Lauren Carbone 11-2

English III

Mr. Fiorini

February 23, 2009

 

Does writing have the power to enact social change?

 

 

“Don't tell me words don't matter. ‘I have a dream!' Just words? 'We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.' Just words? 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.' Just words? Just speeches?" - Barack Obama,

 

            Just words? Is that all the compelling speech, I Had A Dream, Martin Luther King delivered spoke to us, just words? No, His single speech alone inspired the civil rights of people that are still in power today. It is words that bring meaning into peoples lives and gives them the motivation to bring upon changes and better the world surrounding them.

            One of the obligations of a writer is to say all that he or she can to invoke change in the minds of their readers or listeners, as well as to deal with as much of the world as possible in language.  It is possible for powerful statements and words coming from the deepest void in the heart of a person’s body to inspire others to act forth on resolving issues and providing them with the motivation to do all they can to make a difference. The statement by Barack Obama, presenting the idea that the words of multiple powerful speakers are indeed more than just words, is a strong example of how writing can enact social change. His statement portrays the crucial role things that are said have on individuals and how it allows you to express yourself in ways actions cannot. Great achievements have come to be due to the competence of speeches and effectiveness of the messages delivered from them. They have brought upon people’s freedom, rights and also provided hope that a difference CAN be made no matter who it is that dares to take that vigorous step forward.

Words are extremely powerful. Words being produced with a small drop of ink upon a thought produces that which makes thousands or even millions think. The words that produce these thoughts are what inspire the insight to develop what starts out as a single thought into an action. These actions have the ability to do wondrous things and allow people to find a voice deep inside of them they have yet to hear. 

Lauren Carbone 11-2

English III

Mr Fiorini

January 30,2008

 

 

                               The Price of a Child, Letter to Pryor

 

Dear Pryor,

            I beg of you from the deepest plea of my heart, as a former slave and caring mother, for you to bring the youngest of my children back into my life. Although receiving my freedom meant leaving behind one of the greatest joys of my being, as a mother I had to provide a greater life for my two other children. A life of freedom by which their young deprived souls had so greatly deserved and yearned for throughout their short but experienced lives. Children should not live a life where day after day they witness the tired hands of their mother work as a slave and follow the commands of a master. Is it fair for the eyes of those young innocent children to see time pass with no opportunity for them to live there lives or experience the joy of anticipating a bright future? I gave my children that burst of hope by receiving freedom for them and myself as well. Now I ask of you, my former master, to allow me to provide that same burst of hope for my son Bennie.

            I live each day seeing the face of my Bennie reach out for his mother, but she is never to be found. Leaving my son in Virginia as I live as a free woman in Pennsylvania haunts me for I am living the life I wish for him. A cloud of depression follows the path I walk upon filling my days with sorrow and remembrance of the moments I was able to attend to my baby boy. Although I have become familiar with the tears I shed for him, I will never give up until he is safe in my arms. I don’t want Bennie to grow up asking questions of his mother and why she had abandoned him. Here, in Pennsylvania, a loving family waits for him, as well as siblings that so desperately wish to play a role in his life. I am willing to do anything in my power to see that he receives the hope and inspiring future that I could provide him with if he was here with me.

            I may not have a pocket full of money or anything of your value, but what I do have is a heart full of love for the child I brought into this world. I will do anything necessary to obtain the money required to purchase him, or do what is needed to meet your desires. However I am no longer a possession of yours, nor am I obligated to do as you say. As far as I am concerned any debt I might have owed to you has been long over paid. So now I ask you as a human being to complete my family and reunite us all to improve our lives together and work to become the family we had always hoped to be.

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                   Yours Truly,

                                                                                                   Mercer Gray