Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, and Amanda Gorman, the inaugural poet of the Biden presidency, both use powerful rhetoric in their respective works to convey messages of hope, resilience, and the need for collective action. While they address similar themes of unity and progress, their styles and approaches exhibit distinct differences rooted in their contexts and audiences.
Similarities:
Both Mottley and Gorman emphasize the importance of unity and collective effort in their messages. Mottley, in her speech at the UN Climate Change Summit (COP26), calls for nations to come together to combat the imminent threat of climate change, stating, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.” This rhetorical strategy emphasizes shared responsibility and urges immediate action, reinforcing the idea that change must arise from a united global community.
Gorman echoes this sentiment in her poem "The Hill We Climb," where she asserts, “We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be.” This line speaks to the importance of progress and collective action in overcoming past division and strife. Both speakers recognize the necessity of a collaborative effort in realizing a hopeful future.
Differences:
Despite these similarities, Mottley and Gorman diverge in their rhetorical approaches. Mottley employs a pragmatic tone, using factual and moral appeals to underscore the urgent need for climate action. She states, “Every country in the world will suffer. We are unable to take for granted that there will always be a tomorrow.” Here, she presents a stark warning that combines emotional urgency with concrete consequences, making her appeal both urgent and grounded in reality.
In contrast, Gorman’s style is more poetic and abstract. Her use of metaphor and vivid imagery gives her message an optimistic and aspirational quality. For instance, she describes a “nation that isn't broken, but simply unfinished,” which conveys hopefulness, suggesting that while issues exist, there is potential for growth and healing. Gorman’s language creates a sense of poetic inspiration that uplifts, serving to galvanize her audience toward a brighter vision rather than presenting a stark urgency, as seen in Mottley’s rhetoric.
Conclusion:
In summary, both Mottley and Gorman advocate for unity and action in the face of significant challenges, using their unique rhetorical strategies to engage their audiences. Mottley's rhetoric is rooted in urgency and pragmatism, urging immediate action against climate change, while Gorman's poetic approach is one of hopeful aspiration, calling for communal resilience and progress. Together, they illustrate how different rhetorical styles can effectively convey powerful messages about the need for collective action in addressing pressing global issues.