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.