TOW #22: Written - "Duty, Honor, Country" by General Douglas MacArthur

On May 12, 1962, General Douglas MacArthur was recognized and given the Sylvanus Thayer Award, an accolade awarded every year to one who encompasses and exemplifies the award's motto of "Duty, Honor, Country." In MacArthur's strong speech, he addresses and explains the mentality soldiers must have: remembering the purpose for which they became soldiers for their country. By utilizing rhetoric such as anaphora and repetition of the award's motto, MacArthur speaks of the characteristics that define a soldier and the importance of a soldier remembering his purpose.

When delivering his speech, MacArthur frequently uses anaphora to aid in his fluidity, his rhythm, and his emotional build-up towards the conclusion of his speech. Through the use of anaphora such as "whether our strength is being sapped by deficit financing, indulged in too long, by federal paternalism grown too mighty, by power groups grown too arrogant...” (1), MacArthur emphasizes and stresses the importance of remembering the three words “Duty, Honor, Country” in all circumstances; despite whatever obstacles may be such as a loss in strength, as seen in the quote, MacArthur explains that soldiers must continue to fight on. It is the soldiers duty, emphasized through anaphora, to endure and persevere. The effects of MacArthur’s anaphora are a rhythm to his speech and an emotional tie to MacArthur’s speech.

As the motto of the Sylvanus Thayer Award is “Duty, Honor, Country,” MacArthur repeatedly references and utilizes this phrase in his argument and in his speech; such usage helps address the event at which MacArthur is speaking at and also stresses three simple words that encompass the nature of a soldier. Stating that “the very obsession of your public service must be: Duty, Honor, Country” and “Your guidepost stands out like a ten-fold beacon in the night: Duty, Honor, Country” (1), MacArthur is addressing soldiers in the majority of his speech. By repeating the motto of the award, MacArthur shares possible events and times when soldiers must remember the three simple words. Previously in his speech, MacArthur speaks of the common characteristics found in soldiers; now, he sums up all the soldiers’ attributes into “Duty, Honor, Country.”

After years of war in the first half of the 20^th century such as World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, America has endured much. General Douglas MacArthur uplifts and praises the soldiers who have died, who are in combat, and who continue to sacrifice for the nation. In his speech Duty, Honor, Country, MacArthur not only explains the importance of the motto to the soldier, but also reminds the audience of the heroic deeds of all people who selflessly sacrificed themselves for the sake of the country. As they were “on the other side of the globe” in “filth of murky foxholes” with “the stench of ghostly trenches, the slime of dripping dugouts” (1), General MacArthur humbly states that the award does not “honor a personality”, but “symbolize a great moral code” (1), which all soldiers express.

TOW #21: Visual - "We Can Do It!" by J.Howard Miller

wikipedia.org

The iconic poster known as "We Can Do It!" or "Rosie the Riveter" has been utilized in the 1940s during World War II, the 1980s during the feminist movement, and recently to celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history. Flexing her muscles, the woman in the picture is tough and strong, a combination that was unusual in the 1940s when this poster was made. Yet, through its depiction of a resilient woman and its usage of four simple words "We Can Do It!" the poster accomplishes its purpose: rallying the war spirit while motivating women to join the work force. However, this poster's power does not simply stop after World War II; even today, the poster illustrates the power women have, leading to a battle for gender equality along with motivating and encouraging women of today.

The depiction of a strong woman is one that differs from the idea that women are inferior and weaker than men; thus, this shocking, drastically different portrayal of a woman encouraged women to take a more active role in society. During World War II, many women joined the work force and took the jobs of the men who were at war. With an increase in employed women, the poster shows that women loved the depiction of an independent, tough woman. In addition, the color scheme of the depiction is red, white, and blue, reflecting a patriotic attitude that the woman should have: they are doing work and labor for the good of their country. Lastly, the facial expression and the hairstyle of the woman shows that the woman depicted in the poster does not agree with the idea that women are weak. The bandana shows a hairstyle that, rather than being meant for aesthetic reasons, is practical and suits the job. The facial expression of the woman is determined, guiding women viewers to imagine themselves as the female shown in the poster.

Four simple words have become famous for its concision and effectiveness. "We Can Do It!" is seen being spoken by the woman in the poster. This mentality of perseverance and determination is both brave and admirable for all viewers. As women were beginning to play a more active role in the war effort, the phrase seen on the poster became iconic for its positive tone and the use of first person. With "we", all women are included; this, in turn, creates a sense of unity that reminds women of the strength in number. The famous phrase's effectiveness is seen in the long lasting use of these four words along with the short sentence being the name of the well-known poster.

The physical depiction of the woman along with the concise statement of "We Can Do It!" creates a sense of unity and a calling for those who desire to make a difference in the war effort, women specifically. As the main objective of this advertisement was to attract potential female workers to work in a specific factory or company, the accomplishments of this poster exceeds that. This poster has become a famed use of propaganda and advertisement that pertains not only to the era of the 1940s, but also to today. The poster does not simply show a working woman, but effectively displays the true power and strength a woman has.

TOW #20: IRB - "Hole In My Life" by Jack Gantos

wisconsinjustin.weebly.com

 Jack Gantos is a true example of the power of learning from one's previous mistakes. In his memoir, Hole In My Life, Gantos writes about his life before, in, and after prison. With his use of colloquialism, humor, and personal experiences, Gantos teaches the reader the importance of optimism, perseverance, and recovering from what one believes to be rock-bottom. Hole In My Life is not simply a memoir, but the writing of one's life experiences about mistakes, redemption, and courage.

Gantos's use of humor and colloquialism is a perfect combination for teaching the reader about perseverance and redemption; these two devices, used together, allow Gantos to share his life story in a way that is entertaining and enlightening. By using colloquialism, Gantos successfully reaches to his audience; his tone, which is created from colloquialism, is informal and his use of humor displays Gantos in an honest light. Presenting himself in an informal way to the audience, Gantos is able to connect with the reader on a more personal level and educate the reader about the importance of optimism, redemption, and perseverance in a way that is neither boring nor too commanding. The presentation of Gantos, by himself, is more casual and relate-able to the audience. Therefore, it is easier for the author to relay his dark and heavy memories in prison. The memoir itself, with its humor and colloquialism, is an example of finding the good and being optimistic in times of depression and defeat. His true meaning is captured when Gantos writes, "I made a lot of mistakes, and went to jail, but I wasn't on the road to ruin like everyone said. While I was locked up, I pulled myself together and made some good decisions" (8). His humor and colloquialism is straight-forward and shows Gantos's ability to redeem himself and persevere.

In addition, Gantos's usage of personal experiences allows Gantos to have credibility in the message he is trying to share to the reader. From the very beginning, Jack Gantos begins by describing his mug shot in prison. By immediately delving into his personal experiences, whether it be describing the time of being kicked out of the Bacon family's house or the decisions he makes to enter the drug selling business with Tim Scanlon, the personal story of Jack Gantos is an example of the significance of learning from one's mistakes and redeeming oneself. The honest personal thoughts of Gantos, such as when he believed that he had nothing in common with the four prisoners who visited his high school, along with his personal experiences allows Gantos to achieve both ethos and pathos to help achieve his purpose.

From the first half of his memoir, Jack Gantos already starts educating the reader about the importance of optimism, perseverance, and redemption. By using humor, colloquialism, and personal experiences, Gantos displays his true nature; along with his hopes and dreams, he acknowledges and recognizes his mistakes and flaws. Through humor, colloquialism, and personal experiences Gantos successfully achieves his purpose and, through his writing, shows bravery and courage by the sharing of his personal struggles.

TOW #19: Written - "Pearl Harbor Address to the Union" by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm

 After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii by Japan, the United States was in a state of chaos. With a World War II raging on in many different countries in Europe, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor made the war more personal for the people of America. Delivering an address to the country the day after the attack on December 8, 1941, former president Franklin D. Roosevelt brings comfort and arouses a fighting spirit that America is known for. By utilizing repetition and uniting diction and phrases to rally the American people as the U.S. prepares to go to war.

Roosevelt uses repetition to stress the wrong misdoings of Japan and to personalize the war to America. By repeating the phrase "last night, Japanese forces attacked", the president provides background information about the war occurring in the world around the nation. After repeating this phrase three times and listing various countries and islands that were devastated by the war, the phrase "and this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island" follows. The repetition allows the build up of tension and emotion to the final mention of the attack on Midway Island, which is an American territory. Repetition emphasizes the attacks of Japan and allows Roosevelt to deliver the final punch-line of the Japanese eventually attacking the home-front. In addition, Roosevelt's usage of repetition in "yesterday", seen four times throughout his entire speech, reminds the audience of the fresh wounds Japan has caused. The emphasis on time, in his repeated use of "yesterday", guides the audience to remember Pearl Harbor and the feelings of anger, sadness, and patriotism that accompanied the attack.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt utilizes uniting diction and phrases to unite the people in a time where war is quickly approaching in order to rally a fighting spirit; this, in turn, allows the U.S. to officially enter World War II. Throughout Roosevelt's short address, phrases such as "the people of the United States," "our nation," and "our whole nation" are used. The diction of "our", which is the perspective of first person, brings forth emotions of unity and oneness. By stressing America and the American people being one, the president emphasizes that the whole country is affected; therefore, since the president reflects and shares the opinions of the people (as Roosevelt states), that action must be taken. Such uniting diction and phrases rallies support for the country entering into World War II and arouses a fighting spirit, nationalism, and patriotism. By using Pearl Harbor as a vehicle, the United States will eventually enter the war.

Through Roosevelt's usage of repetition and uniting diction and phrases, the president is able to show the wrongdoings of Japan, unite the nation, comfort the country, and help convince the people that action must be done. Roosevelt's effectiveness is seen when the United States enters the war with the Allies. In a time of chaos and outrage, the president successfully addresses the attack on Pearl Harbor and emphasizes, yet again, that America is a nation that will not tolerate for injustice.

TOW #18: Written - "Bop" by Langston Hughes

Every time a policeman's club hits the head of a colored man, it makes the sound bop. Written in1949, Bop reflects the true essence of inequality and the social hierarchy created by color. In Langston Hughes short essay, he utilizes symbolism and onomatopoeia to show the separation between colored and whites and also to describe the mistreatment of African Americans. By using such devices, Hughes is able to augment the distorted view of segregation.

From the very beginning, Hughes shows the division between "white boys" and "colored boys" by the interpretation of music. Hughes shows the contrast between the ability to understand the meaning of Dizzy Gillespie's record playing Bop. Hughes then elaborates that the interpretation of the record is much greater than the difference "between Re and Be" when singing the lyrics, for "Be-Bop is the real thing like the colored boys play" (190). The record is a symbol of the inequality at the time. As the record is able to be sung and interpreted different ways, the different lyrics of Bop reflects the treatment of different races. Hughes explains that "folks who ain't suffered much cannot play Bop, neither appreciate it. They think Bop is nonsense" (191), meaning that a true understanding of the evils of segregation cannot be understood unless experienced. This goes hand-in-hand with the idea the record being sung different ways. The "white folks" who find "it so hard to imitate" are unable to do so for they do not comprehend the depressing history of the song (191). The record, Bop, acts as a symbol throughout the short essay to reflect the segregation and inequality at the time.

Hughes also utilizes onomatopoeia to illustrate the mistreatment of African Americans. By using words such as "Mop! Mop...Be-Bop!....Mop!" (191), Hughes is able to achieve his purpose through pathos. The sounds in the short essay are meant to imitate the sound a club would make when beating someone on the head. Hughes explicitly states that "from the police beating Negroes' heads...that old club says, 'Bop!" (191), showing that the title of the record and the meaning of the lyrics derives from hatred and racism. The onomatopoeia word, Bop, is repeated about 25 times throughout the three-page essay. Hughes stress on onomatopoeia illustrates the repeated actions of violence and inequality.

By utilizing symbolism and onomatopoeia, Langston Hughes is able to show the segregation and inequality between whites and African Americans. The record, Bop, not only holds a depressing history of racism, but also is a story many African Americans are able to reflect to, as seen when Hughes writes that "them young colored kids who started it, they know what Bop is" (192). Through Hughes's writing, he is able to show racism and inequality while illustrating the fighting spirit of Civil Rights Activists in the fight for equality regardless of color.

IRB Intro #3: Hole In My Life by Jack Gantos

www.goodreads.com

In the past, my two IRB books have been based on research and teachings. Released in the earlier time periods, I decided to read a more modern book. Immediately, the summary on the back of this book, Hole in My Life, shows that this book is very different in comparison to The Prince and Civilization and Its Discontents. I am excited to read this memoir for it sounds thrilling, exhilarating, fast-paced, and entertaining. In addition, I thought that an analysis for this type of genre would be a good change.

TOW #17: Visual - Cartoon in Response to Charlie Hebdo Attack (by Joep Betrams)

twitter.com

On January 7, 2015, Joep Betrams, a famous cartoonist, shared the cartoon, seen above, on Twitter in response to the terrorist attack on the satirical journal, Charlie Hebdo. As terrorists barged and forced their way into the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo in Pairs, cartoonists were killed and the world was outraged. Attacking due to the controversial political and religious cartoons released by the newspaper, Islamic terrorists attempted to silence the cartoonists and reporters of Charlie Hebdo by brute force. Yet, the response to the attack shows that the killing of writers did not silence them, but caused an outbreak in the freedom of press and the freedom of speech. The cartoon by Joep Betrams, one of many released, shows the spirit of journalism and the press and the ineffective attempt to silence the world.

The true fighting spirit of the press and journalism is seen by the cartoon. Despite the Islamic terrorist killing the man, who is wearing a shirt labeled Charlie Hebdo, the man is not dead. Though a head is missing from his body, the tongue continues to taunt the shocked terrorist. The connection between the blood dripping off the terrorist's sword and the headless body allows one to understand that this depiction coorelates with the killing of satirists, writers, and cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo. Even though the man is missing a head, the tongue is still active. This taunting tongue symbolizes the freedom of speech and press. Charlie Hebdo will not stop utilizing the freedoms of speech and press that it has. On a bigger scale, this cartoon represents the spirit of the press and journalism by showing that it is impossible to stop, silence, and prevent the world from being stripped of its freedoms. No matter what terrorists do, this cartoon shows that all attempts are futile and that journalists, the press, and the world will respond with the unstoppable, unbeatable power of words.

The tongue taunting the man not only depicts the fighting spirit of the press and journalism, but also sends a message to terrorists and potential attackers of Charlie Hebdo and any other news source. In the picture, the terrorist shows an expression of shock and disbelief that the man, who lacks a head, is still able to use his tongue. Though attackers attempt to strike fear into the hearts of the people to stop further unwanted action, this cartoon shows the unifying effect that the killing caused. Charlie Hebdo is being supported by cartoonists, like Joep Betrams, and many other people around the world. This cartoon shows that even though the terrorists may believe that they were successful for killing men and women, they were unsuccessful and the attack was ineffective for instead of silencing the world, they only stirred up more conversations about the importance of freedom.

The cartoon, made by Joep Betrams in response to the terrorist attack, shows the true, fighting spirit of the press and journalism and relays a message to terrorists that their attack was unsuccessful. The attack on Charlie Hebdo reflects the power words hold. In a time of chaos, murders, and destruction, guns are not the only weapons people can use. Words have the capability of implementing harm and damage. It is the job of the people to protect the rights to the freedom of the expression, freedom of speech, and the freedom of the press. A silent world that has been struck with fear will not grow. A world bustling with ideas and uninhibited speech is crucial to developing a better world. The cartoon provides courage to the people and relays a message of perseverance and resistance that the people will not fall to fear, but will, all the more, speak.