A more perfect union

Innledning
This assignment embarks on an intriguing exploration, with a distinct focus on the rhetorical pentagram, the nuances of language, and a panoply of rhetorical devices.

Its mission is to traverse the multifaceted terrain of persuasive appeals, elucidating how Barack Obama deftly wields these tools to his advantage.

At its culmination, the assignment delves deep into the heart of the speech, delving into its profound significance for the African-American population.

Utdrag
Throughout this speech, Barack Obama adroitly deploys all three classical forms of rhetorical appeal: Pathos, Logos, and Ethos.

Pathos is harnessed to evoke profound emotions among the audience. Obama vividly portrays the pervasive inequality and historic mistreatment experienced by people of color in the United States, eliciting a visceral response.

This resonates deeply with the audience, who may grapple with feelings of remorse for the "stain on the Declaration of Independence."

It raises questions about ancestral involvement in the oppression and enslavement of the colored population, evoking complex emotions.

Simultaneously, it offers a source of pride for the colored population, as they witness a black presidential candidate representing their interests on a national stage.

He artfully wields ethos in his discourse, boasting the stature of a contender for the highest office in the United States—presidential candidacy elevating him to the status of an expert and a figure of high repute.

This lends an air of trustworthiness to his words, allowing the audience to glean insights from a reliable and esteemed source.

His eventual election as President, based on his unwavering commitment to freedom and equality, further bolsters his credibility, establishing him as an authentic and valuable source of guidance.

As a black man himself, he intimately understands the scourge of racism, having personally experienced it and witnessed the oppression faced by others.

This wealth of firsthand experience imparts an aura of authenticity and lends gravitas to his discourse. When a speaker possesses profound experience in their subject matter, they exude trustworthiness and a genuine connection to the topic at hand.

The strategic deployment of logos becomes evident as he critiques the historical incongruity that the Declaration of Independence, with its grand declaration that "all men should be equal," seemingly only applied to certain segments of the population, excluding many.

This logical argument underscores the inconsistency of proclaiming equality while simultaneously perpetuating inequality.