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Rhetorical Analysis Of Atul Gawande's Commitment Address

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Understanding the Core of Humanity: Atul Gawande’s Commencement Address. Introduction: Atul Gawande, a prominent health practitioner and advocate for public health, delivered an engaging graduation speech titled "Curiosity and What Equality Really Means" to the 2018 graduating class of UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine (Gawande, 2018). Departing from traditional medical discourse, Gawande skillfully weaves personal narratives and philosophical reflections to argue that genuine equality hinges on cultivating curiosity. This essay delves into the nuances of Gawande's speech, examining his rhetorical strategies, the call to action, and the broader implications of nurturing curiosity for societal change. Addressing Societal Disparity: Gawande …show more content…

He metaphorically portrays societal structures as "labyrinths of privilege," instilling a sense of urgency for graduating medical experts to confront these challenging issues. This lays the foundation for his central thesis: curiosity as the linchpin for bridging divides and dismantling systemic inequalities. Gawande underscores the urgency of addressing societal challenges, urging graduating medical experts to actively engage with the complexities of healthcare, economics, and social justice (Gawande, 2018). By portraying societal structures as "labyrinths of privilege," he vividly communicates the formidable challenges that must be addressed. This not only establishes the tone for his overarching message, but also serves as a compelling call to action for the audience to confront these disparities head-on. Curiosity as a Moral Imperative: At the heart of Gawande's argument lies the belief that curiosity transcends intellectual pursuit to become an ethical imperative (Gawande, 2018). By approaching others with curiosity, individuals acknowledge inherent worth and shared humanity, unlocking a common thread that fosters connections on a fundamental level. Gawande deploys

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