an EVOLUTION of

obama's evolution 

 

In the study of history, it is important to find parallels. No two topics should be compared, as it threatens to undermine the significance of the effects on citizens and groups who share a common experience. However, when learning about the past, it is important to analyze common characteristics of political and social reactions to historical issues. This allows us to understand how the issues we face today make a place in history. 

 

Lincoln’s evolution of ideas and action concerning the issue of slavery demonstrates the influence of party affiliation, social opinion, constitutionality, and threat to unification. Despite these factors, Lincoln’s attitudes changed from within, eventually finding way into social dialogue and (although postmortem) policy. While this issue seems entirely separated from the world we live in today, the process of changing attitudes continues to confront our society in the form of different social reform movements.  

 

The defining civil rights issue of the last 20 years in the United States is whether gays and lesbians have the right to marriage equality. While not engaging in a military war to determine the fate of the issue, America engaged (and continues to do so) in a culture war around the topic. Just as Lincoln’s ideas were not static, neither are President Obama’s. Analyzing political platforms, interviews, social media, and speeches allow us to witness the evolution of ideas and action within the context of modern society and the historical legacy of America's constitution.