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*Gender and Rhetoric*

https://youtu.be/yZ0fb15LcE0

In this entry I will be examining the critical question, “What gender or sexuality norm is constructed in this artifact, how is it rhetorically done, and/or how does it promote a dominant ideology over a marginalized group?” I will do this by examining a T.V. show.

The artifact that I will be looking into, is an episode of the show Friends. This show plays into problematic gender and sexuaity norms in a way that is ultimately unproductive for society by strengthening the idea that boys should not play with stereotypical girl toys.

The show Friends has been extremely popular for a long time now. To some, it is to be considered one of the best sitcoms of all time. The show is based around a group of adults living in New York, and all the crazy things that come with that. It often discusses social issues through satire and this for the most part would be unproblematic. Friends ran for 10 seasons as it was highly successful during its time.

In a reading by Judith Butler, she explains the correlation between gender and society and how they play into each other. Butler says, “... when we realize that the social norms that constitute our existence carry desires that do not originate with our individual personhood. This matter is made more complex by the fact that the viability of our individual personhood is fundamentally dependent on these social norms” (2). Butler is saying that gender is not as simple as the things you desire, but rather things that you believe you should desire based on society around you. This is a gender norm. Gender norms construct what we believe to be the “correct” or the “normal” way to do things. These norms are often strengthened by pop culture, such as, T.V. shows or music. It is so popular in these instances because it is easy to use them as satire. If people can relate to what they are hearing they will gravitate toward it. The issue with strengthening these norms, as well as referring to them as the normal, is that it alienates anyone who has desires outside of these gender norms. The point that Butler wants to make in her writing is that not one person has the same desires or story. As well as that any individual's desires could change at any time. Doubling down on gender norms prevents a person from exploring their desires.

In an episode of the show Friends the character Ross finds that his son is interested in playing with a Barbie doll after a day of spending time with two women. When Ross asks the women why his son has a Barbie doll, they proceed to say that his son picked it out and wanted to play with it. At this point, Ross is visibly displeased, and continues to ask questions about how his son came into possession of this doll. He finally accepts it, then the show cuts to the next scene. In this scene, Ross is begging his son to play with more “manly” toys. He offers him a “dinosoldier” as a replacement and attempts to make it look more appealing. This would be an example of pop culture strengthening gender norms. Ross disapproves of his son playing with a Barbie doll because that is what he believes he should feel. It is implied that it would be wrong for a boy to play with a girls toy. As a parent or as a child watching this show, you are being told what it is that your kid, or you yourself should desire. If your desires do not fall in line with what the show says, then you are more likely to hide that and not express your true wants. As mentioned in the Butler reading, our gender and sexuality desires are a product of ourselves as well as society around us. This is an example of the “society around us.”

This specific episode could have been more productive if it had focused more on the women who got him the toy, as well as Ross’ friends who said he shouldn't worry about it. Putting more focus on this aspect of the episode would help to deconstruct the gender norm. Instead they wanted to focus on the comedy surrounding Ross panicking that his son may be into a “girls” toy. Ultimately because of this, the show remains unproductive. Another question may be, is it the show's job to teach us about gender norms? While the creators have no legal obligation, there is a moral obligation. As the creator of a massively popular sitcom, it is only right to be aware of the message it is that is being spread.

Overall, This episode of the show Friends is unproductive to society as it strengthens the sexuality and gender norms put into place by our society. It discredits the desires of children and leads parents to believe that their child should not want certain things, based on their sex.

Butler, J. (2009). Undoing gender. Routledge.

[jackmaccomm]

*Counterpublics*

https://youtu.be/l7aQ02YX7qo

In this entry, I will be examining the critical question, “In what ways does this media article depict a productive or unproductive framing/representation of the narrative of a counterpublic and why does it matter?” 

The piece of media that I will be examining is a clip of Tucker Carlson’s comments on the Black Lives Matter protests in Minneapolis. This artifact depicts an unproductive representation of the BLM movement and the black public and takes power away from the voice of the black community. 

The artifact that I chose to examine was taken fromFox News’ Tucker Carlson’s personal late night segment back in June of 2020. Carlson discusses his thoughts on what the Minnesota protests really meant, and the message that the black community of Minneapolis were trying to send. His entire segment consisted of his own opinions and lacked any interviews or any outside comments. He was only accompanied by his own remarks and the headings provided by Fox News. 

The black community is a counterpublic. A counterpublic is a group that has formed due to their recognition of being excluded from a wider public. The goal of a counterpublic is to come together and overcome or solve the issues that or placing them as subordinate. We recognize the black community as a counterpublic because they have been assigned a lower ranking position due to the history of our country. Racism and degradation have been the factors that have separated them from the public sphere. Catherine Squires adds to this discussion in her writing about the Black Press and the State. Squires says, “However the histories of marginalized publics also instruct us that it is often the state that moves to the public. For example Dawson (1995) explains how the various agencies of the United States government bombarded black power-oriented institutions of the Black public sphere with a variety of oppressive strategies…” (111). Squires and Dawson are pointing out that the state often interferes with the black public when it is not their place, leading to misrepresentation.

Tucker Carlson used his status and platform to mislead his audience in regards to the message being portrayed by the black community during the Black Lives Matter protests in Minneapolis. Carlson says in his segment. “This is definitely not about black lives.” This is in reference to the destruction of property and looting that was taking place. There are multiple issues with this statement made by Carlson. The first issue is that he is making claims based on opinion and emotion and claiming them as fact. Carlson was not present at the protests, nor does he have any quotes from people who were there and participating. The issue with blinding stating facts such as this, is that Carlson’s audience, who is mainly white, is led to believe that there was no justification to the violence that took place. But that is only for those who were truly ignorant to the situation. The other portion of his audience who were aware of what was happening had their racist views solidified by a man of higher status. The second biggest issue with the claim by Carlson is that he is speaking for a community that is not his own. He is speaking for the black community instead of allowing them to come on to his show and speak for themselves. 

Tucker Carlson also uses a lot of “They” and “Them” language when referring to the protestors. Carlson says, “Remember that when they come for you, and at this rate, they will.” By using this language he is not only separating himself and his viewers, creating a further divide, but he is also demonizing the black community and is creating an unproductive narrative. Carlson intentionally uses language that mimics that of a war commentary. He uses ethnocentric appeal in painting business owners and his white viewers as angels, and the BLM protestors as devils. This is unproductive as it, again, creates further division in an already divided period. As stated before, he never allowed anyone from the black community to voice their reason or their cries of injustice to his large audience. 

The only way in which Carlson’s segment could have been seen as productive, is in terms of publicity. The clip I examined is 25 minutes of content about the protests. This could be viewed as a positive as it is calling attention to the protests, which in reality is the goal of a protest. Overall, though, this segment was unproductive as it undoes the work of the protests and creates further division in a time that desperately calls for unity.

In conclusion, Tucker Carlson’s late night segment covering the BLM protests in Minneapolis depicts an unproductive representation of the black community and did not allow the black counterpublic to voice their own reason and concern but instead made claims, based on his own opinion, as fact.

Asen, R., & Brouwer, D. C. (2001). Counterpublics and the state. Albany: State University of New York Press.

[jackmaccomm]

*Aristotle, Ethos, Pathos, and Logos*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V80-gPkpH6M&t=793s

In this essay I will be examining the main purpose of this speech's message and how it was further developed by its ethos, pathos, and logos. I will also be examining if these were used ethically.

I will be looking at Jim Carrey’s commencement speech given at Maharishi University of Management. Jim uses ethos, pathos and logos in order to communicate that there are no guarantees in life and that you should not always take the easy route. He does this in a way that is ethical and welcoming.

Jim Carrey gave this commencement speech at the university’s 2014 graduation. Maharishi University is a private school that had a graduating class of 285 students. These students represented 54 countries. This is the only commencement speech that Jim Carrey has ever done, and he made it a very memorable one. As you look into this speech you see just how well it was received. It is often regarded as people’s favorite speech they have ever heard.

Aristotle believed that rhetoric was something to be taught. He believed that it was an art, thus you needed the ability to teach it. Aristotle answered this question by introducing ethos, pathos, and logos. Herrick explains Logos as, “...intellect and rationality generally, and the possession of Logos was the distinctly human characteristic that separates us from animals” (79). Next was pathos. Pathos was important to Aristotle even though he somewhat disliked the manipulation of an audience's emotions (Herrick).  Aristotle described it as “putting the audience in the right state of mind” (1358a). Simply put, suggesting that your audience be in a certain mood while listening to you. You do this by adding certain words, music, etc. Finally there is ethos. Aristotle recognizes ethos as, “the persuasive potential of the speaker's character or personal credibility” (Herrick 80). Being aware of your speakers credentials or knowing this about their personality makes you more willing to listen and accept what they have to say to you.

Jim Carrey’s introduction is nothing less than a major pat on the back. As the students prepare to listen to his speech, they are given a small list of Jim’s accomplishments. This starts with, “Please welcome to speak to us, the funniest man on Earth” (0:02). This is followed by more well deserved praise if the amazing things he has done. Before Jim Carrey even steps foot on stage, he already has an ethos present. He knows this and plays on this. When it comes to chasing your dreams and taking the route that is unordinary, he appears as the face of the movement. Jim does not need to brag about himself to establish his ethos because it is already done for him every time he enters a room. For this reason he doesn't spend much time on establishment. Jim is ethical in his use of his ethos because his story is true. He is an example of someone who did not come from a famous family but was still able to pursue something that he really wanted. He is not stretching the truth of his success.

Jim establishes his pathos early and often. He uses comedy, what made him the successful man he is today, as a way to relax the audience and make his speech easier to listen to and comprehend. The most important and main lesson Jim tells us is a quote from his father. He says, “You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love” (11:39). He follows this quote with a story about him and his father from his childhood. In this story we learn about Jim and his love for comedy at a young age, as well as the love his father had for him in letting him pursue his dreams. Graduating college is an emotional time for your family and Jim plays into this emotion. He is making the point that your parents will always love you and support you, so go out there and follow your dreams.

Jim establishes his Logos with the same quote he uses to help his pathos. That quote being, “You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love” (11:39). He uses this quote as a “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” type of argument. The logic being, why not? What can’t you become the best at what you do? He breaks it down in such terms that it almost seems ridiculous to not make a leap of faith towards your goals and aspirations. He uses his logos in an ethical way because there truly is a chance that you can succeed at your dream job. He is not leading this group of students to failure but rather pushing them to do something they have already always wanted to do.

Jim’s speech is overall a productive use of rhetoric for society. He is pushing a message of courage and the idea that you can achieve what you put your mind to. Everyone, no matter your age, can learn from this speech. Because of his ethical use of ethos, pathos, and logos, he builds a great rhetorical artifact and beautiful piece of work.

In conclusion, Jim was able to express his idea that there is no guarantee in life so you should follow your dreams and take a chance on yourself. He does this successfully by ethically establishing his ethos, pathos, and logos.

Herrick, J. A. (2021). The history and theory of rhetoric an introduction (Fifth ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Jim Carrey, (2014, May 30). Commencement Address. 2014 Maharishi University Graduation, Fairfield, Iowa, United States of America.

[jackmaccomm]

*Narrative Theory*

In this entry I will examine the critical question, “What central narrative(s) does this artifact tell through its rhetorical elements? In doing so, what values does it promote and ignore (who does it include and exclude)? In which ways is this narrative (ethically) productive for society, in which ways is it limiting, and is it more productive or limiting?”

The artifact that I will be examining is the studio album good kid, m.A.A.d City by Kendrick Lamar. This album productively shares a narrative of what is believed to be the ideals of a young black man growing up in poverty (Money, Power, and Respect), as well as the harsh reality of crime and gang life and how it is often the only route. 

Kendrick Lamars, good kid, m.A.A.d City was released in October of 2012. This album is often regarded as one of the greatest of all time and it has even been used in academia as it is looked at for its storytelling as well as the lesson taught. Kendrick used this album as a way of showing the world how he transformed from his adolescent self, to the well known rapper and celebrity. He wanted this album to not only relate to others that were put in the same situation as himself, but also to show the rest of the world that there is often no easy way out of low income America, and the struggles that impoverished people face.

Foss (2004) describes narrative by saying, “Narratives organize the stimuli of our experience so that we can make a sense of the people, places, events, and actions of our lives. They help us to interpret reality because they help us decide what a particular experience is about” (333). We have the ability to create our own narratives allowing those who have not experienced what we have, to be able to make their own interpretations of the situation. We often see this in music as artists often write about life experiences and how it shaped them into the person they are today.

A narrative that Kendrick plays on heavily is that young black men in lower class America have no choice but to join a gang or be involved with crime due to the situation they have been born into. You see this in one of the most popular songs on the album, “maad city.” He goes in depth about how being affiliated with a gang is the norm and it is something you have to adapt to. Kendrick says “Pakistan on every porch is fine, We adapt to crime, pack a van with four guns at a time.” Later in the song he says, “Iv's on top of IV's, Obviously the coroner between the sheets like the Isleys, When you hop on that trolley, Make sure your color's correct, Make sure you're corporate, or they'll be calling your mother collect, They say the governor collect, all of our taxes except, When we in traffic and tragic happens, that shit ain't no threat, You movin' backwards if you suggest that you sleep with a TEC, Go buy a chopper and have a doctor on speed dial, I guess, M.a.a.d city.” He is putting into perspective the war zone like lifestyle that comes with growing up in Compton, California. The point though, is not to gain pity, but to create awareness for why he joined a gang. Kendrick realizes that it appears as though young black men join gangs just because this is what they want to do. He corrects them by explaining that he is in fact just a product of his environment. 

Another main narrative that Kendrick plays on is the believed ideals of Money, Power, and Respect. Growing up in Compton, Kendrick talks about how these were what he believed to be the keys to success. In his song “Money Trees,” he says, “Dreams of living life like rappers do (like rappers do, like rappers do), Bump that new E-40 at the school (way at the school, way at the school), You know big ballin' with my homies (my homies), Earl Stevens had us thinking rational (Thinking rational, that's rational), Back to reality we poor, ya bish (ya bish, ya bish), Another casualty at war, ya bish.” He explains that he had dreams of living a lavish lifestyle with money and fame but quickly came back to the reality of his situation. While Kendrick is not shaming the idea of making money and having respect, he is rather stating that money, power, and respect, are not the only things you should work towards in life. Kendrick also says, “A louis belt will never ease that pain.” Another example of him pushing the idea that money and fame can be wonderful, but internally, they won’t make issues go away. It is very important for him to get this message across to other people who are in a similar situation that he was. Kendrick doesn’t want to seem them make the same mistakes that he did.

Kendrick Lamar’s message is inspiring and helpful, but it is possible that some could find it unproductive. While his intention is to provide insight into his own life and the life of many others like him, it could be taken as a message about black youth as a whole. American politics from the time of this album release until now have been riddled with talks of systemic racism. This album could be used as ammo for extremists. They could claim that Kendrick, a black man from poverty himself, claims that all black men join gangs and are criminals. This is the exact opposite purpose of his work, but it is not uncommon for words to be twisted in American politics. While this is a possibility The album is still productive in regards to what it is trying to do. Overall Kendrick creates an entertaining narrative that not only teaches a lesson to those in a situation similar to his, but it also allows people who are completely unfamiliar with this culture and lifestyle to have an idea of what is going on. As stated, this album has been used in academia because of its ability to create such a vivid story. 

Narrative is an essential form of human communication. We as humans are natural storytellers. In a journal By Guowei Jian, Jian says, “Fischer (1989) argues, Human beings are storytellers or "Homo narrans" (p. xiii) who rely on the narrative logic to communicate” (89). One of the most common forms of storytelling that we use is music. Artists are experts and creating a vivid image in our brains through a form of art that is very easy to consume. Because we as humans are creative, it makes understanding through music even easier. Whether he realizes it or not, Kendrick uses narrative theory in creating his music and he is one of the best at it.

In conclusion, Kendrick Lamar puts on a beautiful display of storytelling layed out in such a way that provides entertainment and a lesson. He provides narratives on gang life and strong desires for money and respect. Kendrick gives us a piece of work that is highly productive for society and has continued to be relevant years after its original release.

Foss, S. K. (2009). Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration and Practice (Third ed.). S.l.: Waveland Press.

Jian, G. (2019). Transforming the Present Moment through Conversation and Narrative: Toward a Hermeneutic Leadership Theory. Communication Theory (1050-3293), 29(1), 86–106. 

Lamar, K. (2012). m.A.A.d city [Recorded by K, Lamar. MC, Eiht]. On good kid, m.A.A.d City. City of production: Top Dawg Entertainment. (2012).

Lamar, K. (2012). Money Trees [Recorded by K, Lamar. J, Rock]. On good kid, m.A.A.d City. City of production: Top Dawg Entertainment. (2012).