In Video 1, President Obama speaks to the Muslim world from Cairo. In his speech, Obama reflects on the history and nature of the relationship and tensions between the Islamic and American nations. He addresses seven important issues that he believes must be addressed in order to live in equality.Throughout his speech, Obama consistantly puts emphasis on the concepts of partnership, responsibility, respect, and peace, and the importance these factors play in the hope to heal the conflicts and tension between our nations in the future.
In light of recent events such as September 11th, fear and mistrust have become very real, and many Americans view Islam as a hostile country. Obama makes a point in his speech though, to emphasize that "Islam is a part of America." He points out that Muslims have fought in our wars, stood in our governments, fought for our civil rights, and taught at our universities. He reflects to the audience that in history, innovation in Islamic countries have paved the way for many adopted American practices such the creation of the order of algebra, our magnetic compas and tools of navigation, mastery of pens and printing, our understanding of how diseases spread and are healed. Obama believes that America provides opportunity for all that live within it's shores, including Muslims. He said, "Partnership must be based on what Islam is, not what Islam is not. We need to make an effort to listen, learn, and respect one another. We must seek common ground in order to move forward."
Obama addresses seven problems that we must work together to see improvement. The seven problems that he addresses are: the threat of extreamists to our nation; the on-going conflict between Israelites, Palistenians, and Arabs; rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons; democracy; religious freedom; women's rights; and globalization.
When speaking of extreamists, he states that human history has often been a record of nations, tribes, and religions. He says, "We must deal with our problems with partership, and our progress should be shared." He uses a quote by Thomas Jefferson, "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be." Obama believes that the recent events in Iraq have reminded America about the need to use diplomacy and build international concensous to resolve our problems when ever possible.
When addressing the long on-going tension between the Jewish, Palestinian, and Arab people, Obama recognizes that in spite of the resistance, they are all in search of a homeland, peace, and humanity. Obama makes it clear that violence is a dead-end. He says, " Moral authority is not claimed through violence, that is how it is surrendered."
Obama talks of the history of tension between the nations regarding nuclear weapons. He speaks of the history of defiance that Iran has shown the U. S. Though this subject has been an issue of tension between the nations, Obama says the U. S. is ready to move forward instead of live in the past. He says, "The question now is not what Iran is against, but what future it now wants to build.
Democracy is the fouth issue that Obama speaks about. He makes it known that though he believes that no country should have the right to tell another how to govern, the interest for Iraq is in the benifit of all of the people in need. He believes that all people have the right to speak their minds, have confidence in the rules of the law and equal administration of justice, a government that is transparent, and the freedom to live as you choose. "These are not just American ideas, they are humans right, and we will support them everywhere."
Obama then speaks of religious freedom. He stresses that people in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based apon the persuassian of the heart, mind, and soul. He believes we should all develop a tolerance to the many religions of the world, and respect one's right to practice their religion of choice. Obama states, "This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive. Faith should bring us together, not separate us."
On the issue of women's rights, Obama strongly says, "A women who is denied education is denied equality." He belives that countries whose women are well educated are countries that are more prosperous. He states, "Our daugters can contribute to society just as much as our sons." He stresses that both men and women should be free to equally reach their potential and live their dreams fully.
Lastly, Obama talks about globalization. Though he recognizes that change can bring with it fear of loss of control and identities, he stresses the importance of innovation. He believes that despite fears, progress can be made without losing ones beliefs and values. Obama states that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and all progress must be done in partnership.
I learned a lot from watching Obama's speech. Though some issus between the Islam nations, and U.S. are talked about regularly in the news, I didn't realize the depth of the many different issues that cause tension and conflict between our nations. Obamas speech shed light on these issues, exposed myths, provided truths and history about them as well as possible solutions. I found the idea of coming together to resolve these separating issues through partnership and peace enlightning, although I'm glad that Obama makes it clear that he's prepared to do what is neccessary to protect the American people from violence. I think it's good that he addresses that we all have a responsiblitiy to work together in partnership to make the world a better place.
In light of recent events such as September 11th, fear and mistrust have become very real, and many Americans view Islam as a hostile country. Obama makes a point in his speech though, to emphasize that "Islam is a part of America." He points out that Muslims have fought in our wars, stood in our governments, fought for our civil rights, and taught at our universities. He reflects to the audience that in history, innovation in Islamic countries have paved the way for many adopted American practices such the creation of the order of algebra, our magnetic compas and tools of navigation, mastery of pens and printing, our understanding of how diseases spread and are healed. Obama believes that America provides opportunity for all that live within it's shores, including Muslims. He said, "Partnership must be based on what Islam is, not what Islam is not. We need to make an effort to listen, learn, and respect one another. We must seek common ground in order to move forward."
Obama addresses seven problems that we must work together to see improvement. The seven problems that he addresses are: the threat of extreamists to our nation; the on-going conflict between Israelites, Palistenians, and Arabs; rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons; democracy; religious freedom; women's rights; and globalization.
When speaking of extreamists, he states that human history has often been a record of nations, tribes, and religions. He says, "We must deal with our problems with partership, and our progress should be shared." He uses a quote by Thomas Jefferson, "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be." Obama believes that the recent events in Iraq have reminded America about the need to use diplomacy and build international concensous to resolve our problems when ever possible.
When addressing the long on-going tension between the Jewish, Palestinian, and Arab people, Obama recognizes that in spite of the resistance, they are all in search of a homeland, peace, and humanity. Obama makes it clear that violence is a dead-end. He says, " Moral authority is not claimed through violence, that is how it is surrendered."
Obama talks of the history of tension between the nations regarding nuclear weapons. He speaks of the history of defiance that Iran has shown the U. S. Though this subject has been an issue of tension between the nations, Obama says the U. S. is ready to move forward instead of live in the past. He says, "The question now is not what Iran is against, but what future it now wants to build.
Democracy is the fouth issue that Obama speaks about. He makes it known that though he believes that no country should have the right to tell another how to govern, the interest for Iraq is in the benifit of all of the people in need. He believes that all people have the right to speak their minds, have confidence in the rules of the law and equal administration of justice, a government that is transparent, and the freedom to live as you choose. "These are not just American ideas, they are humans right, and we will support them everywhere."
Obama then speaks of religious freedom. He stresses that people in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based apon the persuassian of the heart, mind, and soul. He believes we should all develop a tolerance to the many religions of the world, and respect one's right to practice their religion of choice. Obama states, "This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive. Faith should bring us together, not separate us."
On the issue of women's rights, Obama strongly says, "A women who is denied education is denied equality." He belives that countries whose women are well educated are countries that are more prosperous. He states, "Our daugters can contribute to society just as much as our sons." He stresses that both men and women should be free to equally reach their potential and live their dreams fully.
Lastly, Obama talks about globalization. Though he recognizes that change can bring with it fear of loss of control and identities, he stresses the importance of innovation. He believes that despite fears, progress can be made without losing ones beliefs and values. Obama states that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and all progress must be done in partnership.
I learned a lot from watching Obama's speech. Though some issus between the Islam nations, and U.S. are talked about regularly in the news, I didn't realize the depth of the many different issues that cause tension and conflict between our nations. Obamas speech shed light on these issues, exposed myths, provided truths and history about them as well as possible solutions. I found the idea of coming together to resolve these separating issues through partnership and peace enlightning, although I'm glad that Obama makes it clear that he's prepared to do what is neccessary to protect the American people from violence. I think it's good that he addresses that we all have a responsiblitiy to work together in partnership to make the world a better place.
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