My E-Portfolio

Rhetoric is prevalent in all aspects of our everyday lives. It is present in countless different means of communication. This includes newspapers, television, books, the internet, and more. Furthermore, the most common place in which rhetoric takes place in our daily lives is in normal, casual conversation. Everything that is said and expressed in all of these mediums contain aspects of rhetoric that make it such a multifaceted thing. While the idea of "rhetoric" may seem complex after hearing this, in actuality, it is an extremely simple concept. Rhetoric is a means by which somebody can effectively convey their ideas to an audience.

With these ideas in mind, it is clear that rhetoric has an extremely great impact upon humanity. Most people think of rhetoric negatively, due to its connection with politics. But rhetoric is something much deeper than this. It is present everywhere. It is not just words, but the expression of thoughts and meanings through countless mediums and techniques. It is present in the daily lives of every living person.

In this E-Portfolio, my understanding and use of rhetoric is expressed through various mediums. All of the components of this portfolio come from my LA101H class. Through this class, I was enabled to develop my understanding of rhetoric, and to learn how to effectively use it to convey my ideas in many different fashions. Now, after completion of the course, I have used my full understanding of the concept to revise my work in order to most effectively use rhetorical concepts.

Through the use of rhetoric, this portfolio enables me to effectively convey a great majority of ideas that I have, and furthermore, enables my readers to even have a better understanding of who I am. In each component of this portfolio, different ideas are expressed using various techniques. Furthermore, I try to express the use of rhetoric in various ways that people do not commonly associate the idea with. This portfolio is not only an expression of rhetoric in our daily lives, but also is an expression of its importance in my life.

Sean Carr's E-Portfolio 

Braveheart Motivational Speech

One of the greatest examples of a motivational speech can be found in the movie Braveheart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLrrBs8JBQo 

In this speech, William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, uses pathos to motivate the Scottish soldiers to fight against the British. Furthermore, he follows the steps that are shown in Monroe's motivated sequence.

The use of ethos is at the heart of the speech. This is primarily seen through the appeal to nationalism and patriotism to Scotland, in order to gain freedom from the British tyranny. By speaking about honor, family, and the legend of himself, William Wallace, he appeals to all of the soldiers' senses of national pride and honor. He also employs the use of humor, another part of pathos, when he remarks about the legend of himself as a superhuman who "shoots fireballs from his ass". Ethos is at the core of Wallace's motivational speech.

The speech also follows Monroe's motivational sequence. The attention step is completed when he introduces himself as the legendary William Wallace and uses some humor. He then continues to express the need for action when he talks about the tyranny of the English. The satisfaction step is completed when he presents the solution, that all of them should fight, as opposed to running. The visualization step is then completed when he continues to talk about how it will be if they do not fight and die old lives, but then visualizes the glory of fighting and freedom. Finally, the action step is completed when he finally appeals that if they fight, they will never take their freedom. The motivated sequence is clearly used in this speech.

William Wallace's speech in Braveheart is a classic example of a motivational speech. Ethos is at its core when he appeals to nationalism and humor. Furthermore, the entire speech follows Monroe's motivational sequence. It is impossible to doubt that William Wallace was able to successfully motivate the Scottish soldiers to fight.

Music in our Multimedia Projects

After two weeks of slaving over our multimedia project, I realize that one of the most important rhetorical aspects of the video that contributes to the overall mood is the music. As our group was editing the video, we realized that we needed to find appropriate music to fit the appropriate mood. This was a key part of making the video, and it made me realize how important music is as a rhetorical tool.

The first song we chose was "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles. This song was important because it strengthened our idea of playing a recognizable song that everyone can relate to. After this, when we presented the current statistics of music piracy, we played a song that was noisy and involved a lot of banging, which I feel appropriately supplemented the "problematic" mood of the statistics. The next song which we chose consisted of strings playing, and this very adequately supported the "history" part of our narration, since it is older and relates to the past. It was a key tool in setting the proper mood for the proper time. Next, during our question cut-scenes, we played a modern, upbeat song that also suited the mood which was created. The musical choices for our videos were an important part of the overall rhetoric in the videos.

Citizens Against Government Waste Commercial

This ad by the Citizens Against Government Waste uses many rhetorical strategies to get its message across. It appeals to pathos, its setting, and kairos to send out the message that if the government continues to tax and spend, it will collapse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTSQozWP-rM

The ad appeals to the viewers emotions in many ways. It depicts a group of Chinese students in a college setting, learning about how America failed as a nation and now is "working" for China. Due to this, the Chinese students are all shown laughing at America. This is an appeal to pathos because it deeply attacks our American sense of patriotism, questions our ability to lead the world, and suggests that we will become slaves to another nation. All of these things make the viewer very uncomfortable, and almost stir up anger, as to what our possible future could be. The ad effectively uses pathos to get its message across.

The commercial also uses its setting to help convey its idea. The scene is shown in a dark, almost dreary looking classroom. Furthermore, eerie music is being played in the background, causing a scene that is almost scary and causes the viewer to worry about what is happening. The eerie setting of the commercial is a second rhetorical strategy that the Citizens Against Government Waste uses.

Finally, the ad was released at a kairotic moment. It continues to be shown today, and was also on television all throughout the recent economic recession. It alludes to ARRA and Obamacare, two recent governmental actions that could be seen as "waste" by some people. Furthermore, it is released at a time where many people think that China will be surpassing the US as the world's most powerful nation. The kairoticism of the ad makes it very efficient at communicating its message.

The ad does a very good job at attempting to convey its message against government waste. It uses pathos, setting, and kairos to make the viewers believe that their nation is in danger, and something must be done to stop it.

Obama's Message against Libya

          This past Saturday, as I was watching March Madness basketball, the game suddenly cut out for a special address from the president. At first I was angry, because my perfectly good afternoon of basketball was being interrupted, but then I realized that this was happening for a much more important cause. Due to the recent revolution in Libya, President Obama decided that the US would lead military action in Libya in order to protect its citizens and to root out the oppression of Muammar Ghadaffi.

          The address was extremely interesting from a rhetorical standpoint. It's main goal was to communicate that we would be bombing the nation of Libya, but it also strove to make a few points clear. First of all, Obama reiterated over and over that this would not be a huge scale military operation. He very carefully worded the situation in order to let the nation know that this would not be another Iraq or Afghanistan. Furthermore, he wanted to make it clear that even though the US was in charge of initial operations, it would not be long before we gave control to NATO, England, and France. Both of these messages were made very clear by Obama through his careful wording, and this helped accomplish the rhetorical strategy of not making this seem like another operation such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Furthermore, Obama appealed to pathos and logos throughout the speech, in order to make it seem as if it was the right thing to do to help the poor, innocent citizens of Libya. By doing all of these things, Obama effectively used his rhetorical strategies to communicate his message.

Devil's Dance Floor

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I am going to explain the rhetoric of one of my favorite Irish-American rock songs, Devil's Dance Floor by Flogging Molly. The band uses traditional Irish sounds and instruments, lyrics, and religious themes to express it's Irish roots and traditional Irish ideas.

The use of Irish sounds and instruments help to set up the Irish aura that the band is trying to get the listener to feel. The song incorporates the use of traditional Irish instruments including the tin whistle, bagpipe, accordion, and other percussion instruments that are used in most traditional Irish music. Furthermore, the band makes use of traditional Irish melodic patterns. With the incorporation of these things, the listener feels as if they are actually listening to Irish music, not the alternative rock that breaks out shortly into the song.

The song's lyrics and themes, particularly its religious themes, also create the Irish image that Flogging Molly tries to employ.  The band uses lyrics such as "We are all just dancers on the devil's dance floor", and "The apple now is sweet, so much sweeter than it ought to be, another little bite, I don't think there is much hope for me" to create the traditional Irish-Catholic image. Christianity plays an extremely important role in Irish culture, and references to the traditional biblical stories about the devil and the apple from the tree of knowledge strengthen this theme of Irish culture. It is clear that Flogging Molly employs Irish cultural themes to create an Irish image.

After listening to "Devil's Dance Floor", the listener can surely understand the Irish image that Flogging Molly tries to create. The use of traditional Irish instruments and melodies clearly contribute to this theme. Furthermore, the use of Irish cultural references, particularly references to Christianity, also create an Irish-sounding environment. "Devil's Dance Floor" clearly attempts to allude to Ireland through its rhetorical usage, and successfully does so.

Rhetorical Analysis: Daily Collegian Cartoon

          On Thursday, March 3, 2011, the Daily Collegian published a cartoon that is loaded with rhetoric. The cartoon portrays Muammar Ghadaffi, the dictator of Libya who is recently under the spotlight due to the current revolution that is ongoing in his nation, and the cruelty with which he is putting it down. In the cartoon, Ghadaffi is seated in a chair in front of a TV. He is staring at the TV, and a thought bubble is drawn by his head, which says, "That Charlie Sheen is one wierd dude...". This cartoon appeals to pathos, ethos, and logos to convey the message that Sheen is crazy.

          The most obvious rhetorical appeal is to pathos, through the use of humor. It is obviously funny that Ghadaffi, who is considered to be one of the weirdest and craziest people in the world, is calling Sheen weird. Next, logos is used, because it is appealing to the common knowledge that Ghadaffi himself is crazy, due to his treacherous acts as a dictator along with his weird sense of style and personality. Finally, ethos is used, but in the opposite way that it would normally be used. Ethos is a person's credibility, and Ghadaffi has the credibility to call somebody weird, since he himself is weird. Although this may be different than usual, it actual makes a lot of sense. Ghadaffi has the credibility as a crazy person to call someone else crazy. After some thought, it is apparent that ethos, pathos, and logos are all at work in the Daily Collegian's cartoon, and it was able to effectively convey its message to me through the use of these tactics.

Natural Light Beer Commercial with Mickey Mantle

          So, in the spirit of the rhetorical analyses we have been doing the past week, I decided to give a short rhetorical analysis of a commercial that I came across on YouTube. I think it may be pretty hilarious, but is also a good piece for a rhetorical analysis. First, take a look at the commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwRBqB0MVf4

          At first, this is kind of funny. We all know that Natural Light is disgusting, and nobody in their right mind would switch to it "for the flavor". This being said, Natural Light's task is even harder, and makes for a good rhetorical analysis. Natural Light attempts to sell its product through allusions to baseball, logos, and ethos.

          Throughout the commercial, allusions to baseball are made. First and foremost, the spokesman is Mickey Mantle. Also, at the beginning, a baseball arcade game is shown with a light that flashes, "Home Run!". Next, Mickey Mantle says that "Natural Light has the kind of flavor that I swing for.", and another guy says to him, "Don't worry Mick, it's a double header.". All of these allusions to baseball keep the audience interested, enabling Natural Light to promote its product.

Next, the advertisement uses logos, when it says, "Taste is why you'll switch.". This simple reasoning is an example of logos because it is a logical claim as to why one would want to drink Natural Light. This simple use of logos strengthens Natural Light's argument.

          Finally, ethos is used through the establishment of the promoters credibility. The promoter is Mickey Mantle! His credibility has been established through years of superior baseball play. Just this fact is the use of ethos, and probably the strongest rhetorical technique used by the advertisement.

      In conclusion, this advertisement may seem funny, but it is very good material to be analyzed. Natural Light uses allusions to baseball, logos, and ethos to attract its audience to buy it's beer. They better hope that their rhetoric is strong enough, because it is a tall task to get people to buy Natural Light, "for the flavor."

"Staying in Touch With Home, for Better or Worse": New York Times Cover Picture

Thursday, February 17, 2011's edition of the New York Times features an article on the cover called "Staying in Touch With Home, for Better or Worse". The article itself talks about soldiers abroad in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan who are now using technology to keep in touch with their friends and family at home. In particular, soldiers are now using cell phones, the internet, and social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and the like to keep in touch with their loved ones.

In my blog today, I am going to talk about the Rhetoric of the picture that is featured for the article. It was taken by Damon Winter, and features a soldier sitting at his camp, on a laptop, presumably using Facebook, Skype, or something similar. The picture conveys a very powerful message. I was able to find it on Google images.

The rhetoric of the picture is very powerful, even though the reader may not notice it at first glance. The color scheme is the most powerful rhetorical aspect of this picture. Everything in the picture is extremely dark, except for the computer and the light that is shining from it. On the actual newspaper itself, this is even more true, since the picture is in black and white. This contrast in color is portraying a powerful message. When a soldier is overseas at war, their world and feelings may seem very dark and dreary. But the point of the article, which the picture enforces, is that technology illuminates the soldier's darkness by enabling them to communicate with their loved ones at home. It is almost like the "light at the end of the tunnel". When I first picked up the New York Times today, this rhetorical strategy to convey the articles message through the picture is what stood out to me right away, and I believe that it was successfully able to accomplish its goal.

"A Debate Bigger Than Reform" New York Times Op-Ed

The Thursday, February 10th, 2011 edition of the New York Times featured an extremely interesting article in its Op-Ed section titled, "A Debate Bigger Than Reform". The article chronicles a recent debate about the health care reform law, or "Obamacare" as some like to call it. Recently, newly elected Republicans in Congress are trying to repeal the law, and some states are banning it, saying that it is unconstitutional. The article takes an important rhetorical approach to expressing its view.

The entire article expresses the views of both Walter Dellinger, a former Clinton employee who supports the law, and Randy Barnett, a Georgetown law professor who denies its constitutionality. The entire article goes back and forth, expressing the views and the arguments that each man makes, and explaining these two views. Throughout the majority of the first half of the article, the writer does not express any bias, but rather increases his credibility by expressing the views and reasoning of both sides.

Eventually, in the second half of the article, speaking for the staff of the New York Times, it says, "We disagree [with Barnett's view], and so do years of judicial precedent." It then goes on to explain the views of the staff. At this point, the article makes a good argument for its views, and has drawn in readers of all political affiliations, since it does not express any affiliation. It is not surprising though at this point, that the New York Times took its traditional, left-leaning stance, but it is good that it was able to draw in all readers by expressing both views of the argument.

This Op-Ed made good use of ethos, by increasing its credibility by expressing both sides of the argument. I think that it was a very interesting approach to drawing in all possible readers to view its ultimate stance that the health care reform is constitutional.

"Egypt's Bumbling Brotherhood" : New York Times Op-Ed

          In today's New York Times Op-Ed section, there is an article titled "Egypt's Bumbling Brotherhood", written by Scott Atran. This article's rhetoric effectively erases any misunderstandings about the Muslim Brotherhood's role in Egypt's turmoil. First and foremost, this is the appropriate time and setting--kairos-- to explain this, with all that is happening in Egypt at this time. But the bulk of the article clears up misconceptions about the Muslim Brotherhood, as opposed to talking just about the Egypt situation. Almost everyone in the media is talking about this extremist, terrorist Muslim Brotherhood, who is going to take over Egypt. Even as I write this article and CNN is on my TV in the background, a news analyst just mentioned the feared Muslim Brotherhood. I turn to Fox News, and who else but Glenn Beck is rambling about the "evil" Muslim Brotherhood. The article makes that point that in reality, they are not violent. In reality, they are enemies of al-Qaeda, and are also very ineffective. Yes, they seek to bring back Islamic rule, but the article shows that they are unable to make any moves, and have the support of as little as 10% of the entire population. Throughout the article, Atran makes good use of facts and verbatim to make it clear that the Muslim Brotherhood is really not the threat that the media is making it out to be. It is sad that our news stations are so close-minded to make anything with the words "Muslim", "Islam", or "Koran" evil. And I believe that this article's rhetoric effectively criticizes this, particularly in the current Egypt situation.

"I Believe in Family" Podcast

http://www.zshare.net/download/8604963045a5cf6c/

The Rhetoric of the State of the Union Address

          As you all know, President Obama delivered the annual State of the Union Address on Tuesday night. This is a prime example of the use of rhetoric and its importance in our lives. In this particular situation, the President's rhetoric had the goal of conveying one, strong message in particular: working together to progress as a nation.

          From the beginning of the address, Obama made a point of using language and examples that support and call for unity in all aspects of our nation. In particular, he tried to get the message across that both Republicans and Democrats have to work together in order to get things done, particularly as we look into the future. He called for this when he said, "What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow." This statement set the tone for the rest of his speech, in which he would call for compromise, and also give proof that working together has already begun, and will continue in the future.

          Another message that Obama tried to get across was that America must begin to progress in order to compete with the rest of the world, particularly China. There are countless instances in which he referred to China's advancements as a nation, and compared them to America's failings. By doing this, he was trying to get his audience to feel the need for competition and progression as a nation. Obama's multiple references to China in comparison to the US helped his point that we must progress technologically and academically in order to compete with the changing global society.

          A third rhetorical strategy of Obama was to appeal to the beliefs and traditions of both political parties, therefore keeping everybody happy. The ideas that he spoke of were mostly big picture goals, which both parties could agree on and compromise. By doing this, he kept all of his audience happy and attentive. Furthermore, he contributed to his overall theme of unity.

          I think that this year's State of the Union address was masterfully done. The President made sure that he didn't stray too far to the left, which would anger half of his audience, and he laid down some big picture goals that both parties can compromise on, which will be necessary in the next two years. Obama's rhetorical strategies on Tuesday night were extremely effective.