I agree with this idea that ACT UP can be interpreted as a threat to society. It is clear that there is a completely different type of frameworks of operation.

Similarly to what I said above, I agree and think sometimes it is necessary to use "noisier alternatives." Especially for things that people are choosing not to recognize.

I did not know what this word meant, but I now know it means profane or sacrilegious.

I disagree with calling the group counterproductive. I think things like this are used to push boundaries and to get attention to the cause. Sometimes people may seem over the top when they are trying to get their point across, but I don't see is as counterproductive at all.

This was another word that I was unfamiliar with, and don't think I've ever heard or read it before. After looking it up I know that it means to make something better.

This word was one I was not familiar with, and after looking it up I now know it means to be annoyed or impatient.

This sentence stuck out to me because this was the first time me distinguishing two different types of irony. I never thought of irony being split up into both of these way, which taught me something new.

This line stuck out to me because I agree with the idea of 'banishing' irony really is an illusion, and that a it can be a danger if used incorrectly. Because irony can be considered a defense mechanism, it can either help or hurt you.

This sentence reminded me of another similar sentence from a previous speech. I'm not sure if it was Obama's speech, but this is not the first time I have heard how people like the President are the conductor of feelings. I also agree with this idea, especially because they are the ones to address big 'issues' like these.

This sentence stood out to be because I also agree with this statement. Before reading this, and some other speeches I did not realize how much emotions play a role in politics.

This part kind of confused me for a number of reasons, but mainly why would Obama be unsure if he should say something? Especially something that is 'performed' infront of the public

This part of the speech reminds me to the Obama speech, as it seems like this can appeal to the audiences emotions, of grievance and loss. When a speaker says something like this in a dramatic way, its can make painful memories bubble up.

I found this metaphor to be interesting because it really explains the job of a president, and how they are the conductor of public feelings. It is true that the energy and feelings others get redirected, and sometimes changed or transformed.

This was another word I was not familiar with which I now know means bitterly cruel or harsh.

This was another word I was not familiar with which I now know means bitterly cruel or harsh.

At first I was not familiar with what the word 'birther' meant. After researching I now know a birther is a person who promotes the idea that Obama was born outside the US and therefore not allowed to be President according to 'provisions of the US government.'

This line stood out to me because it is clear that after this sentence, we the readers are going to learn why the atmosphere was so charged before the actual shooting. Almost like an opening sentence to show what this paragraph will be about.

I connected with this line when reading, because it reminded me of a time I got so lost doing something amazing for one of my friends, that I got completely caught up in without thinking. This line was something I could really relate too.

In this sentence, it feels like Barbara is trying to use emotions to connect to the audience. It did work for me, because I began to think about all the negative things she said in this list.

This quote reminded me of many past speeches I've heard, as Barbara is trying to connect with her audience and more specifically the American people. (in this case) When giving a speech, speakers can use words like this to empower the listeners and connect them to the speech.

When reading this, it made me think that Barbara is trying to tell the listeners how respectful and dignified she is while reading her speech. She blatantly tells the audience how she could use this opportunity to attack the Republicans, but that she will not do so.

Similarly to what Rachel said, I liked that the opening of this speech started with how far we had come in history. This first paragraph also reminded me of public speaking, as this would be a great attention grabber when starting a speech-especially with the use of questions at the end to get the audience thinking.

I was not familiar with who Demosthenes was when reading this line. After a little research I now know he was a Greek Statesmen that added insights to politics during the 4th century BC

This line was very relatable for me and probably most people. Since COVID-19, I am once again reminded how much. I miss social activities like being at a concert in a crowded arena "shaking the rafters" with cheers.

The end of this reading seemed to be pretty dark, to be honest I was expecting another paragraph or so to read after it! Overall the author seemed to use more positive phrases when writing, so I was surprised when this ending made me feel a lot more serious.

This line stood out to me greatly because it was a reminder that many things we see through the media can be skewed or framed for the audience. Examples such as live speeches are some of the things we watch where we the audience can see live, un-staged footage to create our own ideas or opinions with.

This stuck out to me in a similar way Rachel said here as well. In this line of the reading I was reminded how things such s political events normally take place in person; and how being virtual can change what happens greatly. It is also a point to show how far we have come over time that we have the option to use technology in such an easy access way; when in the past we could not have done it this way.