I cannot concentrate on studying my lessons when everything around me is untidy and disordered. I don’t see this as a reason for procrastination, but instead I consider it as one of the values I got from my mother – values concerning cleanliness. There are two aspects in my memory in which mother applied the values of cleanliness.
At the age of five, mama provided me my own bath set – complete with baby soap, a bottle of baby shampoo, a pumice stone, and a face towel. They were all put in a small transparent kiddy bag, creatively printed with colorful flowers, which caught my baby eyes. I didn’t easily recognize what it was, and I had no idea what it was for. As she set out the contents of the little bag, she introduced the cleaning paraphernalia one by one. She was like an instant promo girl as she demonstrated and explained to me how and when to use those things. Thus I learned that I ought to keep my body clean.
During my childhood days, my mother used to be the one to clean my body parts with cotton balls and baby oil. For her, “libag” or skin dirt usually caused by sweat, should always be removed from the body, mainly because it is very disgusting to look at. She taught me how to do it myself – how to rub the cotton forcefully through my skin to remove the dirt. Although I became aware of her purpose of teaching me this, I didn’t really exert much effort to include it in my daily routine. The thing is I liked it when she did the cleaning for me on weekends.
When I was in my sixth grade, I had a teacher who included checking the ears and the nails as part of the pupil’s grade. He would deduct grades of pupils who had dirty ears and nails, and he would give plus points for students who had dirt-free ears and nails. My teacher justified this rule by stating that he gets distracted every time he sees children who have grimy ears and nails. I blushed as I realize how embarrassing it feels when you get caught by other people having dirty ears and nails. I remembered why mama wanted me to learn how to clean myself. Maybe she knew that other people build their impression of who you are based on your grooming, your appearance – how you take care of yourself. It also complemented our teacher’s claim that cleanliness affects a person’s character in some ways, for it becomes other people’s basis of whether you are likable or not, whether you are neat or filthy, and even whether you are decent or not at all. From then on, I made sure that I always cleaned my body parts thoroughly.
The other aspect that my mother also applied values on cleanliness is the home. For the first ten years of my existence, I grew up having a housekeeper living with us. I lived like a señorita for a long time – I didn’t do the dishes, I didn’t sweep the floor, I didn’t iron my school uniforms, I didn’t wash my own clothes, and I didn’t even care to arrange my things. I didn’t like doing any type of household chores. It’s not that I couldn’t perform cleaning at all; I was just intuitively lazy at that time. And my mother sensed what was going on as she was always monitoring my attitude towards cleanliness.
When I was in grade five, Lola Seling, our housekeeper for almost five years, decided to quit her job. During those times when she was only planning to give it up, I begged her not to leave us, for I was afraid that mama might not get another housekeeper. I definitely figured out that if it happens, I’ll be the one who would do most the housework she will leave behind, especially the house cleaning, which I didn’t like very much. I also anticipated the possibility of being an alternative yaya to my 4-year-old sister because I am the eldest.
Unfortunately, as I had predicted, mama did not hire a new housekeeper when Lola Seling left. I tried to convince her to look for a new one, but she refused, telling me she wanted us to learn how to do household chores. She even insisted that we must learn not to depend on other people when it comes to matters regarding cleanliness. I was totally not in favor of what mama wanted because I yearned to enjoy the remaining days of my elementary years. Her decision seemed unfair to me for it felt like she had taken part of my childhood that I was supposed to fill up with fun.
When mama and papa divided the housework among the five of us, it added to my disappointment that my tasks were heavier than my brother, who is a year younger than me. Even though I hated doing household chores, our situation left me no room for excuses not to perform them. Both of my parents have full-time jobs. As the eldest among the three, I forced myself to function well in the house.
Little by little, I adjusted to our new lifestyle. I learned how to cook rice and other easy-to-cook viands. I followed mama’s procedure of doing the dishes – to rinse all the kitchen utensils all together in a basin to save water. I learned how to iron clothes – what part of the fabric to iron first and how to place it properly in a hanger so it won’t get crumpled.
With mama’s patience and guidance, I was able to overcome the house cleaning with less difficulty. Eventually, I realized that mama did not take part of my childhood; instead she had given me memories that help me understand my responsibility as a person. It was a gratifying experience that my mother is the reason I became aware of things I usually care less about before.
At present, I view cleanliness as an important factor that has to be utilized by an individual. I have realized that both the values on cleanliness in the body and the home help me develop my sense of responsibility. In the aspect of self, even though mama stressed the importance of cleanliness based on other people’s impression of me, I discovered that it’s not just other people’s impression that matters; it’s also about how I see myself and how I give importance to it. In the aspect of home, even if she stressed the importance of cleanliness by learning to do household chores, I have discovered that the importance of cleanliness also instills a sense of duty in every member of the family.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
DISNEY: A MAKER OF SEXIST MOVIES
The video clip exemplifies how Disney movies portray gender stereotypes on both sexes. The image of masculinity and femininity in Disney movies highlights 3 major issues: sexism, strength and dominance. Some stereotype examples found in the clip are the following: women are inferior to men; a wife’s role is to serve her husband; a man can never be a man if he doesn’t fight his enemy; a typical hero and a heroine romantic relationship; competition of two guys for a woman’s love; man’s ideal physical appearance; and a lot more. According to the narrator, these stereotypes provoke the viewers to have fixed basis on how man and woman should be.
Obviously, most viewers of Disney movies are children. These movies are attractive and informative by nature that even adults’ views are also affected by how it portrays gender. But sexism in Disney movies has greater impact on children since these young individuals are still on the process of constructing their own set of beliefs.
Communication theorist Deborah Tannen believed that male and female conversation is cross-cultural communication. In addition, Tannen’s Genderlect Styles supports the idea that men and women have different cultures, but that does not mean that men’s culture is better than the women’s or the other way around. The representation of women being inferior to men is I think the oldest form of sexism. According to Griffin, both cultures have differences but it has a lot of similarities. There may be some instances that men are superior to women and there are also some instances that women are superior to men. There are things men can do that women are incapable of, and things women can do that men cannot.
I’ve noticed that Disney movies uses sexism in language as a tool to attain humor. The part of the clip where Mulan’s co-warrior mentioned these lyrics “…A girl worth fighting for. I want her paler than the moon, with eyes that shines like stars. My girl will marvel at my strength, adore my battle scars. I couldn’t care on what she wears or what she looks like…It all depends on what she cooks like…” is one of its examples. These lyrics actually reflects what my ex-boyfriend once told me, that one of his qualifications of his soon-to-be wife is being capable of preparing him delicious meals. This kind of stereotype is unfair to women because as an individual, we have a choice whether ‘to get used to’ or ‘not’ to the habit of cooking for Christ sake.
The earlier part of the clip where a man touches the cleavage of seven ladies and gave comments on them is considered an assault to the female gender. Although the aim there is putting humor by means of verbal and non-verbal acts, it turns out to be a form of degradation to women. I think movie producers have the power to include or exclude those scenes. But as harsh as it sounds, I must admit that this kind of humor adds aesthetic impact to the movies.
The very thing that shocked me is the scene where an ugly and weak-looking man serves as the punching bag of the powerful man, Gaston, and even Hercules and other Disney heroes are also stereotypes of male gender. This scene affects how little kids think of an ideal man who has chiseled body and physical prowess. It also stresses strength and dominance as a license to being a man. It builds an assumption that when a man does not meet these characteristics, he is inferior to other men or is not considered manly enough.
The Mulan part of the clip also exhibits an example of sexist language for men. “He must be swift as a coursing river. Be a man! With all the force of a great typhoon. Be a man! With all the strength of a raging a fire! Mysterious as the dark side of the moon.” This description illustrates a very obvious stereotype for men. Being a weakling physically or having a macho body is not a basis of manliness. Whether these are intentional or unintentional, still it is sexism.
Based on the clip, the typical romantic relationship that involves a hero and a heroine in Disney movies is also a form of sexism. It shows a stereotype of men on how they act towards women, while women here are portrayed as objects of pleasure. I think this part about sexism is overrated. However, this could explain why lots of teenagers nowadays are aggressive. Because even when they are still young, they already saw actions that mold their idea of how a relationship should be – the “what do lovers do”. Children’s understanding is sometimes shallow that’s why adults must guide them. Since most children will directly label Little Mermaid and his prince as the good ones, what these characters do means for them being good too.
Sexism in Disney movies is highly controversial since it greatly affects both of the genders’ culture. Considering its popularity, the worldwide misconception brought by these movies matters to a lot, for the role of each gender affects their culture too. Although there are still countries that are dominated by patriarchal society, the message is clearly intended for both sexes.
Sexism exists even before these movies were made. Some of the old writers are sexist, but the term sexism was not present during their time. Even old writings in the Bible show women’s lesser power over men. I somehow wonder if these movies are just mere reflection of real sexism in our society or it has a great influence on how real sexism is form.
Obviously, most viewers of Disney movies are children. These movies are attractive and informative by nature that even adults’ views are also affected by how it portrays gender. But sexism in Disney movies has greater impact on children since these young individuals are still on the process of constructing their own set of beliefs.
Communication theorist Deborah Tannen believed that male and female conversation is cross-cultural communication. In addition, Tannen’s Genderlect Styles supports the idea that men and women have different cultures, but that does not mean that men’s culture is better than the women’s or the other way around. The representation of women being inferior to men is I think the oldest form of sexism. According to Griffin, both cultures have differences but it has a lot of similarities. There may be some instances that men are superior to women and there are also some instances that women are superior to men. There are things men can do that women are incapable of, and things women can do that men cannot.
I’ve noticed that Disney movies uses sexism in language as a tool to attain humor. The part of the clip where Mulan’s co-warrior mentioned these lyrics “…A girl worth fighting for. I want her paler than the moon, with eyes that shines like stars. My girl will marvel at my strength, adore my battle scars. I couldn’t care on what she wears or what she looks like…It all depends on what she cooks like…” is one of its examples. These lyrics actually reflects what my ex-boyfriend once told me, that one of his qualifications of his soon-to-be wife is being capable of preparing him delicious meals. This kind of stereotype is unfair to women because as an individual, we have a choice whether ‘to get used to’ or ‘not’ to the habit of cooking for Christ sake.
The earlier part of the clip where a man touches the cleavage of seven ladies and gave comments on them is considered an assault to the female gender. Although the aim there is putting humor by means of verbal and non-verbal acts, it turns out to be a form of degradation to women. I think movie producers have the power to include or exclude those scenes. But as harsh as it sounds, I must admit that this kind of humor adds aesthetic impact to the movies.
The very thing that shocked me is the scene where an ugly and weak-looking man serves as the punching bag of the powerful man, Gaston, and even Hercules and other Disney heroes are also stereotypes of male gender. This scene affects how little kids think of an ideal man who has chiseled body and physical prowess. It also stresses strength and dominance as a license to being a man. It builds an assumption that when a man does not meet these characteristics, he is inferior to other men or is not considered manly enough.
The Mulan part of the clip also exhibits an example of sexist language for men. “He must be swift as a coursing river. Be a man! With all the force of a great typhoon. Be a man! With all the strength of a raging a fire! Mysterious as the dark side of the moon.” This description illustrates a very obvious stereotype for men. Being a weakling physically or having a macho body is not a basis of manliness. Whether these are intentional or unintentional, still it is sexism.
Based on the clip, the typical romantic relationship that involves a hero and a heroine in Disney movies is also a form of sexism. It shows a stereotype of men on how they act towards women, while women here are portrayed as objects of pleasure. I think this part about sexism is overrated. However, this could explain why lots of teenagers nowadays are aggressive. Because even when they are still young, they already saw actions that mold their idea of how a relationship should be – the “what do lovers do”. Children’s understanding is sometimes shallow that’s why adults must guide them. Since most children will directly label Little Mermaid and his prince as the good ones, what these characters do means for them being good too.
Sexism in Disney movies is highly controversial since it greatly affects both of the genders’ culture. Considering its popularity, the worldwide misconception brought by these movies matters to a lot, for the role of each gender affects their culture too. Although there are still countries that are dominated by patriarchal society, the message is clearly intended for both sexes.
Sexism exists even before these movies were made. Some of the old writers are sexist, but the term sexism was not present during their time. Even old writings in the Bible show women’s lesser power over men. I somehow wonder if these movies are just mere reflection of real sexism in our society or it has a great influence on how real sexism is form.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
ENGAGING WITH THE NATIVES
My first official day of my college life wasn’t as exciting as it should be. It is because I joined the Summer Bridge Program, so I’m quite familiar with some stuff about UP Mindanao. Let me just talk first about my boring adventures during the Summer Bridge Program. Presumably, it is considered my first day of class. Well, I didn’t even feel euphoria when we had our first day of class. Instead, I was so nervous because I know and I am expecting that some of classmates came from a more standard/high level schools in different places in Davao. I mean, I am very aware that I am nothing compare to them – the way I dressed up, the way I talk, the way I write, everything...and that thought really sucks, inferiority complex I guess. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t the only one struggling to adapt that brand new life.
When we finally had our formal lectures, quizzes and exams, I must admit I really felt the kind of feeling that you are ‘soooooo pressured’ that I can’t almost handle it. I can’t use the correct grammar properly. I had a hard time reading short stories. My mind tells me it is supposed to be short but it’s not. I can’t perform mathematical equations, word problems etc. I told myself, this is the worst thing happened to me during my entire academic life. It’s not really graded but I still felt it that way. I feel like escaping this thing and just peacefully leave UP Mindanao and never ever talk about UP anymore. But I was thinking that becoming part of UP will be a challenging, different and for sure very complicated way of life. I kinda liked it that way. I was really hoping I could survive. Seriously, it’s not that easy.
I guess I wasn’t as curious as my other classmates in SBP in learning the cultures of UP Min, because I was more interested in making friends and having talks about their/my high school life. However, during the first week of my first semester, I found myself engaging with the natives. I had some close friends in the upper-class men. Some of them are perverts, asshole, sociable, drunkards, etc., but there’s one thing common in them, they all have brains. I am a former anti-smoking individual. My definition of what is immoral is limited, and I always stereotype when I talk about things. And these natives help me widen my understanding with the culture I am into.
WHAT I AM NOW, FOR SURE SOME OF IT ARE FROM THEM.
When we finally had our formal lectures, quizzes and exams, I must admit I really felt the kind of feeling that you are ‘soooooo pressured’ that I can’t almost handle it. I can’t use the correct grammar properly. I had a hard time reading short stories. My mind tells me it is supposed to be short but it’s not. I can’t perform mathematical equations, word problems etc. I told myself, this is the worst thing happened to me during my entire academic life. It’s not really graded but I still felt it that way. I feel like escaping this thing and just peacefully leave UP Mindanao and never ever talk about UP anymore. But I was thinking that becoming part of UP will be a challenging, different and for sure very complicated way of life. I kinda liked it that way. I was really hoping I could survive. Seriously, it’s not that easy.
I guess I wasn’t as curious as my other classmates in SBP in learning the cultures of UP Min, because I was more interested in making friends and having talks about their/my high school life. However, during the first week of my first semester, I found myself engaging with the natives. I had some close friends in the upper-class men. Some of them are perverts, asshole, sociable, drunkards, etc., but there’s one thing common in them, they all have brains. I am a former anti-smoking individual. My definition of what is immoral is limited, and I always stereotype when I talk about things. And these natives help me widen my understanding with the culture I am into.
WHAT I AM NOW, FOR SURE SOME OF IT ARE FROM THEM.
Friday, July 3, 2009
WHAT WOULD PENIS DO? (Reflection Paper)
Lev’s comparison of the heart, mind and penis seems to be true. Each definition is exactly what it is. My boyfriend even laughed at it when he saw the clip. He claimed it is true most of the time. However, in a girl’s perspective or should I say, in my girly culture, I used to label just two, only the mind and heart. I’m not saying that I didn’t recognize the penis or the vagina. But of course among the three, the heart and brain are the highlight.
As a girl, I used to think that an individual becomes stupid when s/he follows her/his heart or s/he becomes unhappy because s/he sticks to what the brain is saying. It is also possible that because of our culture, we are restrained to include the penis in the picture. One thing is for sure, for men, the penis is the third governing function, while for women – it is the vagina.
Whichever of the two, I have to focus on the penis. After seeing the clip, my mind tells me that, it is because of the penis that men are labeled “polygamous”. Or maybe it just really implies that “men are polygamous” that’s why Lev made that clip/drawing/story, whatever that is. I guess it’s his way for them to be understood. The clip somewhat tells us that the penis’s interruption to what the heart and brain is pursuing pushes a man’s actions, the Shakespearian “to do” or “not to do”. Technically, the penis has no brain, and the brain, heart, and penis are just interconnected organs. It’s an individual’s thoughts that make it work together.
It is also mention that “penis just wanna be love and he thinks the key to being love is just being penisly…” My AH 4 teacher told us that men have a very different culture from women. Men have some sort of initiation within themselves before they could consider themselves as man. I think one of it was mention by Lev in that clip, about their sex discussion in locker rooms.
I still believe men are not all the same even if they have that shared culture among themselves. EVERYONE IS CAPABLE OF CHANGING. What Lev is talking about is part of that culture, but it’s still a matter of choice. THEY HAVE HEART AND BRAIN TO WIN OVER THEIR PENIS.
As a girl, I used to think that an individual becomes stupid when s/he follows her/his heart or s/he becomes unhappy because s/he sticks to what the brain is saying. It is also possible that because of our culture, we are restrained to include the penis in the picture. One thing is for sure, for men, the penis is the third governing function, while for women – it is the vagina.
Whichever of the two, I have to focus on the penis. After seeing the clip, my mind tells me that, it is because of the penis that men are labeled “polygamous”. Or maybe it just really implies that “men are polygamous” that’s why Lev made that clip/drawing/story, whatever that is. I guess it’s his way for them to be understood. The clip somewhat tells us that the penis’s interruption to what the heart and brain is pursuing pushes a man’s actions, the Shakespearian “to do” or “not to do”. Technically, the penis has no brain, and the brain, heart, and penis are just interconnected organs. It’s an individual’s thoughts that make it work together.
It is also mention that “penis just wanna be love and he thinks the key to being love is just being penisly…” My AH 4 teacher told us that men have a very different culture from women. Men have some sort of initiation within themselves before they could consider themselves as man. I think one of it was mention by Lev in that clip, about their sex discussion in locker rooms.
I still believe men are not all the same even if they have that shared culture among themselves. EVERYONE IS CAPABLE OF CHANGING. What Lev is talking about is part of that culture, but it’s still a matter of choice. THEY HAVE HEART AND BRAIN TO WIN OVER THEIR PENIS.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
APPLICATION OF MASS COMM THEORIES IN PHILLIPINE SETTING (MEDA 101)
Example # 1:
I remember my friend, Joy, told me once about the things she is scared of. One of those is about those scary “killer-look-alike” co-passengers staring at her on jeepneys. “Basta naay lalake na nawong og kriminal sa jeep na akong masakyan, magpalayo jud ko ayy...Feeling nako anytime kay pwede ko niya dunggabon pareha gud anang makita nimu sa TV”, she said. For her, the typical killer is a male who have rugged face and beard. She based that assumption unto what she has seen on TV, teleseryes for example. She actually feels guilty towards her judgments, but she couldn’t help it. She really feels like she’s in trouble when she sees “killer-look-alike” guys on jeepneys.
Even I, myself is worried when I encounter a guy or a group of guys on street at night. I’ve also seen it on TV that when a girl is walking in a dark corner of the street, there’s this group of guys who follows her and then rape her, sometimes even kill her. That’s why at times, when I walk myself home alone late at night, I picked up stones, big enough to crack his head off, and hide it on my bag, just in case somebody will threw his self to me and rape me. As much as possible, I keep myself away from strangers (on streets) because I’m afraid they might hurt me or something. It’s better to think of the precautions first.
Explanation:
The two occurrences mentioned earlier can be explained by George Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory. “Gerbner claims that heavy television users develop an exaggerated belief in a mean and scary world.” (Griffin, 2006) Cultivation theory suggests that over exposure to television "cultivates" viewers' perceptions of reality. According to Gerbner and Gross, television is a medium of the socialization of most people into standardized roles and behaviors. He believes that television has become the main source of storytelling in today's society. It gives a “coherent picture of what exists, what is important, what is related to what and what is right.” (Griffin, 2006)
Cultivation theory suggests that over exposure to television "cultivates" viewers' perceptions of reality. It is hypothesized that heavy viewers are exposed to more violence and therefore affected by the Mean World Syndrome, an idea that the world is worse than it actually is. According to Gerbner, the overuse of television is creating a homogeneous and fearful populace idea to the minds of the viewers. However, TV violence does have an impact even on light TV viewers because the impact on heavy viewers creates an impact on the entire culture.
Gerbener defined violence as “the simplest and cheapest dramatic means to demonstrate who wins in the game of life and the rules of by which the game is played.” (Griffin, 2006) And he regards tv violence as the means of convincing the people that there is ‘a jungle out there.’
There are four indicated attitudes caused by television overexposure. There are: 1) chances of involvement with violence, 2) fear of walking alone at night, 3) perceived activity of police and 4) general mistrust of people. The two occurrences mentioned earlier fall on the category 4. I and Joy are simply exaggerating things because of what we’ve seen on television. We became very suspicious with strangers, even to ordinary people, because of the idea that “they might do something unwanted to us just like what we’ve seen on TV.”
Example # 2:
I spent some of my childhood years in my grandma’s place. It was a barrio of Malita called Palaypay. There’s no electricity and our neighbors are distant. Only radio, run by a battery, is our means of entertainment at that time. Once, the news about the cult, Satanic, was aired on the AM news. It says that the Satanic’s aim is to kidnap children, kill them and offer them to their master. They were scattered in Davao del Sur and other areas of Mindanao for their mission. They also reported how those Satanics performed their ritual. My lola went furious and said that they must bring me to Poblacion the next day to keep me safe. The barangay captain gave everybody a warning to be vigilant always. Days, weeks and months passed, we never heard of a real incident about Satanics.
Explanation:
The Hypodermic Model or Magic Bullet Theory can best describe the example # 2. This model holds that mass media had a direct, immediate and powerful effect on their audiences. It directly penetrates the human system. The idea of shooting or injecting a message to group of people for a desired reaction is what best describe this model. Here, the audiences became passive because of what they’ve seen or heard. In the example, the news is from the radio. I made my grandma panicked. Of course, who would not fear that news. Your son and daughter, or your niece and nephews, or your grandson and grand daughter can be a victim. With that news, one can never be able to think whether it’s true or not. Your first move will be how can we avoid those Satanics.
REFERENCES:
Griffin, Em. (2006). A First Look at Communication Theory. (6th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
WEB SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultivation_theory
http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/6486/Cultivation-Theory-and-Media-Effects.html - Cultivation Analysis2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypodermic_needle_model
http://www.cw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Mass%20Media/Hypod ermic_Needle_Theory.doc/
I remember my friend, Joy, told me once about the things she is scared of. One of those is about those scary “killer-look-alike” co-passengers staring at her on jeepneys. “Basta naay lalake na nawong og kriminal sa jeep na akong masakyan, magpalayo jud ko ayy...Feeling nako anytime kay pwede ko niya dunggabon pareha gud anang makita nimu sa TV”, she said. For her, the typical killer is a male who have rugged face and beard. She based that assumption unto what she has seen on TV, teleseryes for example. She actually feels guilty towards her judgments, but she couldn’t help it. She really feels like she’s in trouble when she sees “killer-look-alike” guys on jeepneys.
Even I, myself is worried when I encounter a guy or a group of guys on street at night. I’ve also seen it on TV that when a girl is walking in a dark corner of the street, there’s this group of guys who follows her and then rape her, sometimes even kill her. That’s why at times, when I walk myself home alone late at night, I picked up stones, big enough to crack his head off, and hide it on my bag, just in case somebody will threw his self to me and rape me. As much as possible, I keep myself away from strangers (on streets) because I’m afraid they might hurt me or something. It’s better to think of the precautions first.
Explanation:
The two occurrences mentioned earlier can be explained by George Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory. “Gerbner claims that heavy television users develop an exaggerated belief in a mean and scary world.” (Griffin, 2006) Cultivation theory suggests that over exposure to television "cultivates" viewers' perceptions of reality. According to Gerbner and Gross, television is a medium of the socialization of most people into standardized roles and behaviors. He believes that television has become the main source of storytelling in today's society. It gives a “coherent picture of what exists, what is important, what is related to what and what is right.” (Griffin, 2006)
Cultivation theory suggests that over exposure to television "cultivates" viewers' perceptions of reality. It is hypothesized that heavy viewers are exposed to more violence and therefore affected by the Mean World Syndrome, an idea that the world is worse than it actually is. According to Gerbner, the overuse of television is creating a homogeneous and fearful populace idea to the minds of the viewers. However, TV violence does have an impact even on light TV viewers because the impact on heavy viewers creates an impact on the entire culture.
Gerbener defined violence as “the simplest and cheapest dramatic means to demonstrate who wins in the game of life and the rules of by which the game is played.” (Griffin, 2006) And he regards tv violence as the means of convincing the people that there is ‘a jungle out there.’
There are four indicated attitudes caused by television overexposure. There are: 1) chances of involvement with violence, 2) fear of walking alone at night, 3) perceived activity of police and 4) general mistrust of people. The two occurrences mentioned earlier fall on the category 4. I and Joy are simply exaggerating things because of what we’ve seen on television. We became very suspicious with strangers, even to ordinary people, because of the idea that “they might do something unwanted to us just like what we’ve seen on TV.”
Example # 2:
I spent some of my childhood years in my grandma’s place. It was a barrio of Malita called Palaypay. There’s no electricity and our neighbors are distant. Only radio, run by a battery, is our means of entertainment at that time. Once, the news about the cult, Satanic, was aired on the AM news. It says that the Satanic’s aim is to kidnap children, kill them and offer them to their master. They were scattered in Davao del Sur and other areas of Mindanao for their mission. They also reported how those Satanics performed their ritual. My lola went furious and said that they must bring me to Poblacion the next day to keep me safe. The barangay captain gave everybody a warning to be vigilant always. Days, weeks and months passed, we never heard of a real incident about Satanics.
Explanation:
The Hypodermic Model or Magic Bullet Theory can best describe the example # 2. This model holds that mass media had a direct, immediate and powerful effect on their audiences. It directly penetrates the human system. The idea of shooting or injecting a message to group of people for a desired reaction is what best describe this model. Here, the audiences became passive because of what they’ve seen or heard. In the example, the news is from the radio. I made my grandma panicked. Of course, who would not fear that news. Your son and daughter, or your niece and nephews, or your grandson and grand daughter can be a victim. With that news, one can never be able to think whether it’s true or not. Your first move will be how can we avoid those Satanics.
REFERENCES:
Griffin, Em. (2006). A First Look at Communication Theory. (6th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
WEB SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultivation_theory
http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/6486/Cultivation-Theory-and-Media-Effects.html - Cultivation Analysis2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypodermic_needle_model
http://www.cw.utwente.nl/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20clusters/Mass%20Media/Hypod ermic_Needle_Theory.doc/
SPCM 104 Term Paper
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MINDANAO
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
BURKE’S DRAMATISM
On Mar Roxas’s Speech at the 7th Global Sourcing
Conference and Exhibition of E-Services Philippines
(A SPEECH ANALYSIS)
Subimtted to:
Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda
SPCM 104 Instuctor
Submitted by:
Charina Jane L. Amor
2007-24276
II - BA Communication Arts
I. INTRODUCTION
Rhetorical criticism, often called as rhetorical analysis, is an attempt to understand what a symbolic artifact is all about. Symbolic artifacts include words, phrases, images, gestures, performances, texts, films, and "discourse" in general. Rhetorical criticism aims to discover the purpose of these symbolic artifacts. It perpetuates to discover how well they work in front of their audience: whether they instruct, inform, entertain, move, arouse, perform, convince and, in general, persuade their audience, including whether and how they might improve their appeal to the audience.
Rhetorical criticism is finding a way to interpret every symbolic artifact that affects the audience, how it works, why it is effective and how it becomes appealing to the audience. It is basically an attempt to explain the meaning behind any specific symbolic artifact.
II. BURKE’S DRAMATISM
In obtaining a rhetorical analysis of Mar Roxas’s Speech at the 7th Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition of E-Services Philippines, we will use the Burkean approach. Language is a strategic human response to a specific situation. Burke believed that the critic’s job is to figure out why a writer or speaker selected the words that were choreographed into the message. (Griffin, 2006) According to Griffin, the term “dramatism” was Burke’s favorite word to describe what he saw going on when people open their mouths to communicate. For Burke, life is not like a drama, indeed life is drama. In the context of dramatism, language is viewed as a mode of symbolic action rather than a mode of knowledge.
Burke’s dramatism is a key element in understanding human motivation. Dramatism’s intent is to offer a logical method for understanding human motives, or why people do what they do. Dramatism consists of Identification, Dramatistic Pentad and Guilt-Redemption Cycle.
Identification
According to Griffin, it is the common grounds that exists between the speaker
and audience.
Burke used the word “substance” as an umbrella term to describe an individual’s physical characteristics, talents, occupation, background, personality, beliefs and values. The more overlap there is between the substance of the speaker and the listener, the greater the identification is.
Homopholy is the word used by behavioral scientist to describe the perceived similarity between the speaker and listener, while “consubstantiation” is the term used by Burke. It is equated to the solidarity a man can offer to his relative. “Without identification, there’s no persuasion.” (Griffin, 2006)
Dramatistic Pentad
It is a tool to analyze how the speaker tries to persuade his audience to accept
his/her view of reality. (Griffin, 2006) There are five crucial elements of a human drama: act, scene, agent, agency and purpose.
A critic’s label for the act pictures what was done. A speech that features dramatic verbs demonstrates a commitment to realism. The description of the scene gives a context for where and when the act was performed. Public speaking that emphasizes setting and circumstance downplays free will and reflects an attitude of situational determinism. The agent is the person or people who performed the act. Some messages are filled with references to self, mind, spirit and personal responsibility. This focuses on character and the agent as instigator and is consistent with philosophical idealism. Agency is the means the agent used to do the deed. A long description of methods or techniques reflects a “get-the-job-done” approach that springs from the speaker’s mindset of pragmatism. The speaker’s purpose is the stated or implied goal of the address. An extended discussion of purpose within the message shows a strong desire on the part of the speaker for unity or ultimate meaning of life, common concerns mysticism.
Guilt-Redemption Cycle
Burke was convinced that the ultimate motivation of all public speaking is to
purge ourselves of an ever-present, all-inclusive sense of guilt. (Griffin, 2006) The term guilt covers tension, anxiety, shame, disgust, embarrassment, and other similar feelings. Guilt comes when we are estranged from the natural world or estranged from others in our world. It serves as a motivating factor that drives the human drama. (Miller, 2005)
According to Burke, there are two ways to purge guilt among his/her audience. One is through mortification or self-blame and the other is victimage. It is blaming problems on someone else, lashing out at whatever or whomever should fear, designating an external enemy, a scapegoat. “Perfect guilt requires a perfect victim.” (Griffin, 2006)
One is not restrained to do whatever it takes to be an effective speaker. However, there are things to be considered, the impact of the message to the audience for example. As a critic, I will try to analyze Senator Mar Roxas’s speech with the help of these concepts. I will try to figure out how it affects and influences the audience.
III. ANALYSIS
Trying to solve the puzzle and filling up the holes would not be possible without using any basis or concepts. By using the Burkean approach as a guide in analyzing Mar Roxas speech, I will identify the members of the dramatistic pentad.
First is the Act. The act answers the questions “What was done? What happened? What is the action? What is going on?” In this case, the act is already labeled as the speech.
The speech was delivered in one of the e-Services Philippines 2007 conference and exhibition. E-services’ annual meeting provides organizations an outsourcing relationship, investors, and ancillary industries the opportunity to meet, network, and build relationships with the Philippines premier ITES providers in one venue. Their discussion here pertains to business and industrial world. The e-Services Philippines Global Conference 2007 had showcase the breakthrough achievements of pioneering companies and how outsourcing partners are helping each other to make those breakthroughs possible.
Second is the Scene. The scene is associated with the setting of an act or the situation. It answers the questions “Where is the act happening? What is the background of the situation?”
The speech was delivered in e-Services Philippines 2007 conference and exhibition last February 15-16, 2007, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. A number of paragraphs actually describe the Scene. It is found on the first up to sixth paragraph. He mentioned those people who were really the men behind E-services, both Filipinos and foreign investors. Let me extract some of these.
“You know, just as I was handing out those little plaques of appreciation to the panel, all of whom were so distinguished and the luminaries of your industry, it occurred to me that everyone is in a suit and tie; all very dapper and formal in their wear, and I was in a barong...”(1st paragraph)
This statement addresses that there are foreigners present in this conference. It somewhat pertained to the difference between Philippines and other countries. However, on the next paragraphs, he established a link between their (Philippines and other involved countries) cooperation and partnership. The connection is more obvious on the seventh paragraph.
The seventh, tenth and twelfth paragraph shows that they are talking about business. The speaker mentioned the background of the e-services in the Philippines, how its services are equal to or better than the US. The speaker also mentioned how each members of the industry becomes one of the world’s key players in a large and growing global Business Process Outsource services market.
The statistics he mentioned on twelfth to fourteenth paragraph assures that the industry is indeed in progress. All facts that is impart to the audience has to be a basis. And Mar Roxas in this area did show certainty with his statements.
In the political world, today, at this time, about 3:30, it's called "hora de peligro" or the dangerous hour. People are full from lunch, or thinking about the end of the day, or otherwise distracted. So I'll try and make my remarks as relevant as possible, so that your attention stays in the room as opposed to floating off to some other part of the metropolis. (8th paragraph)
The paragraph above mentioned by Mar Roxas also describes the situation.
Third is the Agent. The agent here is the speaker. As mention earlier, it was Mar Roxas who delivered the speech. Mar Roxas, also known as Mr. Palengke, is the son of the illustrious Senator Gerry Roxas, and the grandson of the venerable President Manuel Roxas whose public service careers have greatly benefited the country. He studied at Ateneo de Manila University for his elemenatary and secondary years, and got his degree in economics at Wharton School of Economics in the University of Pennsylvania on 1979. Before entering public service, Mar worked as an investment banker.
Mar's public service life began in the House of Representatives in 1993. After his congressional stint, he was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; and then in 2004, he was elected to the Senate with an overwhelming 20 million votes, the largest ever obtained by a candidate in any Philippine election.
Owing to his record of accomplishments as a public servant and political leader, the international community described him as "one of the young leaders in politics and business who will bring Asia and the Pacific to the forefront of world affairs." At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, MAR was named as "one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow who is expected to shape the future."
The speaker introduced himself as a politician. But he emphasized that even before, when he is not yet in Senate, he was in the field of industry already.
I have been a partner of this young and vigorous industry for the past 7 years, first as the Trade and Industry Secretary of two administrations, and now as the Senator of the Republic; and I hope to remain as your steadfast partner into the future. (9th paragraph)
It is a form of being defensive, stating that long before he was in this field. And it somewhat implies that being a politician would not affect or harm his performance in e-services. His last words sound like there is much more than being a senator for you to look forward to. There are articles on the internet however that points out Mar Roxas as the next president of the Philippines. Therefore, he has plans for presidency. Rumors would not be as hot as it is if it’s not true.
His words are very “pro-Filipino.” In the sixteenth paragraph, although he tries to hold back the statement that Philippines have a great participation in e-Services. The impact dramatically emphasizes the Philippines role in e-Services. Here, he doesn’t sound too bragging with his fellow countrymen. It has a positive impact that makes it sound artistically delivered.
The statement “…It is this that drives me [in] doing what I can to ensure your success” in the fiftieth paragraph exemplifies that he is re-affirming the audience that he’ll do his duty well. Note that he didn’t use the words “the best that I can” because he knows very well that corruption is ever-present not only in politics, but also in any organization. It’s just that, they named other terms for that. No matter how good a person is, he will be and he is capable of doing wrong.
However, I like the way he re-affirmed himself. It’s candid yet you have to read between the lines before you realize it.
Fourth is the Agency. It pertains to rhetorical strategies a speaker use for the act; it implies the pragmatic point of view. The Agency answers the questions “how does the agent act? By what means does s/he act?”
The audiences are mostly businessmen and so the speaker deliberately uses formal language in delivering the speech. However, there are two identified significant words he used, the “hora de peligro” or the dangerous hour and the “nakakalula.” He used “hora de peligro” on the beginning part of his speech. I assume that he used that word to catch the attention of the audience. Notice that “nakakalula” appears in the twenty-eighth paragraph, consequently at the middle part of his speech. It could be a way of checking the audience if they’re still paying attention to him.
The speech delivery is also conversational. You can notice it the way he introduced somebody from the audience. The speaker is popular to the public because of his alias “Mr. Palengke.” But I think he is more popular in the world of business and industry because of his achievements. His credibility to speak for that event is highly potential.
He also used statistics in justifying his assumptions. In this way, he builds up certainty with his statements. It is more convincing when you present data to your audience. Statistics already embark a kind of credibility that sets intellects’ mind to think and believe what you say.
The speaker is informing and persuading at the same time throughout his speech. He sounds like a lecturer in some instances. As much as I am concern, it’s a conference so I guess it should be that way.
And the last one is the Purpose. It is the implied goal of the address. It answers the question “why does the agent act?”
Basically, the speaker purpose here is to inform and persuade. Informing and persuading works together. The laying of information assures the audience that the industry is indeed going forward. On the other hand, the persuasion there is convincing the audience that they are doing well and that they can do much better. One of the examples is found on the seventeenth to twenty-second paragraphs.
Here’s an example of persuasion extracted from Mar Roxas’s speech:
There is really no reason why the Philippines' e-services industry cannot double or triple revenues and employment in the near-term. We have many capable and hungry players leading the industry. We have a track record of solving difficult problems creatively. We have a global market that offers vast opportunities for growth. As the developed world ages and the cost connectivity declines, any service that can be provided over the phone or computer can be provided remotely by skilled and trainable people. And why not by the young people of the Philippines? And why not, as well, by the Philippines' e-services industry?
The speaker’s goal here is make the audience realize how important their role is in the success of business and industry. He is encouraging the listeners that there’s always a creative way to develop the industry. It’s like saying, if there’s a will, there’s a way.
An example of Identification is found on the twenty-third paragraph.
These five lessons-performance as promised, organization as an industry, partnership with the government, big ambition combined with the attention to detail, and building on success-created the conditions for the industry's success at present.
With the statement above, their common goals are basically all about gaining benefits. The government needs more jobs and taxes for the people, while e-Services as a whole, has to produce more money. Thus, the common ground between them despite of their differences is gaining benefits from each other. There also goals the idea of helping each parties in achieving their goals.
IV. CONCLUSION
In doing rhetorical criticism, there is a little confusion if you’re strayed with the approach you used. Drama is ever-present. Every act, every word used by human contains drama. There is indeed a drama behind every act. And even speech delivery is not an exception to this.
Burke’s dramatism is an effective approach in rhetorical criticism since it is more of the suitable for public address. Identifying the elements of the dramatistic pentad reveals the strategy of the speaker in delivering his speech, which definitely is effective.
The speaker is also successful in persuading the audience to view his insights dramatically. He was able to pin point and strike their common grounds – gaining benefits from each others. It’s quite intriguing to analyze the words that the speaker used because political agenda can never be separated with how they talk to people.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Web Sources:
http://www.angelfire.com/md/mdmorrison/nt/rhetorical.htm
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/dblakesley/burke/clark.html
http://www.rhetorica.net/burke.htm - pentad1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatistic_Pentad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatism
http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Dramatistic_Pentad
Books:
Blakesley, David. (2002). The Elements of Dramatism. Pearson Education, Inc.
Griffin, Em. (2006). A First Look at Communication Theory. (6th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
BURKE’S DRAMATISM
On Mar Roxas’s Speech at the 7th Global Sourcing
Conference and Exhibition of E-Services Philippines
(A SPEECH ANALYSIS)
Subimtted to:
Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda
SPCM 104 Instuctor
Submitted by:
Charina Jane L. Amor
2007-24276
II - BA Communication Arts
I. INTRODUCTION
Rhetorical criticism, often called as rhetorical analysis, is an attempt to understand what a symbolic artifact is all about. Symbolic artifacts include words, phrases, images, gestures, performances, texts, films, and "discourse" in general. Rhetorical criticism aims to discover the purpose of these symbolic artifacts. It perpetuates to discover how well they work in front of their audience: whether they instruct, inform, entertain, move, arouse, perform, convince and, in general, persuade their audience, including whether and how they might improve their appeal to the audience.
Rhetorical criticism is finding a way to interpret every symbolic artifact that affects the audience, how it works, why it is effective and how it becomes appealing to the audience. It is basically an attempt to explain the meaning behind any specific symbolic artifact.
II. BURKE’S DRAMATISM
In obtaining a rhetorical analysis of Mar Roxas’s Speech at the 7th Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition of E-Services Philippines, we will use the Burkean approach. Language is a strategic human response to a specific situation. Burke believed that the critic’s job is to figure out why a writer or speaker selected the words that were choreographed into the message. (Griffin, 2006) According to Griffin, the term “dramatism” was Burke’s favorite word to describe what he saw going on when people open their mouths to communicate. For Burke, life is not like a drama, indeed life is drama. In the context of dramatism, language is viewed as a mode of symbolic action rather than a mode of knowledge.
Burke’s dramatism is a key element in understanding human motivation. Dramatism’s intent is to offer a logical method for understanding human motives, or why people do what they do. Dramatism consists of Identification, Dramatistic Pentad and Guilt-Redemption Cycle.
Identification
According to Griffin, it is the common grounds that exists between the speaker
and audience.
Burke used the word “substance” as an umbrella term to describe an individual’s physical characteristics, talents, occupation, background, personality, beliefs and values. The more overlap there is between the substance of the speaker and the listener, the greater the identification is.
Homopholy is the word used by behavioral scientist to describe the perceived similarity between the speaker and listener, while “consubstantiation” is the term used by Burke. It is equated to the solidarity a man can offer to his relative. “Without identification, there’s no persuasion.” (Griffin, 2006)
Dramatistic Pentad
It is a tool to analyze how the speaker tries to persuade his audience to accept
his/her view of reality. (Griffin, 2006) There are five crucial elements of a human drama: act, scene, agent, agency and purpose.
A critic’s label for the act pictures what was done. A speech that features dramatic verbs demonstrates a commitment to realism. The description of the scene gives a context for where and when the act was performed. Public speaking that emphasizes setting and circumstance downplays free will and reflects an attitude of situational determinism. The agent is the person or people who performed the act. Some messages are filled with references to self, mind, spirit and personal responsibility. This focuses on character and the agent as instigator and is consistent with philosophical idealism. Agency is the means the agent used to do the deed. A long description of methods or techniques reflects a “get-the-job-done” approach that springs from the speaker’s mindset of pragmatism. The speaker’s purpose is the stated or implied goal of the address. An extended discussion of purpose within the message shows a strong desire on the part of the speaker for unity or ultimate meaning of life, common concerns mysticism.
Guilt-Redemption Cycle
Burke was convinced that the ultimate motivation of all public speaking is to
purge ourselves of an ever-present, all-inclusive sense of guilt. (Griffin, 2006) The term guilt covers tension, anxiety, shame, disgust, embarrassment, and other similar feelings. Guilt comes when we are estranged from the natural world or estranged from others in our world. It serves as a motivating factor that drives the human drama. (Miller, 2005)
According to Burke, there are two ways to purge guilt among his/her audience. One is through mortification or self-blame and the other is victimage. It is blaming problems on someone else, lashing out at whatever or whomever should fear, designating an external enemy, a scapegoat. “Perfect guilt requires a perfect victim.” (Griffin, 2006)
One is not restrained to do whatever it takes to be an effective speaker. However, there are things to be considered, the impact of the message to the audience for example. As a critic, I will try to analyze Senator Mar Roxas’s speech with the help of these concepts. I will try to figure out how it affects and influences the audience.
III. ANALYSIS
Trying to solve the puzzle and filling up the holes would not be possible without using any basis or concepts. By using the Burkean approach as a guide in analyzing Mar Roxas speech, I will identify the members of the dramatistic pentad.
First is the Act. The act answers the questions “What was done? What happened? What is the action? What is going on?” In this case, the act is already labeled as the speech.
The speech was delivered in one of the e-Services Philippines 2007 conference and exhibition. E-services’ annual meeting provides organizations an outsourcing relationship, investors, and ancillary industries the opportunity to meet, network, and build relationships with the Philippines premier ITES providers in one venue. Their discussion here pertains to business and industrial world. The e-Services Philippines Global Conference 2007 had showcase the breakthrough achievements of pioneering companies and how outsourcing partners are helping each other to make those breakthroughs possible.
Second is the Scene. The scene is associated with the setting of an act or the situation. It answers the questions “Where is the act happening? What is the background of the situation?”
The speech was delivered in e-Services Philippines 2007 conference and exhibition last February 15-16, 2007, at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. A number of paragraphs actually describe the Scene. It is found on the first up to sixth paragraph. He mentioned those people who were really the men behind E-services, both Filipinos and foreign investors. Let me extract some of these.
“You know, just as I was handing out those little plaques of appreciation to the panel, all of whom were so distinguished and the luminaries of your industry, it occurred to me that everyone is in a suit and tie; all very dapper and formal in their wear, and I was in a barong...”(1st paragraph)
This statement addresses that there are foreigners present in this conference. It somewhat pertained to the difference between Philippines and other countries. However, on the next paragraphs, he established a link between their (Philippines and other involved countries) cooperation and partnership. The connection is more obvious on the seventh paragraph.
The seventh, tenth and twelfth paragraph shows that they are talking about business. The speaker mentioned the background of the e-services in the Philippines, how its services are equal to or better than the US. The speaker also mentioned how each members of the industry becomes one of the world’s key players in a large and growing global Business Process Outsource services market.
The statistics he mentioned on twelfth to fourteenth paragraph assures that the industry is indeed in progress. All facts that is impart to the audience has to be a basis. And Mar Roxas in this area did show certainty with his statements.
In the political world, today, at this time, about 3:30, it's called "hora de peligro" or the dangerous hour. People are full from lunch, or thinking about the end of the day, or otherwise distracted. So I'll try and make my remarks as relevant as possible, so that your attention stays in the room as opposed to floating off to some other part of the metropolis. (8th paragraph)
The paragraph above mentioned by Mar Roxas also describes the situation.
Third is the Agent. The agent here is the speaker. As mention earlier, it was Mar Roxas who delivered the speech. Mar Roxas, also known as Mr. Palengke, is the son of the illustrious Senator Gerry Roxas, and the grandson of the venerable President Manuel Roxas whose public service careers have greatly benefited the country. He studied at Ateneo de Manila University for his elemenatary and secondary years, and got his degree in economics at Wharton School of Economics in the University of Pennsylvania on 1979. Before entering public service, Mar worked as an investment banker.
Mar's public service life began in the House of Representatives in 1993. After his congressional stint, he was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; and then in 2004, he was elected to the Senate with an overwhelming 20 million votes, the largest ever obtained by a candidate in any Philippine election.
Owing to his record of accomplishments as a public servant and political leader, the international community described him as "one of the young leaders in politics and business who will bring Asia and the Pacific to the forefront of world affairs." At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, MAR was named as "one of the Global Leaders of Tomorrow who is expected to shape the future."
The speaker introduced himself as a politician. But he emphasized that even before, when he is not yet in Senate, he was in the field of industry already.
I have been a partner of this young and vigorous industry for the past 7 years, first as the Trade and Industry Secretary of two administrations, and now as the Senator of the Republic; and I hope to remain as your steadfast partner into the future. (9th paragraph)
It is a form of being defensive, stating that long before he was in this field. And it somewhat implies that being a politician would not affect or harm his performance in e-services. His last words sound like there is much more than being a senator for you to look forward to. There are articles on the internet however that points out Mar Roxas as the next president of the Philippines. Therefore, he has plans for presidency. Rumors would not be as hot as it is if it’s not true.
His words are very “pro-Filipino.” In the sixteenth paragraph, although he tries to hold back the statement that Philippines have a great participation in e-Services. The impact dramatically emphasizes the Philippines role in e-Services. Here, he doesn’t sound too bragging with his fellow countrymen. It has a positive impact that makes it sound artistically delivered.
The statement “…It is this that drives me [in] doing what I can to ensure your success” in the fiftieth paragraph exemplifies that he is re-affirming the audience that he’ll do his duty well. Note that he didn’t use the words “the best that I can” because he knows very well that corruption is ever-present not only in politics, but also in any organization. It’s just that, they named other terms for that. No matter how good a person is, he will be and he is capable of doing wrong.
However, I like the way he re-affirmed himself. It’s candid yet you have to read between the lines before you realize it.
Fourth is the Agency. It pertains to rhetorical strategies a speaker use for the act; it implies the pragmatic point of view. The Agency answers the questions “how does the agent act? By what means does s/he act?”
The audiences are mostly businessmen and so the speaker deliberately uses formal language in delivering the speech. However, there are two identified significant words he used, the “hora de peligro” or the dangerous hour and the “nakakalula.” He used “hora de peligro” on the beginning part of his speech. I assume that he used that word to catch the attention of the audience. Notice that “nakakalula” appears in the twenty-eighth paragraph, consequently at the middle part of his speech. It could be a way of checking the audience if they’re still paying attention to him.
The speech delivery is also conversational. You can notice it the way he introduced somebody from the audience. The speaker is popular to the public because of his alias “Mr. Palengke.” But I think he is more popular in the world of business and industry because of his achievements. His credibility to speak for that event is highly potential.
He also used statistics in justifying his assumptions. In this way, he builds up certainty with his statements. It is more convincing when you present data to your audience. Statistics already embark a kind of credibility that sets intellects’ mind to think and believe what you say.
The speaker is informing and persuading at the same time throughout his speech. He sounds like a lecturer in some instances. As much as I am concern, it’s a conference so I guess it should be that way.
And the last one is the Purpose. It is the implied goal of the address. It answers the question “why does the agent act?”
Basically, the speaker purpose here is to inform and persuade. Informing and persuading works together. The laying of information assures the audience that the industry is indeed going forward. On the other hand, the persuasion there is convincing the audience that they are doing well and that they can do much better. One of the examples is found on the seventeenth to twenty-second paragraphs.
Here’s an example of persuasion extracted from Mar Roxas’s speech:
There is really no reason why the Philippines' e-services industry cannot double or triple revenues and employment in the near-term. We have many capable and hungry players leading the industry. We have a track record of solving difficult problems creatively. We have a global market that offers vast opportunities for growth. As the developed world ages and the cost connectivity declines, any service that can be provided over the phone or computer can be provided remotely by skilled and trainable people. And why not by the young people of the Philippines? And why not, as well, by the Philippines' e-services industry?
The speaker’s goal here is make the audience realize how important their role is in the success of business and industry. He is encouraging the listeners that there’s always a creative way to develop the industry. It’s like saying, if there’s a will, there’s a way.
An example of Identification is found on the twenty-third paragraph.
These five lessons-performance as promised, organization as an industry, partnership with the government, big ambition combined with the attention to detail, and building on success-created the conditions for the industry's success at present.
With the statement above, their common goals are basically all about gaining benefits. The government needs more jobs and taxes for the people, while e-Services as a whole, has to produce more money. Thus, the common ground between them despite of their differences is gaining benefits from each other. There also goals the idea of helping each parties in achieving their goals.
IV. CONCLUSION
In doing rhetorical criticism, there is a little confusion if you’re strayed with the approach you used. Drama is ever-present. Every act, every word used by human contains drama. There is indeed a drama behind every act. And even speech delivery is not an exception to this.
Burke’s dramatism is an effective approach in rhetorical criticism since it is more of the suitable for public address. Identifying the elements of the dramatistic pentad reveals the strategy of the speaker in delivering his speech, which definitely is effective.
The speaker is also successful in persuading the audience to view his insights dramatically. He was able to pin point and strike their common grounds – gaining benefits from each others. It’s quite intriguing to analyze the words that the speaker used because political agenda can never be separated with how they talk to people.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Web Sources:
http://www.angelfire.com/md/mdmorrison/nt/rhetorical.htm
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/dblakesley/burke/clark.html
http://www.rhetorica.net/burke.htm - pentad1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatistic_Pentad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatism
http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/Dramatistic_Pentad
Books:
Blakesley, David. (2002). The Elements of Dramatism. Pearson Education, Inc.
Griffin, Em. (2006). A First Look at Communication Theory. (6th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
ANNIVERSARY SPEECH
How is it feel to be a part of UP? As Isko and Iska, did anyone of us think of our responsibilities in this country? Did those questions ever come into our mind even for once? Frankly speaking, I enrolled in this university without having any idea what really UP is. My mom said, “Nak, kuyaw nah nga skwelahan ang UP.” That statement inspires me to join the Summer Bridge Program last 2007, those were the times that I really had difficulties adjusting my academic performance. I really want to give up. But then I was able to stand for my decision to enroll in this university. My stay here allows myself to answer some of those questions that confuses and bothers me a lot, certain facts for example. The longer I stay in UP Min, the more I understand our role in Mindanao. It’s been already UP MIN’s 12th year of molding students like me.
Looking back, there were lots of struggles before they finally put up UP Mindanao. Believe it or not, the plan, process and amendments of establishing a UP in Mindanao took more than two decades. UP was established on February 20, 1995 through Republic Act 7889, signed into law by former president Fidel V. Ramos. UP was sixth unit in the UP system. Its first campus was actually located in Ladislawa and later moved to Bago Oshiro, Mintal.
For 12 years, UP Mindanao has been empowering Mindanao. It is successful in developing and imparting the UP education to all sectors particularly the poor, isolated and those inadequately prepared for higher education with all its tradition of excellence, liberalism, total human development, social relevance and leadership will impact on the economic, socio-cultural, political and sustainable development in Mindanao.
Our campus may not be that nice compare to other school campuses in the downtown area. It is distant from the city. One thing you can notice is the green green grasses around you. But you will eventually get use to it. As you can observe, UP Min has its gradual but better transformation now. Obviously, the road to UP Mindanao is partially concrete, at least. The CHSS building doesn’t look like a cement factory anymore. More jeepneys are going inside and out of our campus. The betterment of UP Mindanao is also proved by the students, the Isko and Iska. Excellency in Leadership, Education, Nationalism, Cultural sensitivity, and Environmental nurturance can be attained through awareness, name different awareness as much as you like.
Fellow students, being an iskolar ng bayan is a much greater responsibility than anyone of us imagine. For that last 12 years, UP Mindanao have prove to the nation that we exist. UP is the maker of the intellectuals. What makes UP the best is not its name, not its history but what it had attained. Sulong iskolar ng Bayan!
Looking back, there were lots of struggles before they finally put up UP Mindanao. Believe it or not, the plan, process and amendments of establishing a UP in Mindanao took more than two decades. UP was established on February 20, 1995 through Republic Act 7889, signed into law by former president Fidel V. Ramos. UP was sixth unit in the UP system. Its first campus was actually located in Ladislawa and later moved to Bago Oshiro, Mintal.
For 12 years, UP Mindanao has been empowering Mindanao. It is successful in developing and imparting the UP education to all sectors particularly the poor, isolated and those inadequately prepared for higher education with all its tradition of excellence, liberalism, total human development, social relevance and leadership will impact on the economic, socio-cultural, political and sustainable development in Mindanao.
Our campus may not be that nice compare to other school campuses in the downtown area. It is distant from the city. One thing you can notice is the green green grasses around you. But you will eventually get use to it. As you can observe, UP Min has its gradual but better transformation now. Obviously, the road to UP Mindanao is partially concrete, at least. The CHSS building doesn’t look like a cement factory anymore. More jeepneys are going inside and out of our campus. The betterment of UP Mindanao is also proved by the students, the Isko and Iska. Excellency in Leadership, Education, Nationalism, Cultural sensitivity, and Environmental nurturance can be attained through awareness, name different awareness as much as you like.
Fellow students, being an iskolar ng bayan is a much greater responsibility than anyone of us imagine. For that last 12 years, UP Mindanao have prove to the nation that we exist. UP is the maker of the intellectuals. What makes UP the best is not its name, not its history but what it had attained. Sulong iskolar ng Bayan!
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