The United States in the Vietnam War Essay - 1274 Words

The United States in the Vietnam War Many soldiers have been lost in the different wars that the United States has been involved. Although there have been many wars only one is unique from the others, it is known as the war that was never won or lost. The Vietnam War started out as a conflict but soon escalated into a full-fledged war. Many soldiers have been lost in the Vietnam War. The United States sent many soldiers into the jungles of Indochina trying to stop the spread of communism from the North Vietnamese. It all seems clear-cut, with the motives and sides easily seen but as the war lagged on, it seemed that the United States became involved, and essentially needed a draft. The United States involvement in the Vietnam War became†¦show more content†¦In 1961 President Kennedy sent a group who’s mission was to report on conditions in the South and assess if the United States should continue to deploy troops to Vietnam -Brigham, 1. In 1962 there was a massive increase of United States troops in Viet nam –MacDonald, 626. The numbers grew so large that they almost tripled. This led for the South Vietnamese to be instructed by advisors, who were attachments in the field -MacDonald, 627. Army recruits in the Special Forces were brought in to train the tribesman in the highlands. They also assisted the South Vietnamese in some of the more remote regions of the country -MacDonald, 627. The Civilian Irregular Defense Groups accompanied the Special Forces advisors, and they were able to disrupt the flow of the North Vietnamese from the country of Laos into South Vietnam -MacDonald, 627. These men were in charge of most parts of the operation, in a country where leadership had never been encouraged -MacDonald, 628. The United States troops also had many problems directing the civilians because of the language barrier. At the same time the Special Force troops were frustrated in directing their tactics -MacDonald, 628. At the time of John Kennedy’s assassination there were 16,000 troops that were stationed in Vietnam -Brigham, 1. U.S. policymakers had to face the fact that there still needed to be more troops deployed into Vietnam to maintain the ultimate southShow MoreRelatedThe Vietnam War On The United States964 Words   |  4 PagesThe Vietnam War is a more frequently and familiar name for the Second Indochina War. It was the longest war America has fought in. The Vietnam War had an impact on the American people, since it was the first war to ever be broadcasted on television. The country was able to see what was happening on the battleground. This war would have lasting effects on the United States and the nation it divided. The Vietnam war started way before America became involved (1955–1975). Indochina, which includedRead MoreThe Vietnam War And The United States872 Words   |  4 PagesThe Vietnam War was unlike any other war in which the United States has participated. The Vietnam War has many unique attributes, beginning with the unclear reason as to why the U.S. became involved in a war that presented no threat to U.S. citizens or national security. Three unique attributes of the Vietnam War that are very interesting are the U.S. combat strategy, the Vietnamese guerrilla warfare, and the MIA issue. The first interesting attribute is the combat strategy used by the American soldiersRead MoreThe United States And The Vietnam War946 Words   |  4 Pagesthe fact that; the Montagnard population is dropping. It was once over 3 million during French colonialism, today the race has dwindle to only a few thousand. As the tension between the Montagnard and Vietnam grow the safer place to be is in Cambodia and the neighbor countries. During the Vietnam War a few U. S Special Forces soldiers set up camps in the central highland, deep in the jungle area to block the road from Viet Cong resupplied route. They encounter a tribesmen â€Å"Montagnard† or â€Å"Yard†Read MoreThe Vietnam War And The United States2269 Words   |  10 PagesThe Vietnam War or the Second Indochina War began in 1955 or ten years after World War 2. The United States direct involvement in the war started in 1964 and extended through 1973 but its indirect involvement started much earlier. At the end of the Second World War the United States and the Soviet Union were recognized as the two greatest military powers in the world. As the Soviet Union expanded their influence over Eastern Europe in countries including Bulgaria, East Germany, and China turnedRead MoreThe United States And The Vietnam War1153 Words   |  5 PagesA Day to Remember It seems as if the united states are always fighting a battle whether it is overseas or within its own borders. The citizens were not ready for what the 1970’s was going to bring, socially, economically, and religiously. Jim Jones was going to bring peace and relief to these people in the most tragic way possible. With brain washing, manipulation, and isolation Jones convinced hundreds of people to commit suicide. The Peoples’ Temple religious movement was one of the many goingRead MoreThe United States Entered The Vietnam War901 Words   |  4 PagesThe Reason the United States Entered the Vietnam War Towards the end of Vietnam War over 60,000 Americans lost their lives while Vietnam lost over 2 million Vietnamese. In essence, participation of United States in this conflict culminated in signing of the infamous War Electricity Acts (Kimball 209). This Act became law in the year 1973 where it required the American president to obtain Congressional acceptance before deploying Americans forces abroad. However, in this particular discussion, theRead MoreEffects Of The Vietnam War On The United States1673 Words   |  7 Pageseffects of the Vietnam War with the United States and Vietnam had devastating effects for both sides. The United States entered this war as a way of proclaiming that it was the world power and to help out a country that split into the North and South Vietnam. One side was communist and the other side was a republic. The Viet Cong tried to oppress and take over. The United States reacted to this threat as a communist act and decided to step in and aid the people o f Vietnam. This war was classifiedRead MoreThe Vietnam War And The United States Of America1766 Words   |  8 PagesFormer Secretary of State and Vietnam veteran John Kerry said it best when he stated â€Å"In our opinion and from our experience, there is nothing in South Vietnam which could happen that realistically threatens the United States of America† and â€Å"To attempt to justify the loss of one American life in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos†¦is to us the height of criminal hypocrisy which we feel has torn the country apart† (Goldstein). This statement stands true with many Americans as the Vietnam War was the most opposedRead MoreThe United States Involvement During The Vietnam War1514 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States involvement in the Vietnam War developed into one of the most brutal, yet necessary wars of The Cold War. Although the war was viewed poorly by most, it helped a weak, crumbling South Vietnam stand up to a strong powerful North Vietna m that was forcing communism on them. President Johnson even stated that â€Å"Our objective is the independence of South Vietnam and its freedom from attack.† The United States wanted to stop an oppressive government and to make sure the world is a saferRead MoreThe United States Involvement During The Vietnam War1729 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States involvement in Vietnam was the longest war the U.S. has ever took part in and was considered an extended military engagement due to the fact congress never formally declared war with Vietnam (FCNL). The Vietnam War began on November 1, 1955 and lasted for 20 years until April 30, 1975. The war was fought between the communist Northern Vietnamese and the anti-communist Southern Vietnamese after the country was temporarily divided by the Geneva Accords. Americas entering of the Vietnam

Mandating a Graduation Test to Stop Students from Slipping...

Throughout America the high school graduation rate is on the rise. This is great but are students actually learning what is important or are they slipping by. According to Daniel Kortez, a Harvard Professor, this might be the case. That is why we need to mandate a graduation test in North Dakota. What is the purpose of having the next generation graduate from high school but not have adequate knowledge to continue into the real world and in further education? The North Dakota Department of Public Instructions needs to mandate a standardized test which students must pass to demonstrate whether students are prepared for the real world, provide accurate comparison between sub groups, and show whether or not the current curriculum is†¦show more content†¦According to Education.com, sub groups can provide the school with data about ethnicity, special needs and socioeconomic status (Standardized). This provides schools with data about how to better enhance their students’ education and create programs that would be useful to students. Similarly, this graduation final will also give a superb evaluation of the current courses. The final reason that we need to commision a graduation test is to make sure that the schools and curriculum are properly teaching students.When I was in fifth grade I learned very little. At the time I thought that it was pretty cool but the following year my grammar skill were insufficient. That is why we need to mandate a graduation test. It would show if the students are accurately learning in the curriculum. Daniel Kortez a Harvard professor agrees. He thinks that graduation tests give us an accurate way of finding out what students actually know (Usable). Standardized tests also hold schools and faculty accountable for students knowledge. The scores of these types of test become public after a certain time. This would then show the public if the current curriculum is up to the task of effectively teaching students. This can lead to the loss of a job and maybe even the take over of a school to make sure that the students are learning properly (Standardized). People who oppose t he graduation test would say that teachers would then teach to the test. To prevent this the school

Rhetorical Analysis of Obama Speech Free Essays

string(93) " the blood of humanity: African, European, slave, and the Caucasian slave owner within them\." Literatures and Foreign Languages Let Us Learn and Resource Together 23 November 2008 Rhetorical Analysis of â€Å"A More Perfect Union† Speech The speech titled â€Å"A More Perfect Union† was delivered by Senator Barack Obama on March 18, 2008 near the historical site of the signing of the U. S. Constitution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We will write a custom essay sample on Rhetorical Analysis of Obama Speech or any similar topic only for you Order Now The speech responds to the video clip of Barack Obama’s pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, making racially charged comments against America and Israel. The pundits and various news media outlets played the clip repeatedly on the television, radio, YouTube, and podcasts. First, the Senator’s speech attempts to address the nation on their concerns of his affiliation with Reverend Wright. Second, the speech addresses the sustaining and prevailing issues of race within America and how it paralyzes our nation. The speech is compelling because it possesses the necessary elements of effective and persuasive rhetoric; in summation, Obama’s rhetoric works. Rhetoric is the study of opposing arguments, misunderstanding, and miscommunication. Also, relevant to this analysis, rhetoric will be defined as the ability to speak and write effectively and to use language and oratory strategically. Despite the common employment of speech writers by most politicians, Senator Obama wrote the speech himself. By addressing the misunderstanding and miscommunication connected to and perpetrated by racism in America, the audience sees precisely how effective Obama’s speech is when examined through such lenses as the classical and 20th century rhetorical theories and concepts from Aristotle, Richard Weaver, Stephen Toulmin, Chaim Perelman, and Michel Foucault. Barack Obama’s speech echoes the rhetorical concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos that are explicitly discussed within Aristotle’s The Rhetoric. Ethos is how the speaker’s character and credibility aids his or her influence of the audience; whereas pathos is a rhetorical device that alters the audience’s perceptions through storytelling and emotional appeals (181). Logos uses reason to construct an argument and to covey an idea (182). Finally, kairos attempts to conceptualize the need for the correct timing (201). Therefore, ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are all evident within the speech and expressed in various ways, striking language and repetition, and through different receptors, emotions and logic. Ethos is accomplished on intellectual, social, spiritual, and biological levels. Senator Obama does this by giving factual information. He interjects historical references; he explains the extent of his family tree. Thus, the Senator gives creditability to his speech and validity to his message. The implication is that everyone should listen; he is the authority. He acknowledges that the press routinely looks â€Å"for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well† (Obama, par. 7). From this quote, the audience is being persuaded by the classical theoretical concepts of opposing arguments. The audience is fully aware of the division between the races, and the speech is very effective due to the fact that Barack Obama is willing to speak of what is often unspoken. When addressing his intellectual ethos, Obama mentions that he has â€Å"gone to some of the best schools in America† (Obama, par. 6). Secondly, he recites, â€Å"We the people, in order to form a more perfect union,† which is easily recognized as the first line in the U. S. Constitution (Obama, par. 2). Even those who do not possess complete knowledge of the famous line immediately understand that something of importance is being conveyed to them. Thirdly, he demonstrates his awareness of past occurrences and present concerns on the global scale. Senator Obama recalls the â€Å"legacy of slavery and Jim Crow† within our nation (Obama, par. 24). He acknowledges the present dangers of â€Å"conflicts in the Middle East† and explains the cause of such conflict (Obama, par. 10). The audience is given evidence that he understands the role of history as well as the present-day global concerns affecting our nation. Furthermore, Senator Obama uses ethos to gain credibility with his knowledge of social issues that pervade our society today. He states, â€Å"The most segregated hour of American life occurs on Sunday morning† (Obama, par. 12). He acknowledges that the resentments of the black and white communities â€Å"aren’t always expressed in polite company,† but these resentments are manifested within our society in destructive ways, like racism (Obama, par. 31). The audience feels that he is knowledgeable and credible on the immediate topics affecting our future and our daily lives. Ethos is also applied on a spiritual level by mentioning his present faith and making Biblical references. He states that â€Å"more than twenty years ago [he was] introduce[d] †¦to Christian faith [with] obligations to love one another, to care for the sick and lift up the poor† (Obama, par. 13). He noted how â€Å"black people merg[ed] with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion’s den, [and] Ezekiel’s field of dry bones† (Obama, par. 16). Senator Obama is altering the language. Christians did not exist in the Old Testament story of Ezekiel, but Senator Obama is effectively connecting with every major religion. Simultaneously, he is reaching out to the secular world as well. Being cognizant that everyone does not actively practice a religious faith, Obama chooses stories that everyone, Christians and non-Christians, could identify and recognize. Thus, these religious references connect with masses as well as members of the three major religions. Finally, Senator Obama gains ethos by explaining his own genetic makeup. He states that he is â€Å"the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas†¦ [He continues that he] is married to a Black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slave owners†¦ [Then, he acknowledges that he has] brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins of every race and every hue scattered across three continents† (Obama, par. 6). In essence, he reveals that he has the blood of Africa, the birthplace of humanity, and the blood of a woman of French descent within him. He has married a woman who has both slave and slave owner flowing within her. Moreover, he has fathered children who have the blood of humanity: African, European, slave, and the Caucasian slave owner within them. You read "Rhetorical Analysis of Obama Speech" in category "Papers" Thus, he is an authority on race. He states, â€Å"[his] story [is] seared into [his] genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more that the sum of its parts–that out of many, we are truly one† (Obama, par. 6). The audience revels at his remarkable story, and ethos is achieved through storytelling. In essence, Obama forges a biological connection with his audience. The connection is strengthened through Senator Obama’s use of pathos. It is achieved through the use of emotional appeals. He alters the thoughts and feelings of his audience through storytelling, imagery, and allusion. The topic of race, within itself, evokes strong emotions, even to this very moment, this very second. The senator begins by telling a story of his grandfather â€Å"who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s army during World War II† (Obama, par. 6). The use of key terms such as Depression, Patton’s army, and World War II evoke the emotional responses of patriotism and self-sacrifice. Toward the end of his speech, Obama shares another story; he tells of a young, white, Southern campaigner–Ashley Baia–who inspires an old, black, Southern man to vote (Obama, par. 45-46). In essence, Baia encourages pathos by telling her story. Barack Obama uses Baia’s story of inspiration to highlight the power in sharing his own story. The audience is able to connect through the emotional appeals that take place at the very core of humanity. It is easy to disrespect and dishonor something that is foreign and unknown, but it is hard to turn away from the essence of another man’s soul. As fellow humans, the audience recognizes the sheer humanity in the story. Pathos is also achieved through the use of allusion and imagery. The imagery that is provoked with terms such as slave or slavery is still poignant today. Most people are cognizant of the plight of slaves within this country. The audience would be aware of the racism that ensued and the devastation and isolation that slavery caused in American history. When Barack Obama describes the various ways that racism manifested within our society, pathos is achieved because of the powerful imagery of the allusions to race and racial conflicts within our community. The audience is trapped and becomes aware of the prejudices and experiences of race and racism within their own lives, thus causing emotions to surge and overflow. Pathos, being the weakest form of rhetoric, is utilized by Senator Obama sparingly. Instead, he overwhelmingly utilizes the most powerful form of rhetoric, logos. Logos is the ability to embody rational, logical, methodical thoughts and persuasions. As it relates to Obama’s speech, examples of logos are found throughout the text. For example, by displaying objectivity, the element of logos is achieved. Senator Barack Obama methodically explains the problems with race within America, and he gives logical, reasoned resolutions to the problems. He explains, â€Å"The anger [of Blacks and] the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away, nor has the anger and bitterness of those years†¦ [Later he offers resolution and states that] the African-American community [must embrace] our past without becoming victims of our past† (Obama, par. 34). Many African-Americans will identify with Obama’s assessment of race within the African-American community, and they will be inspired to act in a positive manner. Simultaneously, he acknowledges â€Å"a similar anger within†¦the white community. They [feel] they’ve worked hard all their lives†¦They are anxious about their future, and they feel their dreams slipping away [and] resentment builds over time†¦ [Furthermore, he offers resolution and urges that] the white community [must acknowledge] that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination [exists]† (Obama, par. 36). From these lines, the audience is persuaded to respond in a positive manner as well, and they are urged to approach the subject of racism both subjectively and objectively. Senator Obama recognizes the duality of both plights and asks the American people not to blame each other but investigate and seek out the true reason of conflict within our nation. Thus, Obama is using inductive and deductive reasoning, which is indicative of logos. By utilizing Aristotle’s method and system, Obama’s appeals to logic are beyond reproach. Once his reasons are defined, he states that this is the time that we must take action and secure our future together, and Obama begins to preach on the importance of time. The issue of time and timing directly correlates with the classical rhetorical term kairos. Obama conveys time in a powerful fashion. In the beginning of his speech, he states, â€Å"Two hundred and twenty one years ago [our forefathers]†¦produced [a document that was] eventually signed, but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by the nation’s original sin of slavery [that] brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least 20 more years, and leave any final resolution to future generations† (Obama, par. 3). Later, he explains how people often manipulate race to win political elections and prevent unity. Barack Obama speaks of the continual war between segments of our community. Then he states, â€Å"But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now† (Obama, par. 23). Furthermore, he acknowledges â€Å"the complexities of race† in America have never been resolved. He urges Americans â€Å"to come together and solve [the] challenges [in America]† (Obama, par. 33). He persuades the audience to racial relations within America a priority. In summary, kairos is aggressively addressed and highlighted. The audience realizes that the problem at hand may have been ignored by our forefathers, but these problems must be addressed now. Toward the end, kairos reaches its peak of effectiveness. Obama states that what has been effectively dividing the races in the past will not happen again: Not this time. This time we want to talk about crumbling schools†¦This time we want to reject the cynicism†¦This time we want to talk about [healthcare]†¦This time we want to talk about [jobs]†¦This time we want to talk about [race]†¦This time—This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag (Obama, par. 40-41). From these lines, the audience feels the urgency of time; the listeners realize that â€Å"this time† America must act. Obama effectually uses the sophistic rhetorical theories and concepts to ignite and unite the audience; however, he also incorporates modern-day rhetorical theories and concepts as well. Specifically, Senator Obama utilizes the hierarchy of definition, analogy, cause and effect, and testimony of the 20th century rhetorician, Richard Weaver. In the introduction of Language Is Sermonic, the narrator summates Weaver as stating, â€Å"Rhetoric†¦is a positive act with consequences in the world†¦Every utterance is an attempt to make others see the world in a particular way and accept the values implicit in that point of view† (1348). Similarly, Obama desires to persuade the audience to see the world from a different perspective, a different lens. First, toward the beginning of the text, Obama defines the Black church. He states, â€Å"Black churches across the country embod[y] the community in its entirety—the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger†¦[S]ervices are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor†¦ [Full] of kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love [as well as] the bitterness and biases† (Obama, par. 8). If one really looks closely at the definition, it is also a definition of America as well as the Black church. By explaining the polarity within the Black church, he explains the polarity within America as a whole. In this way, Obama uses rhetoric in a positive way to impact his audience and highlights that â€Å"every utterance is an attempt to make others see the wo rld in a particular way [through definition]. † Second, Weaver asserts, â€Å"Rhetoric [is] the most important of all ends, the persuading of human beings to adopt right attitudes and act in response to them† (1351). From these lines, one can examine Senator Obama’s use of twentieth century rhetorical theories and concepts. Obama uses â€Å"cause-and-effect† by illustrating the history of racism within the United States (1354). He states: We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that existed between the African-American community and the larger American community today can be traced directly to inequalities passed from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow (Obama, par. 4). In essence, Obama is stating that the racism today has a sordid past in our history; it can not be ignored, but it must be confronted, discussed, and acted upon. Obama is using this cause-and-effect to play on the emotions of his audience. Everyone is aware of the gruesome history, yet, as Weaver puts it, â€Å"Humanity includes emotionality or the capacity to feel and suffer, to know pleasure† (1352). From these lines, it is obvious that Senator Obama uses cause-and-effect to evoke an emotional response and sway the audience to his point of view. Furthermore, Barack Obama utilizes the elements outlined by Stephen Toulmin’s The Uses of Argument. He uses the schema of the six components in analyzing arguments: qualifier, claim, data, warrant, backing, and rebuttal. The qualifier is the â€Å"word or phrase [that] expresses the speaker’s degree of force or certainty concerning the claim† (1418). Next, the claim is the â€Å"conclusion whose merit must be established† (1417). Then, the data is the â€Å"fact we appeal to as a foundation for the claim† (1417). The warrant is â€Å"the statement authorizing our movement from the data to the claim† (1419). How to cite Rhetorical Analysis of Obama Speech, Papers

Francis ford coppola Essay Example For Students

Francis ford coppola Essay Following careful thought on which director to study, I chose Francis Ford Coppola. Although he has directed more films than I have had the opportunity to experience, I have viewed enough to understand his progression and style of his work. Over almost forty years of work, Coppola has directed about twenty-five films, produced near forty-five, composed two, and acted in eight. He is known predominantly for Apocalypse Now (1979) and The Godfather I (1972), II (1974), and III (1990). However, he has worked in other genres, such as Horror/Romance, Musical, and even Comedy. In the few of his numerous films that I have seen, Coppola appears to use much of the same aesthetic techniques. Most of his works mise-en-scene, with some exceptions, seems to be very basic. When he is filming, Francis Ford Coppola does not put too many unnecessary items into the scene. When using a Wide-angle lens, the frames are very open and spacious. This allows the viewer to focus on what is happening, rather than distract their attention. This technique can also prove useful. For example, if he wanted to make a character seem alone, abandoned, and insignificant, this type of shot would work well. Opposite a number of his films, in Apocalypse Now, it was important to some of the frames full. However, they still were not completed with excess objects, instead they were lavishly filled with the natural, lush greens of the Philippines. Francis Ford Coppola also uses dissolves in his works. In The Cotton Club (1984), this technique was used a couple of times, when both dancing and singing was being performed. His editing style proved continuous. It was neither choppy, nor disruptive to the viewer, which allowed for a more pleasant experience. Francis Ford Coppola uses sound in a rather conventional way, but at times adds a touch of his own creative style. The character that the audience is meant to empathize with may have their own particular motif, displayed through music. In The Conversation (1973), whenever Harry Caul, played by Gene Hackman, was intensely thinking about something, the same piano music would play. His direction of the actors was executed extremely well. He knew exactly what he wanted from them, and did not give up until it was as he had expected. Some of his setbacks in Apocalypse Now support this opinion. He wanted every part to be performed perfectly. It is because of this that he allowed a conflict with Marlon Brando to arise. Coppola rewrote the end of the script, to suit Brandos weight gain and personality. It is circumstances such as these, where Coppola demonstrates his flexibility that allows him to be such an extraordinarily successful director. This flexibility and knowledge is useful in other areas also. Francis Ford Coppola does not look onto other races ass if they are insignificant. Throughout The Cotton Club (1984), Coppola portrays the black race as educated people. They are talented, just as the white race, although there is segregation, they still try to make a living through their dancing and singing talents. In the past thirty-eight years of his career, Francis Ford Coppola has achieved more than anyone could ever dream of. Coppola is, in my opinion, an auteur. He has written produced, composed, and acted in over forty-five films throughout four decades. His style and choice of genres, along with knowledge, experience, and flexibility has allowed Coppola to become a well-known, idolized director. After experiencing only a fraction of the numerous films that Coppola has worked on, I find myself wanting to experience more.