Week 12: Discussion Question 2

How have we not been immersed in a sea of persuasion? Just about everywhere people look they will see all kinds of ads trying to get one to buy into their products, religion, train of thought, etc., all by means of persuasion. Of course though, some may think they are doing it for right reasons, for example a certain denomination might come knock at your door and discuss controversial topics with you and try to persuade you to follow their beliefs, all in the name of saving you (we've all had that happen, right?) It's not always that persuasion messages are bad though.

In my American government class last semester we had to analyze news articles from major newspapers each week, detecting them for bias. In doing that I learned how to become a better consumer of mass media by learning a few tricks that writers use to make their material subjective. Some of the tips were things such as checking the sources of the article, flattering or unflattering pictures of individuals reported on, and specific wording/ wording effects.

Some public speakers are very good at appealing to audience's pathos, appealing to the emotions. Feelings and emotions can be very strong, hence speakers can manipulate them to make one get involved in a club or charity. I've heard a few very persuasive speakers live and I do remember taking up reading more as a hobby, due to a speech I heard years ago. The speaker emphasized how reading is what made him who he is today, but it wouldn't have been without the consistent push and love from his mother that made him read more and continue on to become a world-renowned physician. He went on to talk about mother more and got emotional, which is what led others to become emotional. It was funny and moving at the same time.

Becoming a better consumer in a world where messages and ads are constantly bombarded can be a difficult and annoying place to be. That's all commercials are really; they're trying to get people to buy something, trying to make them believe they need it (my parents are good at falling for those traps too). And walking downtown in a city one cannot help buy see the huge billboards with a hot model wearing a fancy clothing brand. The persuasive messages will never cease, but one can be more informed and analyze, "Perhaps there is more to it than just buying this pair of jeans...what else is this company promoting here?" We should become critical thinkers.