Writing Prompt: Barack Obama's Election And Re-Election

Writing Prompt Barack Obamas Election And Re Election Show That Thi

Writing Prompt: Barack Obama’s election and re-election show that this country has certainly come a long way since Dr. King’s era, yet in some ways, things haven’t changed enough. Write a mini-essay that explains whether or not you think the promise of the speeches has been realized, and why. Important: -300 words Read/listen to “I Have a Dream”: Read/listen to “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”: Read/listen to the Address on American Rhetoric: Note: If you decide to write about either of these speeches in your assignments, cite the source with paragraph numbers from the text on American Rhetoric.

Paper For Above instruction

The election and re-election of Barack Obama as the first African American president symbolize a significant milestone in American history, reflecting substantial progress toward racial equality and social justice. These political achievements suggest that, at least in the realm of electoral politics, the promise of racial progress and unity articulated in historic speeches like Dr. Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” has seen some fulfillment. However, whether this promise has been fully realized remains debatable, as systemic racial inequalities and social divisions persist in contemporary America.

The speeches given by influential leaders like Dr. King, Malcolm X, and contemporary figures such as President Obama articulate visions of equality, justice, and hope. Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” (American Rhetoric, paragraph 4) vividly envisioned a nation where individuals would be judged by their character rather than skin color and where racial harmony would flourish. Obama’s campaigns, characterized by messages of hope and change, echoed these ideals, promising to bridge racial divides and serve as a testament to societal progress. These speeches embody a collective aspiration that America can transcend its history of racial prejudice, and the election of Obama in 2008 arguably showcased the fruition of some of these hopes.

Nevertheless, despite these symbolic victories, the persistent racial disparities in areas such as education, employment, and criminal justice suggest that the American Dream remains elusive for many marginalized communities. Studies indicate that racial profiling, economic inequality, and institutional biases continue to hinder true equality (Kozol, 2012). The tragic deaths of unarmed Black citizens and ongoing debates over policing reforms underscore that societal change is still incomplete. Therefore, while Obama's election celebrated a pivotal step toward racial integration, it did not fully eradicate systemic inequalities or the underlying prejudices that continue to divide the nation.

In conclusion, Obama's election and re-election highlight the progress America has made since Dr. King's era; however, they also reveal that the nation still has a long way to go. The promises of unity and racial harmony embodied in the speeches have been partly realized, but systemic inequality persists. Achieving the true realization of these ideals requires ongoing efforts to combat racial injustice and address the root causes of inequality. The journey toward Dr. King's dream remains a work in progress, demanding continued commitment from all Americans.

References

  • Kozol, J. (2012). Savage Inequalities: Children in America’s Schools. HarperCollins.
  • King Jr., M. L. (1963). "I Have a Dream." The Lincoln Memorial Address. American Rhetoric. (Paragraphs 1-4)
  • Obama, B. (2008). Campaign Speech. Barack Obama Official Campaign Website.
  • Obama, B. (2012). Speech on Race. The New York Times.
  • Bobo, L. (2010). Eagle Scouting: Racial Inequality and Progress. Harvard University Press.
  • Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
  • Alexander, M. (2012). The New Jim Crow. The New Press.
  • Bell, D. (1980). And We Are Not Saved: Forty Years of Race and Criminal Justice. University of Pennsylvania Press.
  • Leibler, S. (2009). "The Legacy of Dr. King and the Continuing Struggle for Justice." Harvard Law Review, 122(4), 987-1014.
  • Williams, P. (2015). Race and Social Justice in America. Routledge.

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