Signature for the future
Here’s an example of an awesome persuasive essay! Prompt: If you were to include an item in a time capsule for future generations, what would it be? The item should exemplify the culture of our time. Convince the committee sponsoring the time capsule to include your item, explaining thoroughly the item's use and significance in 2009.
Mrs. Drake Pauline Park
English, Period 4 March 09
Signature for the Future
Don’t close the time capsule yet! I know the perfect item which will show our culture to the future. Although many items could be chosen for the time capsule, President Barack Obama’s inaugural speech rises above all. Obama’s inauguration speech shows that the first African-American president was elected in our generation; this is a major Civil Rights development. The speech also deals with the economic and military crises America is facing – the core issues happening today. In addition, Obama states our goals to cooperate as a global generation.
The speech proves our new president Barack Obama to be America’s first African-American president. This is how far we have advanced in civil rights. The nationwide dispute on racism and Negro rights has been one in existence for many years. Now we have a black president – this height of integrity must me cherished by Americans today, and remembered by Americans in the future. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” The speech shows we have accomplished this! Some may say a laptop is best fit for the time capsule, since it displays the great advance in technology our generation has achieved. However, a laptop is not the best aspect of today’s technology, nor is it a significant factor of our culture, whereas Civil Rights is a major issue. As well as what we have already accomplished, the inauguration speech tells of current happenings in our nation.
Obama’s speech reveals the core issues of America, the economic and military crises we are facing. To show what a generation in time would be like, a time capsule must display its main issues and crises. The speech does this. The president talks of the military crisis of our nation at war, the bad economy, as “homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shattered,” and other issues. Obama’s words capture this period in time perfectly, as the chosen item must do. Others might argue an iPod should be put in the capsule, as it presents the music of our generation, on top of showing technology. Nonetheless, iPods only hint the ‘entertainment of teens’ segment of our generation. Entertainment or teens are both subjects too narrow, though they show some culture. Along with America’s issues and concerns, this speech sets forth the country’s ambitions to solve them.
In his speech, President Obama articulates America’s goals to work mutually with other nations around the globe. The goals of different nations or generations depict different areas of interest. Therefore, aspirations are important in showing personality and culture. The culture of a determined generation is exemplified when Obama asserts the nation’s goals in his speech: “to old foes; we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist,” and,” with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.” Our nation is bold and perseverant. Still others believe a collection of pictures showing major events of our generation would be most suitable to choose, as it catches the important moments making this generation unique. But mere pictures convey images of settings, and maybe a small feel of a place, where words express more complex ideas and thoughts. Isn’t a generation defined by its ideas, beliefs, thoughts, and goals?
Without doubt, President Obama’s inauguration speech exceeds expectations in displaying our generation and its culture. It shows the achievement of our generation in electing the first black president in US history. This must be recognized by the future. The speech also summarizes our current issues and crises, even stating our main goals of the past few decades. With all the benefits of choosing the president’s inaugural speech for the capsule, why search any further when the answer is clear?