Monday, August 31, 2015

Media Deconstruction



The Blaze is a magazine published by radio host Glen Beck. Glen also has a TV station which carries the name, The Blaze as well.  Glen’s work is most often controversial as he believes in discussing and vocalizing the government’s political scheme.  In this May 2014 issue, The Blaze, focuses in on the controversy of common core standards and the effect they will have on our kids, our freedom, and our future. This article was written by the executive editor of the magazine, Chris Fields.

The cover of this magazine draws us into the parent’s perspective by having readers portray the children at the desks as their “very own flesh and blood”.  It also puts us into a common core scare, so to say. If you have little to no background knowledge on common core one might think that it is a devastating plot for their children and their future. Also, let’s not forget about the graphics of this magazine cover. The magazine name is written in large, bold, bright red lettering, with the catchy slogan tied to it which reads “the truth lies here”. 

In my opinion, this article is has one viewpoint. The magazine cover reads and is designed  in a way to correlate the words “common core” with things such as fear, truth, persecution. The way these words are used and the word usage of the words in the text trigger and convince readers that common core should be associated with negative thoughts and effects. Therefore, if you are reading without prior knowledge of what common core is you have lost the battle and fallen victim to the author’s own opinion.

I believe that the main persuasive technique used, as I have already mentioned is emotional appeals. This is the correct term for the use of the words “fear and persecution” that is found in the text. I also believe that this word usage could also be considered the use of loaded language.

"Glenn Beck." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

2 comments:

  1. Chelsea,
    We have the same views from this article. I thought that the persuasive technique would be emotional appeals as well because it is talking about threats to our children and our future. They are using those buzzwords that cause some people to panic when they see them. I thought this article was one sided as well. I thought it was a little strange that it talked about our children being in danger but the image didn't really show that. It looked like a regular classroom with students working at their desks.

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  2. We have similar views on this image. I happen to have little knowledge on the CC and I agree, if I had a child in school and came across this article, I feel I would read it and be upset with what it said. Emotional appeal is definitely in work here with the word "threat" being used against our kids, country, and freedom! These are major claims and it is easy to see how/why parents would get upset and therefore dislike the CC before they are properly filled in with the accurate information.

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