"Obama's Speech at Selma, 2015" by Barack Obama As is true across the landscape of American history, we cannot examine this moment in isolation. The march on Selma was part of a broader campaign that spanned generations; the leaders that day part of a long line of heroes. We gather here to celebrate them. We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans willing to endure billy clubs and the chastening rod; tear gas and the trampling hoof; men and women who despite the gush of blood and splintered bone would stay true to their North Star and keep marching towards justice. Analyze two words from the passage and explain how their connotation clarifies the author’s point of view. Include a summary of the author’s point of view in your response.

Question

"Obama's Speech at Selma, 2015" by Barack Obama As is true across the landscape of American history, we cannot examine this moment in isolation. The march on Selma was part of a broader campaign that spanned generations; the leaders that day part of a long line of heroes. We gather here to celebrate them. We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans willing to endure billy clubs and the chastening rod; tear gas and the trampling hoof; men and women who despite the gush of blood and splintered bone would stay true to their North Star and keep marching towards justice.                               Analyze two words from the passage and explain how their connotation clarifies the author’s point of view. Include a summary of the author’s point of view in your response.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

In Barack Obama’s speech at Selma in 2015, two words that stand out are "courage" and "heroes."

Courage: The connotation of "courage" reflects a deep admiration for the individuals who participated in the march and faced immense adversity. This word evokes feelings of bravery and selflessness, highlighting that these individuals stood up for justice despite the violence and oppression they encountered. By emphasizing "courage," Obama underscores the moral and ethical strength of those marchers, framing their actions as one of profound importance in the broader civil rights movement. It illustrates his view that the pursuit of justice is not merely an act of defiance but a noble endeavor requiring immense personal strength.

Heroes: The term "heroes" carries a strong connotation of reverence and valor. It implies that those who marched were not just ordinary individuals, but exemplary figures who made significant sacrifices for the collective good. This word choice elevates their actions to a larger-than-life status, suggesting that their courage should be celebrated and that they lie at the heart of American morality. By referring to these individuals as "heroes," Obama positions their struggle as a pivotal moment in American history, reinforcing the notion that their fight for equality and justice is an integral part of the national narrative.

Summary of Author’s Point of View: Obama’s speech conveys a deep respect for the legacy of the civil rights movement and a commitment to honoring those who fought for justice and equality. He views those who marched at Selma as courageous heroes whose sacrifices should never be forgotten. By framing their actions as part of a broader historical struggle, he emphasizes the ongoing relevance of their fight and the need for continued vigilance in the pursuit of justice.