“Make
America Great Again” was the promise that President-elect, Donald Trump, made
throughout his campaign. With Trump winning the election, the country has split
between those who look forward to his presidency, and those who despise it.
Either way, the question remains if the promise will be ensued. In his
Presidential Acceptance Speech given in the early morning of November 9th,
2016, in New York City, Trump presents an uplifting diction and anaphora to
show that “A Great America” can and will be achieved. Trump uses his diction to
try and unite not only the direct crowd, but his audience, the American people;
he uses terms such as “united” and “all”, referring to everyone. This message
contradicts with the rather discriminatory arguments he made during the
campaign, and is viewed as a shocking welcome to the nation. Furthermore, in
reference to his slogan, Trump says, “Nothing we want for our future is beyond
our reach” (Trump). Trump’s uplifting spirit riots the crowd because every
American looks forward to a positive future, and those who cheered believed
that Trump can create that. He uses “we” to counteract his past statements,
possibly seeking forgiveness, and in an attempt to unify the nation. Trump’s
attitude continues as he uses anaphora to give brief plans of what he and his
nation are to do in order to make the country “Great Again.” Expanding on this,
he says, “We’re going to get to work immediately for the American people […] we’re
going to be doing a job, that hopefully, you will be so proud of” (Trump).
Here, “we” refers to those who will work directly with Trump, while “you”
refers to those who embrace the idea of that work being done. The repetition of
“going to” is meant to prove that Trump has a plan, and is ready to take
action. Therefore, Trump did achieve the immediate purpose of promising greatness
to the country, but the outcome of this grueling process is much yet to be
awaited.
Visual: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/over-simulated/201107/future-nostalgia-and-defensively-using-the-instant-moment
Caption: "The future of our country... awaits"
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