Work it Out

1. The article asserts that Barack Obama has the ability to connect his personal story to a larger American story. Make a diagram that shows what connections Obama makes between the two stories. Think about your own and your family's story. Make a similar diagram that connects them to a larger American story. As a class, brainstorm: How is individual identity connected to group identity?

2. Obama contends that he can understand American life in a unique way. What does he say gave him that ability? Do you agree that he has a unique perspective? Why or why not? How would his perspective affect his leadership if he is elected president? Do you agree with his assertion that it would help make him a good leader? Why or why not?

3. Read "Hillary: What's in a Name?" (page 9). Make a Venn diagram that compares and contrasts the issues presented about what Hillary Clinton has wanted to be called and what Barack Obama has wanted to be called. Discuss what accounts for the similarities and differences.

© 2008