Democracy Empowerment and Equality to All - Term Paper Example

? Index Introduction 2. Historical background of the speeches 3. Themes of the speeches 4. Learning from the speeches 5. Views of the speakers 6. Principles worth living and dying for 7. The impact on me 8. Conclusion 9. References Introduction Some statements from history leave a powerful impact on us. One such statement is “Democracy is a government for the people, of the people and by the people”, given to us by none other than Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg address. Similarly Pericles emphasised the idea of government or administration that is accountable to people and is equal to all during the speech of the funeral of Pericles. If we analyse these two speeches, we realise that the essence of the democracy is well conveyed by both the speakers on seemingly different yet similar occasions. In the article we are going to analyse these similarities and the message that was conveyed to all those who seek democracy as the tool for effective development of the society. Historical Background Astonishingly both the speeches were delivered in similar circumstances. The Gettysburg address delivered by Abraham Lincoln is considered one of his finest speeches. The speech does not go beyond 2 to 3 minutes, but it conveys the lifelong dream of a visionary to create a society based on equality and justice. The idea of accountability to the society is conveyed by a single phrase stating it is a government by the people, for the people and of the people.1 The background of the address is civil war which changed the course of history of America. Civil war ended the discrimination legally and freed a large section of the society from slavery. The address was delivered at the end of battle of Gettysburg, at the time of consecration of national cemetery at Gettysburg. It was the last speech to be delivered on the occasion. Similar to this the speech delivered by Pericles is also after the battle is ended. It was a tradition in Athens to hold public funerals in the honour of the dead in the war. There were cypress coffins made as per the number of tribes participating in the war. Public was allowed to pay tributes and then the burial was carried out.2 This tradition seems to have been very prevalent as there are several references to these occasions in the history. It was also a tradition that a prominent citizen would address the gathering of the people on such people. Thucydides’ records give an account of what Pericles spoke on one such occasion. Themes of the speeches Both the speeches revolve round the idea of democracy although none of them directly make a mention of democracy. Another important feature is the tribute to the dead in the war. Fighting for the cause they believed in till the last breath is nothing less than heroic. The least a nation or a society can do is honour the dead by creating honouring the death of such heroes. Going forward both speeches emphasise on the greatness of the country and the society they are living in. The speeches end on the note of message to the society to not to forget the sacrifices made by the dead towards the living. Learning from the speeches The discovery of America represented liberty and equality. The speech emphasises on two perspectives. One is the death of the people who believed in the cause for which they died. It will be highly ungrateful of the society to forget the ultimate sacrifice made by these war heroes. War for any society travels from general to personal level, while the cause of the war is general and applies to the entire society by and large; the death of war heroes is every bit personal to the families and loved ones. The boundaries of sacrifice extend to these families for whom the loss is more than what can be expressed. Offering of a piece of land to create a cemetery is a gesture of gratitude. It should always be noted that any grand construction or building is created only when there are a few strong pillars who bury themselves underground. Only then the tall construction comes into being. For generations people have fought wars for laying foundations of strong and healthy society. A few of these wars have been fought on battlefields but most others also fought battlefields of their own. For the dead the heroism is already awarded but for the living the task comprises carrying the responsibility of the task on their shoulders. Pericles has described the characteristics of Athens and what a nation she is in the speech he has given. He has clearly stated that the constitution of Athens does not copy others but it is other way round. It favours the majority rather than go by what a handful of them say. This clearly gives the definition of democracy that existed then. Merit holds a higher value in the state. On a personal level people may not always get along with each other. On a social note however they are tolerant and lawful citizens who believe in peaceful co-existence. This structure highlights the very basis of democracy. Democracy respects individuality but binds the individuals together in one thread of law. However this binding does not suffocate but encourages the progress of a society. Democracy strongly believes in the contribution of individual development to the national or societal development. This factor is highlighted in Pericles’ speech.3 Both the speeches have been delivered on the occasion of honouring the dead or war heroes. Both the speeches highlight that we are liberal, we go by self-development, we welcome others to come and learn from experiences and society, but at the same time we should not be taken as weak and vulnerable. Should that be the case then we would not hesitate to fight back with all the resources we have for the principles we believe in and to protect our peace and harmony. Both speeches thus highlight fierce pride in the nation and the system of democracy and free will created. Views of the speakers Abraham Lincoln in his finest speech has clearly insisted on three points. He speaks of America as a society which is equal to all. No citizen will be denied the right to live with prosperity and peace on any ground. This was a giant leap towards creation of a humanitarian society. His speech initially sounds sad because of the destruction war has caused. The principles he wants to infuse in the society are tested against destruction and life. He however has a long term vision of society built on the foundation of empowerment and equality to all. Democracy is created by the people, for the people and it is of the people. Abraham Lincoln’s vision of accountability of government is seen in this simple statement. Government is created by the people, it is meant to work for the betterment and progress of the people and constitutes of people within the society. His humility is also seen when he says that no society can truly honour the dead who fought for the cause. Rightly said that monuments may remind you of the sacrifices made but true tribute is paid only when the spirit of the same is carried forward by the people who are left behind. Pericles speaks of the pride people of Athens should have. He highlights the originality of Athens as a state when he says that Constitution of Athens does not copy from other states.4 He clarifies that it was Athens which laid the foundation of democracy. He speaks of trade and culture of Athens which attracted population from all over the world. The fabric of the society was woven by various intricacies brought in by a variety of people visiting Athens for some or the other purpose. In which case as Pericles has stated the society possesses an openness and tolerance towards people and offers equal opportunity to everyone for self as well as societal development. What is more notable is the approach he states that a commoner and an authority both come together on matters of importance, discuss the issues, consult each other and then decide the policy to be acted upon. This is nothing but an idea of democracy which is accountable and has a significant participation of common masses in running of policies and government. He also emphasises that Athens has always been practising liberty and believes that merit should rule and get every opportunity to excel. Both the speakers speak of the same values of equality, liberty, accountability of the government and democracy. Both highlight on equal opportunity to merit to the subjects and both believe that democracy is the only way for a society to progress. Principles worth dying for The principle that shines through both the speeches is off course of high nationalism and pride. Militaries and armies have fought for the fierce national pride they have. Principles of democracy are the principles for which soldiers have laid down their lives in both the situations here. If we go deep we realise that it is not merely the principles of democracy which play a part here but a dream of healthy, happy and secured society that dominates the individual in his or her life and also in the moment of death. Titles are often bestowed posthumously on the people who die for a cause. When they are alive they do not anticipate and expect titles. In both these cases the leaders have created a vision through principles of equality, liberty and democracy. This vision is guarded by the people who fight their lives for making this dream come true. As stated, wars are fought every way in a society when transition is taking place and not only on battlefields. The transition of a society happened from tribal leaders to monarchies to autocrats and finally to democratically elected leaders. Electing a leader democratically ensures the participation of masses in the forming and running of the government machinery. Hence just as the government is accountable to the people it becomes the responsibility of the masses to defend and protect its government as well. This mutual accountability creates a bonding which is worth living and dying for. This is nothing but democratic accountability of people and government towards each other. On an individual level freedom awarded by democratic means creates a strong sense of belongingness and patriotism in people. Freedom, which is responsible and constructive, of which, every member of the society is proud of. Nations provide that secured freedom through democratic principles and hence democratic principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are the principles to die for and live for in every society.5 Impact on me Both the leaders did not lose the sight of their vision, in which existed a society based on democratic values. The empowerment of people only can lead to equality and peace in the society, which is highlighted in Abraham Lincoln’s speech although the speech is not more than ten to fifteen lines. It is also impacting when both the leaders state that the real tribute to the people who laid down their lives for the nation is in carrying the thought forward and working towards the establishment of the same through best of the capabilities and intellect. The fierce national pride and the vow to make it better by positive use of power will continue to create an impact on me as a reader. Conclusion As the society progresses we can see that boundaries for the functioning of the society defined. In earlier times these were defined by the rulers who took a balanced view of the powers bestowed on them. As history goes to prove that whenever there have happened imbalances in power and sense of responsibility or accountability there have been unrests and inequalities. Democracy is not irresponsible freedom to a few but freedom with sense of responsibility and drive to everyone who is a part of society. Only then mutual accountability develops between government and the masses rather than enforced structure of ruling and leadership. When we read both the speeches, we come to a conclusion that although both belong to different eras, they both deliver the same message of equality, liberty and freedom through democracy and finally democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. References 1. Ancient History Sourcebook:  Thucydides (c.460/455-c.399 BCE): Pericles' Funeral Oration  from the Peloponnesian War (Book 2.34-46) 2. The Gettysburg Address - http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/gettysburg.htm 3. American Civil War - http://www.civilwar.com/ 4. History of Athens - http://www.sikyon.com/athens/athens_eg.html 5. History of Athens - http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ac45 6. Pericles of Athens and the Birth of Democracy, by Donald Kagan - Roger Kimball — May 1991 - http://www.commentarymagazine.com Read More