The American Dream has always been a central subject in political speeches.
Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan were not the only presidents who referred to
it in their speeches. Quite possibly every presidential candidate and president
related to it when they accepted their nominations and when they outlined their
political programmes at their inaugurations. Ever since it has become part of
the tradition of political rhetoric in the United States, one can say how centrally
important the American Dream (still) is and what great influence it has on the
American people.
So what exactly is the American Dream? Peter Freese calls the attempt of
defining it “subjective and imcomplete”, especially because he is of the opinion
that the vision and beliefs transferred in the American Dream change with the
times. However, he quotes Hartmut Keil by using his definition of the American
Dream with a lot of its beliefs and convictions that are substantial parts of it:
“Individual success, advancement, materialism, personal success,
neighborliness, naturalness, individuality, freedom, equality, equal opportunity,
search for identity, national purpose, American consciousness, democratic
dream, dream of paradise (…), moving force, liberation of humanity, world’s
salvation”; but he comes to the conclusion that there is not the possibility of a
precise definition in case one does not want to list nearly every aspect of
“American society”.
Still, the fundamental values and virtues that build the basis and are the core
function of the American Dream, are the main part of American political
rhetoric. The metaphor of the American Dream has always been used by being
glorified by politians in their speeches, and mostly with the promise of fulfilment
soon after the elections in case it was a nomination speech. Therefore the American Dream seems to have a realistic side, it is not only a vision or a
utopia when presidential candidates and presidents talk about its fulfilment.
Since the promise of fulfilment is made ever since this subject has played a
major role in political speeches, it is a dream which can and – referring to the
politicians’ promises – will come true.
Table of Contents
I. The American Dream
II. President Carter’s Inaugural Address
2.1. The person Carter
2.2. The speech
2.3. Illustration of what Carter says about the American Dream
2.4. The creation of an image to the public
2.5. Rhetorical devices employed by Carter to give an impression of himself
III. Ronald Reagan’s Acceptance Speech
3.1. The person Reagan
3.2. The speech
3.3. The historical references in context of the intended message
3.4. Illustration of the values and virtues hinted at or talked about
3.5. Rhetorical devices employed by Reagan to convince the audience of his message
IV. Comparison: Mutuality and differences
4.1. Comparison: values and virtues
4.2. Comparison: the audience
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper aims to examine and compare the utilization of the "American Dream" as a central thematic element in Jimmy Carter's 1977 Inaugural Address and Ronald Reagan's 1980 Acceptance Speech, specifically analyzing how rhetorical strategies and historical context were employed to build political legitimacy.
- Political rhetoric and the symbolic power of the American Dream
- Strategic construction of public persona by political candidates
- Comparative analysis of historical references in political messaging
- The role of values, virtues, and shared community identity in speeches
- Distinctions in rhetorical approaches based on audience and political status
Excerpt from the Book
2.2. Inaugural Address of President Jimmy Carter: January 20, 1977
Here before me is the Bible used in the inauguration of our first President, in 1789, and I have just taken the oath of office on the Bible my mother gave me a few years ago, opened to a timeless admonition from the ancient prophet Micah: "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Micah 6:8)
This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. Two centuries ago our Nation's birth was a milestone in the long quest for freedom, but the bold and brilliant dream which excited the founders of this Nation still awaits its consummation. I have no new dream to set forth today, but rather urge a fresh faith in the old dream.
Summary of Chapters
I. The American Dream: Provides a theoretical foundation by discussing the inherent difficulties in defining the American Dream while establishing its role as a persistent, central metaphor in U.S. political rhetoric.
II. President Carter’s Inaugural Address: Analyzes Carter's specific use of the American Dream in his 1977 speech, focusing on his attempt to project humility, religiosity, and a sense of shared responsibility.
III. Ronald Reagan’s Acceptance Speech: Examines Reagan's 1980 speech, detailing how he utilized historical milestones and the "American spirit" to mobilize his party and define himself as a transformative leader.
IV. Comparison: Mutuality and differences: Synthesizes the findings to contrast the speakers' shared reliance on the American Dream against the backdrop of their differing audiences and political objectives.
Keywords
American Dream, Political Rhetoric, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Inaugural Address, Acceptance Speech, Political Communication, Values and Virtues, American History, Leadership, Public Persona, National Identity, Rhetorical Devices, Historical Context, Comparative Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper examines how the "American Dream" is utilized as a strategic thematic tool in political speeches, specifically comparing the rhetoric of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
What are the central themes discussed?
The themes include the definition of the American Dream, the importance of historical narratives in political messaging, the use of rhetorical devices to establish connection with an audience, and the influence of the speaker's political status.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to elucidate how both presidents used the metaphor of the American Dream to call for a "renewal" of national values while addressing their respective audiences.
What methodology is applied?
The work employs a qualitative comparative rhetorical analysis of two specific primary sources: Jimmy Carter's 1977 Inaugural Address and Ronald Reagan's 1980 Acceptance Speech.
What does the main body cover?
The main body breaks down the individual speeches into sections on persona creation, historical references, and the specific application of rhetorical devices, followed by a direct comparative analysis.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include American Dream, political rhetoric, comparative analysis, national identity, and leadership communication.
How does Carter’s rhetorical approach differ from Reagan’s in terms of persona?
Carter focuses on appearing as a modest, religious "neighbor" who shares responsibility with the people, whereas Reagan positions himself as a decisive leader invoking historical American strength to inspire his party.
Why is the "American Dream" described as "vague and grandiose" in the text?
The text notes that while the term is difficult to define precisely, its power lies in its ability to connect personal aspirations with political ideals, making it a highly effective tool for political mobilization.
- Quote paper
- M.A. Christine So-Young Um (Author), 2005, The American Dream as a subject in speeches, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/115966
