Political Rhetoric: Barack Obamas Inauguration Speech - Essay Example

Political Rhetoric: Barack Obama’s Inauguration Speech Language is plays a very vital role among politicians and is the most superfluous users of language. Politicians can use language for both good and bad purposes. These bring about the proper use and miss use of language in politics. As George Orwell once said in his book,‘ Why I write’, “Language use in politics changes lies to truth and simplifies murder to appear solid and pure. Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States of America. He was sworn in on January 20, 2009. About 1.8 million people attended the ceremonies in Washington, DC (William). However, as reported, due to high traffic volume at that particular moment, some people who had tickets to the ceremony could not get through in time. The guards closed the gates at 11:30 AM; and after that, no one could be allowed onto the grounds. The inauguration ceremony cost the US government about $75 million. This included transportation, communication, and law enforcement services. President Obama retook the oath the following day at the White House; this is because some of the words were mixed up when he was sworn in on his inauguration day. Obama made this historic speech on his inauguration day. His audience was largely the American citizens. In his inauguration speech, Obama thanks his immediate predecessor and also mentions the other presidents who have been there before him and had taken the same oath of office as he has just taken before a massive crowd just like him. Obama then talks about the crises that America was facing during those times. The crises he mentioned included war forged on hatred and violence, a weakened economy due to irresponsible behavior and greed among the people, lost homes, shed jobs, shuttered businesses, the healthcare is too costly and failing schools (Anna). Obama then assures Americans that his government will overcome these challenges although it will take time. He says that America has to continue with the legacy of the people (men and women) who fought for America with their sweat and blood. He assures America that workers will workers will be no less productive, minds will be no less inventive, America’s goods and services will be no less needed, America’s will remain undiminished and better decisions will be made. In addition, he says many questions may be asked about the capability of America’s government, the answer he gave is that his government is too superb and it is doing good work aimed at restoring trust between the government and her people. According to him, America’s security and safety will not be compared with ideals. Human rights will also be a major factor to be considered. Obama’s government will promote among its citizens regardless of their religion, race or ability, America will be a home for all as he said. Obama pledged that his government will help and work close with poor nations in order to assist them improve their economy. He also requested other nations of same caliber as America to work with him in this endeavor. Obama acknowledged the military that is fighting on behalf of all the Americans. As he conclude his speech, Obama urged Americans to remember their past, the good and the bad because it the past of a nation that defines its future (William). As we observe from Obama’s inauguration speech, we can sample the political language that he uses, whether it’s for a good reason or a bad one. While some manipulative usage of political language can be condoned to a certain level and it is not accepted in palpable power oriented reasons. Thus, a true politicians regardless of someone’s ideology, is known to be a statesman, whose interest circulates around their constituents’ well-being and their welfare and does not consider attenuation of as much power as they can (William). Considering his speech, Obama exhibits this trait of a true politician and a statesman because he seems to care much about his subjects the Americans. He says, “As we consider our role, we remember the brave Americans who frequently patrol distant mountains and deserts. This means that they are heroes and have something to share with us like the heroes in Arlington who whispered through the ages. They are honored for their embodiment of spirit of service. That is, they are willing to fight for their nation and have something great. And also to distance himself from battle for power and corruption which some politicians desire, he says this to such kind of leaders” (Anna). It is also observed that politicians who clinch political seats forcefully should know that they are living in an ideal world and should keep history right. In an ideal world, the people who give politicians their jobs must be protected, not isolated. There are many examples worldwide where we can see clearly how political elites have manipulating people’s perceptions to retain their status quo. Obama does not show this trait in his inauguration speech. On the contrary, he uses the power of language to foster peace among the citizens of America. To stress on this, he says, “We have varied religious doctrines such as Christians, Jews, Non-believers, Hindus and Muslims. We are shaped by culture and language from all parts of the world. Historically, we have encountered segregation and civil war where we have evolved from the dark chapters and become united. Thus, we believe that one day hatred will be dispelled. We are therefore entitled to embrace a common humanity and America will be the first country to usher in peace. (William). From his speech, we also see how president Obama uses language to enlighten his people about America, its history, challenges and crises it is facing to enable its citizens plan their future besides giving them hope. For example, he says, “it therefore means that there is more to be done as such; state should embrace bold a nd swift actions. We will act to create new foundations and jobs for growth. This will involve construction of electric grids, roads and digital lines for commercial purposes. We will dwell more on science and aid in raising the quality and health standards. The sun and wind will also be helpful in running our companies and cars. More so, we will transform our education: colleges and universities to entail and include demands for the new age. We will accomplish all this successfully. (Institute for Propaganda Analysis). Barack Obama therefore has shown how optimism can be an inspiration to “a nation in distress” elevates hope and encourages in making meaningful change (Institute for Propaganda Analysis). His method has been effective on Americans to a larger extent the whole world. Let us all try to understand the ruling elite’s tendency in use of language to attain political goal, this is because it is only in this way that we will be able to an awareness of politician’s agenda, both out in the open and hidden ones. All in all we live in democracy based on the mediocre majority, as said by Aristotle. Such a claim of mediocrity is only able to be verified with time. If a politician introduces a term, we have to listen to our conscience the think about it. Works Cited Institute for Propaganda Analysis. How to Detect Propaganda. Web 4 March 2013. William, Lutz. Doubts About Doublespeak. Web 4 March 2013. Anna, Marie Trester. Do You Speak Presidential? Web 4 March 2013. Read More