TOW #16 - Donald J. Trump's Inaugural Address

On January 20^th 2017, Donald J. Trump officially became the 45^th president of the United States. This fact angers some, worries some, yet excites others. It is a truth, whether favorable or adverse, that the people of the United States will have to, in some way shape or form, adjust to; not necessarily get used to, but adjust to. On January 20^th 2017, supporters and protesters lined Pennsylvania Avenue as Trump took the oath of honor, and give his inaugural speech. During his speech, addressing the entirety of “not-yet-great” nation, Trump employs anaphora and an allusion to religion in an attempt to bring unity. However, the question remains if he will do so. Using the anaphora of “we will bring back”, Trump states, “We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth, and we will bring back our dreams” (Trump). Prior to the inauguration, people wondered if President Trump would sound any different than candidate Trump. Although it is a matter of opinion, he proves the opposite here as he repeats “will”, implying a plan meant to persuade – something typical for a campaign. On the other hand, he does stress total unity by repeating “we”, referring to every individual of the United States. Going off this, Trump alludes to faith in god as he states, “The bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when god's people live together in unity" (Trump). Some Americans do not view Trump as a leader of unity as they read between the lines of his words. Despite the valuable lessons of the bible and Trump’s attitude toward them, there is a clear separation in the county due to his presidency. Currently, more than being classified as “great” or not, the United States is lacking middle ground, or in Trump’s words, unity. In other words, a strong fire that can bring people of varied opinions back together into a thriving nation; a strong fire that hopefully the new leader can create. 

Visual: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2017/01/20/JS118387253_AFP_TOPSHOT-US-President-Donald-Trump-spea-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqY1vlWu6X4ClJ13DpyYGHanCugcTyzyB-SXuPVffSvBI.jpgn 

"Thumbs for Unity or Separation?"

TOW #15 - Michelle Obama's 2016 DNC speech (text)

Knowing that the 2016 Presidential Election results were certainly disappointing for some, and at least unexpected, it is interesting to look back at the race, specifically the Democratic National Convention (DNC). During July 25^th through July 28^th, multiple powerful speeches were made at the DNC in support of Hillary Clinton, but one in particular, by first lady, Michelle Obama, highlights the country’s current strengths and well-bring for all people. In the speech, she employs a personal anecdote and resolute diction in order to emphasize the importance of selecting a leader that is fit for the children. Before jumping straight into her literal message, Michelle connects with the audience with a touching anecdote of her young daughters entering the spotlight. She says, “At the moment, I realized that our time in the White house would form the foundation of who they would become. And how well we manage this experience could truly make or break them” (Obama 4). Her words prepare the audience for a lead into Hillary Clinton, and the reasons why she will be best fit for the future. Without children, there is no future, something extremely difficult for any mother, even one as busy as Michelle, to imagine. Going off her quote, every child will be transformed in some way, partly dealing the country’s leader, so that leader must be strong. In addition, a resolute diction continues when Michelle reiterates, “And when I think about the kind of resident that I want for my girls and all our children, that is what I want. I want someone with the proven strength to preserve” (Obama 11). Hillary Clinton has the proven strength because she not only has raised a child herself, but has continued to raise the country’s children before and after the election race. Michelle wants a leader who can preserve, meaning keep the country stable, and the children innocent and intelligent, just as Michelle and her husband have tried to do since 2008. Thus, with a steady hand and clear thoughts, Michelle leads the country to another vital decision, a decision of the future.

Visual: https://theringer.com/why-michelle-obamas-dnc-speech-worked-so-well-ea6a13f279c9?gi=b53f723972e1 

 

Caption: "Preservation" 

TOW #14 - "The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" by Amy Schumer (IRB)

            Amy Schumer, American comedian, is best known for her raunchy stand-up, entailing hilariously inappropriate stories from her past; but what many do not know is that behind the vulgar humor, she is a quiet, small-town girl. In her autobiography, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, she recalls anecdotes from her past that are without a doubt laugh-out-loud. Specifically, in an early chapter entitled, I am an Introvert, Schumer explains why she is “the textbook definition” of one by employing an analogy and simile to playfully mock the introvert stereotype. Schumer begins to define an introvert using an analogy, where she says, “If you’re a true introvert, other people are basically energy vampires. You don’t hate them; you just have to be strategic about when you expose yourself to them – like the sun. They give you life, sure, but they can also burn you” (Schumer 15). Schumer compares introverts to vampires, and other people to the sun because a vampire does need some life, just as all people need others. However, at the the same time, some people value much alone time as it is a time of pure reflection and recuperation, two key aspects to writing an autobiography. In addition, shortly after, Schumer draws on the process of being an introvert and going to public events. Including a humorous simile, she states, “Usually I will find a corner to hide in and immediately begin haunting it like the girl from The Ring, just hoping no one will want to come talk to me” (Schumer 19). Again, Schumer compares an introvert to a frightening creature, which ties into the fact that society views most introverts as company-haters; to counter-act this negative persona, Schumer jokingly exaggerates it to a topic which all people can relate to – public events and horror movies. Therefore, as Schumer gets closer with her readers through personal experience, she also attempts to balance out how some people view introverts due to the fact that she is a proud one herself.

Visual: http://www.thewrap.com/amy-schumer-i-didnt-have-a-perfect-/



Caption: "The Girl Herself"