Social Deviance in Bartleby the Scrivener Essay -- Bartleby Scrivener

Social Deviance in Bartleby the Scrivener Bartleby the Scrivener is a story that takes place on Wall Street, peopled by workers of a common mold. Being a non-conformatist of the most extreme type, Bartleby is eventually suffers a death of attrition. The message that Melville intends for the reader is how society has little tolerance for social deviance. I mentioned a common mold, the engine which impelled the "society" of Wall Street to keep on existing. This common mold consists of working a full day, going home and relax, possibly drinking some beer or whatnot. This is where the theme of ostracization of social deviance comes into play, expressed in the metaphor of individual versus society. Those who do not fit into the common mold are pressured to change or are removed forcibly. Bartleby is an example of a character that doesnÍt fit anywhere even near the mold...

Belonging: An Individual’s Interaction with Others

Social interaction is an essential part of any relationship; it is the determining factor for one’s perceptions of the society around them and their own identity. Relationships are initially built upon mutual interests and acceptance and this is closely linked with one’s innate desire to be able to affiliate with a group or another individual. Both these ideas are explored in the ‘Namesake’ by Jhumpa Lahiri and the picture book: ‘The Lost Thing’ by Shaun Tan. Lahiri explores the importance of shared values and experiences in a relationship for it to prosper rather than the need for social interaction. This notion is shown through the relationship Ashoke and Ashima forge throughout their life. Despite having an arranged marriage, without having known each other beforehand, Ashoke and Ashima form a powerful emotional bond during their married life. Throughout the book, the interaction between Ashima and Ashoke is somewhat limited in speech but their bond is shown through emotive passages instead. An example of this is when Ashima tries on Ashoke’s shoes; this action is a symbolic harbinger of how well they both ‘fit’ together over the years. Furthermore, the quote: â€Å"Eight thousand miles away in Cambridge she has come to know him† illustrates how the challenges of being migrants together and the mutual experiences in America and in India serve to strengthen their conjugal ties. Their relationship, hence, is an intuitive one instead of one where verbal communication is needed. The ostracism experienced by one unable to interact with others is shown in ‘The Lost Thing’ by Shaun Tan. The lost thing is an anomalous creature in a bureaucratic society searching for a place to fit in. However wherever it goes, it is met with an apathetic attitude from the citizens. The citizens of this society are so innately obsessed with practical outcomes that they have lost all sense of creativity and even conversation for the sake of conversation. Tan illustrates the austerity of this world by depicting it with rigid angles and an overall sepia tone. However one boy forms a relationship with the lost thing out of pity and tries to find its home. The boy provides food, shelter and care to the lost thing and these simple actions fuel their temporary feelings of belonging. Their relationship is encouraged by the need to fulfill an action; in this case-finding the lost thing its home. The brevity of their relationship is highlighted by the abrupt separation of the two: â€Å"It seemed as good a time as any to say goodbye to each other. So we did. † The objective language and the truncated sentence demonstrate the brief and conditional nature of their bond. Once the condition was fulfilled, the need to belong was abated. This shows the necessity of interaction in creating a sense of belonging; had the citizens of the society acknowledged the presence of the lost thing, the lost thing may have remained there. Lahiri also goes on to demonstrate how social interaction can lead to one’s compromise of their identity. Gogol is a prime example of this; as a child of migrants, Gogol is confronted by two different cultures and feels he must be one or the other. As Gogol’s relationship with Maxine develops, we see him conform to Maxine’s standards, hiding his Bengali identity: â€Å"She is surprised to hear certain things about his life: that all his parents’ friends are Bengali, that they had had an arranged marriage, that his mother cooks Indian food every day, that she wears saris and a bindi. .. ’But you’re so different; i never would have thought that’. He is not insulted, but he is aware a line has been drawn all the same†. To be a part of Maxine’s life, Gogol realises that he has to live her way of life; the American way. This compromise of identity led to even more confusion on Gogol’s behalf and in the end, as he starts to embrace his heritage, he rejects Maxine and her life. This shows how one’s perceptions of identity are crucial in determining and maintaining relationships with others. The need for conformity in the society of ‘The Lost Thing’ in order to gain acceptance is shown by Shaun Tan. As the boy takes the lost thing around town, it is taken to the boy’s home. There, it takes up a huge amount of space and is impossible to ignore, however the parents of the boy do not even glance at it. Another instance where this lack of acknowledgement is shown is when the lost thing stands in line of banal, grey citizens. The lost thing clearly stands out as it is big, red and round, but no one notices it. Tan uses this confining imagery as a way to effectively convey the segregation between society and the lost thing. The lost thing is unable to integrate itself into the society as it is both unable to conform to the dull criterion of the society and unable to gain acknowledgment of its presence. The shunned lost thing finds no admission into this society where the citizens do not dare stray from their quotidian routine for fear of exclusion. There is a place in this society that odds things are taken o: â€Å"The Federal Department of Odds and Ends† with the motto â€Å"sweepus underum carpatae†. At the end of the book, the lost thing does not find its home but it does find a place where its individuality is accepted. The boy even goes as far as saying â€Å"I mean, I can’t say that the thing actually belonged in the place where it ended up. In fact, none of the things there really belonged. They all seemed happy enough though, so maybe that didn’t matter . † Consequently, what is shown here is that social interaction is needed, no matter what form of interaction, to gain a feeling of acceptance. Ultimately, social interaction is inherent in all aspects of belonging. It is the basis of all relationships and also a factor for one’s self perception of identity. This complex process is vital for one’s mental and physical health as it challenges the barriers in place that one automatically establishes in a new setting. The ‘Namesake’ by Jhumpa Lahiri and ‘The Lost Thing’ by Shaun Tan explore the ways in which social interaction can affect relationships and identity which in turn affect one’s perceptions of belonging.

The Profession Of Social Work - 1761 Words

When defining social work, the phrase â€Å"a helping profession† is used quite frequently. The profession is often misconstrued with promoting the distribution of welfare. Often times, this stereotype amuses me because social work is remarkably so much more. Not only do people fail to realize that social work is one of the broadest occupations that offers various work environments, but also they neglect one of the key goals besides the act of helping: empowerment. Yes, the profession of social work strives to provide the needy with physical resources to better improve their lives through numerous institutional and residual programs, yet the most valuable assets a worker can offer are abstract. Social workers are also supposed to educate people by giving them the skills to sustain themselves in society long after they have received their services. By empowering and teaching, social workers uplift and provide opportunity to those who are striving for more. Whether we know it or not, we all have an engrained sense to help others. For some, it fades as we grow older, and for others, it only grows stronger. I’ve always loved lending a helping hand; I’d like to think I get the trait from my mother. Growing up as a young child, I knew I wanted to help people and give back when I became an adult. The occupation that would aid in completing my commendable task changed quite frequently. At one point or another I dreamt of becoming a teacher, interior decorator, paralegal, and thenShow MoreRelatedSocial Work As a Profession685 Words   |  3 PagesChoosing social work as my future profession was a decision I made after much reflection, considering the fact that more than just a profession, social work is a vocation that I must commit to, professionally and personally. One of the main reasons why I decided to pursue social work as my future profession is that I have always been interested and passionate about social issues, partic ularly those I find relevant to my life. My experience living close to informal settlers in my community exposedRead MoreThe Profession Of Social Work1290 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the main purposes of my interest in the profession of social work is to gain the knowledge and skill set to effectively help, counsel, and accordingly, provide services for all individuals so that their problems and needs are met. The profession of social work can be rigorous, yet it is a rewarding career that I am ready and willing to engage in. With the career being very diverse, it allows me to devote to my community in a number of ways from working in mental health to provide adequateRead MoreSocial Work As A Profession1309 Words   |  6 PagesSocial work as a profession is a universal and opportunistic field. The field itself ranges from placements in mental health to even education. One of the most prominent and growing areas in the field is medical social work. According to the NASW, social w orkers in hospitals and medical centers provide frontline services to patients with conditions spanning the entire healthcare continuum. Medical social work includes settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etcRead MoreThe Profession Of Social Work1253 Words   |  6 PagesThe profession of Social Work introduced itself to me at a very tender age. My personal interest in the social work field was solidified when I lived with my paternal aunt and her abusive ex-husband. At age 13, my traits of compassion, empathy and patience allowed me to mentor and guide my aunt when she was most vulnerable. For the past half decade, I have maintained a constant and consistent path to social work, with the hope to obtain my LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and empower our mostRead MoreSocial Work Is The Profession735 Words   |  3 PagesI. Social Work is the profession by which to help others in need A. Social Workers Assess and Advocate for others in need B. They work as an intermediary to connect people with helpful services II. Older population A. Any individual over the age of 65 is apart of the older population B. The Older population is growing and there for more services will need to be utilized because people are living longer C. With more services being utilized more cost will incur D. 40% of people need assistance andRead MoreSocial Work As A Profession1826 Words   |  8 PagesWistner Social Work as a Profession University of South Alabama â€Æ' Abstract Social Work throughout the professional world has had to battle for it to be recognized as a profession and really made scholars define what a profession really is. Though it took a long amount of time and a lot of people fighting for it, Social Work has finally begun to be recognized as a profession and not just a job. This paper aims to focus on what makes Social Work a profession and what it takes to become a Social WorkerRead MoreSocial Work As A Profession1928 Words   |  8 PagesSocial work, as a profession, has developed greatly over the years. As an actual profession, social work did not truly begin until the 1900s. In the 1920s schools of social work developed uniform standards for the training and education used. These standards were developed by the American Association of Schools of Social Work, which later merged and became the Council on Social Work Education. This is the group that currently regulates curriculum taught by social work schools. In 1955 the NationalRea d MoreSocial Work As A Profession1869 Words   |  8 PagesStatement Cutley S. Thadison Purpose of social work choice of social work as a profession. Social Work is a powerful, selfless profession. We as a profession enable persons within a community achieve positive and beneficial goals. We speak for those who can’t speak for themselves while teaching them how to speak for themselves. The profession of social work is about putting the needs of others before self. I have decided to pursue social work as a profession due to my desire of wanting to help othersRead MoreSocial Work As A Profession907 Words   |  4 PagesA) I would describe social work as a profession that seeks to help individuals, families, and groups in multiple ways. Social work takes into account benefits of society as well as individuals and therefore seeks for a solution to a problem that would be the most moral and right thing to do. The social work profession has multiple careers that assist with several issues such as adoption, mental health, addictions, poverty and homelessness, hospice care, and immigration and aboriginal treatment. EachRead Mor eThe Social Work Profession2035 Words   |  9 PagesIn the social work profession, the primary goal is to aid and empower individuals or families who are faced with oppression, vulnerable in society, and living in poverty (Code of Ethics, 2008). Social workers strive to improve the welfare of those who need assistance meeting their daily basic essentials for survival. According to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Basic needs, a person requires five clusters to make them an integrated and self-motivated whole in society. The five clusters include: physiological

Respiratory Distress Syndrome Essay - 779 Words

Faculty of medicine Pediatrics Department Serum Prolactin Levels in Newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome Thesis Submitted for partial fulfillment of Master Degree in Pediatrics By Alia Saeed Abdel Maksoud Metwally M.B.B.CH Zagazig University Faculty of Medicine Zagazig University 2017 Introduction Respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants caused by pulmonary surfactant deficiency with incomplete lung development (Santosham et al, 2013). It can also occur as a consequence of neonatal infection (Sinha et al, 2012). According to the degree of prematurity, it occurs in 7% - 50% of neonates. It is also a common emergency responsible for 30% - 40% of newborns hospital admission (Edwards et†¦show more content†¦Up to our knowledge, this study has not been done before in Zagazig University Hospital. But previous studies have demonstrated that Prolactin has a role in lung maturation. We will compare this study with other studies. Research Question: Is prolactin decrease in cases of Respiratory distress syndrome ? Aim of the work: To compare fetal cord serum prolactin levels among healthy newborns and newborns with Respiratory distress syndrome. Objective: 1. To compare fetal cord serum prolactin levels among healthy newborns and newborns with Respiratory distress syndrome. 2. To find out the role of fetal prolactin in lung maturation. Hypothesis: There is a significant correlation between Prolactin levels and Respiratory distress syndrome. Keywords: Newborn, Fetal cord serum prolactin, Respiratory distress syndrome. Materials and Methods: 1-Technical Design: A. Setting: the study will be conducted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Zagazig University Hospitals. B. Type of study: Case control study. C. Subjects: Assuming that mean  ± SD of prolactin level in cord blood in Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) newborns and in healthy newborns is (318.2  ± 130.5 vs 410.9  ± 110.5 respectively), so sample size is calculated by OpenEpi to be 54 cases (27 cases in each group) with confidence level 95% and power of test 80%. Group I (the study group): It will includeShow MoreRelatedRespiratory Distress Syndrome Essay1807 Words   |  8 PagesRespiratory distress syndrome (RDS), also known as hyaline membrane disease (HMD), is a disease that predominantly affects premature neonates. It is due to a deficiency in surfactant which is vital in increasing lung compliance, preventing atelectasis at the end of expiration, and promoting the recruitment of collapsed alveoli by reducing surface tension. Its other name, HMD, is derived from the characteristic histological findings in early post mortems of premature babies, hyaline membranes wereRead MoreEssay On Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome766 Words   |  4 PagesFor the past 50 years acute respiratory distress syndrome or better known as ARDS, has been an issue in hospital intensive care units all around the world. The first â€Å"documented published scientific description dates back to 1821 when Laennec described the gross pathology of the heart and lungs and described idiopathic anasarca of the lungs; pulmonary edema without heart failure in a treatise on diseases of the chest.†1 Cardiac and non-cardiac issues were not taken into consideration as part of theRead MoreNeonatal Respiratory distress syndrome reflective practice Essay5076 Words   |  21 Pagesï » ¿This assignment describes my own reflective experience while caring for a sick neonate with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in the neonatal unit. Thi s has enabled me to explore the meaning and significance of my clinical practice and to recognise the complexities within it. The experience raises a number of issues frequently encountered in daily nursing practice. Within this assignment, I will be discussing a particular pre term baby with RDS and critically analyse the use of nasal continuousRead MoreEssay on Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome1306 Words   |  6 Pagesstudy is a clinical trial that aims to find out the effect of massage on behavioral state of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome. The participants were 45 neonates who hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit of Afzalipour hospital in Kerman. Parental consent was obtained for research participation. The inclusion criteria included all infants born with respiratory distress syndrome, less than 36 weeks gestational age and without of any the following conditions: contraindication of touchRead MorePersuasive Essay795 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ bcom/215 Persuasive Essay At least 11% of women smoke during pregnancy. Many of these women smoke without knowing the significant negative effects smoking has on their babies before, during, and after the pregnancy. When a woman smokes during pregnancy, she exposes her baby to dangerous chemicals such as tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine, and other poisonous chemicals that travels through the bloodstream and goes directly to the baby. Nicotine restricts the oxygenRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Kartagener s Syndrome1687 Words   |  7 Pages Kartagener’s syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting the cilia within the body. Autosomal recessive means that one or more of both the parent’s genes responsible for encoding the cilia’s structure are mutated. This essay will focus on the etiology, clinical manifestations and anatomic alterations while also exploring diagnostic and treatment modalities. Cilia are the tiny hair-like structures found in many organ systems including the respiratory and reproductive systems. It was diagnosedRead MoreChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( Copd )1488 Words   |  6 Pagesintensive medical treatment. This essay will first examine the pathophysiology and possible causes and risk factors of COPD. Secondly clinical manifestations of COPD and Walker’s physical assessment results will be discussed. Next, a holistic nursing care plan using NANDA diagnosis will be developed. Finally the medications which are used for COPD and their actions related to COPD will be addressed respectively. Pathophysiology of COPD can be described as a complex syndrome of physical changes that comprisedRead MoreA Short Note On Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, And Opioids1175 Words   |  5 PagesJulie Thao HSCD 300-01 Essay 1 February 7th, 2016 1. The four most commonly used substances as described from the course textbook are alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and opioids. Alcohol is a translucent liquid in appearance and has a bitter acquired taste which suppresses brain activity. The intake of alcohol effects the cerebral cortex by ceasing the inhibition of user and develops a relaxed and more social characteristic in the way the user interacts with others. As a depressant, the use of alcoholRead MoreThe Case Presentation Of Rowena1998 Words   |  8 Pageswhich include Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Respiratory failure, and bone diseases (Fabbri, Luppi, Beghe, Rabe, 2008). Caring for patients with such complex conditions could be challenging for nurses as well as other healthcare professional and could lead to poor care coordination, having to prioritize the care and consider the consequences of their actions and inactions (Schoen, Osborn, Squires, Doty, Pierson, Applebaum, 2011). This essay is about the case pres entation of Rowena, and itRead MoreChronic Conditions Are Associated With Aging1968 Words   |  8 Pagesoccurs, the body cells tend to decrease in function and become susceptible to diseases. However, individual lifestyle and comorbidity, such as smoking and obesity could lead to early chronic diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Respiratory failure, and bone diseases (Fabbri, Luppi, Beghe, Rabe, 2008). Caring for patients with such complex conditions could be challenging for nurses as well as other healthcare professional and could lead to poor care coordination, having to prioritize

Possession Of Emotional Intelligence As An Essential...

Possession of emotional intelligence is an essential component for every effective leader in whatever capacity. The ability for a leader to comprehend and manage his or her emotions and of the people close to them is critical in good leadership. As outlined by Kotter, good leadership needs â€Å"motivating and inspiring,† in other words, keeping individuals moving in the appropriate direction, in spite of significant obstacles to change, through appealing to elementary, but untapped human values, needs, and emotions (92). Not only does this define a good leader, but it also goes a long way in differentiating between a leader and a manager. When an individual blends different aspects of emotional intelligence with management skills, he or she†¦show more content†¦As per his view, he asserts that the significant ingredient that permits an organization to become successful and great is acquiring a level 5 leader. In other words, a level 5 leader is one who has the abilit y to take an organization from being only simply good to truly great. In a five-year investigation, Collins established that executives in possession of such a paradoxical set of traits represent catalysts for the statistically exceptional event of the transformation of a good organization into a really great one (67). To illustrate, Collins offers an example of Darwin Smith, a little heard of individual who turned around Kimberley-Clark (a heavy paper organization) whose stock worth had plummeted 36 percent behind the rest of the market the previous two decades. He created a dramatic transformation that caught the eyes of the globe (Collins 68). By discovering that the issue was not only financial, but also an emotional one, Darwin-Smith managed to remarkably turn around the company’s fortunes. In this case, Darwin-Smith is a level 5 leader. In essence, level five describes the uppermost level in a ladder of executive capabilities. The lower four levels include leaders who h ave the capability to produce high levels of success but not sufficient enough to elevate organizations from mediocrity to sustained levels of excellence. The four lower levels are: level 4 (effective leader), level 3

Ellis Island Immigration free essay sample

Family came, Haiti origin, along with 15 year old daughter for crises counseling and to file a petition. The daughter lived in United States since she was 5 years old. She also had siblings who are way older then she is, who were brought up back in Haiti. Parents complain that she is disobedient and they wanted to put her in jail. What they called disobedient is her refusing to take earrings off, because in their culture females are not allowed to use anything that might make them look attractive (at least thats what they say). Parents are culture orientated and very traditional people. I talked to girl alone for long time, she felt misunderstood on so many levels. Nothing was wrong with her psychologically, and there was no need for psychiatric evaluation at all. She seemed very smart young female, who is also a typical teenager and her parents had hard time dealing with that. We will write a custom essay sample on Ellis Island Immigration or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She want it make up, go to movies, and her parents didnt like it. She skipped school from time to time, but nothing serious so there was no need to file petition for truancy. Both me, and psychologist I worked with had counseling with her parents. They kept telling us other children were never like this, so I tried to explain them that other children were raised in a different environment and off course they are going to act differently. I also told them I cannot file a petition because 15 year old has earrings on. It was a tough one, and we knew it would take time to change perspective of her parents. This is why Ellis Island immigration is so significant to me. Being labeled insane for something that is totally acceptable in own culture is pure injustice. Ellis Island is the place where everything started, and this occurs when people begun to be seen as the same but in fact, different. We all may have been equal, but have different values and beliefs and this has to be seen by everybody, especially professionals in such field. References Cohen, R. , Swerdlik, M. (2005). Psychological Testing and Assessment: An Introduction to Tests and Measurement (6th ed. ). , : The McGraw-Hill Companies. Ellis Island http://sydaby. eget. net/swe/ellis_island. htm Ellis Island www. history. com

President Barack Obama’s speech on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington free essay sample

President Barack Obama’s speech on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington President Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th and current President of the United States, and the first African American to hold this office. President Obama gave a speech following remarks at the â€Å"Let Freedom Ring† ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington on August 28, 2013, at the Lincoln Memorial. President Obama gave this speech to remind Americas of how far we have come, to remember those who fought so people of different racial backgrounds can have the right to freedom. President Obama states, â€Å"And so they came by the thousands, from every corner of our country men and women, young and old, blacks who longed for freedom and whites who could no longer accept freedom for themselves while witnessing the subjugation of others† (25). President Obama’s speech at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington was a reminder of the history of African-Americans in the United States and the change that came afterwards. We will write a custom essay sample on President Barack Obama’s speech on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page President Obama establish common ground with the audience at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington by stating that â€Å"We rightly and best remember Dr. Kings soaring oratory that day, how he gave mighty voice to the quiet hopes of millions, how he offered a salvation path for oppressed and oppressors alike†(40). It was because of Dr. Martin Luther King and other brave people that march to Washington that the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington was begin held. President Obama speech was a success because he was able to relate to the audience. He quoted that, â€Å"Dr. King explained that the goals of African-Americans were identical to working people of all races: decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community. What King was describing has been the dream of every American† (130). President Obama speech suits the audience with this statement,† The March on Washington teaches us that we are not trapped by the mistakes of history, that we are masters of our fate. But it also teaches us that the promise of this nation will only be kept when we work together. Well have to reignite the embers of empathy and fellow feeling, the coalition of conscience that found expression in this place 50 years ago† (200). President Obama speech shows compelling facts, â€Å"That was the spirit young people like John Lewis brought that day. That was the spirit that they carried with them like a torch back to their cities and their neighborhoods, that steady flame of conscience and courage that would sustain them through the campaigns to come, through boycotts and voter registration drives and smaller marches, far from the spotlight, through the loss of four little girls in Birmingham, the carnage of Edmund Pettus Bridge and the agony of Dallas, California, Memphis† (60-65). And† To dismiss the magnitude of this progress, to suggest, as some sometimes do, that little has changed that dishonors the courage and the sacrifice of those who paid the price to march in those years. Medgar Evers, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, Martin Luther King Jr. , they did not die in vain† (100). President Obama speech states data’s â€Å"Yes, there have been examples of success within black America that would have been unimaginable a half-century ago. But as has already been noted, black unemployment has remained almost twice as high as white employment (sic), Latino unemployment close behind. The gap in wealth between races has not lessened, its grown† (136-140). President Obama speech appealed to the audience emotions with this statement, â€Å"For what does it profit a man, Dr. King would ask, to sit at an integrated lunch counter if he cant afford the meal? This idea that ones liberty is linked to ones livelihood, that the pursuit of happiness requires the dignity of work, the skills to find work, decent pay, some measure of material security this idea was not new†(120). Also, â€Å"And I believe that spirit is there, that true force inside each of us. I see it when a white mother recognizes her own daughter in the face of a poor black child. I see it when the black youth thinks of his own grandfather in the dignified steps of an elderly white man† (205). President Obama also mentioned that, â€Å"We now have a choice. We can continue down our current path in which the gears of this great democracy grind to a halt and our children accept a life of lower expectations, where politics is a zero-sum game, where a few do very well while struggling families of every race fight over a shrinking economic pie. Thats one path. Or we can have the courage to change† (195). In conclusion, President Obama speech was persuasive, emotional and convincing. He was able to get through to the audience and pass his point across without offending anyone. The speech focuses the March to Washington and the freedom that came afterwards not just for African- Americans but also for women and Latinos, Asians and Native Americans, for Catholics, Jews and Muslims, for gays, for Americans with disabilities.