Final Blog: Unity

In the reading, Means of Persuasion, the author tells us different kinds of appeals (ethos, pathos and logos) we can use to engage the reader and/audience as well as how to properly utilize such devices. In Obama’s speech, A More Perfect Union, he uses all three forms of appeals to capture his audience and convey his powerful message about the importance of coming together despite racial, ethnic and/or any other kind of differences we might hold. Personally, I believe that Obama used pathos as well as logos together throughout his speech in order to deliver a well-thought, promising and prosperous tone. Him acknowledging that we cannot and will change all the problems in the nation from one day to another but within time, within generations to come, as long as we come together as a country and set out differences apart to combat all the struggles we face today. His usage of pathos comes strong towards the end of his speech where he tells us to ignore the color or background of the politics and instead listen to what is better for the greater good. He tells us to think about our children and grandchildren, we always want the absolute best for them but unfortunately some are not receiving the best education that they should be receiving. His call for unity for a better and prosperous nation is indeed a powerful one.