The 46th US Presidential Inauguration
What are your thoughts on this historic moment for America? For the world?
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into their posts in a ceremony on the west side of the Capitol. This inauguration was particularly groundbreaking because for the first time in the history of the United States, a woman has been elected as part of the presidential ticket . Kamala Harris made history on Wednesday, becoming the United States’ first Black, first Asian and first female second-in-command, after being inaugurated alongside President Joe Biden.
This moment was important, not only for the United States but also for the World as it was a celebration of the first African American, first Asian American, and first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris, who stands on the shoulders of so many on this platform who have forged the way to this day.
Why do you think the Inter-webs were flooded with images of Bernie in his handmade mittens?
An image of Bernie Sanders on Inauguration Day has made waves across the internet, sparking thousands of photoshopped memes on social media. I feel that in these hard times, people needed a distraction and needed something to laugh about and enjoy together and the mitten memes became a source of collective laughter and happiness.
What was your favorite Mitten meme?
My favorite mitten meme would have to be the one of Bernie Sanders tied to the balloons on the “Up” movie poster.
Did you witness Lady Gaga’s performance live? What was your reaction and why do think her appearance significant to the moment?
The famous pop sensation Lady Gaga sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” moments before the 46th president of the United States took his oath of office. This was a breathtaking performance, filled with power and confidence. She sang spectacularly, and her presence was entirely fitting of this huge, hopeful moment because of the powerful and strong lady that she is. What made her performance significant was how theatrical and uplifting her singing was, we needed this in these hard and trying times.
Chose one or two lines from the poem that have particular resonance for you and write an analysis on your blog.
Among the highlights of the inauguration Wednesday of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, was the recitation of “The Hill We Climb” by 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet ever!
And yes we are far from polished
far from pristine
but that doesn’t mean we are
That even as we grieved, we grew
That even as we hurt, we hoped
That even as we tired, we tried
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious
I think what drew me to this poem was how uplifting it was. It showed us how we were under a grey cloud and that times were bad but that these times can get better if we unite and cross this hurdle together, as a nation. In these lines the poet is alluding to the difficulties of the previous year and the suffering, physical, mental, and emotional, and how it should bring everyone who suffered together.
The primary thematic thrust of the poem is unity, and i feel that is what the poet is aiming at with the title “the hill we climb.” With “the hill” being the difficulties and differences that America needs to solve and overcome to be a strong, proud nation again.
