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.