Vince feels that Obama made the changes so his speech didn't make it seem like he is talking down to the audience, making his speech more personable. Vince also agrees with Obama's changes and feels that it makes his speech sound more relateable. Obama attempted to put himself on the same level as the people he is talking to. For example, when he added 'of us' to the first line.
I feel that Obama's changes are a bit manipulative. You can make anyone agree with what you are saying by the way you say it. In this case, I feel like Obama is trying to appeal to the audiences emotions more so than the content of the speech. The blogger states that the President repeadedly added feelings and thoughts to specific people or groups of people. I think there is a time and place for appealing to one's emotions, but I don't agree that in a speech given by the President is appropriate.
I think you're both right, in this case.
ReplyDeleteObama was no doubt motivated by the need to make his speech more accessible and relatable. However, he seems to be actively manipulating pathos to create that effect.
We should discuss this more on Monday - you're actually talking about a crucial rhetorical issue here - what is the role (if any) of emotion in a communicative act?