Our Barbies, Ourselves by Emily Prager Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Our Barbies, Ourselves by Emily Prager - Article Example Prager asserts that this physical perfection on part of the most popular doll undermines the feminist movement and other feminine ideals. Prager acknowledges that Barbie does serve as a role model in terms of her liberated sense of style and living. The showcasing of Barbie’s bohemian lifestyle, spanning condos, fashion plazas, swimming pools and beauty salons is appealing for young girls. Yet, her combination of verve and freedom does not compensate for real substance. Prager constructs her arguments well through the use of deductive logic. She exposes the problems associated with Barbie’s idolatry. At the center of Prager’s criticism is the homocentric physical construction of Barbie and the highly materialistic basis of her lifestyle. As much a criticism of Barbie, the essay is a criticism of society at large for allowing a flawed concept to take such strong cultural roots. I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr. This landmark speech of the Civil Rights Movem ent is one of the most powerful public orations ever. It was delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. on 28th August 1963 at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The speech is exceptional for both its logical merit and emotional appeal. Indeed reading the transcript of the speech dilutes some of its rhetorical effects that were witnessed firsthand by the fortunate congregation at the Lincoln Memorial. ... Though the speech is delivered for political mobilization and has for its subject the deep-rooted social malaise of racial discrimination, it does not sacrifice its rhetorical flourishes. The combination of a powerful rallying cry delivered with a style bordering on poetic recitation makes it the most singular. It is hard to find any flaws with the speech. This is testified by the fact that it continues to be a source of inspiration for social activists even today. Message to the Grassroots by Malcolm X This is a public speech by the militant black leader Malcolm X, calling upon men of his race to unite in their efforts to fight white oppression. The speech is reminiscent of the more famous counterpart delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. But the methods advocated by the two speakers are contrasting. While the philosophy of King was one of non-violent activist organization, Malcolm X forwards a more militant approach to racial equality. Malcolm X’s agenda is also much broader t han attaining political rights. He believes that unless Black Nationalism (with due territorial sovereignty) is achieved there is no scope for black liberation. Malcolm X thus condemns the pacifist and conciliatory strands of the Civil Rights Movement. He urges all the black brethren to unite in their claim for a separate black nationhood. If a bloody revolution is what it takes to achieve that end so may the black race incur is his central message. Though Malcolm X’s speech is powerful in terms of rhetoric and public appeal, I personally do not find it acceptable. Malcolm X has a valid point in urging all factions of black social activists to unite. But his ready endorsement of violent means for achieving socio-political goals is problematic on two counts. Not only is Malcolm X’s stance