Question.3772 - There are three different areas that I'd like you to respond to in this discussion, and they are as follows: First, I would like for you to share your thoughts on the Sojourner Truth readings this week. You were asked to read both versions of her speech, 1851 and 1863, and you were even asked to write a journal entry about these speeches. By the time you post your thoughts here in this discussion, you should have a good sense as to why the two versions of the same speech are so different. The voice is different. The style is different. The word choice is different. The message might be different. Why do you think this is? If you look at the landscape of this country during the time period of these speeches, you will notice something relevant. In 1851, the United States was in peace time, but in 1863, the United States was engaged in Civil War. My question to you is, do you think the overall attitude of the country during these time periods had any influence over how these speeches were written? The second topic I'd like you to discuss in this group discussion deals with the issue of misinformation. As all of you should know, the United States is getting ready to have a Presidential election in November, and by many accounts, the stakes of this election couldn't be higher. But when I watch Fox News and CNN and MSNBC, I get very different messages about the same issues. Therefore, the "truth" and the "facts" seem to get lost in the different translations of the news. What should I believe? What shouldn't I believe? What is fact? What is fiction? In your opinion, what role does misinformation play in the way the news is reported on these different networks? In your opinion, how does misinformation alter the way people feel about the upcoming Presidential election? The last thing I'd like you to discuss here is the Presidential election itself. Like I said before, I know that our opinions here might be different, but I expect everyone to respect each other here. You do not need to say who you will be voting for in this election, or whether or not you will be voting at all, but I would like you to discuss the primary issues you will be voting on. What are the big issues that you will be voting on? Okay class. We are discussing very relevant issues in our discussion this week, and I look forward to it. If there is one place where people should be able to come together to discuss "hard" issues, it's right here in the college classroom. I am happy that our class is taking some time to discuss these issues, and I encourage everyone to be open and honest and respectful as we go. If you have any questions about this group discussion, please let me know. Thank you.
Answer Below:
Sojourner Truth's speeches, from 1851 and 1863, "Ain't I a Woman?" brings out important differences shaping the historical context of their times. The 1851 version, which was delivered during a period of relative peace, emphasized women's rights and equality in a way that was assertive but hopeful. Truth appeals to shared humanity, urging her audience to recognize the injustices faced by women, particularly Black women (Norton, 417-418). In contrast, the 1863 version emerges amidst the Civil War, where Truth's tone shifts to one of urgency and confrontation. Here, she addresses gender inequality and also highlights the broader struggles for racial justice in a nation that is torn apart by conflict. The language becomes more pointed, reflecting the heightened stakes of her message while she challenges her audience to confront the realities of oppression in a time of war (Norton, 418-419). This shift illustrates how the overall attitude of the country influenced her speeches; as societal tensions escalated, so did the need for a more direct and powerful call to action. Misinformation is indeed an alarming issue today particularly, with the upcoming Presidential election. Many news outlets for example, Fox News and CNN often present conflicting narratives about the same events repeatedly. Due to this divergence, it can lead to confusion regarding what is factual and what is fabricated (Dice,2017). Misinformation plays a vital role in shaping public perception and eroding trust in media institutions, but at the same time, it increases trust in political figures who align with certain narratives. This cycle can polarize opinions and influence voter behavior profoundly. As for the election itself, key issues for many voters include healthcare access, climate change policies, and economic stability. These topics resonate deeply with constituents as they navigate personal experiences and broader societal impacts. Engaging in respectful dialogue about these issues can foster understanding and highlight the diverse perspectives that shape our democratic process. References: Dice, M. (2017).?The true story of fake news: How mainstream media manipulates millions. Mark Dice. Norton, M. B. (Ed.). (Year). Ain't I a Woman? (1851 version). In The Norton Anthology of American Literature (pp. 417-418). Norton, M. B. (Ed.). (Year). Ain't I a Woman? (1863 version). In The Norton Anthology of American Literature (pp. 418-419).More Articles From English
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