Blog #4

 

It is quite honorable and admirable that both presidents, Lincoln and Kennedy, stood on the grounds of freedom and racial equality in their speeches. These men have made us to believe that the great nation of America upholds the principles of such because it ought to be the only way forward so as to strengthen the bonds of the people. Forging the path to seeing each other as equals and to be afforded the same great quality of life, as is our right, for this has been the cause being fought for in centuries past.

As according to Abraham Lincoln when he spoke at the Gettysburg Address, he said, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honoured dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead have not died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” In comparison, John F. Kennedy made mention of freedom in his inaugural address saying, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge – and more.” Strong, solid words from both presidents, but it also brings forth the contrast in their speeches and thickens the plot for America’s historical storyline.

In Lincoln’s speech he spoke of the great civil war fought in order to attain freedom for the enslaved and oppressed, whereas in Kennedy’s spoken word he made references to the still raging war of racial inequality, oppression, lack of human rights, and the continued fight against such. This nation has come quite a long way in trying to establish statutes of liberty, justice, peace, and equality, ensuring opportunity for all, but has it truly lived up to its true potential of what all those things really mean? Yes, there is no dispute that this country has made progress in identifying and attempting to resolve racial injustices and inequalities but it yet still has a rather long journey ahead in order to totally eradicate these problems. People of this nation, labeled as ‘minorities’, are still faced with the pressures of systemic oppression, not always given a fair chance as their counterparts due to one’s skin color and ethnicity. It can be argued that America has a lot more bases to cover before we can all truly say we are living in a complete liberal utopia.



Comments ( 3 )

  1. Eleonore Maldonado
    I agree that both presidents were very honorable and admirable for their beliefs.
  2. Eliana Espinal
    Hello, I like that you emphasized the idea that for a long time the US has been fighting inequality and longing for peace. "This nation has come quite a long way in trying to establish statutes of liberty, justice, peace, and equality, ensuring opportunity for all, but has it truly lived up to its true potential of what all those things really mean?" I also liked that you added this sentence to get us to actually think thoroughly.
  3. Vilma Gonzales
    hey, i can agree that this nation has changed a lot in some aspects but of corse we see the current situation with BLM movements that their is more this country has to resolve ofc "it can be argued that America has a lot more bases to cover" as you stated but we cannot overlook that as it has been the same problem since 1860's with people of color

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