DIALECTICAL JOURNAL "HAVE A COKE"

Passage: "Have a coke."
Comments: We are bombarded by advertising at every turn. As soon as we turn on the TV, someone is trying to sell you something. You open the paper, and BAM, someone is trying to sell you something else. I've realized that marketing is incredibly complex, and its strategies trespass the border with psychology. I see with this advertisement that a truly well-thought-out marketing strategy is one that combines imagery and language perfectly. 3 words, yet they are perfect for this advertisement. The picture says much more than the words, and the advertisement is successful in enticing you to have a coke.
Passage: Cold Coke
Comments: A lot of this ad is based around the deliciousness of a cold coke. As a huge fan of Coca-Cola, I can say with confidence that it is much better on the rocks. It goes great at any time. Just got home from school? Have an ice-cold coke. Having lunch or dinner? Have an ice-cold coke. Need a break from work? Have an ice-cold coke. The advertisement sells coke in this way. The iceberg and perspiring glass create this cold surrounding. It makes you want to reach into the screen and take the glass.

OPTIC: "HAVE A COKE"

OVERVIEW: This image is made up of four components. The first is a smiling, white-haired woman in a white hat. She is pointing to a glass of coke. The glass is filled with ice and is served to the top. In white letters it is written across the glass: "Coca-Cola." The third element is a red square with white letters that say: "Have a Coke." The fourth element is an iceberg that surrounds the cup.
PARTS: The look on the woman's face is very convincing. She looks as though she is saying, "this stuff is good." Her Coca-cola hat may indicate that she works in Coca-Cola. The glass of Coca Colla looks delicious. It has the perfect amount of coke and the perfect amount of ice. Water is trickling down the sides of the glass, making it look even better. The "Have a Coke" sign is a very simple invitation. The coke looks delicious, the woman recommends it, why not have one? Finally, the iceberg surrounding the cup makes it look even colder.
TITLE: While it doesn't have a title, we could say that the title is "Have a Coke." This presents the product as the images make it look appealing.
INTERRELATION: The elements of the advertisement blend together in a great way. The iceberg, along with the ice inside the glass and the water trickling down its sides tell us that the coke is cold. If you've ever had one, you'll know that there is nothing better than an ice-cold coke. The woman pointing at the glass and smiling looks as if she were telling us: "hey, I just had one, and this stuff is great!." Finally, we read the message. Honestly, all I want now is an ice-cold coke.
CONCLUSION: This advertisement is perfect. Its simplicity is what sticks out. There is no elaborate slogan, no complicated imagery. The product is presented in a glass with ice. The message reads: "Have a Coke." The picture is so well made that it actually makes you want to have a coke. It's beautiful.

DIALECTICAL JOURNAL: COCA-COLA ADVERTISEMENT

Passage: 1943
Comments: The year of the advertisements was one of the things that most impacted me as I began analyzing the picture. First, I thought, "Wow, Coke has been around for a really long time." As a big time Coke lover, I feel proud that my favorite drink has been around for such a long time. As I thought deeper, however, I began to think of WWII and the message of the advertisement as a whole. The advertisement takes advantage of people's wartime emotions to sell a beverage.
Passage: Tastes like home
Comments: Continuing what I began to say earlier about the company taking advantage of people's wartime emotions, I have two thoughts. The first is disagreement. I think it's terrible how the Coca-Cola company is trying to benefit from the war. On the other hand, however, it is a really successful marketing strategy. What better taste could a Coke have to a soldier fighting on foreign soil than home. Fighting soldiers think about home constantly. They think about their wives, their girlfriends, their family, the smell of their house, their friends. A drink that reminds them of all of that is exactly what they need in time of war.
Passage: 5 cents
Comments: Obviously 5 cents in 1943 aren't 5 cents in 2010. If I told a person in 1943 that I bought a coke for 2 dollars they would freak out. This made me think of how much time has passed since 1943. 70 years. That's a long time. Everything seems to have been simpler in those times, even the currency.

OPTIC: COCA-COLA "TASTES LIKE HOME"

OVERVIEW: The image is in black and white. There is a black rectangle inside a larger white rectangle. Inside the black rectangle there are white letters and a white figure. The letters read: "Tastes like home." The figure is a man holding a Coca-Cola bottle and smiling. His hat may mean that he is in the Navy. In black letters, written on the man's shirt is the year: 1943. Outside the black rectangle, at the bottom center of the larger, white rectangle, are the words: "Drink Coca-Cola," and a price of 5 cents.
PARTS: The slogan, "Tastes like home," is very effective. Given the time period in which the advertisement was released, as well as the man's attire, the taste of home is very precious. The man who is drinking the coke, and the one who says it tastes like home, is apparently a soldier. This is evident from his attire and the year 1943, in which the United States was in involved in WWII. His eyes and smile indicate that he is enjoying the drink very much. Finally, the "Drink Coca-Cola" at the bottom is an invitation, an invitation to taste your home once more.
TITLE: Although the advertisement doesn't have a title per say, its easy to talk about the subject being presented. Coca-Cola is being advertised. The company is trying to sell a product.
INTERRELATION: The elements in the advertisement combine to send a really strong message. Although it is not obvious from a first look, the message is quite deep. A soldier drinking coke says: "Tastes like home." In wartime, soldiers constantly await the day they are sent home. They are always remembering, cherishing a past time in which there was peace and tranquility. If the coke tastes like home, it gives the soldier a little escape from the war.
CONCLUSION: I did not think much of the advertisement the first time I saw it. However, as I have begun to analyze it I realize what it meant at the time. In 1943 Americans wanted the war to end so their soldiers could come home. In 1943, American soldiers fighting abroad wanted to come home. By claiming that Coca-Cola tastes like home, the company is satisfying both needs. The soldier looks happy with a coke in his hands, almost as if a war wasn't happening around him.

DIALECTICAL JOURNAL: INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS. PAGES 6-16

Passage: One of the parts I liked the most form these pages is Coronel Hans Landa's metaphor regarding Jews and rats. He talks about how people feel repulsed by rats for no particular reason, just as the Nazis are repulsed by Jews. He describes the similarities in the survival skills of Jews and rats, and how both thrive under terrible conditions and persecution. (Tarantino 11-13)

Comments: Although I am myself Jewish, I don't feel insulted in the least bit by Coronel Hans Landa's metaphor. I rather admire Tarantino's writing. The way Landa speaks convinces the reader. As much as I disagree on the similarities between Jewish people and rats, I cannot help but notice the good points in Landa's comparison. I really enjoy how Tarantino presents this metaphor. It not only becomes part of Landa's interrogation strategy, but it also characterizes how the Nazi thinks.

Passage: The interrogation and eventual confession.

Comments: As I read these pages I couldn't stop thinking of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. The scene reminded me of Petrovich and Raskolnikov. There are incredible similarities between both Landa and Petrovich and LaPadite and Raskolnikov. LaPadite and Raskolnikov are guilty. The psychological torment of facing the very man who can condemn them for the crime they have committed makes them reveal themselves. In both cases, the investigator seems to already know that they are talking to someone who is guilty. Landa and Petrovich sense the nerves in their opponents and know instantly that something is up. There is no doubt that Tarantino had some sort of influence from Crime and Punishment in the making of this scene.

DRAMA: ANALYSIS OF QUENTIN TARANTINO’S INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS. PAGES 6-16

These pages are from the first chapter of Quentin Tarantino's most recent film: Inglourious Basterds. The title of the chapter is "Once upon a time…in Nazi occupied France…"

There are three voices in the excerpt I've chosen. The first is the narrator, who details the characters' movements and gestures as well as the setting. Also, because this part of the film is set in France, the narrator says what languages the characters will be speaking. The other two voices are of the characters: Perrier LaPadite and S.S. Coronel Hans Landa.

Structure: Landa and LaPadite are sitting in LaPadite's house in a farm somewhere in France. Landa is in charge of finding Jews that have avoided capture in previous years. The conversation begins with Landa's introduction and his assignment in France. In order to conduct his search of Jews more thoroughly, Landa takes out some information from a black suitcase and begins asking LaPadite about the Jewish families that used to live in the area. All the families in the area have been accounted for except for the Dreyfuses, and the two men go on to discuss the rumors surrounding what happened to that family. As this takes place, Tarantino takes us under the house's floorboards, where five human beings, the Dreyfuses, are hiding. They are in terrible shape, and the narrator tells us how they have been hiding here for the past year. This creates immediate tension. As LaPadite lies about how the Dreyfuses supposedly moved to Spain, the reader knows the truth. Landa, searching for that truth, continues questioning LaPadite. Landa apparently finishes his job in LaPadite's house and asks LaPadite for another glass of milk before he leaves. As he drinks the milk and smokes his pipe, Landa begins talking about his success as the "Jew Hunter." As he talks about his theory regarding Jews and how they seem to degrade themselves to subhuman levels in order to survive, LaPadite begins to lose his cool. Landa, apparently sensing this, finally says: "You are sheltering enemies of the state, are you not? LaPadite agrees and Landa calls in his men from outside, who shoot at the floor and kill the whole family except Shoshanna.

Characters:

Perrier LaPadite is a simple milk-farmer in France. Because of the fact that he is hiding a Jewish family, the reader can infer that he is sympathetic to their cause. We learn that he speaks French and English well. He has a wife and three daughters who help him run the farm. While he handles Landa well at first, he eventually caves in and reveals his secret.

Colonel Hans Landa of the S.S., also known as "The Jew Hunter," is an incredibly dynamic character. He manipulates LaPadite perfectly into revealing his secret. His interrogation technique is outstanding. Instead of harassing him with questions, he goes around the main point and then finally lets it out when LaPadite has grown nervous. He handles English and French perfectly and even manages to kill the Dreyfuses without them knowing about it.

Landa uses several metaphors. One of them is an extended comparison of the Jewish race to rats. He talks about both species' ability to not only survive but thrive under terrible conditions. This helps in wearing down LaPadite.

Diesel: BE STUPID DIALECTICAL JOURNAL

I think this advertisement is very successful. It basically sells sex, displaying a man following a woman wearing nothing but her underwear into her house. The caption reads: "Smart has the plans, stupid has the stories." Although it doesn't necessarily make people want to buy their clothing, Diesel's new campaign is catchy. And they have a point. In terms of women, it is better not to think.

DIESEL: BE STUPID SAYS/ DOES

Diesel's new campaign is based on the slogan "Be Stupid." As ridiculous as it sounds, the images and captions they show are very persuasive.
SAYS: In this particular ad, the caption says: "Smart has the plans, stupid has the stories." It implies that smart people sit around planning what they are going to do while stupid people actually live, going on to tell their stories later on.
DOES: The advertisement goes way beyond the caption. The caption is set to the following background: a man with woman's heels enters a house. In front of him, climbing the stairs, is an apparently attractive woman wearing nothing but black underwear. Therefore, the ad is indirectly implying that being stupid will enhance your chances of sleeping with attractive women. The slogan takes on a whole new meaning now. Smart guys plan how to conquer the woman they want. Stupid guys just do it. According to Diesel, it is better to be stupid!

DIALECTICAL JOURNAL: RICHARD M. NIXON’S RESIGNATION ADRESS TO THE NATION. 1974

PASSAGES

1. "We have ended America's longest war. But in the work of securing a lasting peace in the world, the goals ahead are even more far-reaching and more difficult. We must complete a structure of peace, so that it will be said of this generation -- our generation of Americans -- by the people of all nations, not only that we ended one war but that we prevented future wars."
   
2. "In the Middle East, 100 million people in the Arab countries, many of whom have considered us their enemy for nearly 20 years, now look on us as their friends. We must continue to build on that friendship so that peace can settle at last over the Middle East and so that the cradle of civilization will not become its grave."
   
3. "Throughout the long and difficult period of Watergate, I have felt it was my duty to persevere -- to make every possible effort to complete the term of office to which you elected me."
   
4. "Around the world -- in Asia, in Africa, in Latin America, in the Middle East -- there are millions of people who live in terrible poverty, even starvation. We must keep as our goal turning away from production for war and expanding production for peace so that people everywhere on this earth can at last look forward, in their children's time, if not in our own time, to having the necessities for a decent life."
   

COMMENTS

1. It is sometimes difficult to remember how war-stricken the U.S. was in this time period. They had just gotten out of Vietnam, a terrible failure in which they not only lost a lot of money and resources, but many lives as well. The Cold War was still going on, and although the United States' relationship with the Soviet Union had improved a little, they were still bitter rivals. Nuclear war was very much a real threat back then, and it's hard to imagine the state of mind of Americans back then. Although the Cold War ended, the U.S. has been continually involved in wars even until today. In reality, it has been constantly involved in warfare.
   
2. As I read this part of the speech, I couldn't help but think of the terrible irony. Peace in the Middle East has eluded us. Worse still, the 9/11 attacks have fueled hatred between Americans and Muslims, to the point that a priest in Florida recently wanted to burn 200 copies of the Koran. We have not maintained that friendship with the Arab countries. In fact, I can say with confidence that the relationship has possibly reached its lowest point ever.
   
3. This quote shows how difficult it was for Nixon to resign. We can see clearly in this line, and throughout the speech as well, that this is something that he didn't want. He is resigning to avoid being impeached, kind of like when a school asks a student to drop out to avoid being expelled. A resignation looks much better than an impeachment. The Watergate scandal was unfortunate, but I cannot help but feel sympathy for Nixon as he says his final words to the nation.
   
4. As good as this quote sounds on paper, I have realized that it is an impossible hope. We are past the time that he calls "their children's time," and poverty and hunger around the world don't really seem to be improving. In Colombia, roughly 45% of the population lives in poverty. 17% lives in even worse conditions. These statistics are even worse in other countries around the world. As much as it hurts me to admit it, I don't really see how to improve this terrible problem around the world.

SOAPSTONE: RICHARD M. NIXON’S RESIGNATION ADDRESS TO THE NATION. 1974

Although Richard Nixon was the President when he delivered this speech, the recent Watergate scandal cuts away at his credibility. It is for this very reason that he is resigning. Throughout the speech, Nixon tries to win back some of that credibility. He mentions how he has always fought for the best interests of the nation in his public life. He talks about what he has done in the past. Although he is not excusing himself per say, his repeated talk of what he had stood up for in the past is meant to end the hate for him, to leave people with a better taste in their mouths as he leaves the presidency.

The Watergate scandal had left Nixon in a terrible position. The occasion in this speech is summarized clearly in the third paragraph: "From the discussions I have had with Congressional and other leaders I have concluded that because of the Watergate matter I might not have the support of the Congress that I would consider necessary to back the very difficult decisions and carry out the duties of this office in the way the interests of the nation will require." Nixon realizes that he cannot continue as President, and delivers a resignation speech.

In his resignation address, Nixon is speaking to the entire U.S. In the second line, Nixon reveals that audience by saying: "This is the 37th time I have spoken to you from this office, where so many decisions have been made that shape the history of this nation." He is addressing the entire population, making his last public statement before leaving the presidency. Because of his reputation after the Watergate scandal, Nixon sees this speech not only as a resignation address, but also as a public apology. He tries to gain back their trust and sympathy by repeating over and over all he has done in the best interests of the country.

Nixon has many purposes with this speech. I have already mentioned the purposes of announcing his resignation and apologizing for the Watergate scandal, as well as his attempt to redeem his name. Additionally, he tries to set the stage for Ford's presidency, asking the people for their patience and collaboration. He also lists some goals for the future, goals that seek to better the world's condition at the time.

The subject of the speech is his resignation. Although this announcement is short and quick, the entire speech is set up as a good-bye. He begins by giving the reasons for his resignation and follows that by talking about all the good he has done. He talks about current events for a while, mentioning the Cold War, the recently finished war in Vietnam, new diplomatic relations with China, poverty and hunger around the world, and inflation at home. The main subject, however, is his resignation.

Richard Nixon's tone in this speech is a calm, optimistic one. Although he is not exactly apologetic, there is a sense of regret. He regrets having to leave the presidency. He regrets the fact that he will no longer be able to carry out the responsibilities laid on him. He is optimistic in that he proclaims his support of Ford, assuring the people that they will be in good hands. He is optimistic that the U.S. and Soviet Union will be able to coexist in cooperation. He is hopeful that although the country is going through a rough time, it can once again prosper. He doesn't apologize for Watergate, but he is sorry of the effects it has had on the country. He is very tranquil throughout the speech. Although there is a small hint of sadness, he delivers the speech with poise.

DIALECTICAL JOURNAL: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT’S DECLARATION OF WAR. 1941

PASSAGES:

1. "No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."
   
2. "I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire."
   
3. "Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
   

   Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
   

   Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
   

   Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
   

   Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
   

   And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island."
   

COMMENTS

 

1. FDR's confidence sticks out in this passage. He is reassuring not only Congress, but also the people of the U.S., that victory is certain. There is determination in his voice. He is certain of the upcoming victory. It almost seems as though he were speaking directly to American troops, giving them a morale-boosting speech to pump them up right before battle.
   
2. This passage reminds me of the United States' system of checks and balances. This system takes away power from the president by giving Congress the power to declare war. This highlights the fact that the speech is persuasive. Roosevelt is trying to convince Congress to declare war on Japan.
   
3. This passage shows Roosevelt's rhetorical skills. By describing Japan's attacks on the pacific in six separate sentences, he is making it more dramatic. Each sentence makes each attack that much worse, making Japan look bad to his audience. He wants his audience to hate the Japanese. He wants to convince them that they are an enemy. He wants people to be afraid of them. His slow, dramatic presentation of Japan's attacks on the Pacific accomplish these feats.

SOAPSTONE: FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT’S DECLARATION OF WAR. 1941

As President of the United States of America at the time this speech was delivered, Franklin D. Roosevelt's credibility is unquestionable. Moreover, his successes as president prior to this moment make him an incredibly important man, a man whose voice is extremely important in any matter involving the country. His knowledge of exact details regarding Japan's war on the pacific, as well as his knowledge involving past relations between Japan and the U.S, proves him worthy of delivering such a speech. Although he does not appeal to his ethos very much in the speech itself, there is one clear example. After informing the audience of Japan's aggressions throughout the pacific, FDR says: "As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense." Here he reassures his audience, letting them know that the defense of the country is the first most priority.

The occasion for the speech is clear from the start. The president is reacting to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, a U.S. military base located in Hawaii. At the very beginning of his speech, Franklin D. Roosevelt announces what has happened: "Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." The occasion, however, is not just the attack on Pearl Harbor, but rather Japan's numerous attacks on islands in the pacific. He talks about these attacks one by one, slowly, making sure that each one of the attacks is heard by his audience.

The speaker's audience is clear from the first lines in which he greets the people to whom he is talking: "Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives." On a larger scale, since the speech was also publically heard, the president is also addressing the people of the United States. His patriotism and criticism of Japan demonstrate how he is reaching to an American audience, an audience concerned with the well being and preservation of the United States. Also, because the president is essentially declaring war on Japan with this speech, he is speaking directly to Congress, since Congress is the government body in charge of declaring war.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's purpose in this speech is to rally the government and the people of his country behind a war against Japan. In the first part of his speech, the president tries to evoke anger and sadness by describing the attack on Pearl Harbor. His mention of the losses suffered in the attacks reaches out to people's feelings, making them automatically side against the Japanese. In a second step towards generating hostility towards Japan, FDR lists Japan's attacks on several pacific islands. In talking about Japan's deception in their peace talks, the president is listing yet another reason for which Americans should feel attacked and threatened. Then, in order for his audience to think about their safety, FDR starts to talk about the defense of the country, and how he is devoting all his resources towards that goal. He closes with assurances of American victory, generating enthusiasm in his audience.

The subject of this speech is not only implied, but also explicitly stated by the speaker. Franklin D. Roosevelt wants people to know of Japan's aggressive military actions, including an attack on American soil. He wants people to know that war is inevitable, the only possible response to Japan's attacks.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's voice changes throughout the speech. He begins in a resentful, insulted tone when speaking of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Because Japanese diplomats had led Americans to believe that relations between the U.S. and Japan were peaceful, the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor comes as a shock. FDR uses words like deliberate and premeditated to indicate the nature of Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor, which hurts the audience deeply. The president's description of Japanese aggression throughout the pacific is meant to scare, anger, and shock the audience all at the same time. There is a clear change of tone right after FDR finishes describing Japan's attacks throughout the pacific. His tone is now enthusiastic, patriotic, and reassuring. He promises the defense of the country and shows no tolerance for any attacks on the country. In the following line, Franklin D. Roosevelt uses both tones to send a clear message: "No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory." There is sadness and anger at the beginning followed by optimism and enthusiasm. Aside from these, the president appears to be very calm. This is extremely important in showing the strength of the country as well as its plans for the future. He shows the American people that he is their leader, he shows them that he can handle this type of situation.