Following the Arizona shooting, much debate has transpired involving the potentially harmful effects of political rhetoric. It is not a surprise that our nation has become polarized due to increasing media attention and thus, the familiarity with political activists. In addition, the subsequent plotting of the parties against one another has become a standard. Because of this, our nation has started to shift away from honest public discourse towards that of harsh political debate centered on attacking one side of the political spectrum or the other.
In response to the Arizona shooting, Obama took the time to speak directly on this issue, stating that our nation is in need of a healthier civic life. To Obama, a healthier civic life includes improving our democracy by listening to each other more carefully and allowing for humility. During Obama’s tribute to the victims of the shooting, he suggested, "At a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized -- at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do -- it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we're talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds” (watch the video of Obama’s speech here-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztbJmXQDIGA).
Like our text for class exclaims, learning the value of rhetoric is beneficial to improving our citizenship and our personal lives. Rhetoric and discourse also include learning the strength of being open-minded to other’s opinions and allowing for healthy debate and compromise without attacking the other person or party. As Obama agrees, a renewal of our civility can lead to an improved citizenship and nonetheless, an improved democracy. Do you think this could ever be achieved in reality?
I wholeheartedly agree with how important Obama's rhetoric was when handling this tragic situation. By suggesting that such incidents can be avoided by peaceful communication and mutual understanding, Obama hints that even the awesome powers of the federal government can settle divisive disputes in a similar manner. This message of understanding is also very much in line with original platform of "Yes We Can", that working together as a community will allow us to achieve great things in the future.
ReplyDeleteAn improved civility can lead to better citizenship and improved democracy but this is in the hands of the citizens and only if they are willing to change will an improved demcracy occur. People should want to be informed and they need to start being politcally and vocally active in issues they care about. Do you think this will a reality in the near future?
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