Does writing have the power to enact social change?

Yes, I think that writing truly does have the power to enact social change. If you think about it, what would the world be like without writings such as the Bible, the Qur'an, and the Declaration of Independence etc.? People follow not only these writings, but others also, as a guideline for their lives. Without written laws and regulations, what would we do? Who knows, criminals might be running around the streets. That would be pretty awful. Would their still be police officers and judges? I think it’s a really interesting subject to think about.

Through writing, an author has the ultimate power to persuade people. Readers get a lot of information from writings and they may just happen to agree with what they read. If they do agree with it and like it, they might also want to make a change. It’s essentially a huge chain effect.

In the “The Bombing of Baghdad,” by June Jordan, Jordan describes the horrific events that occurred in Baghdad. She feels very unhappy and feels horrible about what happened. Jordan wrote this poem to inform her audience of the seriousness of the appalling events. I liked how she started off many lines by saying “we bombed.” I feel like she does that to make us realize how many horrible bombings and attacks there really were. To me it felt like the list was never-ending. As the list went on it saddened me, but shocked me as well. I’ve never read something on this topic as descriptive as it was. She, as well, was trying to make a chain effect with her poem.

All in all, writing is a very influential topic that could easily persuade someone into what they’re reading. Whether the subject matter be good or bad, an authors goal is to persuade the reader into what they are reading. By using repetition, powerful words, and phrases such as, “we bombed,” as I talked about earlier, I feel as though June Jordan did an excellent job in achieving that.

Chapter 14: At last

I saved the house to the best of my ability. I did what I could do, but I don’t think anything could go much worse right now. My poor father is slowly dying, and I don’t know what I could do. Houses burning up and Bea is drunk all of the time, life could not get any much worse. But Thanks to Bea …I can’t believe it! I can’t believe my eyes. Ten thousand dollars it cannot be true. Someone pinch me! Please someone tell me if this is a joke. It’s actually true, but how can this be? How could Roland and Bea keep this a secret? This is truly a miracle! I have been waiting and dreaming for this money from since I can remember. This is our ticket out, our ticket to the life we all want to live, but mostly take pleasure in. I thought I would have to leave everyone behind if I decided to go to Canada with Mercer, but now, this is just a dream come true. We can all go to Canada together. No one will be left behind and left to rot. I’m just still so shocked, but overjoyed at the same time. It’s a miracle from God.

We are all so excited for Canada. Everyone is so ecstatic; no one can stop talking about it. We all believe that it is a gift from God. I don’t know what I have done to deserve such good, but I am beyond thankful. I will never forget the day that I discovered that money. It was one of the worst times in my life and that really helped me through it all. It is our ticket to the life we have always sought after.


Finally were here! Were ready to start our new life and live it to the best of our ability. We are getting Bea to sober up the best that we can. Its gonna be pretty tough but we can get through it. Also, Mercer and I will be getting married in a few days. This is the happiest I have ever been in my whole entire life. We are so close and in love it’s truly a dream come true. She’s everything and anything I could ever ask for in a friend and lover. Well, Mercer and I are awfully tired from all this excitement brought to us all so quick, so we will go rest now.

Chapter 15: Hopeless Dreams

Wow, that was the best sleep I ever had in my life. I wish I could sleep like that every night. Wait…this isn’t Canada?