RA #11-Rocky IV

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) delivers this speech after having defeated Soviet champion Ivan Drago in a bout in Moscow. The initially hostile Soviet crowd began to praise Rocky as he withstood the advances of their champion.

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of Rocky Balboa's speech on the end of the Cold War?

Rocky Balboa's speech figuratively ends the Cold War because Rocky's passion in the fight and in his speech improves the image of Americans in the eyes of the Soviets.

Audience

A sold-out crowd in Moscow and a worldwide television audience.

Goal

Convince Soviets and Americans that they can change their views about each other and the world as a whole.

How?

Though Rocky could be triumphant and brash by hoisting the American flag from off his shoulders, he humbly keeps it draped over him. Thus, by not acting as a typical American in the eyes of the Soviets, they trust that he is being genuine is his request, and the appeal to ethos is complete.

By including not only the Russians' need to change, but our own as well, the argument becomes relevant to all parties involved. Rocky knows that if someone as stubborn and initially agitated by Russians as he is can improve his outlook on them, then many Americans can follow his example. It does take both sides to end a war, even a cold one.

As if there wasn't enough pathos in the speech, what with the sweating and the heavy breathing and the whole thing, Rocky gives a shout-out to his son after we think the speech has ended. This reflects the kindof family values Rocky cherishes and, in turn, the Soviets can implement his call to change and leave communism behind.

Effectiveness

In the movie world, this kind of inspiration can't help but bring about change. Even the premier got out of his chair. However, in the real world of the Cold War, this would not have had the legs to carry out its intended purpose.

RA #10-We Are the World

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of filming this video with singers from multiple genres on the amount of money donated to USA for Africa?

Filming this video with stars from multiple genres increases donations because the humility and simplicity shown by these multimillionaires will inspire people of all classes to make a difference.

Audience

Fans of each and every one of the stars in the video, particularly those who may be hesitant to donate.

Goal

Get people to rally and spread the word about/donate to USA for Africa.

How?

The entire video is one sappy, seven-minute long appeal to pathos. Seeing these stars coming together in a simple setting like a recording studio as opposed to making an expensive high-tech video sends the message that these artists really are committed to this organization, and won't spend its money on unnecessary extravagance.

The sheer number of iconic musicians in the video provide more than sufficient evidence that this is the case, including (but not limited to): Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, and the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson.

Having such a hodgepodge of artists from most every genre of music imaginable also increases the relevance of the video's argument. A country music fan may not be obliged to listen to what Bruce Springsteen has to say, but when Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers come on screen, they'd better believe this cause is worthwhile.

Effectiveness

With such a broad base of singers (and actors: Dan Aykroyd) it's hard NOT to find someone you like in this video. As such, the video's broad appeal is effective in inspiring fans of at least one of these starts to find their fellow fans, tell them about the video and the cause it supports.

RA #9: My Paper A

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of The Daily Universe going online-only on the advertising revenue it generates?

The Daily Universe going online only will increase ad revenue because the accessibility of an online-only newspaper will increase readership among students.

Audience

BYU School of Communications, Print Journalism Department

Goal

Invite Print Journalism department to explore the effectiveness of an online-only newspaper at BYU by conducting surveys of students.

How?

This paper appeals heavily to ethos. It begins by citing a study by a marketing firm on how effective advertising is on a student newspaper. Furthermore, it shows examples of student newspapers across the country that have seen success from going online-only.

This study, among other aspects, makes the argument quite relevant. After addressing the importance of advertising in a student periodical, the paper makes mention of a church-wide hiring freeze in the LDS Church with the purpose of practicing fiscal responsibility, a principle that BYU can help with by cutting printing costs of their paper. It helps show that even a paper in a heavily-subsidized institution can find ways to cut costs.

In citing the University of Utah's budget deficit with its student newspaper, their are hints of pathos. Our paper's stability can be superior to our rivals by going online-only.

Effectiveness

With a pretty attainable goal in sight (surveys of students) this paper appears to effectively show the potential for an online-only Daily Universe experience.

RA #8- "Land of the Lost" Trailer

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of showing widely recognizable themes, structures and people on ticket sales for "Land of the Lost"?

Showing widely recognizable structures and people will increase the willingness of people to see the movie because the familiarity with those recognizable things provides both fans of the original series and fans of Will Ferrell a reason to be willing to see the movie.

Audience

1. Fans of Will Ferrell

2. Fans of the original "Land of the Lost" TV series who are hesitant about a remake

Goal

Show how funny Will Ferrell will be in the movie and assure original LOTL fans that the movie will be a worthy adaptation.

How?

For starters, Will Ferrell is in this trailer. A lot. The trailer provides sufficient reason to believe that Will Ferrell, perhaps the world's most recognized funnyman, will provide plenty of laughs in this film.

A couple of strong appeals to pathos also make an appearance. The first is at the beginning of the trailer, as Ferrell's character is interviewed by Matt Lauer on the "Today" show. This makes an appeal to fans of the show (the slightly older crowd) to come see what role the show will play throughout the film.

The other appeal to pathos comes at the 1:28 mark, when the "alternate universe" features, among other things, a disheveled Golden Gate Bridge and Big Ben. This piques the interest of those watching to see if any of their favorite landmarks will find their way to the big screen, as well.

For those acquainted with the original LOTL, a few phrases and visuals appeal to their sense of ethos, most notably the phrase "the greatest earthquake ever known" and the shot of the raft going down the waterfall. This helps these fans to feel at least somewhat comforted that some aspects of the original will remain intact.

Effectiveness

Fans of the original will probably still be skeptical about what the trailer didn't show, but will still likely want to see the film anyway. Fans of Will Ferrell got a healthy helping of his comedy, which will whet their appetites for more upon seeing it. I say effective.

RA #7 Fargo: Always Warm!

The website for the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau features a message board of sorts where visitors to the North Dakota metropolitan area can share their stories about the warm, friendly nature of the Fargo people.

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of visiting Fargo, North Dakota on your outlook towards the future of the human race?

Visiting Fargo will strengthen your outlook towards the future of the human race because the warm, friendly nature of Fargo's people will inspire you to be warmer and kinder to people yourself.

Audience

People who are seeking a less-expensive, out-of-the-ordinary vacation location.

Goal

Motivate you to explore the FMCVB website further to find the exciting opportunities that await you should you choose to visit Fargo.

How?

The strongest appeal is to pathos, particularly the emotions of love, comfort, and hope. Living in such a cold, depressing time makes us yearn for happier places and people. Reading stories from actual people who went from these dreary places to Fargo seeks to give us hope that we can find such happiness in Fargo, as well.

The sheer number of stories (four pages worth) makes for a very sufficient argument. The reader can also add to the sufficiency of the argument by adding their own story about Fargo. The accuracy of the stories (if modified slightly) is also made apparent.

In thumbing through the stories, they come from a wide variety of places: both US coasts, and one visitor from a "tropical country". This variety of origins among the visitors helps make the argument more relevant. No matter which region people live, they have a good chance at finding a Fargo story from one of their comrades.

Effectiveness

Those who read the stories and read about specific attractions in those stories probably continued to find out more about those attractions on the website to further pigue their interest. Honestly, if someone had already found themselves on this site, they probably would have done that anyway, so the stories probably don't play as big a role as they might believe.

RA #6-Saint Flanders

This image is the cover of the February 5, 2001 issue of Christianity Today magazine.

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of the character of Ned Flanders on mainstream America’s view of evangelical Christians?

Having Ned Flanders as a character on The Simpsons elevates mainstream America’s view of evangelical Christians because the “saintly” way Ned lives his life reflects an accurate (if comical) depiction of a typical evangelical Christian.

Audience

Christians (most likely evangelicals) who do not watch The Simpsons, probably because they see it as making light of Christianity.

Goal

Get these Christians to open up the magazine and read the article which tries to demonstrate the positive attention that Ned Flanders provides for viewers of The Simpsons towards Christianity.

How?

The archaic nature of the painting makes it seem like something you would find in an old church. This appeals to the ethos of church-goers by suggesting that Ned Flanders is a righteous beacon in an otherwise godless program.

The other objects in the painting itself make for a sufficient argument. Flanders is holding a Bible, which is a common occurrence in his appearances on the show. Furthermore, the saintly “halo” surrounding his head further emphasizes his saintly nature on a seemingly devilish show.

Even though the style of the painting is archaic, the depiction of the characters is still accurate. Marge still has her blue hair up. Homer has his traditional stubble, along with his trademark donuts. Ned’s wardrobe of pink shirt with green sweater is also accurate, with a priestly robe added for emphasis. In a sense, it’s showing Ned’s potential impact on the show’s other characters and, perhaps, on other viewers questioning Christianity.

Effectiveness

Honestly, a lot of the anti-Simpson Christians who saw this would probably think the image was borderline blasphemy. However, they probably did open up the magazine to read the article, even if it was to disparage its claims.

RA #5: "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Fortunate Son" was released by Creedence Clearwater Revival on their 1969 album, "Willy and the Poor Boys".

Some folks are born made to wave the flag,
Ooh, they're red, white and blue.
And when the band plays "Hail to the Chief",
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,

It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no senator's son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me;
I ain't no fortunate one, no,
Yeah!

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh.
But when the taxman comes to the door,
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes,

It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no millionaire's son, no.
It ain't me, it ain't me;
I ain't no fortunate one, no.

Some folks inherit star spangled eyes,
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,
And when you ask them, "How much should we give?"
Ooh, they only answer More! more! more!

It ain't me, it ain't me,
I ain't no military son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me;
I ain't no fortunate one, one.

The song was inspired by David Eisenhower, the grandson of President Dwight Eisenhower who married Julie Nixon, the daughter of President Richard Nixon in 1968.

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of nepotism/favoritism within the government and private sector on the morale of Vietnam troops?

Nepotism or favoritism within the government and the private sector drains the morale of Vietnam troops because the privileges of children of those in government or the private sector (including avoiding being drafted) makes Vietnam troops feel they are of a lesser worth in society.

Audience

Those against the Vietnam War who either do or do not realize the apparent "draft-dodging" of those in the upper class.

Goal

Create a rallying cry of protest to help those who are anti-war to shift the view of supporters of the war towards identifying this double standard.

How?

The song itself is sung in a very fast, angry and passionate tone. Since this is the normal tone of those who protest against the war, this song uses that pathos to incite even greater passion amongst those protesters.

The point of view from which the words spring forth (the thoughts of an anti-war person being drafted into the war) also appeal to pathos, as well as relevance. These are likely thoughts that crossed through the minds of many of those who were drafted despite opposing the war. Dwelling on these thoughts will increase the likelihood of these feelings of relative worthlessness.

Since the audience are those who are against the war, the fact that one of their own who has recognized this double standard is leading the rallying cry appeals to the ethos of the crowd.

Effectiveness

The passion with which the song is delivered helps to enhance the effectiveness of the argument. If it had been sung in a smooth Bob Dylan-esque style, it may have appealed to some of the anti-war crowd, but not as many as John Fogerty's fiery delivery. The words seem like the actual thoughts of someone in that situation, so it would be very easy for a protester to correlate their own thoughts to those of the lyrics and express them to those who are blind to the double standard.

RA #4: The Christian Science Monitor

The Christian Science Monitor, a century-old American newspaper, will be going online-only in April. They posted this article on their web site to inform people of the change and also try to get people excited about the transition.

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of the Christian Science Monitor going online-only on increasing ad revenue?

Making the Monitor online-only is the best way to increase ad revenue because the increased timeliness and relevance of an online-only paper will attract more readers and, thus, bring more traffic to the site.

Audience

Those who have regularly received the Monitor five days a week by mail who may be hesitant about the paper's online-only strategy.

Goal

Address concerns of those reluctant to the online-only format as well as inviting them to spread the word on the new web edition.

How?

The beginning of the article refers to the original goals of the paper, as described by the founder of the Christian Science Church, Mary Baker Eddy. In particular, Eddy's desire for the Monitor to keep "abreast of the times."

This appeals to ethos by referring to the credibility of the paper's founder and her foundational principles/reasons for starting the paper. It also appeals to logos because it makes sense that the Internet is the most appropriate method in these modern times to keep things up to date.

In order to offer a compromise to those who may be unable to read the paper online, the paper keeps their argument relevant by offering a weekly print edition at a reduced price from the current five-day-a-week yearly price.

Effectiveness

I feel the strategy of using the paper's heritage is fairly effective, but lacking. You could manipulate the century-old words of Mrs. Eddy to say just about anything you want, especially when you only use snippets of quotes.

RA#3: "Gotta Be Honest With Ya, It'll Make Your Sex Life Awesome"

To add an extra bit of intrigue to this assignment, I brought my fiancee Holly with me to the 24 Hour Fitness by her apartment. I had no idea just how intriguing it would get...

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of joining 24 Hour Fitness on the quality of your sex life?

24 Hour Fitness is the best gym to enhance your sex life because the quality of 24 Hour Fitness' cardio classes provides increased stamina and endurance in both partners.

Audience

Any married or engaged couple who wants to be in better shape in order to perform better in bed.

Goal

Get a long-term 24 Hour Fitness membership for both me and Holly so we can sign up for at least one of their cardio classes, particularly the 24 Hour Tease (TM) class (where available).

How?

Our guide, Karyl, teaches a hip-hop class at the Provo 24 Hour Fitness location. Once she found out we're engaged, she made it clear that the cardio classes would make our sex better (once we got married). Since it is something Holly and I will start soon, it made the argument very relevant to us.

Without going into too much detail, Karyl explained how her dance classes were a fun way for her and her husband to "build stamina and endurance" by strengthening heart/lungs. Makes sense to us. Her personal experience also made this argument more credible.

Karyl really focused on Holly's confidence by introducing the 24 Hour Tease (TM) class. Karyl showed us the class description on their website. Briefly, this "electrifying" class would allow Holly to "get in touch with [her] inner diva, while taking off pounds, extra clothing and even some inhibitions to reveal a healthier, fit body."

Since they don't offer this class in Utah, Karyl asked us our hometowns to see if they offered the class there. I'm from here, but she's from Southern California, and sure enough, they offer 24 Hour Tease (TM) in her hometown, West Covina. In any case, a long-term membership would allow her to take this class once we moved out of Utah.

Effective

Karyl was very effective. Even though the whole sex thing was pretty frank/blunt, it did strike a chord with both of us. We're both somewhat overweight, and in about four months or so we'll be having sex, and Karyl wanted us to have as good an experience as possible.

RA #2: How 'Bout This Jazz Commercial?

WATCO and Enthymeme

What are the consequences of attending a Utah Jazz game on quality of life?

Attending Utah Jazz basketball is the best way to improve quality of life because the excitement that is felt at a Utah Jazz game brings a sense of unity and fulfillment.

Audience

Those in the Salt Lake area who are aware of the Jazz, but either have never attended a game or who have not attended a game in recent memory.

Goal

Get the audience to call in or go online and purchase Jazz tickets, even if it is just for a single game.

How?

The ad begins with shots of hustle and bustle which is interrupted by Jazz PA announcer Dan Roberts' voice, bringing everyone to a standstill trying to find the source for the voice. Already, the power of the Jazz is bringing people together.

Once the source of the voice is found, you might as well go in and figure out what the commotion is about, right? The people do just that, and soon, everyone is in the arena cheering. Isn't this better than work or just hanging out at the coffee shop?

Look how loud and enthusiastic we can be if we come together as one. After all, the Jazz are renowned throughout the NBA for the passion of its home crowd. Where else can you find that enthusiasm in the hustle and bustle of the day?

The end of the ad uses the most exciting event in basketball: a buzzer-beating shot. in real game footage, Carlos Boozer, one of the Jazz's most recognizable players, makes the shot playing against the San Antonio Spurs, a longtime Jazz rival. Everyone likes conquering a rival.

Further, the excitement of the crowd in the final wide shot gives the strongest case for the unity that Jazz games bring. "I helped that to happen," the person thinks.

The last part of the ad emphasizes that you don't need season tickets to contribute. You can get only single game tickets if you want, You still get the chance to be with your fellow Jazz fans.

Effectiveness

This ad was intended for this current regular season. So far, the Jazz's average home attendance this season is actually down compared to last season. However, since it is only down by 11 people in a down economy, the ad is probably still fairly effective.

RA #1: Superman for "Got Milk?"

Argument

Drinking milk will make you like Superman because it will strengthen your bones. Also, come see the new Superman movie.

Audience

Ideally, anyone who likes Superman and wants to see his new movie . Specifically, younger male children who aspire to be superheroes.

Goal

Get kids to think it is cool to drink milk because it will make your bones stronger and, as such, make you like Superman. Also, to get kids to come see the new Superman movie.

How?

In the mind of a child (the target audience of this ad), it is a reminder of just how awesome Superman is and all the cool stuff he can do. Plus, we always know that Superman always sides for that which is good and right. We trust that whatever he would have us do will be good for us. Kids trust that if Superman likes drinking milk, chances are they will, too.

The ad is set high in the sky, reminding us that Superman can fly. This is one of the most basic connections people have with Superman, as evidenced by the many thousands of children who have injured themselves trying to "fly" off their roof or garage over the years. In a sense, we see the sky as Superman's natural habitat; a place we also long to be.

Why can Superman fly so high, and do all the other things he does? Because of his super-strength, of course! Granted, that strength is the result of him being from another planet, but the wording in the ad leave hope for us!

"The calcium helps bones grow strong, so even if you're not from Krypton you can have bones of steel."

Will our bones really turn to steel? Of course not. However, the implied strength of both steel and the Man of Steel will make us want to try anyway by drinking that milk.

Plus, we can see the results of that strength if we go see the new Superman movie.

Effectiveness

For young Superman fans, it probably got them to take an extra glass or so of milk for a day or two. Plus, it reminded them of the new movie coming out and probably led them to ask their parents to see it. It was not effective in making the movie any good, which is why I saw it on the $5 shelves at Wal-Mart recently.

A New Blog, A New Inspiration

This is the second blog I will have created for a class here at BYU. The last one was for a Principles of Journalism class last semester. Before then, I had never blogged before. I found my experience last semester to be an enjoyable one, as I became acquainted with the finer points of blogging.

I realized as I went through the semester that my primary purpose for my blog shifted during the semester. At first, my primary motivation was for the grade. The more I wrote, however, the more I wanted to bring certain subjects to light and either seek others' opinions or get them to agree to my own. As such, I am ecstatic to have another opportunity to blog for this class.

When Nicole explained the blog assignment, a title immediately came to mind: Crystal Blue Persuasion. It comes from a song by Tommy James and the Shondells (I'm an aficionado of oldies and classic rock). I know it's pretty cheesy for a persuasive writing class, but you'll find that my sense of humor is inherently cheesy. I apologize in advance.

According to both Wikipedia and Songfacts.com, the title comes from James' study of the Bible. Perhaps Ezekiel, the Song of Solomon, or the book of Revelation. Perhaps from a tract of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Whatever the case, the song is persuasive in itself, as it seeks to help people to love one another:

Look over yonder what do you see
The sun is a-risin' most definitely
A new day is comin' people are changin'
Ain't it beautiful crystal blue persuasion

Better get ready gonna see the light
Love, love is the answer and that's all right
So don't you give up now so easy to find
Just look to your soul and open your mind

Crystal blue persuasion, mm-hmm
It's a new vibration
Crystal blue persuasion, crystal
Blue persuasion

Maybe tomorrow when He looks down
Every green field and every town
All of his children every nation
There'll be peace and good brotherhood

Crystal blue persuasion
Crystal blue persuasion.....