Baracking Obama

Barack Obama. 

The first thing that comes to our minds: he's the president of the United States of America. By knowing this, we relate him to formality. A president must be everything but informal. Although, I do believe it's incorrect to assume that because of his background, think his memoir would be as formal as his speeches and the public figure Barack Obama must portray. 

"...the animals shit on our curbs..." (4) O.M.G. he said shit. 

It's hard to read this book without thinking that he is the president. But obviously, that's his aim. I guess. Using some pathos now and then. As I began reading Dreams from My Father I was surprised by his eloquence and fluency when trying to describe something. It gives the reader some sort of comfort. The interesting thing here is that he doesn't necessarily use pathos to inflict that feeling in us. We just feel it.

We recently discussed in class how there is a new movement in literature that is all about confessing. Saying things that no one else wants to say is what interests readers. They enjoy it because they can relate to something that the author had the courage to publish but they don't have the courage to say it. If there ever comes someone to blame, the author will be guilty, not us. But we still think about it. 

Obama reveals the truth. I am not only referring to Dreams from My Father only, this applies to his politics as well. As soon as he is informed his father has died, Obama says he's "trying to measure [his] loss" (5). We all expect Obama devastated and slowly scurrying his body down the wall while sobbing. No. He isn't sure how he is supposed to react, even if that sounds like he didn't appreciate his father, it's the truth. He then explains that he didn't know his father very well so that is why he has to measure the situation.

There is no better description for what I imagine of that feeling. These types of phrases are what makes the reader identified. He cares to describe moments and feelings as delicately as he can to be able to transmit the message. What I really mean, is that Obama writes about something that could be sad but by his tone, we feel completely serene; cozy. 

To be honest, I am unfamiliar with this type of tone/writing. Normally, authors use pathos or they don't. With this book it's a very twisted pathos that aims for no empathy yet it it does flirt with what could be a lighthearted tone. 

I don't like to think of this memoir as an intentional strategy for his campaign, but it sure served as one. At the end of the day, books always have a purpose.