<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nora Pittner<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12\/06\/2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glantz<\/p>\n\n\n\n
POLI\/COMM 329<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Introduction<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School was seemingly off to a normal start of their day. That was until Adam Lanza, the shooter responsible for this massacre who will be referred to as \u201cthe shooter\u201d in this paper, broke into the locked school at 9:30 am. The first 911 call was made at 9:35 am to Sandy Hook Elementary School after the deaths of the principal, Dawn Hochsprung, and school psychologist Mary Sherlach were broadcast throughout the school from its announcement system. The shooter had used a combination of guns such as an AR-15 assault rifle, two semiautomatic pistols, and a shotgun. The rest of the staff did everything they could to safeguard their children. Sadly, on that day one decade ago we lost 28 beautiful souls, the mother of the shooter, 20 innocent school children, and six brave adults. Two days later on December 16, 2012, Former President Barack Obama makes an address to the nation after having visited the massacre site and then visited with the parents, colleagues, and families. Obama spoke highly of those within Newtown and the Sandy Hook elementary community who helped save so many lives that fateful day. Also, having spoken highly of those who had sadly lost their lives that day from the shooter’s actions. This speech was fueled by emotions and the obvious hardship millions of people witnessed throughout the nation and only a handful truly understood the pain many were now facing. The news of this shooting shocked and hurt so many Americans but, of course, truly changed the community of Newtown forever. This speech has also impacted the country due to the pathos Former President Obama used within the speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lens description<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pathos is the rhetorical appeal of emotions which is a popular method within political speeches of all kinds no matter the intention behind them. Aristotle was said to \u201chelp the orator determine how to \u2018put hearers\u2026into the right frame of mind\u2019 concerning certain issues and the speaker\u2019s persuasive intent\u201d (Smith, 2003). This method and basis are still practiced today in most speeches despite the content or reason behind the speech. He argues that \u201cemotions do not exist in isolation; they work in concert with other feelings\u201d (Smith, 2003), as audience members or viewers of powerful speeches or even moments in our history many people could argue that they have an overwhelming sense of emotions. Thomas Sloane argues that \u201cpathos is one of the most distinctive aspects of a rhetorical approach to language, and of all aspects it has occasioned the greatest amount of controversy\u201d (Sloane, 2003). The emotions we face have an incredible impact on how we as a community and nation act. It, however, can be very manipulative and controversial to use to help a cause that may be malicious in intent. Despite the manipulation that has taken place it is also powerful to use our emotions to create a united front. An example that comes to mind is when Former President Bill Clinton addressed the nation’s response to the 9\/11 terrorist attacks. In his speech to the American People he stated \u201cMy fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union-and it is strong\u201d (Clinton, 2001). This exclamation of unity and strength despite the tragedy that had just taken place. This address, along with the wrong one given on 9\/11, gave hope to the American people and lift their spirits during this mourning and devastating time in our country\u2019s history. Similar to the address Former President Obama had given after the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary took place. Despite what had just taken place this speech gave hope for better gun control and protection of our future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Analysis<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tragedy of Sandy Hook has left a large wound on the American people, exposing the harsh reality that we all would later become accustomed to. Obama offers his condolences to those who have had to face a reality many never wish to face. He also addresses that his \u201cmere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts\u201d (Obama, 2012), addressing that he has luck on his side for not having to have to deal with pain so many people were struggling with. One particular section of this speech exudes pathos, as Obama starts to discuss the emotions of being a parent. These emotions are not isolated for many people as many parents constantly fight these feelings and ideas of their child and the world around them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Obama states, \u201csomeone once described the joy and anxiety of parenthood as the equivalent of having your heart outside of your body all the time, walking around\u201d (Obama, 2012). Despite being the President of the U.S.A., even he has an understanding of parenthood through having two daughters of his own. He has seen them grow up and look at the world around them has shielded them, potentially, more than the average parent due to his duties to this nation. Obama states, \u201cour child\u2013is suddenly exposed to the world, to possible mishap or malice. And every parent knows there is nothing we will not do to shield our children from\u201d (Obama, 2012), discussing the unconditional love and protection many parents have towards their child and keeping them safe and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, into the address Obama starts to discuss the sadness he has faced as President, falling down this endless loop of addressing the nation about another mass shooting; \u201cSince I\u2019ve been President, this is the fourth time we have come together to comfort a grieving community torn apart by a mass shooting. The fourth time we\u2019ve hugged survivors. The fourth time we\u2019ve consoled the families of victims\u201d (Obama, 2012). He states how he wants both change and his plan to create these changes, \u201cI will use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens — from law enforcement to mental health professionals to parents and educators — in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this\u201d (Obama, 2012). Creating a proper plan to help avoid yet another massacre which sadly never ended and has gotten worse since the end of his administration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Former President Obama calls back to the love of one\u2019s child, \u201cthere\u2019s only one thing we can be sure of, and that is the love that we have — for our children, for our families, for each other\u201d (Obama, 2012). Describing the perspective of parents that many people, including my parents, could relate to and grasp, \u201cthe memories we have of them, the joy that they bring, the wonder we see through their eyes, that fierce and boundless love we feel for them, a love that takes us out of ourselves, and binds us to something larger — we know that\u2019s what matters\u201d (Obama, 2012). The emotions are raw and real despite the authority Barack Obama holds, millions of adults around the world will forever understand the joy and love that their child brings to them and their partner. Furthermore, pathos is a wide rhetorical method that has yet to be lost throughout history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discussion<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The address given to the nation in the wake of the tragedy is an intimidating and nerve-wracking event. The effectiveness of this speech heavily resonated with millions of people across the nation whether a child, parent, or simply someone existing. At the federal level, any legislative acts failed many states did what they could to help the gun control crisis going on in this country. The ethics of this address are ethical because due to this tragedy, we had started to see the effects it was having on our younger generations. Obama used his knowledge and even exclusive knowledge about the tragedies of our nation and he was still personable and relatable. He was basing this off what and how he would feel about his daughters being any of the young 20 children we had lost on that fateful day. The love, many, parents have for their child(ren) is a driving force and a huge component of the \u201cAmerican Dream\u201d millions are continuously chasing. Parents for generations upon generations could discuss and tell the stories of sacrifice and how they did it for their child(ren). Emotions are what connect all of us the usage of them to create a positive impact on the world can never be evil. While the downsides of emotional manipulation exist it does not keep people from creating a personable and comfortable space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The importance of pathos has not been lost throughout our history nor will we ever lose this method. Pathos creates a path to a mindset that many people are following or looking for in their lives. The messages we get whether, from top politicians, brand ambassadors, CEOs, and so many others are what keep us connected as a society. Emotions, while annoying at times, are a universal language that everyone even those with language barriers can understand and communicate through. President Barack Obama sadly was able to use pathos throughout his presidency to consistently fight a new uphill battle he had been presented with. Even through all these tragedies, we have faced we all face the same emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work Cited<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Augustyn, Adam. \u201cThe Aftermath of Sandy Hook and the Legislative Response.\u201d Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica<\/em>, Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Inc., https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-shooting\/The-aftermath-of-Sandy-Hook-and-the-legislative-response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinton, Bill. \u201cSeptember 22, 2001: Address on the U.S. Response to the Attacks of September 11.\u201d Miller Center<\/em>, 21 Sept. 2022, https:\/\/millercenter.org\/the-presidency\/presidential-speeches\/september-22-2001-address-us-response-attacks-September-11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Obama, Barack. \u201cDecember 16, 2012: Remarks on Sandy Hook Elementary Shootings.\u201d Miller Center<\/em>, 22 Aug. 2022, https:\/\/millercenter.org\/the-presidency\/presidential-speeches\/december-16-2012-remarks-sandy-hook-elementary-shootings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ray, Michael. \u201cSandy Hook Elementary School Shooting.\u201d Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Inc., https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-shooting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sloane, Thomas O. \u201cPathos.\u201d Encyclopedia of Rhetoric<\/em>, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001, pp. 554.Smith, Craig R. \u201cPathos: Frame of Mind.\u201d Rhetoric and Human Consciousness: A History<\/em>, Waveland Press, Inc., Long Grove, IL, 2017, pp. 82\u201383.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sandy Hook: One Decade Later Nora Pittner 12\/06\/2022 Glantz POLI\/COMM 329 Introduction December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School was seemingly off to a normal start of their day. That was until Adam Lanza, the shooter responsible for this massacre who will be referred to as \u201cthe shooter\u201d in this paper, broke into the locked school at 9:30 am. The first 911 call was made at 9:35 am to Sandy Hook Elementary School after the deaths of the principal, Dawn Hochsprung, and school psychologist Mary Sherlach were broadcast throughout the school from its announcement system. The shooter had used a combination of guns such as an AR-15 assault rifle, two semiautomatic pistols, and a shotgun. The rest of the staff did everything they could to safeguard their children. Sadly, on that day one decade ago we lost 28 beautiful souls, the mother of the shooter, 20 innocent school children, and six brave adults. Two days later on December 16, 2012, Former President Barack Obama makes an address to the nation after having visited the massacre site and then visited with the parents, colleagues, and families. Obama spoke highly of those within Newtown and the Sandy Hook elementary community who helped save so many lives that fateful day. Also, having spoken highly of those who had sadly lost their lives that day from the shooter’s actions. This speech was fueled by emotions and the obvious hardship millions of people witnessed throughout the nation and only a handful truly understood the pain many were now facing. The news of this shooting shocked and hurt so many Americans but, of course, truly changed the community of Newtown forever. This speech has also impacted the country due to the pathos Former President Obama used within the speech. Lens description Pathos is the rhetorical appeal of emotions which is a popular method within political speeches of all kinds no matter the intention behind them. Aristotle was said to \u201chelp the orator determine how to \u2018put hearers\u2026into the right frame of mind\u2019 concerning certain issues and the speaker\u2019s persuasive intent\u201d (Smith, 2003). This method and basis are still practiced today in most speeches despite the content or reason behind the speech. He argues that \u201cemotions do not exist in isolation; they work in concert with other feelings\u201d (Smith, 2003), as audience members or viewers of powerful speeches or even moments in our history many people could argue that they have an overwhelming sense of emotions. Thomas Sloane argues that \u201cpathos is one of the most distinctive aspects of a rhetorical approach to language, and of all aspects it has occasioned the greatest amount of controversy\u201d (Sloane, 2003). The emotions we face have an incredible impact on how we as a community and nation act. It, however, can be very manipulative and controversial to use to help a cause that may be malicious in intent. Despite the manipulation that has taken place it is also powerful to use our emotions to create a united front. An example that comes to mind is when Former President Bill Clinton addressed the nation’s response to the 9\/11 terrorist attacks. In his speech to the American People he stated \u201cMy fellow citizens, for the last nine days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Union-and it is strong\u201d (Clinton, 2001). This exclamation of unity and strength despite the tragedy that had just taken place. This address, along with the wrong one given on 9\/11, gave hope to the American people and lift their spirits during this mourning and devastating time in our country\u2019s history. Similar to the address Former President Obama had given after the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary took place. Despite what had just taken place this speech gave hope for better gun control and protection of our future generations. Analysis The tragedy of Sandy Hook has left a large wound on the American people, exposing the harsh reality that we all would later become accustomed to. Obama offers his condolences to those who have had to face a reality many never wish to face. He also addresses that his \u201cmere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts\u201d (Obama, 2012), addressing that he has luck on his side for not having to have to deal with pain so many people were struggling with. One particular section of this speech exudes pathos, as Obama starts to discuss the emotions of being a parent. These emotions are not isolated for many people as many parents constantly fight these feelings and ideas of their child and the world around them. Obama states, \u201csomeone once described the joy and anxiety of parenthood as the equivalent of having your heart outside of your body all the time, walking around\u201d (Obama, 2012). Despite being the President of the U.S.A., even he has an understanding of parenthood through having two daughters of his own. He has seen them grow up and look at the world around them has shielded them, potentially, more than the average parent due to his duties to this nation. Obama states, \u201cour child\u2013is suddenly exposed to the world, to possible mishap or malice. And every parent knows there is nothing we will not do to shield our children from\u201d (Obama, 2012), discussing the unconditional love and protection many parents have towards their child and keeping them safe and happy. Further, into the address Obama starts to discuss the sadness he has faced as President, falling down this endless loop of addressing the nation about another mass shooting; \u201cSince I\u2019ve been President, this is the fourth time we have come together to comfort a grieving community torn apart by a mass shooting. The fourth time we\u2019ve hugged survivors. The fourth time we\u2019ve consoled the families of victims\u201d (Obama, 2012). He states how he wants both change and his plan to create these changes, \u201cI will use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens — from law enforcement to mental health professionals to parents and educators — in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this\u201d (Obama, 2012). Creating a proper plan to help avoid yet another massacre which sadly never ended and has gotten worse since the end of his administration. Additionally, Former President Obama calls back to the love of one\u2019s child, \u201cthere\u2019s only one thing we can be sure of, and that is the love that we have — for our children, for our families, for each other\u201d (Obama, 2012). Describing the perspective of parents that many people, including my parents, could relate to and grasp, \u201cthe memories we have of them, the joy that they bring, the wonder we see through their eyes, that fierce and boundless love we feel for them, a love that takes us out of ourselves, and binds us to something larger — we know that\u2019s what matters\u201d (Obama, 2012). The emotions are raw and real despite the authority Barack Obama holds, millions of adults around the world will forever understand the joy and love that their child brings to them and their partner. Furthermore, pathos is a wide rhetorical method that has yet to be lost throughout history. Discussion The address given to the nation in the wake of the tragedy is an intimidating and nerve-wracking event. The effectiveness of this speech heavily resonated with millions of people across the nation whether a child, parent, or simply someone existing. At the federal level, any legislative acts failed many states did what they could to help the gun control crisis going on in this country. The ethics of this address are ethical because due to this tragedy, we had started to see the effects it was having on our younger generations. Obama used his knowledge and even exclusive knowledge about the tragedies of our nation and he was still personable and relatable. He was basing this off what and how he would feel about his daughters being any of the young 20 children we had lost on that fateful day. The love, many, parents have for their child(ren) is a driving force and a huge component of the \u201cAmerican Dream\u201d millions are continuously chasing. Parents for generations upon generations could discuss and tell the stories of sacrifice and how they did it for their child(ren). Emotions are what connect all of us the usage of them to create a positive impact on the world can never be evil. While the downsides of emotional manipulation exist it does not keep people from creating a personable and comfortable space. Conclusion The importance of pathos has not been lost throughout our history nor will we ever lose this method. Pathos creates a path to a mindset that many people are following or looking for in their lives. The messages we get whether, from top politicians, brand ambassadors, CEOs, and so many others are what keep us connected as a society. Emotions, while annoying at times, are a universal language that everyone even those with language barriers can understand and communicate through. President Barack Obama sadly was able to use pathos throughout his presidency to consistently fight a new uphill battle he had been presented with. Even through all these tragedies, we have faced we all face the same emotions. Work Cited Augustyn, Adam. \u201cThe Aftermath of Sandy Hook and the Legislative Response.\u201d Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Inc., https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-shooting\/The-aftermath-of-Sandy-Hook-and-the-legislative-response. Clinton, Bill. \u201cSeptember 22, 2001: Address on the U.S. Response to the Attacks of September 11.\u201d Miller Center, 21 Sept. 2022, https:\/\/millercenter.org\/the-presidency\/presidential-speeches\/september-22-2001-address-us-response-attacks-September-11. Obama, Barack. \u201cDecember 16, 2012: Remarks on Sandy Hook Elementary Shootings.\u201d Miller Center, 22 Aug. 2022, https:\/\/millercenter.org\/the-presidency\/presidential-speeches\/december-16-2012-remarks-sandy-hook-elementary-shootings. Ray, Michael. \u201cSandy Hook Elementary School Shooting.\u201d Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, Inc., https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sandy-Hook-Elementary-School-shooting. Sloane, Thomas O. \u201cPathos.\u201d Encyclopedia of Rhetoric, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001, pp. 554.Smith, Craig R. \u201cPathos: Frame of Mind.\u201d Rhetoric and Human Consciousness: A History, Waveland Press, Inc., Long Grove, IL, 2017, pp. 82\u201383.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/135"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=135"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":139,"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/135\/revisions\/139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/norapittner.knight.domains\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}