I know I stated previously that I may get into the theme of observing State of the Union Addresses, but lately a lot of Youtube videos have been catching my attention. Today's video comes from the famous Youtube make-up guru, Michelle Phan. With over a million subscribers and 61 million channel views, this girl is a pretty influential Youtuber. While I do acknowledge that she is a reputable Youtube makeup guru, I'm not really an avid follower of hers. In fact, the reason that I first ventured onto her channel was because Ryan Higa, aka "nigahiga" (the most subscribed channel in youtube history!), did a parody of her videos. You can find the hilarious parody here.
But this morning, I had a bit of spare time and clicked on my subscriptions page to find that Michelle had posted a new video. Curious, I clicked on it.
The video is entitled, "Perfect Red Lips." While indeed, the video is about finding your perfect shade of red lipstick, my attention was drawn away from the actual main content of the video.
As the video starts, we see three faces: a Caucasian, an African-American, and an Asian. It's no coincidence that the video starts off with a "politically correct" scenario. Along with the overly ostentatious "candid" laughing moments and awkward voice recording, the contents of the video succeeds in helping the viewer not only pick her "perfect shade of red" but also see how youtubers have changed over the past years.
If you look at Michelle Phan's earlier videos, you'll notice that while they lack the sense of professionalism her videos have today, they are very user-friendly and inviting. The not-so-subtle Lancome endorsements are not thrown at the viewer. Instead of having to present her videos in a politically acceptable light (probably due to her Lancome endorsements), Michelle's videos used to be exactly what the title of her videos claimed to be.
However, as the Youtube community has progressed and developed, Youtubers have been gradually forced to change the way they create their videos. While I'm all for those on Youtube who are making money off of their vlogging skills, the changing trends of the "Youtube Era" are starting to make me question the legitimacy of "creative content"....
Oh.. and don't get me wrong. I'm all for political correctness. =] It just amuses me when being politically correct overshadows creative thinking...
Here's the video:
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
We love to smoke...
Today's post will deviate from the previous weeks' posts and discuss an interesting video I saw on my Facebook newsfeed...
This video "We Love to Smoke" was posted on my friend's wall to poke fun at his naturally gravelly voice. At first, I had a good laugh, proceeded to think to myself what a vulgar show "The Simpsons" was, and then rambled on in my head about how I now realize why my mom never let me watch it as a kid. While I now watch it with amusement and laughter at the many horrible stereotypes and vulgar humor, I as sure as heck would not want my 10 year old child to have access to this show through cable tv.**
But watching the video made me think twice about the show. While, by all means, "The Simpsons" is not exactly the best show to teach kids their morals, this video has the potential to exert a rhetorically powerful message into the minds of those who watch it.
This video takes the stereotype of a "smoker" and hilariously exaggerates it to highlight the disgusting aspects of smoking.
The song itself is very short. But strong. After about 2 listens, you'll be able to sing along with the lovely Patty and Selma. Here are the lyrics sans the delightful coughing and spitting sound effects:
We love to smoke, till our lungs turn gray. We love to smoke, 17 packs a day!
We love to smoke, like a chim-chimney. Although we'll croak, before 2003!
The lyrics emphasize the bold meaning behind the video: you smoke, you'll end up like us.
The most rhetorically characteristic aspect about this video is that doesn't end in a grand finish. It ends with the two coughing up their lungs. While we may all laugh and be amused by this lovely performance, it leaves imprinted in our minds the message that their voices are not something we want for ourselves, which ultimately, equals the message that smoking is not something we want for ourselves.
I'm sure this "public service announcement"-like message was not the first thought in the heads of the writers behind the iconic tv show. I would have never imagined to find such "moral goodness" within the Simpsons. However, rhetorical techniques happen both intentionally and by accident, no?
**Not an attack on "The Simpsons," I promise. I know it also happens to often be rhetorically ingenious. If you enjoy the show, by all means, continue to enjoy it. :]
This video "We Love to Smoke" was posted on my friend's wall to poke fun at his naturally gravelly voice. At first, I had a good laugh, proceeded to think to myself what a vulgar show "The Simpsons" was, and then rambled on in my head about how I now realize why my mom never let me watch it as a kid. While I now watch it with amusement and laughter at the many horrible stereotypes and vulgar humor, I as sure as heck would not want my 10 year old child to have access to this show through cable tv.**
But watching the video made me think twice about the show. While, by all means, "The Simpsons" is not exactly the best show to teach kids their morals, this video has the potential to exert a rhetorically powerful message into the minds of those who watch it.
This video takes the stereotype of a "smoker" and hilariously exaggerates it to highlight the disgusting aspects of smoking.
The song itself is very short. But strong. After about 2 listens, you'll be able to sing along with the lovely Patty and Selma. Here are the lyrics sans the delightful coughing and spitting sound effects:
We love to smoke, till our lungs turn gray. We love to smoke, 17 packs a day!
We love to smoke, like a chim-chimney. Although we'll croak, before 2003!
The lyrics emphasize the bold meaning behind the video: you smoke, you'll end up like us.
The most rhetorically characteristic aspect about this video is that doesn't end in a grand finish. It ends with the two coughing up their lungs. While we may all laugh and be amused by this lovely performance, it leaves imprinted in our minds the message that their voices are not something we want for ourselves, which ultimately, equals the message that smoking is not something we want for ourselves.
I'm sure this "public service announcement"-like message was not the first thought in the heads of the writers behind the iconic tv show. I would have never imagined to find such "moral goodness" within the Simpsons. However, rhetorical techniques happen both intentionally and by accident, no?
**Not an attack on "The Simpsons," I promise. I know it also happens to often be rhetorically ingenious. If you enjoy the show, by all means, continue to enjoy it. :]
Friday, February 4, 2011
America fights... America fights... America fights...
George W Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address
As I was reading former president George W. Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address, a thought popped into my head: I wonder what was going through his head during both the preparation and delivery of this speech. Here was this man who had been America's most important leader for seven years. He was now about to make his final State of the Union Address. It was, to a certain extent, his last chance to appeal to the American public. It would be become his last landmark oration to the people who he had striven to please for the past 7 years.
When put into that perspective, every single word from President Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address seemed fascinating. Given the kairos of the situation, Bush would have wanted to take advantage of the fact that it was his last State of the Union Address. Many in the American public made it clear that they were far from mournful to see him vacate his position, and it was his chance to bow out with honor and humility.
Bush's speech was, of course, extremely different from that of Obama's from last week. Because of his past years' amount of criticism, Bush never lingered too long on speaking about the past. His frequent use of words such as "we must ____" show that Bush wanted to convey the message of pushing forward, rather than dwelling on the past.
Another key characteristic of Bush's final address is the militaristic tone and choice of words. As expected from such an avid proponent to military action against terrorism, Bush uses the majority of his address to discuss America's condition in regards to the War on Terrorism. While the content of this portion of his speech is certainly interesting, I found his word choice to be particularly intriguing. Even as Bush describes America's struggles with social issues, he chooses to use the word "fight"--repetitively.
"America is leading the fight against global poverty, with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We've also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account. This program strengthens democracy, transparency, and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative. (Applause.)
America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world's food aid comes from the United States. And tonight, I ask Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine. (Applause.)
America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we're working to cut by half the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years. (Applause.)."
This trend continues as he uses words such as "strength", "force", and etc to describe America's positive qualities.
Bush's rhetoric reflects his administrative style and history so perfectly. I think it's so intriguing to find that one can find out so much about a person through someone's rhetorial techniques.
If you are interested, here is a quick clip that shows a portion of his State of the Union Address: George Bush 2008 State of the Union Address
If you'd like to watch the whole speech, please visit americanpresident.org.
*These posts are in no way intended to serve a poltical purpose. :)
I do happen to be a conservative Republican in case any of you are wondering. ^^
As I was reading former president George W. Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address, a thought popped into my head: I wonder what was going through his head during both the preparation and delivery of this speech. Here was this man who had been America's most important leader for seven years. He was now about to make his final State of the Union Address. It was, to a certain extent, his last chance to appeal to the American public. It would be become his last landmark oration to the people who he had striven to please for the past 7 years.
When put into that perspective, every single word from President Bush's 2008 State of the Union Address seemed fascinating. Given the kairos of the situation, Bush would have wanted to take advantage of the fact that it was his last State of the Union Address. Many in the American public made it clear that they were far from mournful to see him vacate his position, and it was his chance to bow out with honor and humility.
Bush's speech was, of course, extremely different from that of Obama's from last week. Because of his past years' amount of criticism, Bush never lingered too long on speaking about the past. His frequent use of words such as "we must ____" show that Bush wanted to convey the message of pushing forward, rather than dwelling on the past.
Another key characteristic of Bush's final address is the militaristic tone and choice of words. As expected from such an avid proponent to military action against terrorism, Bush uses the majority of his address to discuss America's condition in regards to the War on Terrorism. While the content of this portion of his speech is certainly interesting, I found his word choice to be particularly intriguing. Even as Bush describes America's struggles with social issues, he chooses to use the word "fight"--repetitively.
"America is leading the fight against global poverty, with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We've also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account. This program strengthens democracy, transparency, and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative. (Applause.)
America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world's food aid comes from the United States. And tonight, I ask Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine. (Applause.)
America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we're working to cut by half the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years. (Applause.)."
This trend continues as he uses words such as "strength", "force", and etc to describe America's positive qualities.
Bush's rhetoric reflects his administrative style and history so perfectly. I think it's so intriguing to find that one can find out so much about a person through someone's rhetorial techniques.
If you are interested, here is a quick clip that shows a portion of his State of the Union Address: George Bush 2008 State of the Union Address
If you'd like to watch the whole speech, please visit americanpresident.org.
*These posts are in no way intended to serve a poltical purpose. :)
I do happen to be a conservative Republican in case any of you are wondering. ^^
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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