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Exploring Influential Speeches and Writings

Apr 16, 2025

Notes on The Art of Influence

Part 1: Florence Kelley – "Speech Against Child Labor" (1905)

  • Main Issue: Kelley identifies the unethical use of child labor as the main issue, highlighting its harm.
  • Examples of Child Labor:
    • Little girls working in textile mills through the night.
    • Children making artificial flowers and neckwear under the sweating system.
    • Children making shoes, stockings, and knitted underwear in factories.
  • Women’s Suffrage and Child Labor Laws: Kelley argues that if mothers and teachers could vote, they could help free children from child labor.
  • State Laws:
    • Georgia: Cotton mills
    • Pennsylvania: Coal-breakers
    • Alabama: Limitation on working hours for children under 16 in cotton mills.
    • North/South Carolina and Georgia: Night work hours
    • New Jersey: Work cessation for women and children at 6 PM and noon on Fridays.
  • Call to Action: Kelley urges the audience to fight for voting rights to help pass laws ending child labor.

Part 1: Ronald Reagan – "Address on the Challenger Disaster" (1986)

  • Astronauts Description: Reagan describes the astronauts as courageous, brave, and daring.
  • Message to School Children: He acknowledges the difficulty of the event but emphasizes the bravery needed for exploration.
  • Future of Space Exploration: Commitment to continue space exploration.
  • Historical Reference: Compares the Challenger crew's dedication to Sir Frances Drake's commitment to exploration.
  • Literary Reference: Uses a compare and contrast with Frances Drake to honor the Challenger crew.

Part 1: David Selznick – "Letter to the Hays Office" (1939)

  • Main Concern: Selznick focuses on the censorship of the word “damn” in "Gone with the Wind," crucial for its emotional and dramatic impact.
  • Addressing Mr. Hays: Instead of the censoring official, demonstrating credibility.
  • Previous Films: Mentioned to assert Selznick’s reputation and integrity.
  • Argument on "Damn": Not an oath or curse; at worst, a vulgarism, as per the Oxford English Dictionary.
  • Reassurance: Allowing the word won't lead to widespread profanity in films.
  • Precedent: Hopes establishing a precedent for future film scripts.

Part 1: Art Hoppe – "To Root Against Your Country" (1971)

  • Why Rooting Against Country: Disappointment and shame over the country's decisions.
  • WWII vs. Vietnam War: Higher civilian casualties in Vietnam.
  • Vietnam War Aspects Hated: Massacres, body counts, napalming, and environmental damage.
  • Distinction in Rooting: Supports peace, not violence in Vietnam.
  • Loneliness of Opinion: One opinion feels insignificant compared to the majority.
  • Larger Cost of War: Beyond military losses, the war incurs hatred, shame, and rage.

Part 2: Joseph McCarthy – "Speech Explaining the Communist Threat" (1950)

  • Greatest Threat: Communism.
  • Spread in Asia: Described as a disaster or "dawning of day."
  • Accusations: Against U.S. officials.
  • Ideological Conflict: Communism vs. Democracy.
  • Religion vs. Communism: U.S.'s devotion to God is stronger than atheism.

Part 2: Frida Kahlo – "I'm Amputating You" (1953)

  • Reason for Writing: Writing before surgery in case of death.
  • Amputation Comparison: Compares letting go of her leg to letting go of Rivera.
  • Past Betrayals: Infidelity with her sister and others.
  • Directness: Telling Rivera personally about amputation.
  • Final Decision: Emotional release from Rivera.

Part 2: Cesar Chavez – "He Showed Us the Way" (1978)

  • Honoring Martin Luther King: Admired for non-violence and equality.
  • Power of Nonviolence: Most powerful weapon for justice.
  • Effects of Nonviolence: Better resolution to social issues.
  • Nature of People: Caring individuals are more inclined towards nonviolence.
  • Long-term Effects: Nonviolence leads to sustainable achievements.

Part 3: Virginia Woolf – "Professions for Women" (1930)

  • Writing Open to Women: Offers success potential.
  • Process of Becoming a Writer: Full of challenges.
  • "The Angel in the House": Represents an ideal woman.
  • Killing the Angel: Rejecting restrictive norms to express her true self.
  • Difficulty in Killing the Angel: Deeply ingrained values.
  • Lying for the Angel: Writing only what was proper for men.
  • Novels vs. Reviews/Articles: Novels allow more freedom.
  • Second Obstacle: Male-dominated literary world.
  • Metaphor for Obstacle: A battle against limitations.
  • Allusion: References "A Room of One’s Own."

Part 3: Abigail Adams – "Letter to Her Son" (1780)

  • Reason for Travel: To aid his father's diplomatic duties.
  • Mother’s Wisdom: Voyage benefitted him, proving her foresight.
  • Advantages over Others: Access to education and connections.
  • Metaphor of Greatness: Relates opportunity and responsibility.
  • Role of Hardship: Character building for leaders.
  • Historical Reference: Ancient leaders shaped by hardship.
  • American Revolution Connection: Character test for Americans.
  • Temper Advice: Advice to control passion with wisdom.
  • Urged Qualities: Virtue, diligence, humility, duty.

Part 3: Rachel Carson – "Introduction to Silent Spring" (1962)

  • Description of Town: Initially vibrant, turns silent.
  • Causes of Change: Human activity through pesticides.
  • Organism Adaptation: Humans alter environments to harm.
  • Time as a Problem: Gradual accumulation of chemicals.
  • Cycle of Biocides: Resistance leading to stronger chemicals.
  • Agricultural Policy Contradictions: Favoring immediate profit over health.
  • Modern Practices: Monoculture and poor planning worsen pest issues.
  • Role in Spread of Species: Trade introduces invasive species.
  • Government Blame: Negligence influenced by industry.
  • Final Contentions: Ethical responsibility in scientific progress.
  • Capitalism’s Role: Profit-driven exploitation of resources.