I have a dream speech comparison PDF

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The comparison of the two speeches, Obama and MLK....

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Obama and MLK Speech Comparison Oftentimes in history, there have been many influential speakers that have rallied against social injustices. Two notable examples of this are Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. Both individuals aimed to achieve equal rights for all Americans through their compassionate speeches and actions. Martin Luther King Jr. built his legacy by engaging against the segregation and injustices faced by people of color during the civil rights movement. Barack Obama continued this legacy when he became the first African-American President of the United States and pushed for the youth to continue pursuing a better future for all Americans. Despite the decades separating these two strong speakers, the American society had similar issues years apart. Both MLK and Obama valued peaceful protest and freedom of speech, emphasizing the need for improvement through their powerful and provocative speeches. The Martin Luther King (MLK) speech, “I Have a Dream,” had a big and inspirational impact on the society of the United States. MLK had a strong voice and he was a good speaker. Each word that came out of his mouth during the speech, “I Have a Dream,” inspired millions of people. Similarly, Barack Obama also inspired millions of people with his speech in Selma. He highlighted the concept of unity and equality in our society. He described our democracy using the word, “We.” This word showed the importance of working together to continue to improve our nation; this meant that it would take a cumulative effort from all who live in this country. This was the same concept that MLK spoke about in his speech. MLK wanted equal rights for all. He knew that it would take everyone working together to make this country great. Both speakers had a powerful presence when delivering their speeches. Thus, both speakers were able to reach the hearts of the audience and leave a long lasting impression on those who heard them. Comparing the social climate that both MLK and Obama gave their speeches in, there is a

big difference between the conflict of segregation. Even though this problem has not been totally resolved in today’s society, it has changed a lot from almost 60 years ago. During MLK’s time, Afro-Americans did not have any rights. They were forced to be submissive toward everybody else and seen as bad people. They lived in constant fear of the violence they could face if they were to break the rules of segregation that separated whites and blacks as members of the society. In this environment, whites and blacks were often forbidden from using the same public areas as one another. Racism was still very much alive in Obama’s time, but the issue of segregation improved vastly in comparison to MLK’s era. Blacks and whites are now no longer forced to be seperate and people of all races are free to join their hands in unity. MLK was persuading people to fight for their rights that were promised in the Declaration of Independence and Barack Obama was continuing this legacy of justice for all. Both played a significant role in the growth of America as a united nation and as a free country where people are in control of their happiness....