I would also like to try and incorporate the myth-making aspects surrounding and involved in Obama's presidency. For example, one thing I noticed is how upfront Obama was in his speech on Tuesday. Although this blatant honesty is refreshing, it is somewhat "inoculation" as discussed by Barthes. As we defined in class, inoculation is when one is upfront about a negative aspect of something and therefore that strengthens how others feel about it. Obama was upfront about the economic crisis, depleting energy sources, and the country at war. By doing this he gained the support and respect from the American people that allowed him and will allow him to make the quick and drastic changes he desires to make.
Although I do not have a proper thesis yet I hope to compare and contrast Lincoln and Obama, incorporating myth-making as I go. I could even possibly take a closer look at some of the myths surrounding Lincoln's presidency. At the same time I do not want to stray TOO far from the subject of the Inauguration and instead dive into a history lesson about Lincoln. As I continue to free write and organize my thoughts I am sure a proper thesis will come to mind.
Good start. You are very correct in saying that you don't want to write a history paper about Lincoln. There's no room to complete the assignment given and to look at myths surrounding Lincoln's presidency in 3 pages!!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to write about the link between Obama and Lincoln, make sure that you focus your argument on that and talk about either myth making or nation building. Addressing Obama's inaugural address is another topic all together and wasn't really addressed by our discussion section.
You had some good observations about the train ride, so perhaps Lincoln and Obama is the way to go.