Ally Video
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President Obama speaks as an ally in his contribution to the
“It Gets Better” project about the ways in which he identifies with LGBTQ
individuals who are being bullied and picked on. “I don’t know what it’s like
to be picked on for being gay. But I do know what it’s like to feel like you
don’t belong. It’s tough,” he says. President Obama’s message to LGBTQ
individuals who are being bullied is that they are not alone in their
experiences. While he may not know what it is like to be bullied for his
sexuality, President Obama can empathize with the LGBTQ community because he
knows what it is like to feel outcast.
His contribution to the “It Gets Better” Project demonstrates that regardless of a person’s ethnic, social, or economic background, we all desire feelings of inclusion and belonging. By sharing that he, too, has been picked on, President Obama reaches out to LGBTQ individuals on a personal and emotional level. Through his emotional appeal, he effectively humanizes the relationship between himself and his audience. The distance between his experiences and those of the audience is minimized. LGBTQ individuals are not alone in their suffering, and Mr. Obama encourages victims of bullying to unite to fight against discrimination in all its forms. Together, he assures, we can set an example for others to be treated with respect.
This is an important message for the LGBTQ community because it adds a great amount of momentum to the equal rights movement. By publicly presenting himself as an ally who is against the discrimination of LGBTQ individuals, President Obama is making a statement which is highly influential in building support for the LGBTQ community. The effectiveness of his message is greatly enhanced by the amount of pathos-based content it contains. President Obama speaks in a clear, focused manner and presents himself on a very personal level with the audience. These communication strategies allow his message to further resonate with those who hear it. President Obama’s “It Gets Better” video gives hope to the LGBTQ and Ally communities to continue in their efforts for equal rights and social justice.
His contribution to the “It Gets Better” Project demonstrates that regardless of a person’s ethnic, social, or economic background, we all desire feelings of inclusion and belonging. By sharing that he, too, has been picked on, President Obama reaches out to LGBTQ individuals on a personal and emotional level. Through his emotional appeal, he effectively humanizes the relationship between himself and his audience. The distance between his experiences and those of the audience is minimized. LGBTQ individuals are not alone in their suffering, and Mr. Obama encourages victims of bullying to unite to fight against discrimination in all its forms. Together, he assures, we can set an example for others to be treated with respect.
This is an important message for the LGBTQ community because it adds a great amount of momentum to the equal rights movement. By publicly presenting himself as an ally who is against the discrimination of LGBTQ individuals, President Obama is making a statement which is highly influential in building support for the LGBTQ community. The effectiveness of his message is greatly enhanced by the amount of pathos-based content it contains. President Obama speaks in a clear, focused manner and presents himself on a very personal level with the audience. These communication strategies allow his message to further resonate with those who hear it. President Obama’s “It Gets Better” video gives hope to the LGBTQ and Ally communities to continue in their efforts for equal rights and social justice.