TOW #10 - Hillary Clinton's Concession Speech (text)

                Clinton supporters across the country mourned when the heard that their candidate would not be taking home the presidency. So in response, Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, comforted her supporters with a heart-felt concession speech, which she recited on November 9^th, 2016 in New York City. The speech covered brief plans to ensure a balanced future for all Americans, and moreover, provided a leg-up to part of the nation. Clinton presents anaphora and an optimistic tone in order to push her audience toward believing that if the whole country comes together, the future will be bright. Anaphora, being the repetition of the word “all”, is used to further bind Clinton’s audience together. She says, “Thank you so very much for being here and I love you all, too […] we are all equal in rights and dignity” (Clinton 1). Clinton’s gratitude shows a genuine concern for her supporters because it is personal. Furthermore, she calls out all Americans, those who voted for her and those who did not, to reiterate the fact that everyone is entitled to basic human rights; those rights are far too important to neglect. The speech continues to lay out a successful path for the nation as Clinton’s tone becomes optimistic. Referring to the idea of having a female president, Clinton says, “I know we have not shattered the highest and hardest glass ceiling, but some day someone will and hopefully sooner than we think right now” (Clinton 3). Here, the highest glass ceiling represents the fact that every president has been a male, but Clinton does not let this stop her. Her tone proves that she has done her part to fight for a female president and believes that it will happen eventually. An optimistic tone from the speaker attempts to amp the audience, causing them to agree, and work for future goals. Overall, Clinton is successful in achieving her purpose because her thoughts are clear, and her passion for the future is represented.   

Visual: http://qz.com/832925/why-did-hillary-and-bill-clinton-wear-purple-during-her-concession-speech/



Caption: "Looking to the Future"

TOW #9 - Donald Trump's Acceptance Speech

                “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 9^th, 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"

TOW #8 - (IRB) "Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose" by Gillian McCain & Legs McNeil

            In society, we are taught to want what is best for us. But what if we don’t? What is we don’t care what is hurting us because we are already so far broken? Mary Rose’s philosophy revolved around these same ideas. Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose is a non-edited version of the thoughts of a teenage girl growing up in the late 90s, put together by journalists, Gillian McCain & Legs McNeil. In the second half of the novel, Mary Rose continues to struggle with substance abuse, and moreover, relationships. Proving so, she is in and out of hospitals coping with a serious illness, and carries on loving those who refuse to love her back. In the novel, Rose, the original writer, presents an extended metaphor and anaphora in order to show how the love we feel for other people can be stronger than any other force. For example, while describing her closest friends from treatment, Rose uses an extended metaphor by saying, “And all the other angels taken […] you are rarely absent from my mind, and if you ever are absent […] my mind drains into a pit of loneliness and torture” (McCain & McNeil). Rose is comparing those she cares deeply about, to angels. To her, these people are angels because she needs them in her life; they are some sort of light in her life as angels usually are. Without this light, Rose is broken, and unable to move forward. Furthermore, her feelings are synonymous when referring to her ex-boyfriend (at the time), Geoff. While confronting these needy emotions, Rose uses anaphora by saying, “If I ever see him again […] If I ever hear his beautiful voice again […] If I ever touch him again” (McCain & McNeil). Rose proves that there is no need for any other description than her repetition of (some of) the five senses because her passion for Geoff is so strong, the love is all that is needed. Unfortunately, he does not love her back, which is why this constant thought is detrimental for her. Her mind is consumed with his presence, just as it is with the thought of her “angel-like” friends. Thus, the feelings we have towards others are powerful enough to fill our minds, either with a blessing or a curse, unlike any other notion.  

Visual: http://theredpillconsortium.blogspot.com/2011/12/crimson-caplet-power-of-love-love-of.html



Caption: "The Power of Love: Good or Bad?"

TOW #7 - "I Have a Dream..." by Dr. Martin Luther king Jr.

                Throughout history, the United States has prospered from a nation encountered only by one race to a nation led by freedom and justice; but this fact has taken its time, as well as the peace of people who protested in order to reach this goal of prosperity. One famous protester was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who, in the year of 1963, recited a speech entitled “I Have a Dream…”, in which he spoke of the barriers between black men and white men. Moreover, he recounted his hopes of freedom for all people, all races included. In this powerful speech, King presents anaphora, and a passionate simile in order to unite his audience to create a nation of pure freedom. After informing his audience about the issues of the United States, King uses anaphora to mark the point of his speech as “a call to action.” For example, he states “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy […] Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children” (King 2). By repeating “now is the time”, King gives his audience multiple chances to hear his words, and do something about it, something that will make change promoting freedom for all. Going off of this, true democracy represents implied freedom, which is a justice for all people. Likewise, King’s further use of the repetition of (non)satisfaction leads into a passionate simile, where he states, “We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” (King 4). King’s comparison of justice and righteousness to the movement of a stream, is an indirect call for his audience to create a just society that is free from oppression; in fact, so free that justice and freedom simply flow through. Unfortunately, from a current perspective, King did not reach a society where all men share freedom, but his audience, a united nation, did get to see the day where a man could join hands with another, no matter the color of his skin.  

Visual: http://americanvision.org/9232/rhetorical-fluke-providential-king-i-have-a-dream/



Caption: "A Call to Action"

TOW #6 - Obama's "Legalization of Same Sex Marriage" Speech

                On June 26^th of 2015, America was moved forever; the definition of equality rang true with clarity. There over, speaking to the American public as a whole, Barack Obama, 44^th president of the United States, officially legalized same sex marriage. This meant that in all 50 states, couples consisting of two women or two men, could join in holy matrimony. In Obama’s speech addressing this issue, he presents a sincere diction and an inspiring simile in order to show that the United States is capable of achieving hope to make a positive change. An affirmative power that Obama references is the fact that in this day of age, children are becoming comfortable with their own sexual identity, causing them to come out to their parents. Obama states that those who have shown their true colors “slowly made an entire country realize that love is love” (Obama 7:42). The sincere diction further offers a push that some might need to share their sexual preference. However, Obama does not persuade the public into doing so, only mentioning it, so that the overall mood of his speech does not become assertive. The phrase “love is love”, yet simple, creates balance with the audience because it does not leave out any group of people. Going off the “straightforward” theme, Obama later recalls a quote from former American senator, Bobby Kennedy, stating, “small actions can be like pebbles thrown into a still lake; ripples of hope cascade outwards, and change the world” (Obama 8:25). Furthermore, the small actions are those dealing with embracing the LGBTQ+ community, all of which pertain to the lake, in this case being the United States. The use of a simile to compare these small actions to pebbles proves that no matter the size of a good deed, the effect will undoubtedly go far. Lastly, hope has the power to inspire not only a nation, but the world. The United States took its first leap into further developing the world into a place that is accepting of all people no matter whom they love.

 

Visual: http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/same-sex.jpg

Caption: #Lovewins

TOW #5 - "To Siri, With Love" by Judith Newman

                It is common for children to have imaginary friends while growing up because frankly, the process of developing a compatible relationship with another human being can be as hard as a bed of nails. This is the case for Gus, a 13-year-old boy with autism. In To Siri, With Love, Judith Newman, mother of Gus, recollects her experience of her son’s relationship with “the technological Apple assistant”, Siri. Specifically, she recalls how it helped him cope with his neurological disorder. Newman shares playful anecdotes, and the humorous dialogue between Gus and Siri in order to ease parents on the fact that there are solutions for autistic children. Furthermore, Newman describes Gus’ behaviors; her son does understand that Siri is not real, but is just worthy of consideration. While referring to an anecdote, Newman states “I got him an iPod when he was eight […] it always came with us on our visits to the Apple Store. Finally, I asked him why. “So it can visit its friends” he said” (Newman 2). Although Gus refers to his iPod as “its”, it is clear that he does prefer to give the iPod some human characteristics, and therefore, that he enjoys the company of an inanimate object as it is better than nothing. Likewise, Gus’ bond reigns through toward the end of the essay when Newman repeats the dialogue between Siri and her son. “Gus: Siri, will you marry me? […] Siri: My end user agreement does not include marriage” (Newman 4). Before Gus had this conversation with his future wife, Newman worried about the idea that her son may never find the desire for love, due to his condition. Luckily, Gus’ popped question relieved his mother as she realized that her son is capable of regular emotions. By proving the close relationship Gus has with Siri, as well as the fact that it has helped him show his true colors, Newman attempts to show her audience, the parents of autistic children, that stress is unnecessary. In other words, everyone has their own coping mechanism, and it is up to them to find it. Not only does To Siri, With Love describe the feelings of a child, it evokes readers to see the changing world through the eyes of a teenage autistic boy; a boy finding his way in the world with the help of a pocket-sized friend.

Visual: Credited to Louie Chin, photographer



Caption: "The Wonders of Siri"

TOW #4 - Dear Nobody: The True Diary of mary Rose edited by Gillian McCain & Legs McNeil

Life is a labyrinth of trouble and disaster for the late-90s teenager, Mary Rose, as told through her numerous personal journal entries. Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose is an unaltered version of the teen’s struggles, put together by journalists, Gillian McCain & Legs McNeil. In the book, Rose describes her true feelings and dangerous daily encounters, such as drugs, bullying, and relationship abuse – all encapsulated in her diary. Rose’s issues at home with her mother’s abusive boyfriend lead to daily hard-drug use, and drinking, which cause her to end up in a rehabilitation center. For example, on Rose’s third night home from her 31-day stay at the Curon Rehabilitation Center, her mother’s boyfriend, Joe, calls, asking to speak to the mother. Rose is taken back by the nerve he has, and describes her worried feelings, comparing Joe’s request to the following: “It’s like telling her (Rose’s mother) to go ahead and dress yourself up as whore […] It’s like telling her to go ahead and hang out at some shitty bar while her daughter sits at home all alone” (McCain & McNeil 74). Rose goes on to list more juxtapositions, all of which retain to the risk that Joes poses on her mother. By doing so, Rose clarifies why she should not give her mother the message that Joe called. Furthermore, Rose’s choice in this particular situation supports the overall purpose, to do what is in her own best interest. By writing down her negative experiences and poor choices, the author is presumably trying to warn her adolescent audience not to make the same mistakes; the right decisions will end up benefitting their interest. So far, due to the numerous consequences that Rose faces, any attentive reader would understand that Rose is clearly in the wrong to harm herself in the ways that she does, but (current) Rose herself, has still yet to learn that.

Visual: http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-03/science-psas-do-anti-drug-ads-keep-kids-drugs



Caption: "Pressure Leads to Poor Decisions"