Perspectives
This part of the study guide will help you expand your perspective on “Call me Arnold” by Arnold Schwarzenegger by looking at how Schwarzenegger’s story evolve…
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Historical perspective
In 1980, shortly after this interview, Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia contest for the seventh time, further reinforcing his claims about his bodybuilding abilities.
Schwarzenegger also dreamed about being a movie superstar. At the start of his acting career, many people in the film industry told him he would not make it because his name was too long or that his body was too unusual. However, he ac…
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Textual perspective
In “Call me Arnold”, Schwarzenegger focuses on himself, on his efforts, and his achievements. However, it would appear that his focus has changed over time, as a speech that Schwarzenegger gave in 2017 at the University of Houston shows us that he became more aware of the help that he has had in his career. In this speech, he tells the audience that no one can call him a self-made man. Moreover, he states that no one can make it alone. He goes on to credit his parents, his teachers, his mentors and coaches, and even apparently random people that he met along the way for helping him shape his vision and achieve his dreams. His views on America have not changed, however, as in his 2017 speech he thanks the country for all the opportunities it gave to him. Finally, he states that it is very important to help other…
