Rhetorical Analysis Paper

 

"Me?  Jealous?”-Amusing Insight into Family Relationships

            Think about the color green.  It takes on various meanings depending on the context of its use.  For example, green may represent youth and health when referring to a green bud or plant.  Green may also mean “go” as with a stoplight.  This color could also represent luck and Irish pride, or wealth in the form of money.  In a different context, however, green represents a monster:  the Green Monster of Jealousy.  Most people associate jealousy with negative and unpleasant feelings.  Jealousy is often depicted as serious and destructive, and used to reveal someone’s dark side.  Episode 14 in Season 3 of the TV show Modern Family portrays jealousy in a refreshingly original light.   This episode’s amusing depiction of the influence of jealousy in marriage, sibling relationships, and gender roles serves to highlight Modern Family’s central theme of the importance of family.

            The issue of jealousy in this episode of Modern Family plays a significant role in Phil and Claire Dunphy’s marriage.  The opening scene introduces the event around which this issue centers:  Phil has a potential client for his real estate business.  His excitement and anticipation for that night’s dinner with the client becomes obvious with his excessive planning.  For example, as he marinates salmon, Phil exclaims that he might also prepare a steak for “backup”, in case the client doesn’t like salmon.  His youngest daughter then accuses him of having a “man crush” on the client.  Phil’s concentrated focus on getting this man’s business and his complete cluelessness as a result is displayed as he continues talking about the client, saying, “ . . .he got divorced and his whole life opened up, guy’s living the dream . . . his dream.  Not my dream . . . you’re my dream (to Claire)”.  Claire’s annoyance with Phil’s obsession becomes evident after he has to backtrack with this comment.  She doesn’t become truly annoyed until after the dinner, however.  The client seems like a charming and relatable guy.  He jokes about his ex-wife and kids and compliments Phil and Claire.  The problem arises when he goes to leave and kisses Claire on the lips right in front of Phil.  To Claire’s surprise, Phil doesn’t seem to mind; he is too excited by how well the dinner went and instead exclaims, “another good sign”!  Phil’s reaction, or lack thereof, reveals how his distraction has replaced the normal jealousy that he should feel at another man kissing his wife. 

            As the episode progresses, Claire becomes more unhappy with Phil’s nonchalant attitude towards the situation.  For example, the client stops by when Phil isn’t home to fix the dining room table-and he brings a bottle of wine.  Claire points out these two blatantly obvious facts but Phil instead accuses her of wanting more attention from him.  The client invites them both over to his house for dinner, an invitation Claire reluctantly accepts.  She notices that the client kisses both his daughter and mother on the lips as well; Phil is too busy admiring the house and ironically bragging how “nothing gets by” him.  The turning point in the episode comes when Claire decides to laugh at all of the client’s jokes.  Her laughter is what finally attracts Phil’s attention.  He becomes irate with jealousy.  Claire then confesses that she wanted him to be jealous all along.  The issue of jealousy portrayed through this particular situation serves to reveal the amusing yet loving dynamic of Phil and Claire’s marriage, additionally enhancing Claire’s character as a control freak and Phil’s as the oblivious, but adoring husband on Modern Family.

            The second depiction of jealousy highlights the nature of sibling relationships, specifically between Haley and Alex Dunphy.  Haley personifies the beautiful, yet not so bright older sister to the younger and more studious Alex.  While filling out college applications, Haley exaggerates about her volunteer experience, claiming to be involved with the Big Brother/ Big Sister program.  To her astonishment, her parents actually insist that she do the volunteer work.  However, Haley ends up adoring her “little sis”; this makes Alex jealous.  Haley’s air headedness especially annoys the intelligent Alex when Haley shows her a picture drawn by her “little sis” that looks exactly like one that Alex drew for Haley at that age; but Haley, of course, loves this one.  Alex’s jealousy shows how much she loves Haley and wants her attention.  Towards the end of the episode their little brother Luke steps in to break up the fighting.  Alex then forgets her jealousy and the girls bond over a game they used to play:  dressing up their brother as “Betty Luke”.  In this aspect, Modern Family humorously resolves the issue of sibling jealousy by bringing the two sisters together as they bond over torturing their brother, displaying the comic and affectionate nature of the show’s sibling relationships.

            Lastly, this episode’s portrayal of jealousy highlights gender roles on the show.  Claire Dunphy’s father, Jay, is married to a Columbian woman named Gloria.  Jay’s other child besides Claire is her gay brother Mitchell, who is married to Cameron.  Mitchell and Cam must stay at Jay and Gloria’s house for a few days until their water turns back on.  Initially Cam and Gloria, who get along very well, are thrilled with the arrangement and act like two best girlfriends.  Then, the trouble begins.  Cam decides to organize and “brighten up” Gloria’s house.  Sexy and beautiful Gloria is insecure in her ability as a homemaker; she is jealous of Cam and gets angry with him for filling this role.  Then, when Gloria takes Lily, Mitchell and Cam’s adopted Asian daughter, to school and shopping for “matchy” leopard print coats, Cam becomes the jealous one.  Gloria acts like a mother towards Lily; as a gay father, Cam cannot truly fill this role for Lily and feels replaced by Gloria.  Modern Family’s characteristic mid-show interviews with the individual characters especially reveals how Cam and Gloria feel.  They each feel jealous of the other one succeeding in what should be their role, according to gender.  Ultimately, the two friends admit their jealousy and laugh off their fight, demonstrating how they won’t allow traditional gender role expectations to negatively influence their friendship.

            Clearly, jealousy presents the central theme of this episode of Modern Family.  However, this one issue also reveals themes central to the show as a whole through the actions and behavior of the characters, which are consistent with their personalities.  For example, jealousy emphasizes Claire’s neuroticism, Phil’s obliviousness, Cam’s sensitivity, and Gloria’s insecurity.  How the characters interact with each other in regards to the issue of jealousy further serves to highlight the central qualities of their relationships, whether it is the loving and equally frustrating quality of Phil and Claire’s marriage, the comical sibling dynamic between the three Dunphy children, or the entertaining and slightly competitive nature of the two “housewives” Cam and Gloria.  Overall, the amusing depiction of jealousy exemplifies the humorous and heartwarming position that Modern Family takes on any issue that affects relationships and families.

            In conclusion, I think that the show Modern Family provides a strikingly realistic portrayal of the relationships between family members today.  Each episode involves conflicts between family members, and though sometimes the subject of conflict is slightly outrageous, a resolution or compromise is always reached in the end.  Modern Family emphasizes how truly essential an accepting and loving family is in our self-centered and fast-paced society.  The colorful, relatable cast and seemingly endless supply of hilarious one-liners attracts audiences of any age, effectively promoting the message of the importance of family to America as a whole.    

             

Effective Speeches Come in Small, Blonde Packages

Elle Woods Speech

This clip portrays an excellent (and perhaps unexpected) example of effective speaking through the bright and beautiful character of Elle Woods from the  Legally Blonde movies.  The particular clip is from the second movie, Legally Blonde 2:  Red, White, and Blonde.

The main plot of this movie involves Elle Woods attempting to get an animal rights' bill passed in Congress.  Her bill is called Bruiser's Bill, after her own dog.  Her particular public speaking situation takes place in front of Congress.  Through her ability to adapt to the audience, unique use of language, and excellent delivery, Elle Woods exemplifies effective and responsible speaking.

Initially, before Elle even begins her speech, she looks around the room, taking in the expectant faces of those present in her audience.  At this point, she pushes aside the folder of notes in front of her.  Already, Elle has chosen to disregard the outline of her original, prepared speech in favor of a different path that better suits her audience in her mind.  Throughout her speech, Elle appears to be quite receptive to her audience.  For example, she makes eye contact with audience members, and also takes cues from particular actions, such as rolling eyes, to make her point sooner, and more clearly.  Elle notices when her audience is engaged and when they are not.  Her adaptation to these behaviors enhances the quality and success of her speech, allowing her to maintain and exert some control over the attentiveness of her audience throughout.

The second part of Elle's speaking that contributes to her effectiveness involves her unique use of language.  One line in particular emphasizes this idea when Elle says, "I know what you're thinking:  'What could this simple, small-town girl from Bel-Air have to say to all of us?  Well I'll tell you".  In this example, Elle uses language that is less formal and highly personal in its manner.  This choice makes Elle more relatable to her audience, and also allows her personality to slip through.  In this way, Elle secures the interest of the audience in her, and more importantly, in what she has to say.

Ultimately, Elle's overall excellent delivery characterizes her speaking as effective.  She demonstrates a unique balance of confidence, poise, and a tiny amount of vulnerability in the spotlight.  Elle uses a clear and direct voice in her address.  Additionally, she effectively uses pathos in her appeal through a personal and humorous anecdote.  Elle use of this story surprises her audience at first, but serves to introduce her turning point most effectively.  Her emotion, expression, and passion behind the cause shine through as a result of this story and captivate the audience.  As they laugh, and regain seriousness with Elle, she draws them in to support her cause.

Elle Woods successfully portrays effective public speaking and civic engagement through her ability to adapt to the audience, unique use of language, and excellent delivery.  She serves to prove that anyone who is passionate enough about a cause and willing to stand up in front of others to share this passion has the potential to influence change and call for action through civic engagement.  This pretty blonde clearly knows how to give a speech!

Starbucks: Promoting Individualism One Cup at a Time

For my example of a visual argument I selected an advertisement by Starbucks.  I must confess that I, myself, am turning into a Starbucks addict, which is perhaps what prompted me to select this particular visual in the first place, because it definitely appealed to me.  Undoubtedly, Starbucks is one of the fastest growing chains in the world.  This ad provides an excellent representative of a visual argument that is effective due to the presence of both ethos and pathos.

The eye is initially drawn to the green Starbucks logo on each of the numerous cups in the ad.  The use of the colors serves to effectively contrast the green of the familiar logo against the white of the cups and also offset the cups against the white background, which is a slightly different shade.  The use of shadowing also helps to make the cups stand out.  The powerful presence of the Starbucks logo contributes ethos to the company's ad, ensuring that the audience knows who/what the ad is for.  Most people will recognize the logo on the cups as the Starbucks logo and will thus know that the ad is for Starbucks coffee.

Pathos is another element that significantly contributes to the effectiveness of the ad.  Though all of the cups in the ad are white with the green Starbucks logo, each cup is also unique.  For example, three of the cups have ties, each in a different color.  One cup has a red lipstick mark on it.  Another cup has a hat and glasses on it and yet another cup has a camera on it, as if wearing the camera around its neck.  In this way, each of the cups appears to be "dressed" differently, as though each cup is a person.  For example, the cups wearing ties would represent businessmen.  This visual tool serves to suggest that although each cup or "person" is a customer of Starbucks, Starbucks views each and every one as unique.  This concept is further displayed through the varying shapes and sizes of the cups, some small, some tall, some thin, and some wide.  Some of the cups also appear to be arranged as though they are families with two big cups for parents and the smallest cups for little children.  A soccer ball in the right corner suggests the latter idea.  In this way, Starbucks is demonstrating how their company appeals to a very widespread audience, from professors (glasses) to businessmen, to young women (red lipstick), to soccer moms.  The umbrella and the camera further emphasize the diversity that accompanies Starbucks.  People not only enjoy Starbucks in the office, but out in the world traveling through different careers, such as photography.  The strong pathos created is characterized by the visual appeal to the individualism that exists within a common group.

Overall, I think that this ad by Starbucks is quite effective in attracting consumers to their specific product through the ethos created by the brand name, and also through the pathological appeal to individualism in society through the visual uniqueness of each cup in the ad.  The use of color, shadowing, and arrangement contributes to the powerful statement of the ad as a whole.

 

I have included examples of other advertisements I found for Starbucks that I believe also portray the appeal to individualism.  In searching for ads online, I had an important reflection.  I realized that one hardly sees advertisements for Starbucks outside of their store.  I have not seen them on billboards or on TV but rarely.  Then, it hit me.  Starbucks advertises through their customers.  Whenever I walk across campus holding my Starbucks cup I am literally a walking advertisement.  It is truly an ingenious idea and one that is quite effective.  After all, is it not seeing someone else with a Starbucks in hand that often makes me want to go get one as well?  Starbucks doesn't need to advertise as much as other companies because their customers promote their product enough that it isn't necessary for them to spend the money.  In this regard, when Starbucks is promoting YOU, they are essentially promoting themselves.

Multi-media Group Project: Social Networking

Social Networking

I must say that after spending days of researching social media, I almost became sick of it.  Before this project I checked Facebook for updates multiple times throughout the day-oh wait, I still do that!  Even after completing this project and learning much more about the harm that social networking can do, I  cannot seem to resist the lure of my news feed.  So much for a learning experience!

Though it had little influence on my current social networking habits, this project effectively opened my eyes to the true prevalence of social networking in our lives today, and the potentially dangerous path it is leading us down.  As students, we supposedly hear all the warnings about monitoring what you post on your profile and even what your friends post on theirs, but do we actually listen?  It is far too easy to believe that no one but our friends and family look at our Facebook accounts on a regular basis, but it is quickly becoming more and more popular for potential employers to look at them, too.  This poses a somewhat controversial question of privacy.  Should employers have the right to access employee Facebook accounts?  Is it going too far to request Facebook passwords at job interviews?  Is it considered discrimination to not follow up with an applicant who refuses to supply his/her password?  These heavy questions are exactly the questions facing our generation right now.

Social media isn't only influencing the future job market, though.  It is invading every aspect of our lives.  How many people actually know their friends' birthdays without checking a profile?  The scary truth is that social media sites, like Facebook, make it extremely easy to create and practically live your life online.  One can meet new friends, connect with old friends, and keep in touch with current friends all with the click of a button.  Status and relationship updates occur within seconds.  Pictures, places, interests, "likes" are what defines a person.  I think a new degree of shallowness has been reached.

Another aspect of this issue involves the prevalence of advertisements.  I cannot even remember the last time I saw a commercial or ad for a product or business that did not include the Facebook icon and phrase "like us on Facebook".  Clearly, the marketing world has recognized that in order to succeed in this day and age, a connection with social networking is a must.

In reflecting on it as a whole, though this multimedia project was both a fun and enjoyable experience, the most important part I took away from it cannot be described by either of those words.

The issue of social networking is a serious one, one that is truly worth looking into and questioning for future value!