In the “Means of Persuasion”, the essay discussed the four
different types of appeals, ethos, pathos, and logos. However, in “A More
Perfect Union”, which was a speech given by Barack Obama during his campaign,
he demonstrates all of these appeals. Although all three of these appeals were
used, the ones that stood out most were pathos and ethos. Pathos is an ethical
appeal, while ethos is an emotional appeal. This address was very heartfelt and
sympathetic. His use of pathos throughout his speech painted the picture of a
proud American, and the use of ethos allowed us to be able to look deeper into
his life and story. It is important to understand why the speech was written.
Due to some racial comments that his pastor made, this speech was given because
of all the controversy surrounding it. Obama did not directly address his
pastor comments and state whether they were right or wrong, but he did paint a
picture of himself for the world to see, and let everyone know where he stood
as an African American citizen in the U.S. His pathos and ethos played a role
in describing his diversity and his background, and his pride in being American.
This was a very relatable speech, he didn’t speak necessarily like a
politician, but like a citizen.
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