Tag Archives: personification

Flashback: Obama’s 1st Inaugural Address

February 22, 2016Media, Metaphors, Politics, Rhetoric, UncategorizedESL/EFL learners, figurative language, inaugural address, obama, personificationAndrew Gallagher

I have had several requests from linguists and graduate students around the world in the past few months to have more analyses of President Obama’s speeches. Previously, I analyzed his 2^nd Inaugural Address from January 2013 among other speeches. Today I would like to an analysis of his 1^st Inaugural Address from January 2009. Although it may seem like ancient history, this important speech reveals the energy and optimism of his record-setting campaign and election. President Obama uses a wide variety of metaphors in his speech including those from nature, farming, personification, theater, machines and tools, buildings, food, fragile objects, physical forces and journeys.

As always, the examples below are taken directly from the transcript of the speech. I have italicized the metaphors in question. Some examples are repeated if they contain multiple metaphors.

Nature

We commonly use metaphors of nature to describe political events or historical conditions. In one extended passage, President Obama speaks of rising tides, still waters, gathering clouds and raging storms. In other cases, he also speaks of our national confidence being reduced like the sap of a tree, while political changes are compared to earthquakes or shifting ground and American ideals are seen as lighting the world like the sun.

Example: “Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.”

Example: “Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.”

Example: “What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.”

Example: “Our Founding Fathers — (applause) — our Founding Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man — a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience sake.” (Applause.)

Farming

Our close relationship to nature includes our thousands of years of farming practices. In one case, terrorists are compared to farmers who sow conflict instead of seeds.

Example: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.”

Personification

Politicians commonly refer to countries or political movements as people. Thus, Obama refers to America as a friend of other nations, while earlier generations faced down fascism. Additionally, he speaks of dogmas as having the power to strangle our politics. Most famously, he described terrorists as a group of people to whom he would like to extend and hand if they would unclench their fists.

Example: “And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity.”

Example: “Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.”

Example: “On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.”

Example: “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

Theater

In addition to metaphors of personification, we also commonly compare countries to actors playing on stage or in a movie. Thus, President Obama claims that American must play a role in establishing peace around the world and that we must consider our role in keeping our military personnel safe in overseas engagements.

Example: “…and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

Example: “As we consider the role that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who at this very hour patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.”

Buildings

It is also common that politicians speak of governmental progress as building a new structure. Thus, we find an example of President Obama describing his goals in 2009 to lay a new foundation for economic growth. He also describes terrorists as those who would not only build societies but also destroy them.

Example: “For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.”

Example: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.”

Machines and Tools

We have used animals and machines for hundreds of years to make our lives easier. We put harnesses on domesticated animals to make them do work on our farms. We can also use tools to fix a machine or try not to lose control of its power. Thus Obama speaks of harnessing the sun, wind and earth for fuel. He also speaks of using instruments to meet new challenges, and watching the stock market so that it does not spin out of control.

Example: “We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.”

Example: “Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new.”

Example: “But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control.”

Food

We all have experiences eating food. We may describe the taste of food as something that is salty or sweet, sour or bitter, fresh or stale. Unpleasant events may be compared to a bitter taste, while old political strategies may be compared to stale bread. With a nod to the rhetoric of Martin Luther King, Jr., President Obama claims that we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation while stale political arguments are no longer applicable to modern societies.

Example: “We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation…”

Example: “What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.”

Fragile Objects

We compare the strength of people, political movements or personal motivation to fragile objects like glass vases. President Obama uses a popular metaphor to describe the American spirit as something that is not fragile and thus cannot be broken.

Example: “And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken — you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”

Physical Forces

We can also control objects and our environment by shaping them as if they are mounds of clay. Thus, Obama says that we are shaped by the languages and cultures of other countries, while we must be responsible to shape our own national destiny.

Example: “We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation…”

Example: “This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.”

Journey

Finally, and not surprisingly, President Obama uses many journey metaphors to describe his goals for his presidency which was just beginning in 2009. We use metaphors of walking, driving or sailing ships to describe progress in our lives. President Obama uses quite a variety of these types of metaphors. He does not want to roll back the progress that had been made on reducing global warming, but to carry forward the gifts of our forefathers to create a better world. He claimed that the United States has long been on a difficult path, but without short-cuts, while finding the surest route for a new way forward. He wants to country to think about how far we have traveled together and to keep our eyes on the horizon and carry forth our gifts to a new generation.

Example: “With old friends and former foes, we’ll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.”

Example: “The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

Example: “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 that prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor — who have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.”

Example: “The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.”

Example: “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.”

Example: “So let us mark this day with remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled.”

Example: “Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

*******

It is interesting to see the optimism in Barack Obama’s rhetoric and choice of metaphors at the start of his presidency. I wonder if he believes he has achieved all he had hoped for on his journey…

State of the Union Address 2016, Part 2

January 31, 2016Figurative Language, Immigration, Media, Metaphors, Politics, RhetoricDemocrats, ESL/EFL learners, figurative language, media, metaphors, obama, personification, politicians, politics, Republicans, state of the union addressAndrew Gallagher

As I mentioned last time, President Obama’s most recent State of the Union Address was not a typical SOTU speech. It looked backwards more than looking forwards. He also didn’t use a great number of metaphors. However, there were several examples of metaphors of sports, nature, machines and buildings that I covered in my last post. Today I would like to describe several more complex metaphors from physical forces, personification and journeys. As always, the examples are direct quotations from the transcript of the speech. Italics are mine.

Physical Forces

Ever since we were toddlers, we have learned to control our environment with our hands and our tools. We shape and tie and cut things thousands of times in our lives. We can bind something with string or be bound by a common creed. We can plant seeds in a trench, or have entrenched interests. We can also shape and reshape our lives, push and pull our way through lives, or lift, boost and elevate our lives. We also see more violent metaphors such as beat, break through, take out, and stamp out problems. Finally, there are numerous examples of cutting abstract processes as if they are vegetables on a cutting board. President Obama uses all of these metaphors of physical processes to describe his programs and goals for the future.

Example: “Voices that help us see ourselves not first and foremost as black or white or Asian or Latino, not as gay or straight, immigrant or native born; not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans first, bound by a common creed. Voices Dr. King believed would have the final word — voices of unarmed truth and unconditional love.”

Example: “None of this will happen overnight, and yes, there are plenty of entrenched interests who want to protect the status quo.”

Example: “We’re every immigrant and entrepreneur from Boston to Austin to Silicon Valley racing to shape a better world.”

Example: “We live in a time of extraordinary change — change that’s reshaping the way we live, the way we work, our planet and our place in the world. It’s change that promises amazing medical breakthroughs, but also economic disruptions that strain working families.”

Example: “Right now, we are on track to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS, and we have the capacity to accomplish the same thing with malaria — something I’ll be pushing this Congress to fund this year.”

Example: “It’s made it harder for a hardworking family to pull itself out of poverty, harder for young people to start on their careers, and tougher for workers to retire when they want to.”

Example: “…but on issues of global concern, we will mobilize the world to work with us, and make sure other countries pull their own weight.”

Example: “The bipartisan reform of No Child Left Behind was an important start, and together, we’ve increased early childhood education, lifted high school graduation rates to new highs, and boosted graduates in fields like engineering.”

Example: “There are a whole lot of folks in this chamber who would like to see more cooperation, a more elevated debate in Washington, but feel trapped by the demands of getting elected.”

Example: “Sixty years ago, when the Russians beat us into space, we didn’t deny Sputnik was up there.”

Example: “Ask the leader of al Qaeda in Yemen, who was taken out last year, or the perpetrator of the Benghazi attacks, who sits in a prison cell.”

Example: “That’s how we stopped the spread of Ebola in West Africa. Our military, our doctors, and our development workers set up the platform that allowed other countries to join us in stamping out that epidemic.”

Example: “More than 14 million new jobs; the strongest two years of job growth since the ’90s; an unemployment rate cut in half.”

Example: “Now, we’ve actually got to cut the cost of college.”

Example: “I think there are outdated regulations that need to be changed, and there’s red tape that needs to be cut.”

Example: “Meanwhile, we’ve cut our imports of foreign oil by nearly sixty percent, and cut carbon pollution more than any other country on Earth.”

Body Position and Personification

We deal with the world by seeing it with our eyes and facing it with our bodies. Thus, we have many metaphors based on our own body positions. We also commonly use personification in politics, acting as if the entire United States is one person. We face our adversaries, turn inward and turn against each other. We also have standing in the world, and reach our limits, and be clear-eyed and big-hearted. Countries and government programs can also have strengths and weaknesses.

Example: “But such progress is not inevitable. It is the result of choices we make together. And we face such choices right now. Will we respond to the changes of our time with fear, turning inward as a nation, and turning against each other as a people? Or will we face the future with confidence in who we are, what we stand for, and the incredible things we can do together?”

Example: “Surveys show our standing around the world is higher than when I was elected to this office, and when it comes to every important international issue, people of the world do not look to Beijing or Moscow to lead — they call us.”

Example: “When you come after Americans, we go after you. It may take time, but we have long memories, and our reach has no limit.”

Example: “That’s the America I know. That’s the country we love. Clear-eyed. Big-hearted.”

Example: “That’s why Social Security and Medicare are more important than ever; we shouldn’t weaken them, we should strengthen them.”

Example: “As someone who begins every day with an intelligence briefing, I know this is a dangerous time. But that’s not because of diminished American strength or some looming superpower.”

Example: “Because of you. I believe in you. That’s why I stand here confident that the State of our Union is strong.”

Journeys

Finally, as I mentioned last time, there are not as many journey metaphors as one might expect in a State of the Union address. However, there are a few examples worth mentioning. President Obama describes people not moving forward in their lives as being trapped or stuck in the red of debt. He also describes people who want to slam the brakes on change or something that grinds to a halt as if it were a vehicle in motion. Starting a new journey requires opening the door and leaving one’s house. And then one must get on track to continue the journey and keep pace with one’s competitors. Finally, if one is on the right path of their journey, they can get through tough times and reach their destinations and goals.

Example: “There are a whole lot of folks in this chamber who would like to see more cooperation, a more elevated debate in Washington, but feel trapped by the demands of getting elected.”

Example: “And we have to make college affordable for every American. Because no hardworking student should be stuck in the red.”

Example: “Each time, there have been those who told us to fear the future; who claimed we could slam the brakes on change, promising to restore past glory if we just got some group or idea that was threatening America under control.”

Example: “Democracy grinds to a halt without a willingness to compromise; or when even basic facts are contested, and we listen only to those who agree with us.”

Example: “That’s why we restored diplomatic relations, opened the door to travel and commerce, and positioned ourselves to improve the lives of the Cuban people.”

Example: “Right now, we are on track to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS, and we have the capacity to accomplish the same thing with malaria — something I’ll be pushing this Congress to fund this year.”

Example: “And the international system we built after World War II is now struggling to keep pace with this new reality.”

Example: “No nation dares to attack us or our allies because they know that’s the path to ruin.”

Example: “We can’t afford to go down that path.”

Example: “America has been through big changes before — wars and depression, the influx of immigrants, workers fighting for a fair deal, and movements to expand civil rights.”

*******

Cleary, this final State of the Union Address is not a typical forward-looking speech. Instead, we find numerous examples of metaphors describing his frustrations with lack of progress in certain areas of the government while celebrating his successes in his two terms in office. I have certainly enjoyed analyzing President Obama’s speeches the past few years. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Next time: Metaphors of the Iowa Caucuses

President Obama and the ISIS Crisis

September 30, 2014Figurative Language, Media, Metaphors, Politics, Rhetoric, warESL/EFL learners, figurative language, Martin Luther King, media, metaphors, obama, personification, politicians, warAndrew Gallagher

As you may know from recent news reports, the terrorist group known as ISIS recently brutally beheaded several American and European journalists in the Middle East. The United States and its allies in Europe and the Middle East have begun a strategic bombing campaign to destroy them.

There have been a wide variety of metaphors used described these terrorists. President Obama gave a short speech on September 10 as the Americans began their aerial attacks. Today I would like to share a brief analysis of the metaphors used in that speech.

First, however, a couple clarifications are in order. For one, there are many confusing names for the terrorist group. Most media experts refer to them as ISIS (pronounced EYE-sis) which is an acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (the countries on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean) with the final “S” indicating the specific country of Syria. Other experts refer to the group as ISIL (EYE-sil) with the “L” referring to the Levant. Yet others use this same acronym but pronounce it as IH-sil, rhyming with whistle. In the speech by President Obama, he refers to the group as ISIL with the long “i” pronunciation. Yet others refer to the group as simply the Islamic State, a name that is somewhat confusing since the group does not belong to any particular country or nation state. Nonetheless, I noticed in browsing through French and Spanish online newspapers, journalists in those countries also refer to the group simply as the Islamic State while those in England refer to it as ISIS as well.

Also, I would like to explain something very interesting about the speech. If you are a student of classical rhetoric, you may have studied that the ancient Greeks, especially Aristotle and Cicero, were among the first to analyze what made a speech effective.* Aristotle wrote that a good speech moves the listeners by appealing to their senses of pathos (emotions), logos (logic) and ethos (ethics). Although I have not had a class in classical rhetoric since about the time of the ancient Greeks, I could not help but notice that President Obama’s speech seemed to have been written to appeal to all three of these senses.

At the beginning of the speech, Obama reminded the audience of the brutal behavior of ISIS, including the beheadings of the American journalists.

“In a region that has known so much bloodshed, these terrorists are unique in their brutality. They execute captured prisoners. They kill children. They enslave, rape, and force women into marriage. They threatened a religious minority with genocide. In acts of barbarism, they took the lives of two American journalists — Jim Foley and Steven Sotloff.”

Although this is an important reason why he was persuaded to launch attacks against ISIS, I believe he also mentioned the beheadings to appeal to the pathos of the listeners. He knows that Americans will be more supportive of military actions if they have an emotional response to the behavior of the terrorist group.

In the middle of the speech, Obama outlines the four steps in his strategy to “degrade and destroy” ISIS. He gave very clear summaries of these four steps and explained why each step had to be taken.

“Our objective is clear: we will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy.”

This part of the speech appeals to our sense of logos. We can understand why a military response is needed given the brutality of the killings mentioned earlier in the speech.

At the end of the speech, Obama explains that America has a moral duty to do something about these terrorists. He suggested that we could not simply sit back and do nothing.

“America, our endless blessings bestow an enduring burden. But as Americans, we welcome our responsibility to lead.”

With these remarks he appealed to our sense of ethos, including the audience in his sense of a moral obligation to do something to stop the terrorists before they could do any more brutal killings.

By appealing to the listeners’ sense of pathos, logos, and ethos, President Obama most likely was trying to persuade his audience to support him in his military operations at a time in history when most Americans are tired of war.

As for the speech itself, here are a few examples of the metaphors used to further appeal to the audience. Let me begin with several idiosyncratic metaphors to describe the terrorists themselves.

cancer

Obama describes the terrorist group as a cancer, using a medical metaphor we all understand as a serious and often fatal medical condition. Even with modern medicine, beating cancer is a daunting task requiring great skill and practice. Obama’s use of the cancer metaphor here indicates that getting ridding of ISIS will also require great skill and patience.

Example: “Now, it will take time to eradicate a cancer like ISIL.”

cut off, stem the flow

In a pair of metaphors used to describe the terrorists, their funding and their source of fighters are compared to a stream of water. In one part of the speech, President Obama describes how to need to stem of the flow of European soldiers into the area who fight with ISIS, as if they are flowing down a river. The phrase cut off can be used to mean a literal cutting of a physical material, such as cutting off a branch of a tree, but can also mean turning off a flow of water from a hose. Metaphorically, to cut off something means to stop the flow of some source of money, goods or services.

Example: “Working with our partners, we will redouble our efforts to cut off its funding; improve our intelligence; strengthen our defenses; counter its warped ideology; and stem the flow of foreign fighters into — and out of — the Middle East.”

erase

We are all familiar with the ability to erase marks we make on paper with a lead pencil. Metaphorically, we can also erase problems, mistakes, or bad aspects of our lives. In the president’s speech, he talks about the desire to erase the evil of the terrorist groups.

Example: “Still, we continue to face a terrorist threat. We cannot erase every trace of evil from the world, and small groups of killers have the capacity to do great harm.”

counterweight

The final example of a metaphor used to describe the terrorist group is counterweight. Some types of heavy machinery require a heavy weight on one side of the machine to balance out the tremendous weight on the other side of the machine, such as on a building crane. The opposite, balancing weight is called the counterweight. Metaphorically, a counterweight is an action or process that balances out the effects of another process, usually one that is out of the control of the people involved. In the speech in question here, President Obama describes his military strategy as a counterweight to the actions of the terrorist group in light of the civil war already ongoing in Syria, fueled by the actions of President Bashar al-Assad.

Example: “In the fight against ISIL, we cannot rely on an Assad regime that terrorizes its people; a regime that will never regain the legitimacy it has lost. Instead, we must strengthen the opposition as the best counterweight to extremists like ISIL, while pursuing the political solution necessary to solve Syria’s crisis once and for all.”

The final set of metaphor examples are based on the principle of personification in which an inanimate object or abstract idea is described in terms of a human being. In this case, President Obama describes the United States as being a person in several different ways.

strength/strongest as a nation

Human beings have physical strength from the use of their muscles. People can increase their strength through physical labor, exercise or weight lifting. Metaphorically, countries can have strength through the force of their citizens or their military power.

Example: “I know many Americans are concerned about these threats. Tonight, I want you to know that the United States of America is meeting them with strength and resolve.”

Example: “I have the authority to address the threat from ISIL. But I believe we are strongest as a nation when the President and Congress work together.”

position/seize

Humans can also have strength from a certain body position, as a boxer takes a stance to throw a punch. From certain positions, a person can also grab or seize something if it is within his or her reach. Metaphorically, countries can be in a position to take an action or seize something important.

Example: “Next week marks 6 years since our economy suffered its worst setback since the Great Depression. Yet despite these shocks; through the pain we have felt and the grueling work required to bounce back — America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth.”

dragged into

A person lacking in strength or in the wrong position can be pushed or pulled into a weaker position. In some cases, weaker people can be forcibly dragged into a new position by someone or something stronger. Metaphorically, countries can be dragged into a war or some other dangerous situation if they are not in control of their own governments.

Example: “…we will send an additional 475 service members to Iraq. As I have said before, these American forces will not have a combat mission — we will not get dragged into another ground war in Iraq.”

partners/join

People can work on a project together. In such cases, these people may be considered partners in this endeavor. In some cases, the people who began the project can be joined by others who may help them achieve their goals. Metaphorically, countries can also work as partners, and later be joined by other countries to achieve a common goal.

Example: “But this is not our fight alone. American power can make a decisive difference, but we cannot do for Iraqis what they must do for themselves, nor can we take the place of Arab partners in securing their region.”

Example: “This is our strategy. And in each of these four parts of our strategy, America will be joined by a broad coalition of partners.”

helping

A strong person may be in a position to help a weaker person achieve a goal. Countries can also metaphorically help another country with military or financial aid.

Example: “And it is America that is helping Muslim communities around the world not just in the fight against terrorism, but in the fight for opportunity, tolerance, and a more hopeful future.”

at home

Most people live in houses, and metaphorically countries also have a home in their own government and land. When politicians do international diplomacy or take military actions in other countries, they often refer to the United States as home.

Example: “So tonight, with a new Iraqi government in place, and following consultations with allies abroad and Congress at home, I can announce that America will lead a broad coalition to roll back this terrorist threat.”

These are just a few of the many examples of metaphors used by President Obama in the short speech on his planned attacks on ISIS. It is clear that he and his speechwriters used the classical rhetoric strategy of pathos, logos and ethos to gain support from Americans for his military actions. He also used many examples of personification to make it appear that the government is acting as a sensible person instead of an abstract body of politicians.

Strangely, I noticed that there was a distinct absence of journey metaphors. As faithful readers of this blog know, journey metaphors are commonly used in important political speeches such as state of the union addresses or Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. These journey metaphors are used by skilled orators to involve the listeners in the process as if the audience and the speaker are on an important journey through life together. Given that the speech was focused solely on an immediate military strategy, perhaps metaphors about long journeys would have been inappropriate. However, I can’t help but think that President Obama is not quite sure the American people are joining him on this journey into more military action in the Middle East.

Next time: More metaphors of the ISIS crisis.

*If anyone is interested in further research on classical or modern rhetoric, here are a few suggestions.

Aristotle (1991). On rhetoric: A theory of civic discourse (G. Kennedy, Trans.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Charteris-Black, J. (2011). Politicians and rhetoric: The persuasive power of metaphor (2^nd Ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Cicero (1986). On oratory and orators (J. S. Watson, Trans.). Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press.

Copi, I. & Cohen, C. (2001). Introduction to logic (11^th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

President Obama’s State of the Union Address

February 17, 2014Figurative Language, Media, Metaphors, Politics, SportsESL/EFL learners, figurative language, media, metaphors, metonymy, obama, personification, state of the union address, synecdocheAndrew Gallagher

Hi folks! Sorry for the delay in getting out a new post. Sometimes my teaching schedule prevents me from having enough free time to write these lengthy analyses. Just in time for Presidents’ Day weekend, I offer a brief summary of the metaphors in President Obama’s recent State of the Union Address.

The speech was an inspiring call to action for Congress and the American people to make progress to solve our nation’s problems. It was not rhetorically flourishing, but it did have a fair number of interesting political metaphors. There were three conceptual metaphors that seemed to be central to his message: sports, motion, and personification, all designed to invoke unity between the president and the American people. The examples are taken directly from the speech; italics are mine.

Sports

Most Americans are familiar with our popular sports of football, baseball and basketball. It is very common for politicians to speak of the government and people working together as a sports team. President Obama uses several sports metaphors to suggest the importance of working together with common strategies for success.

the playbook

The book of strategies used by the coaching staff to win a game is called the playbook.

Example: Taking a page from that playbook, the White House just organized a College Opportunity Summit, where already 150 universities, businesses, nonprofits have made concrete commitments to reduce inequality in access to higher education

standing on the sidelines

In football, the coaches stand on the side or sidelines of the field while the athletes play in the middle of the field. Being on the sidelines metaphorically indicates that a person or group is not directly involved in an important activity.

Example: Listen, China and Europe aren’t standing on the sidelines; and neither — neither should we. We know that the nation that goes all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow.

the game

Most sporting competitions are called games (although in other sports they may be called matches (tennis) or tournaments (golf)). Coaches always put their best players in the game to increase the odds of winning the competition. In this case, President Obama described a woman who lost her job a week after she and her husband bought their first home.

Example: Congress, give these hardworking, responsible Americans that chance. Give them that chance. Give them the chance. They need our help right now, but more important, this country needs them in the game. That’s why I’ve been asking CEOs to give more long-term unemployed workers a fair shot at new jobs, a new chance to support their families. And in fact, this week many will come to the White House to make that commitment real.

a full team

In some cases, athletes get injured and cannot play on the team. If there are many injuries the coaches may not even have enough players to play a game. This is referred to as having a full team.

Example: Tonight I ask every business leader in America to join us and do the same because we are stronger when America fields a full team.

Motion/Journeys

As mentioned in other blog posts about speeches and writings, politicians often invoke metaphors of motion or journeys to indicate how a group or government is making progress. In the President’s State of the Union Address, he uses many such metaphors to explain how his policies are helping the country make progress in important areas.

trapped

When an animal or person is trapped, it means that they cannot move or escape. Being trapped metaphorically indicates the opposite of a journey in that it means that a person or group cannot move forward or make progress towards a goal.

Example: We’re offering millions the opportunity to cap their monthly student loan payments to 10 percent of their income, and I want to work with Congress to see how we can help even more Americans who feel trapped by student loan debt.

stalled

When an engine is not working properly, it may stall and die. Similarly, when an airplane loses speed and lift, it stops moving forward and falls toward the earth. Metaphorically, a lack of progress toward a goal may also be described as being stalled.

Example: Upward mobility has stalled.

reverse

Even worse in terms of progress than an engine stalling is putting it in reverse and going in an opposite direction. However, when something bad is happening, it is good to reverse the trend to stop the negative effects of the action. In this example, President Obama laments the high number of Americans who are still unemployed.

Example: So our job is to reverse these trends.

derail

We often use journey metaphors specific to certain kinds of transportation. Trains must stay on the rails to be able to move forward. If they fall off the railroad tracks, this is known as a derailment. Metaphorically, when progress towards a goal is interrupted or broken, we may say that it is derailed. In this case, President Obama is talking about the success of imposing sanctions on Iran.

Example: The sanctions that we put in place helped make this opportunity possible. But let me be clear: if this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it.

stay on track

Similarly, forward progress can be made metaphorically if the actions of a group stay on track.

Example: And I’m reaching out to some of America’s leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds stay on track and reach their full potential.

launch

We also talk about a quick beginning to a journey metaphorically compared to the launch of a rocket.

Example: We also have the chance, right now, to beat other countries in the race for the next wave of high-tech manufacturing jobs. And my administration’s launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio, where we’ve connected businesses to research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced technologies. Tonight, I’m announcing we’ll launch six more this year.

trajectory

When a rocket is launched, it travels along a path through the air called a trajectory. Figuratively, a person or group making progress toward a goal may be described as being on a correct upward trajectory.

Example: That means more on-the-job training, and more apprenticeships that set a young worker on an upward trajectory for life.

get on board

Another way of speaking of starting a journey to describe as a person getting on a ship, known as getting on board (the word board itself an example of synecdoche as the piece of wood indicates the platform used to allow people to walk onto the ship). In this case, President Obama talked about asking the government to raise the minimum wage for American workers.

Example: Of course, to reach millions more, Congress does need to get on board.

America does not stand still/take steps

A journey always begins with the first few steps. A person cannot stand still and expect to go anywhere. Metaphorically, standing still indicates that no progress is being made towards a goal. A person needs to start moving and take the first steps to begin the journey.

Example: But America does not stand still, and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.

race to the top/big strides

Some journeys are competitions between people or groups. These competitions are known as races. A winner is sometimes considered the person at the top of the winners’ podium so that a competition may be described as being a race to the top. One of President Obama’s programs to improve public education in the United States is called the Race to the Top. In an extended metaphorical passage, Obama also describes the necessary progress as making big steps or strides toward solving the problem.

Example: Race to the Top, with the help of governors from both parties, has helped states raise expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from Tennessee to Washington, D.C., are making big strides in preparing students with the skills for the new economy — problem solving, critical thinking, science, technology, engineering, math.

Example: So just as we worked with states to reform our schools, this year we’ll invest in new partnerships with states and communities across the country in a race to the top for our youngest children.

speed up/picking up speed

Once a journey or race has begun, a person may need to increase speed to win the race. This may be known as speeding up or picking up speed.

Example: But what I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class.

Example: With the economy picking up speed, companies say they intend to hire more people this year.

get by/get ahead

In a race, the person who speeds up the most may get ahead of the competitors. In cases of evenly matched competitors, one person may struggle to pass or get by another competitor. Metaphorically, just barely making progress toward a goal may be described as getting by, while making a great deal of progress could be referred to as getting ahead.

Example: The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by; let alone to get ahead.

in the lead

A person who gets ahead of his or her competitors may be described as being in the lead. Metaphorically, being in the lead indicates that the person is moving ahead towards a common goal.

Example: With Afghan forces now in the lead for their own security, our troops have moved to a support role.

move this nation forward

Advancing one’s position in a race may also be described as moving forward. Figuratively, any progress towards a goal may be referred to as moving forward. In a common political metaphor, we can talk about moving this nation forward. In this example, President Obama talked about making sure that all moms make sure their children get health insurance.

Example: After all, that — that’s the spirit that has always moved this nation forward.

stumble

Despite the best efforts to advance on a journey, sometimes a person loses his or her footing and may stumble or fall. Metaphorically, stumbling indicates that there is a break in the progress towards a goal. Towards the end of his speech President Obama admits that the journey towards progress is not always easy, but they will persevere.

Example: Our freedom, our democracy, has never been easy. Sometimes we stumble; we make mistakes; we get frustrated or discouraged.

Personification – Metonymy

this chamber speaks

Personification is a rhetorical or poetic device that allows a writer to compare an idea or action to a person. Personification can take many different forms. In one type known as metonymy, the actions of people in a place are represented by a person. In this case, the building where Congress meets, known as the chamber, is described as a person who can speak.

Example: Tonight this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: It is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong.

Personification – Synecdoche

war footing

In another type of personification called synecdoche, the words for parts of the human body can be used to represent the actions done by those parts. In this case, having a footing on something indicates that a person or country has a strong position for acting or moving forward.

Example: So even as we actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks, through more targeted efforts and by building the capacity of our foreign partners, America must move off a permanent war footing.

into the wrong hands

Similarly, the terms hands is used figuratively to represent the work done by the people with those hands, as in the famous military phrase, “all hands on deck.” In this case, saying something falls into the wrong hands indicates that dangerous materials are in the possession of criminals or terrorists.

Example: American diplomacy has rallied more than 50 countries to prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands, and allowed us to reduce our own reliance on Cold War stockpiles.

Personification – Body Position

More commonly, the use of personification involves the description of businesses or governments as people using their eyes, arms, hands, backs and shoulders to get things done.

focused

People see accurately by focusing their eyes on a certain object. Metaphorically, being focused means that a person or group is working together towards a common goal.

Example: And let’s pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation.

clear/clear-eyed

To see an object precisely, one’s eyes must be clear of obstructions. Figuratively, being clear-eyed or seeing something clearly indicates that the goal is precisely determined.

Example: These negotiations will be difficult; they may not succeed. We are clear-eyed about Iran’s support for terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, which threaten our allies; and we’re clear about the mistrust between our nations, mistrust that cannot be wished away.

reaching out/ reach their potential

People can use their arms and hands to reach out and touch other objects or people. Collectively, groups or governments can metaphorically reach out to people or other groups as well.

Example: And I’m reaching out to some of America’s leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds stay on track and reach their full potential.

seize this opportunity/ stand ready

We can also grab or seize an object with our hands. Figuratively, we can seize an opportunity. We can also stand ready to perform an action after seizing an opportunity (more on standing metaphors to follow).

Example: If Iran’s leaders do not seize this opportunity, then I will be the first to call for more sanctions and stand ready to exercise all options to make sure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon.

standing up/weakened/strengthen

Another common metaphor of body position is standing up. When a person stands up, he or she is in a position to attack or defend oneself in a battle. Thus standing up means to act in a position of power or protection. Also, we may also speak of groups, governments or even programs as being strong or weak as a person. Certain actions may strengthen or weaken a program.

Example: Citizenship means standing up for everyone’s right to vote. Last year, part of the Voting Rights Act was weakened, but conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats are working together to strengthen it.

Example: Citizenship means standing up for the lives that gun violence steals from us each day.

we stand for

We can also describe a position of power or authority as standing for something.

Example: On every issue, the world turns to us, not simply because of the size of our economy or our military might but because of the ideals we stand for and the burdens we bear to advance them.

drain our strength

Another way of describing weakness is by saying that it drains a person’s strength, or metaphorically a government’s power to accomplish its goals.

Example: We must fight the battles that need to be fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us — large-scale deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism.

backed/backed by pressure

The back of a person or animal is one of the strongest parts of a body. People can use their backs to apply pressure or force to move objects. Metaphorically, backing someone or something means that a person or group is supporting a project.

Example: American diplomacy, backed by the threat of force, is why Syria’s chemical weapons are being eliminated. And we will continue to work with the international community to usher in the future the Syrian people deserve — a future free of dictatorship, terror and fear.

Example: And it is American diplomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted the progress of Iran’s nuclear program — and rolled back parts of that program — for the very first time in a decade.

at their side

People who work together may be physically close to each other or work side by side. We can also say that one person who supports another is at their side.

Example: As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in the difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there; to achieve dignity and an independent state for Palestinians, and lasting peace and security for the state of Israel — a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side.

shoulder to the wheel of progress

As mentioned, we can conceive of a journey as the movement of a vehicle. In a common metaphor we can speak of the wheel of progress as if movement towards a goal can be described as a turning wheel. In a sort of double metaphor, President Obama talks about using our collective shoulders to physically move objects or make progress towards a goal.

Example: But for more than two hundred years, we have put those things aside and placed our collective shoulder to the wheel of progress: to create and build and expand the possibilities of individual achievement; to free other nations from tyranny and fear; to promote justice and fairness and equality under the law, so that the words set to paper by our founders are made real for every citizen.

feet planted/eyes cast towards tomorrow/ within our reach

President Obama ends his speech by combining three metaphors of journeys and personification. He speaks of the country’s attempts to improve the lives of its citizens, and refers to Army Ranger Cory Remsburg who was seriously injured in battle but has been an inspiration to many people in his recovery. President Obama describes the readiness of the country to move forward as having our feet planted, while our eyes are fixed on the future, and our goals within our reach.

Example: The America we want for our kids — a rising America where honest work is plentiful and communities are strong; where prosperity is widely shared and opportunity for all lets us go as far as our dreams and toil will take us — none of it is easy. But if we work together; if we summon what is best in us, the way Cory summoned what is best in him, with our feet planted firmly in today but our eyes cast towards tomorrow, I know it’s within our reach. Believe it.

In sum, as commander in chief, the president naturally needs to inspire and motivate American citizens to work with him and Congress to solve our problems. A State of the Union address is the perfect way to achieve this goal. I believe President Obama and his speech writers deliberately used metaphors of sports, journeys and personification to relate his messages of unity and progress to the American people.

Next time: Metaphors of Silver and Gold

The Rust Belt: Metaphors of Clothing Accessories

September 28, 2013Figurative Language, Media, Metaphors, Politicsfigurative language, media, metaphors, personification, politicsAndrew Gallagher

A recent article in the Atlantic magazine refers to several geographic areas of the country as belts. “The Boom Towns and Ghost Towns of the New Economy” by Richard Florida, (The Atlantic, October, 2013, pp. 53 – 58). Its subtitle reads, “New York, Houston, Washington, D.C.—plus college towns and the energy belt—are all up, while much of the Sun Belt is (still) down. Mapping the winners and losers since the crash.”

It is very common to describe linear sections of the United States as belts. We have the rust belt, the sun belt, the Bible belt, etc., as if these areas were the midsection or waist of a person. These metaphors and others derived from experiences with clothing accessories are described below.

beltway

A belt is a common clothing accessory that circles the waist and holds up the pants. Its circular shape is used in a metaphorical comparison of geographic areas. America’s capital, Washington D.C. is surrounded by a huge highway built in the form of a circle. This area is commonly called the beltway.

Example: Barack Obama was not considered to be a beltway candidate for president since he had worked in Illinois, not Washington; however, John McCain, a longtime U.S. senator was sometimes called a beltway insider.

rust belt

Large areas of the country are also sometimes referred to as belts. The area mostly between Michigan and Pennsylvania is where most of the steel industry has been located. When products made with become old, the metal begins to rust. This large area is sometime called the rust belt.

Example: Many rust-belt workers in Michigan and elsewhere lost their jobs when the large car companies lost sales.

sun belt

The area in the southern United States that gets a great deal of sunshine approximately from California to North Carolina is called the sun belt.

Example: Many northerners move to parts of the sun belt after they retire so they can enjoy the warmer weather.

Bible belt

The so-called Bible belt is a large area in the southeastern United States, roughly from Texas up to Virginia, in which many people are Protestant and often study the Bible.

Example: Conservative politicians often gain many votes from the Bible belt because they hold similar views on many religious issues.

energy belt

The oil-producing areas of the southern areas of the United States including Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana are sometimes collectively called the energy belt.

Example: Despite the economic recession of the last few years, states in the energy belt have prospered because of the high costs of oil and natural gas.

black belt

An area of the southeastern United States in which many African-Americans live is sometimes called a black belt.

Example: Presidential candidates must campaign in the black belts of the South to gain the confidence and the votes of the African-Americans who live there.

cloaked

A cloak is a heavy garment like a coat but without buttons or zippers; it is simply worn over the shoulder like a pancho in Spain or Mexico. In metaphorical terms, something that is cloaked is hidden or not revealed by a person or organization.

Example: The military plans for the invasion of Iraq were cloaked in secrecy.

under wraps

A wrap is another type of cloak. The phrase under wraps also indicates that something is hidden from view.

Example: The governor’s new plans for the state economy are currently under wraps. They will be revealed at a press conference next week.

hoodwink

A hood is the top part of a coat or cloak that covers the head. If one’s head is completely covered, this is called being hooded. An old term to cover a person’s eyes with a hood was to hoodwink someone. In modern terms, to hoodwink means to trick or deceive someone.

Example: Sometimes names for programs are designed to hoodwink the public. For example, the so-called Clear Skies Initiative actually allowed some companies to pollute the air even more that before.

veiled threat

A veil is a thin piece of fabric used to cover a woman’s face in certain religious traditions. In modern terms, something that is veiled cannot be seen directly. One must look hard to see what is really going on.

Example: The Bush administration argued the United States needed to invade Iraq because of Saddam Hussein’s veiled threats to use terrible weapons of mass destruction.

pull the wool over our eyes

Clothing made out of wool is normally very thick and heavy so that you cannot see through it. There is an old expression that if you pull the wool over someone’s eyes, that person is being tricked because they cannot see what is going on.

Example: American people do not like politicians who pull the wool over our eyes with dishonest dealings in Washington. We want to have officials who tell the truth to the people.

Next time: More metaphors of clothing

President Obama’s Speech on Syria

September 16, 2013Figurative Language, Metaphors, Politics, warfigurative language, media, metaphors, obama, personification, warAndrew Gallagher

This past week President Obama gave a speech on the situation in Syria. The speech was very serious in its tone and he spoke bluntly with many literal phrases. However, it also contained a moderate amount of metaphors.

Past presidential speeches have contained journey metaphors as President Obama described present and future policies. This time the journey metaphors were few and far between perhaps indicating that the future of the situation in Syria is completely unknown. As diplomatic and military options seem to change every day, there is less certainty about U.S. government plans and policies.

Nonetheless, the speech contains several metaphors worth noting. In one case, President Obama describes a light military strike as being a pinprick. This is an interesting comparison of something that causes a small amount of pain to military bombing. I am not sure what the opposite of a pinprick would be in this case.

“Let me make something clear: The United States military doesn’t do pinpricks.”

The speech also contained a variety of fascinating examples of another common rhetorical device used by politicians talking about war – using personification to describe countries as people. Here are a few examples.

We often speak of countries standing up or standing against military actions of other countries. Here President Obama talks about responding to Syria’s use of chemical weapons.

“And a failure to stand against the use of chemical weapons would weaken prohibitions against other weapons of mass destruction and embolden Assad’s ally, Iran…”

A country is also described as being a strong person.

“I believe our democracy is stronger when the president acts with the support of Congress, and I believe that America acts more effectively abroad when we stand together.

In a slightly different use of personification, body parts of people in the government are described metaphorically as being collective parts of the government or the military. Technically this is an example of what is called synecdoche, described more fully in an earlier post. A common example of synecdoche used in war discussions, boots on the ground is again repeated here.

“This is especially true after a decade that put more and more war-making power in the hands of the president, and more and more burdens on the shoulders of our troops, while sidelining the people’s representatives from the critical decisions about when we use force.”

“My answer is simple. I will not put American boots on the ground in Syria.”

Later in the speech, President Obama repeats the metaphors of heavy burdens on world leaders.

“The burdens of leadership are often heavy, but the world’s a better place because we have borne them.”

People can also be described as being pushed or pulled in a certain direction, although their bodies, of course, are not literally being pushed or pulled.

“The Russian government has indicated a willingness to join with the international community in pushing Assad to give up his chemical weapons.”

Governments and groups of people can also be described as having a posture or a body position indicating a certain political view.

“Meanwhile, I’ve ordered our military to maintain their current posture, to keep the pressure on Assad and to be in a position to respond if diplomacy fails. And tonight I give thanks again to our military and their families for their incredible strength and sacrifices.”

Finally, in a classic political metaphor of personification, the United States is compared to being a policeman, as if other countries around the world are committing crimes and need to be arrested.

“And several people wrote to me, we should not be the world’s policeman.”

Stay tuned for more interesting metaphors in the discussion of the situation in Syria.

Next time: Back to School – Metaphors of Education

State of the Union Address, Part 1: Personification

February 19, 2013Figurative Language, Media, Metaphorsfigurative language, media, metaphors, personificationAndrew Gallagher

President Obama’s State of the Union Address this past week was filled with a wide variety of metaphorical expressions. Although most English speakers would consider these examples dead metaphors, or not being metaphors at all, in my opinion, they are wonderful examples of how we use metaphors in American political discourse. I counted more than 100 uses of metaphorical expressions in the president’s speech. I would like to break my analysis into three parts in three separate posts this week: Part 1: Personification; Part 2: Buildings and Machines; Part 3: Journeys and Physical Forces.

In contrast to the Inaugural Address a few weeks ago, the State of the Union Address did not have an overarching metaphorical theme of the country on a journey. However, the journey metaphor did make a few appearances, along with others from the concepts of the natural world, the military, and physical forces. Most interesting for me, there were some important examples of metaphors that were used to describe the United States as something or someone that needs help, in terms of medical assistance, physical strength or construction. For Part 1 of my analysis, I would like to explain some interesting uses of personification in the president’s speech.

Personification is a very common way of creating metaphors. We can think of objects, concepts, processes or even entire countries as being people. As human beings, these concepts can be sick and need to be cured. In two examples, President Obama said that our markets need healing. The metaphorical expressions are highlighted in boldface type in the following examples.

“Our housing market is healing, our stock market is rebounding…”

“Today, our housing market is finally healing from the collapse of 2007.”

Apparently we now even have electronic systems that can heal themselves as in “self-healing power grids.”

We also consider parts of our country as being weak and needing strength.

“Our work must begin by making some basic decisions about our budget – decisions that will have a huge impact on the strength of our recovery.”

“We know our economy is stronger when we reward an honest day’s work with honest wages.”

“And we’ll work to strengthen families…”

“Stronger families. Stronger communities. A stronger America.”

Even more important are the metaphors that are derived from our experience to do physical labor. The phrase shoulder a burden dates back to the Middle Ages. Most of us have had the experience of trying to carry a heavy object with our hands, only to learn that it is easier if we hoist it up on one of our shoulders and carry it that way. Thus, we can relate this experience to creating an abstract metaphorical expression to shoulder a burden, meaning to struggle to complete a difficult task.

“But we can’t ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the entire burden of deficit reduction while asking nothing more from the wealthiest and most powerful.”

“And to make sure taxpayers don’t shoulder the whole burden, I’m also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods; modern pipelines to withstand a storm; modern schools worthy of our children.”

Another common use of personification is to say that a country stands up for something. Standing up implies strength, courage and the ability to take on aggressors or be ready for a fight. We also say that we meet people we look at them face to face. Metaphorically we can also say that we meet obligations.

“The regime in North Korea must know that they will only achieve security and prosperity by meeting their international obligations. Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats.”

“Likewise, the leaders of Iran must recognize that now is the time for a diplomatic solution, because a coalition stands united in demanding that they meet their obligations, and we will do what is necessary to prevent them from getting a nuclear weapon.”

“In the Middle East, we will stand with citizens as they demand their universal rights, and support stable transitions to democracy.”

“And we will stand steadfast with Israel in pursuit of security and a lasting peace.”

People who fall down, or get knocked down, must get back on their feet to continue their journey or their battle against someone. Thus the saying back on one’s feet means someone is recovering from a crisis and continues to fight.

“And this year, my Administration will begin to partner with 20 of the hardest-hit towns in America to get these communities back on their feet.”

These examples further support the theory of Lakoff and Johnson that we create metaphors based on bodily experiences. The theory behind these metaphorical analyses are provided on a separate page of this blog called Metaphors 101. Comments and questions are always welcome!

Next time: Part 2 of the SOTU analysis: Metaphors of Buildings and Machines

Metaphors in American Politics

Your guide to political metaphors used in American media – Andrew J. Gallagher, Ph.D.

Tag Archives: personification

Flashback: Obama’s 1st Inaugural Address

State of the Union Address 2016, Part 2

President Obama and the ISIS Crisis

President Obama’s State of the Union Address

The Rust Belt: Metaphors of Clothing Accessories

President Obama’s Speech on Syria

State of the Union Address, Part 1: Personification

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