1.What is the author arguing?
The writings presented here are all persuasive pieces written to compel the listener to grant freed slaves the rights equal to those of whites. The Reverend Randall calls for the right of black couples to legally unite in marriage. John Dennis seeks to be reunited with his family and to be able to raise his children. The Black Residents of Nashville in their petition to The Union Convention of Tennessee focus upon their patriotic achievements and desire to live as fully recognized countrymen despite the tragic history of Africans and African Americans.
2. How does the author(s) appeal to logos, pathos, and ethos with their argument?
Each of the three writings uses the same main point of logic to make their appeal: All human beings have the right to live with the same rights as others.If society has acknowledged slavery as wrong, how can it not see the ongoing injustice of denying further, equal rights? The acts of patriotism shown in wartime along with the clear gratitude felt for their freedom reveal their readiness and willingness to participate as recognized citizens. The Black Residents of Nashville state in their petition “We will work, pray, live, and, if need be, die for the Union, as cheerfully as ever a white patriot died for his country.” The emotional expression found in these pieces would be conspicuous only in its absence. John Q.A. Dennis is motivated to write on behalf of his love of family and desire to be able to be a good family man. All three authors address the ethical wrongs of slavery, and the petitioners frame their plea within the analogy of family, “We love the Union by an instinct which is stronger than any argument or appeal which can be used against it. It is the attachment of a child to its parrent.(sic)”.
3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?
These writings have significance in their own time and in respect our vantage point over 150 years later. In a nation borne from a struggle for independence, all evidence of and arguments given in the ongoing quest for equality are especially important. These writings show social progress through the merit of both the identity of their authors and the significance of their content. To look back at past struggles enables us to look forward with a wisened eye, and realize there is still much to do in the battle for equal rights for all Americans.
4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?
As an American lucky enough to have been with the majority of my rights firmly established through no efforts of my own, I naturally find all arguments for freedoms to have merit. The overarching statement by these authors noting their previous contributions and deep desire to take on the responsibilities of equal citizenry is compelling because it combines pragmatism and emotion to promote the reader toward supporting their cause.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
CDL
1) Times of war create an environment of social shifts and change.The conscription African Americans in the Civil War and Japanese Americans in Word War II are two examples of this. Do you think you would want to fight under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
2)How do you think African American soldiers impacted the outcome of the war? Do you think their participation had an effect beyond the battlefield? Explain.
2)How do you think African American soldiers impacted the outcome of the war? Do you think their participation had an effect beyond the battlefield? Explain.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Text Analysis of First Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln
Text Analysis of First Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln
Who wrote it:
Written by Abraham Lincoln for the occasion of his inauguration held on March 4, 1861
Audience:
The citizens of the United States
Represent:
The Inaugural address represents a seized opportunity by Lincoln to make clear to the people his intentions toward resolving the existing tensions between the North and South at the time of his election. Lincoln is eloquent in his language, but directly addresses and acknowledges the difficulties facing the nation and more immediately, his administration.
What is being said:
Lincoln focuses primarily upon assuaging the apprehensions of the Southern members of his audience, addressing the issue of slavery and state's rights from the beginning of his speech. He continues this Southern bent by stating that the responsibility of President, administration and the States themselves was to uphold the Constitution. Lincoln declares that no State has the right to remove themselves of their own volition from the Union, and that to do so is unlawful. Lincoln speaks further about the issue of slavery, indicating his support of the Fugitive Slave Act, and his belief that the Constitution already contains provisions that can be applied to the situation at hand. He speaks briefly about the continuation of mail service throughout the States through the difficult times at hand. Lincoln asks the audience to consider the seriousness of Secession, and assures the South that no action will be taken against them unprovoked.
How is it being said:
The language used by Lincoln is crafted to provide his audience with a sense of reassurance that many of the fears prevalent amongst the citizenry at this tension filled time are unfounded. Lincoln relies upon his own past statements and refers to the Constitution, the office of the Presidency and the role of government to attempt to create a sense of security for the audience. Lincoln speaks firmly and eloquently, both of his desire to maintain the Union and his distaste for violence and secession.He employs an emotive reverence, appealing to the people themselves as the key to restoring harmony.
What proof:
Lincoln makes many references to the Constitution as a means to illustrate a backdrop of unity, “All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution..”, “Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever..” The assuaging tone of the speech is also evident in his repeated statements echoing his opening remarks about not interfering with the States right to “order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgement”. When urging a calm and thoughtful approach to resolution, Lincoln assures the citizenry, “The Government will not assail you.” He appeals to the higher qualities of his audience to curry their support: “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty”.
Who wrote it:
Written by Abraham Lincoln for the occasion of his inauguration held on March 4, 1861
Audience:
The citizens of the United States
Represent:
The Inaugural address represents a seized opportunity by Lincoln to make clear to the people his intentions toward resolving the existing tensions between the North and South at the time of his election. Lincoln is eloquent in his language, but directly addresses and acknowledges the difficulties facing the nation and more immediately, his administration.
What is being said:
Lincoln focuses primarily upon assuaging the apprehensions of the Southern members of his audience, addressing the issue of slavery and state's rights from the beginning of his speech. He continues this Southern bent by stating that the responsibility of President, administration and the States themselves was to uphold the Constitution. Lincoln declares that no State has the right to remove themselves of their own volition from the Union, and that to do so is unlawful. Lincoln speaks further about the issue of slavery, indicating his support of the Fugitive Slave Act, and his belief that the Constitution already contains provisions that can be applied to the situation at hand. He speaks briefly about the continuation of mail service throughout the States through the difficult times at hand. Lincoln asks the audience to consider the seriousness of Secession, and assures the South that no action will be taken against them unprovoked.
How is it being said:
The language used by Lincoln is crafted to provide his audience with a sense of reassurance that many of the fears prevalent amongst the citizenry at this tension filled time are unfounded. Lincoln relies upon his own past statements and refers to the Constitution, the office of the Presidency and the role of government to attempt to create a sense of security for the audience. Lincoln speaks firmly and eloquently, both of his desire to maintain the Union and his distaste for violence and secession.He employs an emotive reverence, appealing to the people themselves as the key to restoring harmony.
What proof:
Lincoln makes many references to the Constitution as a means to illustrate a backdrop of unity, “All members of Congress swear their support to the whole Constitution..”, “Continue to execute all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union will endure forever..” The assuaging tone of the speech is also evident in his repeated statements echoing his opening remarks about not interfering with the States right to “order and control its own domestic institutions according to its own judgement”. When urging a calm and thoughtful approach to resolution, Lincoln assures the citizenry, “The Government will not assail you.” He appeals to the higher qualities of his audience to curry their support: “Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty”.
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