Douglas Fir Examines Propaganda
By: Sarah Grace Forbes (one of four group members)
NAME-CALLING AND ARGUMENTUM AD HOMINEM
NAME-CALLING
There are several examples of name calling in this post. Name-calling refers to using derogatory terms to describe a competitor in order to draw attention to their inferiority or other inadequate traits, or, in Fir’s case, warning his supporters against the danger of Pines.
“They take pleasure in the pain of others.”
This is name-calling because it clearly and intentionally degrades Pine through the use of deprecating concepts, like the notion of deriving a sadistic pleasure from others’ pain.
“They call Candidate Fir “fictional.”
This is name-calling of a different nature; instead of Fir taking the offensive, he is merely pointing out that Pine doesn’t hesitate to foully insult Fir himself. As we all know, “fictional” is lewd language of the worst kind, especially when regarding the eminent Douglas Fir. How dare they.
“They send emails from the future.”
Though the common folk may not regard this as an especially…evil… wrongdoing, we have it on good authority that is nothing less than a frightening assault on the very fabric of reality, an illegal breach of the fifth dimension, and, consequently, cause for distress. Therefore, to name Pine as a courier for such illicit activities such as “sending emails from the future” is much the same as calling him a “slur on the moral government of the world” (John Quincy Adams).
ARGUMENTUM AD HOMINEM
“Everyone who supports Pine is a homicidal maniac who deserves to be institutionalized.”
Though it pains me greatly to admit it, this is, indeed, a fallacious attack on Pine supporters. While Fir generally makes it his business to criticize only Pine’s political probity, here he attacks Pine’s supporters and expects you to judge Pine’s political constitutionality on the basis of a hasty generalization of the mental health of the majority of his supporters.
PICTORIAL TESTIMONIAL AND LOADED WORDS
PICTORIAL TESTIMONIAL
This blog post is a pictorial testimonial because it features both famed politicians in an attempt to use their images to sway your opinion of them (or, in some cases, what they’re advocating). Below, Pine, the red-tinted lion, is depicted with a hideously maimed deer bearing the caption “That is the economy” dangling from his maw. The violent nature of the picture coupled with the connotations of his actions (mauling the economy beyond repair) is intended to repulse the reader/viewer and incite aversion towards Pine.
In contrast, Fir, the noble beast with the green eyes, is looking fondly down on a baby lion labeled “The future of America,” giving the impression that he is gently nurturing it on to achieve greatness. The picture suggests (in no uncertain terms) that Fir, given the kindly nature of his image, is infinitely more suited to the position of leading our glorious nation.
LOADED WORDS
Loaded words are words that bear the power to evoke emotion in the reader/viewer. Some loaded words/phrases in the post above are:
Scary- This word is meant to incite uneasiness, perhaps even terror.
Economy- This word speaks volumes, especially considering its current state, because its well-being affects the lives of almost everybody in the nation. Drawing on it creates the longing for its improvement, not the desire to have it damaged even further.
Future of America- This phrase will appeal to those concerned for their welfare at the hands of a new president. Which is to say, all American humans. Obviously, this phrase is not going to have an impact on alien life forms or Pine supporters.
Pleasant- Meant to induce a very mild sense of euphoria, similar to that experienced upon smiling.
Coming for you next- Conjures dread and a renewed passion for bringing Pine to justice.
~ Sarah Grace Forbes, 8th grade LA Janik
