Hey everyone,
Thank you to those who joined me for tonight’s critical literacy deep dive! We explored how language and representation shape power and ideology in some of the most impactful public speeches. Here’s a recap of what we covered:
Key Themes:
🔹 Language as Power – How rhetoric influences identity, public perception, and societal norms.
🔹 Framing & Representation – Who is speaking, how they speak, and how different groups are positioned.
🔹 Us vs. Them Narratives – How division and unity are constructed through discourse.
🔹 Hope vs. Fear Messaging – The strategic use of emotion to mobilize audiences.
Speeches Analyzed:
📌 MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech – Visionary language, repetition, and the power of hope.
📌 Donald Trump’s 2025 Inaugural Address – Nationalism, traditional values, and “us vs. them” rhetoric.
📌 Michelle Obama’s 2024 DNC Speech – Personal storytelling, moral authority, and a call to action.
📌 Elon Musk’s Speech in Germany – Technology as national strength & language minimizing historical accountability.
📌 Chris Kluwe’s Town Hall Speech – Sports and activism, humor as a persuasive tool.
📌 Emma Watson’s UN Speech on Gender Equality – Inclusive rhetoric, feminist advocacy, and audience engagement.
Discussion Takeaways:
💡 How does language reinforce dominant or resistant ideologies?
💡 What role does emotion play in shaping audience perception?
💡 How do these speeches use history, identity, and culture to craft their message?
If you missed the live session, stay tuned for more deep dives like this! Let me know your thoughts in the comments—what speech stood out to you the most?
Until next time!
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