Obama Shows How to Give a Great Speech!

Obama shows how to discuss race in a calm, rational manner

Do you use current events in your ESL class? Do you teach American history, citizenship, speech, or political science? Have you found a way to candidly discuss the pervasive and destructive role of race in American history in a calm, rational manner?

Hopefully, you have already had a chance to hear Senator Obama’s eloquent, reflective speech on race and American culture. Faced with a political crisis of his own making, Obama tried to both distance himself from his fiery pastor’s sermons, condemn their ignorant accusations, and explain the source of his pastor’s anger and bitterness. It’s a masterpiece of modern oratory.

Can Americans unite to solve serious national problems such as collapsing schools, collapsing bridges, and the collapsing dollar? Will Americans find a way to develop to honestly discuss the role of racial categories in our history, acknowledge the pain caused by racism and violence, and avoid name-calling to affirm a common destiny? Can Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asian, and Native Americans move beyond skin pigment and group complaints to renew our nation? Is there a way to calmly, rationally discuss deep emotional gaps and economic divisions that still plague the nation’s diverse racial groups?

Senator Obama’s speech yesterday deserves to be seen, heard, and read and reflected upon. Tracing the tragic role that race has played in the United States from the sanctioning of slavery in the Constitution to economic anxieties today, Obama provided personal and collective examples with maturity, understanding, and respect. He also listed the sources of “white resentment” such as affirmative action programs, busing, and violent crime in urban areas.

Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech,seems destined to become a classic. I consider it a 21^st century version of Dr. King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech. It deserves to be added to curriculum on many levels:

1. Classic rhetoric built around a solid structure.
2. Exceptionally vivid examples and memorable phrases
3. A clear, compelling review of the nation’s history – and noble ambitions
4. A poised delivery style, with exceptional eye contact, and clear pronunciation.
5. An outstanding vocabulary supporting a focused message for multiple audiences
6. A mature review of the enduring legacy of racism for multiple audience
7. An affirmation of our common destiny and founding ideals as Americans in a changing world.

English language learners, immigrants, and international students will also gain vocabulary, history, and insights from hearing, watching, and reading the speech.

Click on the link below to read or hear the speech.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/18/america/18obamaspeech.php