Alex Reese
English 101
Bleck
26 January 2009
Patriotism
In John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty, in chapter two, titled of the liberty of thought and discussion, Mill speaks of liberty, the same liberty that was displayed in President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech. Mill claims “If we were never to act on our opinions, because those opinions may be wrong, we should leave all our interests uncared for, and all our duties unperformed” (Mill 25). In other words we must stand for what we believe in even if we are wrong, then to not stand at all. In Obama’s speech we are able to witness his patriotism through many different aspects. As a piece of political theater the broadcast of President Obama’s inauguration speech was created to demonstrate his patriotism and speaks of his truths and opinions on how he is going to restore nationalism and change in America.
The use of the National Mall as the background for Obama’s speech exhibits partisanship by presenting the capital building, the Lincoln memorial, and the Washington Monument. While Obama delivered his speech the Capitol Building was standing strong behind him. The Capitol Building is a symbol of America, freedom, and liberty. All of these which fall into the category of patriotism and all America stands for. The producers of the inauguration precisely planned where they will hold the event for these reasons.
The Lincoln memorial is very appropriate as well, because of the following purpose. Obama admired President Lincoln and quoted him numerous times. Obama has maintained that Lincoln was a remarkable and skillful president and a superior leader to the American people. Lincoln took part in a large amount of American history including abolishing slavery, an issue that’s close to Obama’s heart. The Washington Monument also resides in the National Mall and has stood for patriotism for a little over one hundred and twenty-four years. The monument was built in honor of our first President George Washington, a genuine patriot.
There were a number of props added to the background at the Capitol Building and Obama for his speech. As Obama delivered his speech there was numerous American flags behind him, all of them swaying in the wind as if the wind was planned. Obama was also bearing an American flag pendant which he has made a habit of wearing for all of his speeches. All of these items displayed his patriotism.
Although Obama’s family isn’t a prop family however, they were partially used as props as well. During Obama’s speech the cameras continued to reverse to his family, the all American family, who also present patriotism. In addition, all of the remaining former presidents were present at the inauguration and the cameras would turn towards them through out the speech. These presidents have presented a similar speeches at their inauguration and comparable notions of patriotism. Having them attend the speech reminded America of the past years and what form of patriotism our presidents possessed.
Through out Obama’s speech he brought into play code words. Words, such as prosperity, hope, and change. All of these words appealing to patriotism. Prosperity is used to express successes and new thriving ambitions for our country. President Obama anticipates the planning to ensure that these issues truthfully occur. Hope that one day our country won’t have to fight wars or include poverty, but that America can be the country that our founding fathers dreamt it would become. What is a country without hope? Patriotism is hope, hope that our country can and will thrive. Obama stands for change, a word exercised several times through out his campaign. He wants a change for America and I hope that he accomplishes that change.
Viewing the inauguration speech of our newly elected President, Barack Obama establishes his true patriotism that he has an opinion and that opinion is to change America for the better. People don’t realize how blessed we truly are to live in America the simple things that we all take for granted. We are truly lucky to have rights, freedom of speech, and opinions. We have the right to stand up for what we believe in and fight for that opinion even if it’s wrong. Mill understood this and felt that it should be exercised to the fullest because if it was not then what is there to live for?