Civil+vs.+Deceptive+Rhetoric

Identify an article, a video, or an advertisement that you think is manipulative or deceptive and one that is civil and effective. Use these two examples to explain what you see as the difference. Be prepared to share your examples and thoughts with the class. Please link your examples here or embed them as widgets. Be sure to label them manipulative or civil and write a brief explanation for each. Also, be sure to write your name so you can receive credit. This is due on August 29 prior to class.

media type="custom" key="23695202" Easily one of the most manipulative political advertisements in history, the “Daisy” ad from the Lyndon B. Johnson campaign preyed on the greatest fear of the American people at the time: nuclear war. The ad appealed especially to middle class families; this is why a young, innocent-looking girl was chosen as the ad’s primary focus. Matthew C.

I Have a Dream

For my civil rhetoric, and in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, I chose Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It appeals to the hopes and dreams of an oppressed people and their allies and continues to inspire cooperation and acceptance to this day. Matthew C.



For my receptive rhetoric, I chose this influential WWI ad. This ad shows Americans of today's time the war agenda that was around in the early 1900s. Directed towards young men unwilling to enlist in the American military and fight in World War I, this ad uses a guilt complex to get their point across. The main goal is to make young men think of how they would respond to the following question: "Daddy, what did __YOU__ do in the Great War? Would they be able to talk about their patriotic duty to their country, or would they be forced to disappoint their daughters and sons with their response of "nothing"? ~Olivia D.

media type="custom" key="23696536"

The video I chose as my civil rhetoric example shows how one completely random act of kindness can begin a domino effect. Not only is the video footage itself useful, but by using the song "One Day" by Matisyahu, the video also gives a message of utopia; a world where there is no longer war and children can live in peace and prosperity. ~Olivia D.

media type="custom" key="23696708"

For my deceptive rhetoric example I chose a commonly seen TV commercial for Crest Whitening Strips. The ad itself claims that “in just two hours you can have a noticeably whiter smile”. Now, I will admit, from personal experience that using Crest Whitening Strips will whiten your teeth, over a period of time. It is doubtful, however, that anyone who used the whitening strips for only the advertised two hours ever saw the same dramatic change in the color of their teeth that the commercial dramatized. In fact, Crest itself recommends that consumers use the product for multiple consecutive days. Thus, this commercial deceives the viewer by making a faulty claim on its product. - Jessica

media type="custom" key="23696712"

As an example of civil and effective rhetoric, and because it mentions Aristotle, I chose the speech that Elle Woods gives at her graduation from Harvard in Legally Blonde. I have included the clip from the movie above, but the speech is as follows: “On our very first day at Harvard, a very wise Professor quoted Aristotle: ‘The law is reason free from passion.’ Well, no offense to Aristotle, but in my three years at Harvard I have come to find that passion is a key ingredient to the study and practice of law -- and of life. It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself. Congratulations class of 2004 – we did it!” This proves to be civil rhetoric because although Elle claims to disagree with Aristotle in her speech, she still manages to respect him and the idea presented in his quote. The speech also represents effective rhetoric since it is so convincing to those listening. The Harvard graduates, and more importantly the movie’s viewers, must be inspired by her words, “… that first impressions aren’t always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself”. - Jessica



My example for manipulative rhetoric is an old cigarette add. This implies that someone who smokes will be beautiful, happy, and slim. It makes people believe that smoking will improve your life, rather than end it. This makes women believe smoking is beautiful and lady- like, rather than unhealthy and unclean. -Julee

media type="custom" key="23696794" This is a motivational speech by a small child to work hard in life and never give up. It gives the audience motivation to have a better life and be a better person. This is an example of civil rhetoric because it inspires people and tries to make their lives better. This video shows a small child in a presidential suit giving a (what seems to be) grown- up speech. This can make the audience laugh and it draws them in more because it is very cute. The difference between this and my example for manipulative rhetoric is that the cigarette company turns something that is very bad for your health into something that looks like it is good for you. -Julee

This is an example of a manipulative rhetoric because it is manipulating men into thinking that they are not men if they do not join the navy to help with the war efforts. - Emily Keller

In John F. Kennedy's inaugural address he say, "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man…" His speech encourages the people of America to unify and work for the freedom of the people. -Emily Keller

This video is most definitely an example of civil persuasion; this boy, Zach Sobiech, is suffering from cancer at only 18. In this short documentary, you learn about the positive attitude Zach hoped to put into the world through his song. His main message is to let people know that they do not need to wait to start living their lives until they know their time is running short. While watched and cried to this video, I became persuaded to go and live my life while I can. Alexandra C. media type="custom" key="23697014"

This Pepsi advertisement is a manipulative way to show the competition between Coke and Pepsi. The straw being used to show how one cannot drink Coke because the straw refuses to go in the can. This may be a simple way to show that Pepsi is the drink of choice, but it does imply that Coke is not drinkable. Alexandra C.

My example of deceptive rhetoric is an advertisement I saw in Biomedical Technology last year. The product, POM Wonderful, claims to have "lifesaving" capabilities and asserts that it can be used to treat or prevent heart disease and various cancers. As one might imagine, this began a craze over pomegranate juice, which is by no means a miracle drug. The Federal Trade Commission sought to protect consumers and demanded that POM Wonderful discontinue the manipulative advertisements and health "claims" because they had no support. ~Levi Lovell~

media type="custom" key="23697394" My example of civil, or effective, rhetoric is an inspirational video about a boy’s mother. His mom suffers a cardiac arrest and he is faced with the decision of reviving her (but potentially hurting her) or letting “nature take its course.” She eventually passes after he cries by her side and pours out his love to his dying mom. He uses the quote “Live simply so others may simply live,” by Gandhi. His powerful message is clear in that he encourages people to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and to love those around us. Effective rhetoric can sometimes tug at the emotional side of viewers to influence beliefs or ideas. ~Levi Lovell~

media type="custom" key="23697590" Many commercials on TV today are manipulative without the viewer even realizing it. Dog commercials are an example of this. How could anyone reject such a cute face? When searching for dog commercials, I stumbled upon this. All of the aspects in the commercial are framed to emotionally grab the viewer, such as the sweet music, the adorable elderly man and puppy, and the death of a loved one. This precious story is taking place while advertising something as simple as dog food, which persuades the viewer to buy it. -Kelly Davis



For my civil rhetoric, I chose a very common example. When driving on the highway, it is nearly impossible to miss a billboard advertisement from Values.com. These feature real people who have faced difficult challenges, overcome them, and changed the world in the process. These are honest, and even inspirational, making them effective. -Kelly Davis

The photo below is an example of deceptive rhetoric. It was taken to appear as if harmful chemicals or other substances are being injected into the ear of corn. This is a picture taken for Anti-GMO support. A GMO is a Genetically Modified Organism. Some do not believe that genetically modified food should be allowed in the human food supply due to the fear that it is harmful to people. For example, the majority of the corn that we eat is called Bt (__ Bacillus thuringiensis) __corn. It has been genetically modified to produce its own pesticide so that the crops themselves do not have to be sprayed with harmful chemicals. Though it may seem strange, genetically modified foods, in the long run are more cost effective and safer to consume. -Kathryn Johnson

This short Huggies advertisement is an example of civil and effective rhetoric. In this video, small children are replacing the adults in the work place, in the streets and around town. They are all shown smiling and laughing and seem to be enjoying their life, despite the adversities or daily struggles they may face. This may help remind viewers that sometimes as adults, we make life more complicated than it is and forget to stop and enjoy it. The advertisement says, “Positive Attitude is Everything.” This video can remind us to try and see the glass half full, rather than half empty, much like a small child would. -Kathryn Johnson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_81Vf1mo_nA&feature=player_detailpagemedia type="custom" key="23697484"

media type="custom" key="23697580" //For this manipulative advertisement, the person who is playing the character of PC is being put down by the creator of this video because they are making the PC user look like a fool for their product not becoming any better. This is a manipulative rhetoric because one side is being put down while the other is not. -Wil Church//

media type="custom" key="23697576" For this advertisement there is an example of civil and effective rhetoric. It is done by having people, whether that be celebrities, or ordinary people telling people from the LGBT community that their lives will get better as they grow older. -Wil Church

The photo below is obviously both manipulative and deceptive. It is a proven fact that butter is not good for you and it sure doesn't "lubricate our veins and arteries". There is no kind of factual basis at all for this ad. The makers are just using this child and deceptive "nutrition tip" to manipulate as many people as possible into buying butter under the impression it is healthy. -Ian York



The video below shows civil rhetoric. The man in it is Professor Randy Pausch and he is giving his last speech in his battle with pancreatic cancer to the students of Carnegie University. In his speech he talks about how he feels life should be live. He says, in the speech, to always live in the moment and to regret nothing you have done, but only the things you have not done. He also talks about how you shouldn't live in fear of death and should take the opportunity to instead find a passion and follow it with all of your heart. The speech sends a clear message to make the most of your life while you still can. -Ian York

media type="custom" key="23697894"

For my example of manipulative rhetoric, I chose one of my favorite advertisements that I saw as a junior. This is an image of two rats doing, "Rat-X", to send the message that teenagers abusing drugs is something that will kill them too. -Abel Walker

My example of Civil rhetoric is when John Lennon launched his campaign against the Vietnam War. He paraded through the U.S giving speeches about peace, and even wrote the song mentioned above that most Americans enjoy around Christmas time. -Abel Walker