More Perfect Union Speech
More Perfect Union Speech
Cameron B. Ford
COM 360: Advanced Communications in Society
Dr. Sherell Harrell
March 10, 2014
A More Perfect Union In his March, 18, 2008 speech at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, President Obama referenced racial resentments of black and white people as being “counterproductive” and a distraction from the real issues which are plaguing the middle class of America. I have never personally had my job shipped overseas or taken from me by a less qualified person simply because of the color of their skin. I have not been denied entrance to a school or college, nor have I been witness, in my life, to anyone who has. Have I witnessed racism? Absolutely. Have I been subject to different treatment due to the color of my skin? Absolutely. Could I make a case to hold resentment towards those who have perpetrated unjust discrimination towards me or my friends and relatives? Absolutely; however, to harbor such empty and negative emotions or feelings is unproductive and unhealthy.
It is easy to justify holding those resentments, but “holding grudges constitutes an egocentric position, wherein we view those who have hurt us only in terms of what we need, what we wish or what we long for” (Cahn & Abigail, 2007, pg. 178). I feel holding resentment is unhealthy because “by placing blame on other people, we relinquish our control over our emotions and give that control to another” (Cahn & Abigail, 2007, pg. 178). Without maintaining that control over ones own emotions, one thereby also loses control over ones destinies. It is better to let go, forgive those who perpetrated the acts, and move forward with actions to make life better for oneself and others.
President Obama, when referencing William Faulkner’s writing of , “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past,” is referring to the need for Americans to learn and know the history. Winston Churchill is credited with coining the term, “Those who fail
Cameron B. Ford
COM 360: Advanced Communications in Society
Dr. Sherell Harrell
March 10, 2014
A More Perfect Union In his March, 18, 2008 speech at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, President Obama referenced racial resentments of black and white people as being “counterproductive” and a distraction from the real issues which are plaguing the middle class of America. I have never personally had my job shipped overseas or taken from me by a less qualified person simply because of the color of their skin. I have not been denied entrance to a school or college, nor have I been witness, in my life, to anyone who has. Have I witnessed racism? Absolutely. Have I been subject to different treatment due to the color of my skin? Absolutely. Could I make a case to hold resentment towards those who have perpetrated unjust discrimination towards me or my friends and relatives? Absolutely; however, to harbor such empty and negative emotions or feelings is unproductive and unhealthy.
It is easy to justify holding those resentments, but “holding grudges constitutes an egocentric position, wherein we view those who have hurt us only in terms of what we need, what we wish or what we long for” (Cahn & Abigail, 2007, pg. 178). I feel holding resentment is unhealthy because “by placing blame on other people, we relinquish our control over our emotions and give that control to another” (Cahn & Abigail, 2007, pg. 178). Without maintaining that control over ones own emotions, one thereby also loses control over ones destinies. It is better to let go, forgive those who perpetrated the acts, and move forward with actions to make life better for oneself and others.
President Obama, when referencing William Faulkner’s writing of , “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past,” is referring to the need for Americans to learn and know the history. Winston Churchill is credited with coining the term, “Those who fail