In a recent speech given by President Barack Obama, the
importance of controlling guns in a responsible way in order to better the
future for the children of America was addressed. Through usage of anaphora and
comparison of events, Obama is able to rally citizens from all different
backgrounds towards one common concern- gun violence. He addresses all Americans,
proving to them the significance they hold in this cause towards a safer,
happier United States of America. As he grasps the reins on the country he
places a responsibility on citizens and the government alike, enforcing the
seriousness of guns and what needs to be done in order to save the lives of
many.
By appealing to the country as a whole, and not a
specific and individual group of people, Obama is able to grab the attention of
a much wider audience. By repeating the words "All of us" several
times throughout the speech, it is clear that in order for gun violence to be
stopped it will take the power of millions of hard-working Americans. Whether
they are white, black, mixed, gun users, or gun manufacturers, it is going to
take the cooperation of all in order for a change to be made.
Additionally, Obama compares the issue of gun control to
several other important events in American history in order to further appeal
to different groups and gain their attention. He is aware of the fact that
change is not going to happen overnight, just like how change didn't happen
overnight for other events in our history. "The liberation of
African-Americans didn't happen overnight. Advancing the rights of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans has taken decades' worth of
work," and meeting the crisis of gun violence will require the same
determination and focus. He highlights different key moments in history that
represent American democracy, illustrating the need for everyone to come
together once more and battle the issue on gun control.
President Obama recognizes how heavily
this issue relies on the support of the country; without their support nothing
can possibly be done. Every single individual citizen has a role to play. It is
their job to acknowledge their part in making the country a better place. In
appealing to their passions and backgrounds through repetitious anaphora and
comparison, Obama takes a strict stand against the unruly powers of guns.
Obama, Barack. "Barack Obama: Guns Are Our Shared Responsibility." The New York Times. The New York Times, 07 Jan. 2016. Web. 10 Jan. 2016.
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