention of his background as coming from a black and a white parent helps to set his claim. This claim implies that, since he has the blood of both races, he represents an ideal individual to direct a new era in American history that will be remembered as one of total union. Flawlessly combining into his claim about unity, this example serves to establish a name for his family as being well involved in historical periods of changes in America such as the World War II. He later on mentions that “[his] faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds … if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union” (6-7). With this information in mind and the words God and faith, the audience which are largely faith based characters, can relate to Obama, which establishes his character and gives him more credibility.

On the other hand, Obama brings up an issue that he is currently being attacked with: his association with Reverend Jeremiah Wright who in one of his sermons heatedly shouted “God damn America”. Many individuals believe the context for this controversial remark relies on the background of Reverend Wright. Senator Obama with sympathy brings up Wright’s background “the reality in which Rev. Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted....Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years” (Kessler). Obama gives a reason to Reverend Wright’s controversial statement by describing the tought times which “the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation” went throught. With Reverend Wright’s background, Obama without a flaw empahzies the distinction and contrast between himself and Reverend Wright’s ideals. Nevertheless the mass media and his Democratic and Republican opponents have done everything possible to give him a bad reputation because of his connection with Reverend Wright. According to George Lakoff, Obama “is taking on a media that has been especially underhanded with him, helping the Right spread guilt by association by showing the Reverend Wright’s snippets over and over again” (3). When Obama brings this issue up he reminds his audience that “[He] already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy” (2). By stating the fact that he completely disagrees with Reverend Wright’s statement, he says “As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children” (2). Many individuals believe that this statement changed the perspective of people that do not like him to start liking him. He is not only criticizing Reverend Wright