Preface and Introduction
Introspection and Reflection Questions
Why do you think Obama includes a description of his writing process as part of the preface and the introduction? What does he want the reader to learn about his audiences and his reasons for writing Dreams from My Father? How does Obama describe his process for writing this book? What are the different phases that he experiences as a writer? What do you think is Obama’s attitude toward writing?
- In the first paragraph of the preface, Obama refers to “the fluid states of identity—the leaps through time, the collisions of cultures—that mark our modern life” (page vii). What, in your opinion, does Obama mean by this statement?
Write a journal entry that reflects on your own writing process. Why do you write and what audiences do you write for? Does your writing go through different stages of development? What are those stages? What is your attitude toward writing? Can you draw similarities between Obama’s experiences of and views about writing and your own experiences of and views about writing? Why or why not?
How would you describe the connections between identity and modern life? What media would you use for your description: words, spray paint, pixels, music and sound, a combination of these — or something else? Create your own statement on identity and modern life, using multimedia of your choice. Some examples might be a story told through paintings or photographs; a sound collage; a video scrapbook; or a pixilated poem. Use your imagination to create something that has never before existed.
Whatever media you select, remember to SHOW, rather than tell, your audience. That is, try not to spoon-feed the meaning of your statement to your audience. Instead demonstrate your ideas by carefully selecting your media and using the media to help your audience think critically and creatively.
Suggestions for Essays, Presentations, or Research Projects
Obama suggests that the historical contexts for the first (1995) and second (2004) publications of Dreams from My Father were substantially different. He refers to world events that likely would have been familiar to readers from those time periods.
- On page viii Obama gives a brief description of his work as a representative of the Illinois state legislature, including a list of issues that were of particular concern to him during his time of service. Reread this list and choose an issue that you find especially compelling. Research different positions on this issue and examine recent laws or other actions that have been taken on this issue. Use your research to take a position on this issue and write a letter to your state representative asking him or her to support your position. You will need to present persuasive reasons for your position, evidence that argues in favor of your position, and a counterargument that considers—and then dismisses— an opposing point of view.
Which of these events stands out to you? Which events would you like to know more about? Research at least two of these events to inform readers about the historical contexts of the publication of Dreams from My Father. Your essay should also educate readers about the connections between these events and the main ideas that Obama presents in the Preface and the Introduction.