Analysis of Barack Obama’s Newtown Shooting Speech in 2012, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Generally, there are various communication channels used in addressing different audiences regarding a particular issue. However, the use of speech is considered effective in ensuring that the goal of communication is achieved and the target group is sufficiently addressed. The face-to-face interaction between the speaker and the audience facilitates better understanding and interpretation of the message. Additionally, reports reduce direct response from the audience involved by creating different sessions that enable the audience to react to the relayed message.

Examinations of the Rhetor

From Obama’s speech at the Newton School, it is evident that he is a great public speaker. From the address, he urged his citizens to remain strong regardless of the challenging economic times that the state was going through as a whole. The president seemed hopeful of daily renewal that things would normalize as went by. From the speech, the president did not seem to concentrate much on the challenging events within the state but encouraged his citizens to trust God, for, with due times, the state would be a better place to dwell and carry on activities as usual. The president, however, encouraged and promised the families of the twenty children and six adults who perished following an accident that occurred in one of the schools in Newton. From his speech, the government would provide the adequate support needed to ensure that the affected families get through their grief. The president, however, appreciated the fact that the school’s staff responded on time and offered the necessary support in fighting against the incident (Tscholl, 44).

From the speech, it was clearly displayed that the president was empathetic to the victims of the school’s incident. The president promised his citizens of the necessary support either by providing counseling services to the affected families. However, he was thankful to the responders who quickly rushed to save the worsening situation in the school, more so to the fellow students who used their skills in trying to salvage the problem within their school. Through his speech, the president condoled with the victim’s families and seemed embarrassed about the consequences of the shooting incident (Kirk, 32).

The president grieved with the citizens as one community as a strategy towards the healing process of the trauma caused by the school’s shooting incident. During his speech, the president was too overwhelmed to withstand the pain resulting from the relentless shooting of innocent citizens. For the first time in history, the president could not face his audience during his presidential address speech concerning the school’s deadly attack. He, however, stood in the gap in getting the state back to the previous state before the shooting incident.  The president was too terrified after receiving the news while in the office through a post on his Twitter account. Unlike his previous speeches after the Tucson shooting, the president had no confidence to face his audience directly during his speech. Unlike other times, he faced downwards throughout his address, which was a clear indication of his shock and regret from the shooting incident. From his speech, the president expressed his pain because the deceased students were of great minds.

Additionally, he expressed that the students were noble people with bright futures and full of expectations in academic and other areas of life. The president was unable to control his pain because he is also a parent, and no parent would withstand the child’s loss. Additionally, he grieved with the families of teachers who were involved in the shooting incident, urging them they had a great future to improve their careers and other fields in life. However, from his speech, the president promised that the government would collaborate with the victim’s families to offer the necessary moral support as cope up measure towards their grief (Blog, 2014).

During his speech, the president also assured the citizens of the government’s involvement in fighting against terror attacks within the state. As a way of ensuring that the citizens were adequately prepared in response to terror attacks, the president assured the citizens of tactical training to help in reducing the significant loss suffered during any terror attack. The president also assured the citizens of authentic governmental investigations towards the school’s shooting incident as a way of making sure that the root cause and the involved parties are identified.  From his speech, it was evidently displayed that the president served as a role model to the nation through his empowering speech to avoid panic and anxiety among the citizens within Newton city (Eidenmuller, 16).

Historical and Social Context of the Speech

Historical Context

Scholars or student’s misery is often complex due to the nature of their evolving features such as probing for sovereignty, personality development, career objective, educational pressure, and creation of intimate affairs. During President Obama’s term, most gun violence cases were dedicated to contextual debates and controversies. The president indicated that the Newton gunfire was the saddest moment of his presidency. President Obama exhibits rhetorical leadership in developing a brief description of tragedy. He purposes to renovate the audience from submissive onlookers of disaster to dynamic agents of transformation. He triumphs the renovation around the advance of connection among himself, the fallen, and the audience. He identifies how citizens should unravel and retort to tragedy.

During the Newton shooting, Adam Lanza was the key suspect; where the suspect arrived at Sandy Hook Elementary School and murdered twenty kids and six adults with gunshot wounds before he took his own life. It is believed that earlier, Lanza is alleged to have killed his mother by a gunshot in their home. The nation considered this bombardment as among the deadliest shooting after the 2007 incident on Virginia Tech, which claimed 32 lives (Christopher, 842). The authorities are yet to determine what led to Sandy Hook Elementary’s motivation since there were no signs that Lanza left a statement explaining the attack. State’s Attorney Stephen Sedensky released a report showing that Lanza had major mental health concerns that disturbed his competence to live a customary life and cooperate with others.

An earlier neighbor to the Lanza family, Beth Israel, termed Adam as introverted but not hostile. She just called him an awkward kid, somehow shy and quiet, and Lanza did not look at someone in the eye (Christopher, 2016). Lanza had a curiosity for guns which retaliated from his mother, Nancy. She had numerous guns, and she occasionally invited her son to do local shooting range together. Adam was mentally disturbed as he had a comprehensive report on previous mass shootings, and he once posted a picture embracing a gun to his head. Newton’s shooting demonstrated the lowest breach in the time since the previous shooting had occurred two days prior. The families were affected, and the nation at large was still grieving.

The Newton’s shooting showed a tremendous turning point for the president as these shootings dedicated more heavily to strict gun protocols. President Obama discussed 23 executive actions to be employed and endorsed quickly after the speech. Some of these remedies comprised increasing the convenience and efficiency of federal contextual check data and certifying that establishments have the vital assets and preparation to deal with potential shooters (Blog). Unfortunately, some of the actions Obama put forth, collective background checks, the prohibition of offensive weapons, constructing an ammo cap, and the enlargement of mental health advances, were neglected since they did not attain the 60 votes for approval.

Social Context

The Manchin-Toomey plan bill, established by Senators Joe Manchin and Patrick Toomey, ought to have developed contextual tests to embrace confidential sales at gun shows and all Internet sales. Upon the setback, President Obama doomed “the gun lobby and its allies.” The president also condemned the democrats and the republicans who contradicted the bill uttering that they dreaded the gun lobby wasting money on them and portraying them in a negative light as an anti-second amendment, and so, they conceded under pressure.

Issues, Events, and People Discussed In the Speech

Issues

One major issue addressed was the grief and turmoil caused by the death of the little innocent children aged between 5 to 10 years (Slack). He expressed how he felt as a president and as a parent, especially due to that day’s tragedy, and stated that he knows that all parents in America are feeling the same way. Thus, President Obama was concerned about how the people can be supported when dealing with loss and grief. He mentioned that the people were not alone; the whole nation felt the pain and assured them of his support (Adams). Obama also assured them that the nation would provide whatever comfort they can to the affected, and whatever burden they can help the people of Newton bear, they will gladly help (Michael, 2:12-58)

According to Adams, Obama talked about the heroism of the teachers who died from the shooting. He appreciated their endeavor to better the future of the young generation. He also touched on the spirit and bravery shown by the educators and youngsters who survived, especially that child who courageously remained still despite the tension (Adams).

Further, he brought up the issue of coming together in unity and oneness regardless of one’s political stance to fight and prevent such tragedies from occurring again in the future (Garcia). This was evident when he acknowledged the nation’s inspiration from the people of Newton, who stood together, showing love and care for one another. According to Adams, Obama talked about the issue of inadequate security, revealing that little has been done to promote purposeful and happy living for all Americans; thus, the need to be more devoted to that course.

Additionally, Obama talked about the adults’ duty in raising their children. Though this may be seen as a simple duty, it requires much more than what people perceive. In The New York Times (8:16-20), Obama revealed that despite the love parents have for their children, they on their own cannot achieve their safety or education. He noted that it is not a single individual’s task but a shared responsibility of all. This, he noted, is the only sure way of meeting the obligation of caring for and protecting both the children and the citizens.

Events

President Obama talked about the recurring tragedies that America has endured as an event that needed immediate action (Garcia). He stated that the country has gone through many such attacks in different areas, including schools, temples, malls, movie theaters, and many other places (Cohen). He said that this could not be tolerated any longer, and things must change to create a safer nation (Adams).

Michael (6:13-16) states that another event discussed in the speech was the coming together of the nation to fight such tragedies. The measures that the president wanted to take in preparation to handle such occurrences would be discussed by involving everybody. He said that he would engage all stakeholders to bring such tragedies to an end (Cohen).

People

This speech talked about various people, particularly those who were directly or indirectly victims of the attack. First, it discussed the children who succumbed to the attack. President Obama said that a lot of potential and talent had been lost to the grave as these children were young, and they would have lived for many more years to explore and do exploits (Slack). The students who survived were also discussed. He noted that the children helped each other, comforted each other, and followed the teachers’ instructions without hesitating. Also, he discussed the efforts made by the students to encourage each other with special attention to a child who tried to encourage the adults by saying that he would lead the way as he knew ‘karate’ (Michael 5:02-30, The New York Times 5.34-36)

It also discussed the teachers who sacrificially and devotedly offered and committed themselves to teach those children and guide them on the way to achieving their dreams. He mentioned each teacher who died by name and appreciated the love, sacrifice, and courageous response to ensure the children were not hurt. Also, he talked about the surviving teachers who barricaded themselves in the classroom corners, assuring the children that it will be okay, they shall be safe, and help from good people is coming to help them (Michael 4: 17-32).

Further, the parents, guardians, and relatives of both those who died and survived were mentioned in the speech. The president acknowledged the grief caused by that tragedy to the victims’ relatives. To those of the survivors, he expressed his concern about the pain and torture they experienced on witnessing what happened to the others.

Finally, Obama discussed the people of Newton and the nation at large. About Newton’s people, he appreciated the love and cared they showed for each other, which was a call to the whole nation to follow (Cohen). He also viewed the action of Newton as a source of encouragement and prayed that God might grant them the grace to sail through that storm (The New York Times (5: 37-5.42). Regarding America, he said that a lot needs to be done to meet the obligations of creating a safe and happy nation.

The Audience of the Speech

Several audiences were for President Obama’s speech, parents, children, the police, and the firearm dealers. These are the people directly affected by this shooting, whereby some parents had lost their children. In these children, the fellow youth was the ones who had caused the killings, the police as the ones who keep law and order in the communities and the firearm dealers being the individual who sells these weapons that cause havoc in the American communities.

The parents were the most critical audience for the president’s address. Every parent was responsible for the children of the other to ensure the continued survival during these terrible moments. The president says that their children are like parents’ hearts outside of their bodies, walking around. He said the parents were devoted to making their children’s lives more tolerable where the ones with financial needs could home school their children to keep them safe (Adams 1). The parents’ role was to harmonize their children towards a crime-free path for insurance of their future survival. The parents addressed here were of all races, financial status, urban to rural areas, and even different education levels. Their objective was to look after their children by guiding them to ensure their survival in the future.

The parents were all aware of the hard times they were going through, losing of children, fellow parents who were their friends. The audience felt a need for a change of society to a safer and all-inclusive society.  The parents had to play a crucial of keeping their children safe(“Obama’s Newtown Speech – Full Text”). They believed that for society to be safe again, there were supposed changes in policies regarding firearm dealerships (Adam 1). The audience could freely discuss this issue; this would make it easier the coming up with solutions. Some of the factors that prevented them from dealing with this issue were ignorance by these parents and fear of what could happen if they confronted this issue. The audience is encouraged to do everything within the law for the survival of their children.

Impacts of the Speech

The impact of the speech was to offer the experience to the audience. The president wanted every citizen to be on the same line as others who had experienced losing their children, friends, or even parents. He wanted them to know there was a need for immediate action. He named the victims one by one, Dawn Hocksprung, Mary Sherlach to Anne Marrie(“Obama’s Newtown Speech – Full Text”). While the president gave the speech, he could hide his sorrows as he occasionally wiped the tears rolling down his cheeks. He said it was very painful losing a child as they were a part of a parent. As the president gave the speech on how it was painful to lose the children, his voice slightly broke, making the citizens relate the amount of pain the other parents who had lost their children were going through.

This speech helped people feel encouraged that they were not alone in this dreadful tragedy. The president ensured that he did not dwell on the issues of guns, but he talked to the citizens as a parent, and how he would have felt, he says he cannot stop imagining the amount of pain the parents would undergo when they lost a child who had a lot to achieve (Garcia 1). Patricia Garcia says that evening, all they needed was a president that could understand the amount of pain the citizens were going through. They were truly encouraged by him as he like a parent from the brief speech that he gave.

The president inspired togetherness among the audiences. On that day, it did not matter if an individual was a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Green Party; the president referred to every individual as we. Individuals say that all they wanted to hear from him was his support, and the president did not disappoint. He spoke deeply, putting everything behind himself, and he connected deeply as he had daughters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that President Barack Obama’s speech after the mass killing at Newton provided exactly what the people needed at the time. He empathetically put himself in the parents, teachers, and citizens’ place and took upon himself the burden of helping the nation overcome the grief of the time and future occurrences. Obama managed to put the speech into the right social and historical context and tailor it towards his audience’s needs, addressing all the affected parties. He connected with his audience at a personal level through his open display of emotions and appeals. Therefore, President Obama offered support through his speech, showed love, care, and concern to the nation, which helped reduce their pain and turmoil.

Works Cited

“Obama’s Newtown Speech – Full Text.” The Guardian, 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/dec/17/obama-speech-newtown-school-shooting

Adams, Richard. Newtown school shooting: These tragedies must end, Obama tells vigil. The Guardian. 2012. https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-news-blog/2012/dec/16/newtown-school-shooting-sunday-talkshows-live

Adams, Susan. “President Obama’s Speech in NEWTOWN: Leadership at Its Best.” Forbes, 17 Dec. 2012, www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/12/17/president-obamas-speech-in-newtown-leadership-at-its-best/?sh=42bbf99e81ee

Blog, Alexa’s. “Barack Obama Speaking About Newtown Shootings.” Alexas Rhetoric and Civic Life Blog, Penn State University, 9 Oct. 2014, sites.psu.edu/apa5098/2014/10/09/barack-obama-speaking-about-newtown-shoot

Christopher M. Duerringer and Z.S. Justus, “Tropes in the Rhetoric of Gun Rights: A PragmaDialectic Analysis,” Argumentation and Advocacy 52 (Winter 2016): 181-98. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00028533.2016.11821869

Cohen, Tom. Wiping away tears, Obama mourns children killed in school shootings. CNN . 2012. https://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/14/us/obama-school-shooting/index.html

Eidenmuller, Michael E. American Rhetoric: Barack Obama – Prayer Vigil Address at Sandy Hook, Newtown, CT (Transcript-Audio-Video), American Rhetoric, 16 Dec. 2012, www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/barackobama/barackobamanewtownvigilspeech.htm.

Eidenmuller, Michael E. American Rhetoric: Barack Obama – Prayer Vigil Address at Sandy Hook, Newtown, CT (Transcript-Audio-Video), American Rhetoric, 16 Dec. 2012, www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/barackobama/barackobamanewtownvigilspeech.htm

Garcia, Patricia. “How Obama Grieved With All of Us After the Newtown Shootings.” Vogue, Vogue, 26 May 2017, www.vogue.com/article/obama-newtown-speech

Kirk, Justin Ward. Barack Obama’s Mass Shooting Eulogies Tucson, Newtown, and Charleston as moral guideposts for a nation in crisis. Diss. University of Kansas, 2018. https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/27888

Slack, Megan. “President Obama Speaks on the Shooting in Connecticut.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, 14 Dec. 2012, obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2012/12/14/president-obama-speaks-shooting-connecticut

The New York Times. President Obama’s Complete Speech at Vigil in Newtown, Connecticut. 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q-_T87j1MY

Tscholl, Gabriela. “President Barack Obama Responds to Gun Violence: A Rhetoric of Transformation.” (2017). https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations/3050/