Persuasion Application 3 - Reich

As I started reading through the Reich's Cultural Parables descriptions individually, this is the speech that instantly came to my mind as I read the description for The Mob at the Gates. The video link is to a portion of a famous speech given by Ronald Reagan in support of Barry Goldwater back in the 1960s. This was during a time of continuing tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and, like always, tensions and differences in opinion between the major political parties in the U.S. The full speech is called "A Time for Choosing" and is almost 30 minutes long. This condensed version gives one a good representation of the some of the points he made, the process premises he used, and ways in which the speech is a good representation of the parable.

A Time For Choosing

Ronald Reagan is well known for speeches that fit in well with the parable The Mob at the Gates. During this time period, there was a lot of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Much debate and numerous protests were happening in opposition to war and conflict. Many people then, just as many people today, believed that if we would just choose a stance of accommodation and an endeavoring for peace without any direct confrontation, our enemies would lay down their weapons and would "learn to love us." Others believed that enemies needed to be met head-on with a strong opposition backed up by a strong military and unwavering conviction.

Reagan speaks of relying on our morals and that America must fight for the billion people that are behind the Iron Curtain. His rhetoric brings thoughts to the viewer that the Soviet Union and its leaders are a huge force of darkness and that Americans have the freedom and ability to fight for its oppressed people. He refers to America as the "last best hope of man on earth." This fits perfectly within the description of the parable.

The speech has both a potential cognitive effect and affective consequence. The cognitive effect may come as thoughts and feelings of determination and resolve that comes to one's mind while listening to his words. As an affective consequence, the speech may inspire the listener to be more outspoken about their views regarding tyranny and about their specific beliefs on freedom and war. It could even push an individual to get more involved in politics or to join the military in order to do their part to fight against the oppressive Soviets and others. It may even drive someone here in the U.S. to work toward the betterment of our own culture and society.

Emotions and attitudes are probably the two process premises that the speech uses the most in order to be persuasive. Americans are definitely emotional about their country and their family. Reagan speaks of fighting for the freedoms of our children and for the same freedom that we enjoy in other places in the world. Through his rhetoric, one's attitude may be changed. More than likely, an existing attitude,whether for or against his position, would be strengthened and become more resolute.

Like many Americans, speeches such as this really resonate with me. It may be a good use of time to listen to the speech in its full length version. Reagan was a great orator with a drive, determination and charisma that are definitely rare and that, in my opinion, helped our country through a very difficult period in our history.