Over the past month, in class we have focused on the analysis of advertisements and speeches. Beside the writing aspect, I liked thinking of what made the pieces profound or affective.
Thinking about the assignment we completed Wednesday made me think of a speech I heard of in the beginning of February.
Whether you consistently follow politics or occasionally hear updates through word of mouth, I am sure you are at least aware of a few political hot topics. In the past few years, there has been an increase in the amount of attention given to the topic of gay marriage.
As I was on Facebook a month or so ago, I saw a link to a youtube video titled, Zach Wahls Speaks about Family. Curious, I clicked it.
Turns out the clip was of a young Iowa man, Zach Wahls, speaking to congressmen about marriage equality. Addressing the question associated in the minds of many, “can gays even raise kids,” Wahls built up his ethos to provide a persuasive argument.
Putting ones stance on the issue aside, the brilliant rhetorical functioning of the speech cant not be denied.
Zach introduced himself as a son raised by two women, arguing for their right, & the right for all gay couple, to be legally married in the eye of the law. Of course he affirmed that indeed same sex couples can raise happy and healthy children. But to prove his point he listed all of his accomplishments and then said, “If I was your son Mr. Chairman I believe I’d make you ver proud.”
What made this brief but concise speech so affective was Wahls’ explanation to the audience of what a family was. Zach Wahls explained that there is no difference between a family headed by heterosexuals or homosexuals, closing his speech saying, “ The sexual orientation of my parents has zero affect on the contact of my character.”
(Check it out.!)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
My Promise to Civic Engagement.!
I wanted to shift my topic slightly for this post, you know switch things up. In the beginning of the semester Ben (Professor Henderson) asked the class to free write for two minutes. Do you remember what the topic was? It was civic engagement online. Looking back, I admit I had only the slightest idea what was really being asked of me.
After reading the text book and through class discussions I was able to understand: first what civic life is and secondly how it was related to rhetoric.
Civic life is when one is involved with there community with the intention to make a change. Becoming a rhetor is one of the biggest ways to participate in the civic life within ones community, but I have come to realized it is not the only way.
Seeing as I just turned 18 a month ago, I will be able to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. Legally turning an adult in this society allows me the opportunity to have my voice heard in an effort to strive for the changes I want to see. I mean after all I am the people and this country is a democracy.
After thinking about how I am looking forward to casting my first vote, my mind drifted to how many individuals in this country do not vote. The lack of civic engagement from us, “the people,” takes away from our democratic government. I mean we all have things to say about the U.S. government, good or bad, and there is always improvements that can be made... but we all need to get involved!
As an African American woman in America, I have now made a promise to myself that I would vote and have my opinion heard. I am a part of a double minority. Someone who has had millions before me fight and even die for me to say I am a citizen and I have the right to vote.
It is not even a question whether I will become civically engaged.
After reading the text book and through class discussions I was able to understand: first what civic life is and secondly how it was related to rhetoric.
Civic life is when one is involved with there community with the intention to make a change. Becoming a rhetor is one of the biggest ways to participate in the civic life within ones community, but I have come to realized it is not the only way.
Seeing as I just turned 18 a month ago, I will be able to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. Legally turning an adult in this society allows me the opportunity to have my voice heard in an effort to strive for the changes I want to see. I mean after all I am the people and this country is a democracy.
After thinking about how I am looking forward to casting my first vote, my mind drifted to how many individuals in this country do not vote. The lack of civic engagement from us, “the people,” takes away from our democratic government. I mean we all have things to say about the U.S. government, good or bad, and there is always improvements that can be made... but we all need to get involved!
As an African American woman in America, I have now made a promise to myself that I would vote and have my opinion heard. I am a part of a double minority. Someone who has had millions before me fight and even die for me to say I am a citizen and I have the right to vote.
It is not even a question whether I will become civically engaged.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Congo Cancer.!
It’s funny how aware I now am of the rhetoric that surrounds me in my day to day activities.
Today in women studies I watched a clip of feminist activist and playwright, Eve Ensler. She reads her article advocating for the sexually tortured and abused women of Congo.
Take a look...
I am not sure what you think, but the first time I watched that I said to myself, now thats rhetoric. Everything about the article and her delivery was outstanding!
Ensler’s use of her own personal narrative of cancer as a bridge for her audience. The story serves dual purposes, first it allows her readers and viewers the ability to better understand the horrors and troubles of the current situation of Congo, by giving a relatable scenario. Secondly, the issue Eve Ensler is advocating is put into perspective through the description of her narrative. Her most powerful line being, “My cancer is arbitrary Congo’s atrocities are very deliberate.”
It is evident Ensler understood her audience. As a rhetor, she knew speaking of issues from a third world country to individuals thousands of miles away in a first world country would mean she had to make this “hit home.”
The speech would not have been nearly as moving if it were not for her delivery. With out props or aid Eve Ensler was able to convey her passion through her inflection, confident demeanor, and detailed knowledge of the topic in question.
I only hope to be able to deliver a speech with that much power one day.
Today in women studies I watched a clip of feminist activist and playwright, Eve Ensler. She reads her article advocating for the sexually tortured and abused women of Congo.
Take a look...
I am not sure what you think, but the first time I watched that I said to myself, now thats rhetoric. Everything about the article and her delivery was outstanding!
Ensler’s use of her own personal narrative of cancer as a bridge for her audience. The story serves dual purposes, first it allows her readers and viewers the ability to better understand the horrors and troubles of the current situation of Congo, by giving a relatable scenario. Secondly, the issue Eve Ensler is advocating is put into perspective through the description of her narrative. Her most powerful line being, “My cancer is arbitrary Congo’s atrocities are very deliberate.”
It is evident Ensler understood her audience. As a rhetor, she knew speaking of issues from a third world country to individuals thousands of miles away in a first world country would mean she had to make this “hit home.”
The speech would not have been nearly as moving if it were not for her delivery. With out props or aid Eve Ensler was able to convey her passion through her inflection, confident demeanor, and detailed knowledge of the topic in question.
I only hope to be able to deliver a speech with that much power one day.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A New Image of Rhetors.!
Language has the potential to posses power, that is what this class is
all about. The more I learn, the more I see how rhetoric is weaved
throughout my daily life, on billboards and in conversations.
What I came to realize is the best rhetors are not necessarily the individuals we watch on news channels during election time. The political figures dressed in tailored suits, standing behind podiums spewing eloquently put speeches.
Why don’t we take notice to those who can influence us and make an impact with their advice, which at times can feel like speeches. Is there anyone who comes to mind, a former coach or a parent?
To me, my grandmother is a great rhetor, her ethos reinforced each time
she demonstrates her wisdom and loyalty. Her delivery style is one far
from the pushy techniques of politicians. Instead, she tends to gives
her opinion and advice subtly, allowing me to learn certain lessons that
are critical. She jokes some times that she has a crystal ball; saying
that is how she knew me and my boyfriend would always get back together
when I came crying to her with my issues.
See I am sure not all would agree with me that my grandmother is a rhetor, especially a great one at that. But never will an entire audience agree, right?
What I came to realize is the best rhetors are not necessarily the individuals we watch on news channels during election time. The political figures dressed in tailored suits, standing behind podiums spewing eloquently put speeches.
Why don’t we take notice to those who can influence us and make an impact with their advice, which at times can feel like speeches. Is there anyone who comes to mind, a former coach or a parent?
To me, my grandmother is a great rhetor, her ethos reinforced each time
she demonstrates her wisdom and loyalty. Her delivery style is one far
from the pushy techniques of politicians. Instead, she tends to gives
her opinion and advice subtly, allowing me to learn certain lessons that
are critical. She jokes some times that she has a crystal ball; saying
that is how she knew me and my boyfriend would always get back together
when I came crying to her with my issues. See I am sure not all would agree with me that my grandmother is a rhetor, especially a great one at that. But never will an entire audience agree, right?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Sketchers' use of Rhetoric.!
The hours during the Super Bowl do not just consist of the most watched game of the football season, but also some of the most provocative and reaction- evoking commercials of the year.
Sketchers aired an ad for their line of shape-ups during the 2011 Super Bowl. The individual chosen to do the commercial, Kim Kardashian, was no random choice. In the United States and perhaps around the world, this celebrity is famous for her body and looks. Within the ad she uses the under lying tone of sex and her great shape to sell the product. She stated, “This is isn’t working... it’s not someone else, it’s something else,” referring to the sneakers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3L8Cvx7-9c
I’d say from a company stand point it was a smart decision and excellent display of rhetoric to chose Kim for the commercial. They had a knowledgeable understanding that their audience were typically middle aged women who wanted to get in shape, and what better way to persuade this group than with one of the most desired women in the world?
Sketchers aired an ad for their line of shape-ups during the 2011 Super Bowl. The individual chosen to do the commercial, Kim Kardashian, was no random choice. In the United States and perhaps around the world, this celebrity is famous for her body and looks. Within the ad she uses the under lying tone of sex and her great shape to sell the product. She stated, “This is isn’t working... it’s not someone else, it’s something else,” referring to the sneakers.
I’d say from a company stand point it was a smart decision and excellent display of rhetoric to chose Kim for the commercial. They had a knowledgeable understanding that their audience were typically middle aged women who wanted to get in shape, and what better way to persuade this group than with one of the most desired women in the world?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Success with Honor.!
Contrary to my last post, I am fortunate to say I have heard a speech that one could consider a rhetoric masterpiece, or close enough to it.
As I am sure most of the campus tuned into, today I watched the two and a half hour memorial in honor of our late football coach and legend, Joseph Paterno. Out of the around ten speakers, there was one I could label as outstanding.
Yes, every individual who stood behind that podium had special memories to share and touching final words to Joe Pa, but Phil Knight separated himself from the others in a big way with his speech.
When Knight took the stage I had no idea who he was and therefore I did not know what to expect, unlike the former football players who I knew would reminisce of old days on the gridiron. Confidence and sincerity radiated from his poised stature, while he began describing how he met Paterno as the founder of Nike. He went on to say the unthinkable. Phil Knight actually acknowledged the elephant in the room! He spoke of the scandal that everyone else tried their hardest to dance around.
This speech was so moving because of the authenticity of Knight’s words. In a dignified way, he was able to implicitly express his opinion of the way Joe Paterno was villainized. He asked, “Who is the real trustee at Penn State University?”
The fact that Phil Knight was an outsider to the Penn State Community made this speech entirely more relatable for the rest of America. A standing ovation was indeed appropriate! I was more than pleased to see rhetoric at its best for a man who was a hero to so many.
As I am sure most of the campus tuned into, today I watched the two and a half hour memorial in honor of our late football coach and legend, Joseph Paterno. Out of the around ten speakers, there was one I could label as outstanding.
Yes, every individual who stood behind that podium had special memories to share and touching final words to Joe Pa, but Phil Knight separated himself from the others in a big way with his speech.
When Knight took the stage I had no idea who he was and therefore I did not know what to expect, unlike the former football players who I knew would reminisce of old days on the gridiron. Confidence and sincerity radiated from his poised stature, while he began describing how he met Paterno as the founder of Nike. He went on to say the unthinkable. Phil Knight actually acknowledged the elephant in the room! He spoke of the scandal that everyone else tried their hardest to dance around.
This speech was so moving because of the authenticity of Knight’s words. In a dignified way, he was able to implicitly express his opinion of the way Joe Paterno was villainized. He asked, “Who is the real trustee at Penn State University?”
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