The Audacity of Hope, Part #6

In the eleventh portion of Barack Obama’s book, Obama talks primarily about how family has played an important role in America. He relates how many people believe that the family oriented American life is fading. He writes, “Social conservatives claim that the traditional family is under assault from Hollywood movies” (332). There is the idea that today’s culture is eroding the typical family structure. I myself believe this to be true, but that this is a change like any other in history. Obama later talks about the issue from a liberal point of view. He tells the reader, “Liberals point to the economic factors-from stagnate wages to inadequate daycare” (332). I look at all of these arguments and agree that change is occurring, but also that the causes are not going to be easy to pin down.

In the final section of Obama’s book, he goes over everything he has said and makes an overarching claim about what he thinks is in store for the country in the coming future. Obama writes, I look out across the reflecting pool, imagining the crowd stilled by Dr. King’s mighty cadence” (361). Obama still believes that there is room for improvement in America, and I agree with his statements. Of course, change doesn’t occur overnight, but change does happen. Later, Obama continues to talk about change in a different light. He finishes his final thoughts, saying, “My heart is filled with love for this country” (362). This country isn’t perfect yet, but there is a continued opportunity for improvement. That is the essence of what makes America great.