Obama's Inauguration Day

What aspects of our lives were emphasized by the speeches, ceremony, music, song, spectacle? What image of "the good and meaningful life" was strengthened and what sorts of lives were implicitly or explicitly critiqued?

Obama's speech was very inspiring and influential. He has given everyone hope to become better people by starting with a clean slate. His words were very powerful although there has not been any change yet, you can hear it in his speech that he is very serious and determined to change and improve all the negatives in our country. Everybody in the U.S is counting on this new president to make change. I feel like this year is all about change, which is a positive thing for us. We finally got the chance to start new with a responsible and determined president.

Although Obama's words were very positive, we don't know for a fact what changes are going to be made. Personally, I want to see his words come true. I believe he will make change but I want to see how far he can go as for improving our economy. I would like to see the social classes come together and everyone be treated equal no matter the race, color, etc.

Obama states, "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics." He is determined to be the one to make up for others mistakes toward our country. This quote is like a wake-up call to all that we have had so much negativity in our country that something needs to be done and having a new president is the first step to success. We need to work together to better our country and our lives. We must face our difficulties and solve our problems.

Obama also quotes,"the time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." This quote has touched many lives, people have hope for a better future becuase of Obama's determination towards new goals and accomplishments for all of us.

In his speech when Obama says, That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet...Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met." He is talking about lower class citizens who lack jobs, money, education, etc. He wants to improve their lives first, he wants to help the people who are in great need of help first. This makes sense becuase I feel like the majority of people in the United States are the lower class people who include blacks and Hispanics. In Obama's quote he speaks about greed and irresponsibility is a part of why our economy is weakening, but you cant stop someone from being greedy, if they are working really hard for the money they are earning but I do feel if you earn so much and okay you work hard for it, you should still give some to people in need who don't have nothing in life.

In conclusion, Obama's speech has been something that will not be forgotten and hopefully with these words actions will be followed. We need to improve our society to better our future. We need to work together and let go of the hatred and greed.