There Is No Planet B
The Arctic is almost guaranteed to face its first ice-free summer by 2040, but things are fine, right? Coral reefs are so stressed out that up to seventy percent of the population in certain areas has died off, but things are fine, right? The past two decades were probably the hottest we've faced in millennia, but hey, things are fine. I mean, its not like 2,500 scientists from 130 different countries have agreed that humans have probably caused all of our planets global warming, but guys, trust me. Things. Are. Fine. (Global warming facts courtesy of Shawn Murdock).
Campaign ad published by Borders Perrin Norrander during the 2008 presidential election
With biting sarcasm and doomsday undertones, Borders Perrin Norrander calls on undecided voters in the 2008 presidential election to vote for policies that will work to prevent and reduce global warming. By exploiting civic commonplaces like concern for global warming and activism through voting, this campaign ad calls citizens to get out there and vote on election day.
To better understand how this campaign can be civic, I will highlight the main two commonplaces and explain how they call citizens to be civic.
My first speaking point will highlight the commonplace that global warming is a shared concern among citizens, and if nothing is done, the consequences will affect everyone. This idea will be explored through everyday life. Specifically, I want to explain the analysis of the word "Antarctica" written in the same font as the popular band, Metallica. I also want to highlight structures of attention. I will explain how the ad calls attention to the concern over global warming through sarcasm and indifference.
My second speaking point will highlight the commonplace that voting can create change. This idea will be explored through shared enterprise and civic infrastructure. This ad implies that global warming is a shared concern and calls on our patriotism and worldwide unity in order to make a change that benefits everyone. This ad also uses civic infrastructure to invite people to vote. The ad highlights the fact that many undecided voters do not vote, and it also uses sarcasm to prove that voting can create change.
This ad obviously uses sarcasm to make the campaign humorous, but serious. The artist is trying to prove that things truly are not fine and a change has to be made. This ad calls on voters to exercise their civic rights and do something to benefit their people and their world.
I think this is an interesting and intriguing idea. I have personally never seen this campaign before so I am interested in learning more. I am a little confused about your hook. Is it the facts about global warming, questions about how the world will change, or a combination of both? I think you brought up lots of great points about how this campaign encourages people to be civil, my only concern is that right now you have too many ideas going in multiple directions to thoroughly evaluate each in a 4 minute speech. Also, since your artifact is in sarcastic overtones I think it would be fantastic if you could structure your speech to be in sarcastic overtones as well, which you did a good job of at the beginning of the post.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I absolutely LOVE your introduction to this post! Your use of repetition for effect and carefully placed sayings like "hey" and "right" are so cleverly used - sorry, but the English nerd in me really appreciates those little style details. As for your speech topic, I think this advertisement will definitely be one of interest and relevance, especially with all of the current events and disasters occurring in our world today. One suggestion I would have that might support your argument: there is a professor here at Penn State University, Dr, Richard Alley, whose presentation the week before classes began this semester really moved me in my understanding of global warming and my strive to be more environmentally friendly. His one speech was incredible, and I would encourage you to look at his statistics and arguments to help support your thesis.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I think this piece is ripe for analysis -- great choice of an artifact!
ReplyDeleteI think Cara has a valid point to consider how much can be accomplished during a 4-minute talk, and then, if necessary, to pare down your ideas. Your main points are distinct, with each focusing on a singular commonplace: 1) that global warming, as a shared concern, will impact everyone, and 2) voting can change things.
That being said, within both of these main points, you're packing in a bunch of subpoints. As you plan (and as you time your talk), you can do the hard work of determining what points are your strongest, in the case that they all won't fit within the time constraints.
Carry on! You're on the right track. :)
Lucy, I agree with everyone that this is a great choice for an artifact! Personally, I think your speech will be stronger if you if you focus on fewer ideas in greater detail. Also, I just wanted to say that I love your style of writing! I'm excited to see what you have to say about this!
ReplyDelete