Inauguration Day

What aspects of our lives were emphasized by the speeches, ceremony, music, song, spectacle? What image of "the good and meaningful life" was strengthened and what sorts of lives were implicitly or explicitly critiqued?

The Inauguration started off slow. The songs and music created by famous singers and musicians helped create a mood of patriotism. They sung about america, and this celebration of America and its ideals were implicit in the flag background that appeared next to the singer's head. This was also created by the cello, violin, and other orchestra instruments. During the inauguration reactions of the audience was also shown. People who appeared onscreen appeared struck and awed by this moment in history. Some were crying, others just stared as if mesmerized by what was happening. "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." Striving to be a better country and being realistic of what can be accomplished is alot of what he talks about in his inauguration speech. Though there is also a tone of optimism and that this country will endure. Faith and hope that strives to instill in americans. Unity. The folk culture value shown is patriotism, and unity as a people.

"But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true."

Hard work makes an appearence as well as a folk culture value towards living a good and meaningful life. "Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame." Leisure is critiqued as something not conducive towards living a good and meaningful life, as well as seeking external things such as riches and fame. The journey he is talking about requires that people decide to work hard.