Speeches #3

A rhetorical analysis make the world go round. All the leaders that have ever been elected in our history have been the result of persuasion. No popular political candidate has every risen to power because of a boring personality. That is why politics becomes more of a popularity contest than an actual contest between two people who can actually lead something.

I read something the other day about a Havard Law teacher who wanted to run for President. The New York Times was saying that he didn't have a chance... not because he wasn't qualified because he didn't have anything that would propel him forward. How sad is it that the USA is run by people who have a recognizable last name. The Bush's, Clinton's, and Kennedy's of this world have it made as politicians. Now, that isn't always true but in some cases it is. This professor of Law at Harvard could run circles around the big name candidates of the day; yet, he has no chance because he doesn't receive support.

It's all topzy turbzy. One of the reasons I picked Ronald Reagan for my paper about speeches is due to the fact that he was relatively unknown. Yes he was an actor, but he had no credential to back himself up on. That is what inspires me, people who make their own path. People who don't ride on the coat tails of those who went before. (This is not to say that the current political candidates aren't good, I'm just giving an example.)

Ethos #2

How do things get done? This is a question that all scientists, theorists, physicists, and maybe even terrorist have asked. It is something that you may ask. Something is usually done by a living organism if enough persuasion is involved. Think about the life you are leading! You may enjoy a specific sport, you may enjoy a certain food, and you may even worship a type of animal all because of the persuasion involved. We live our lives in constant subjection to attractive elements of the world we live in.

Aristotle explains that ethos is really just a form of persuasion. You live the way you do and you do the things you do because of that one syllable word... ethos.

A Radical Change #1

There were some elements of David A. Bednars talks on technology that forced me to reconsider my position on social media. Although extremely critical on one side he is largely persuasive on the other. Many of us struggle to find that balance of using social media in the most productive way and avoid abusing it in a negative way.

                  In his talk “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood” Elder Bednar explains that we can increase our capacity to do good by wisely using technology. He says that he is “confident all of us also recognize how technology has accelerated family history and temple work, our individual and family study of the restored gospel, and made it possible for us to learn about, see, and experience the world in remarkable ways.” He explains that these tools not only improve our personal progression, but allows us to spread information about the gospel to the whole world. Bednar remarks that “a technology known as social media is evolving in our day and playing an increasingly important role in hastening the work of salvation.” This statement gives a larger perspective of the positive effect that technology and social media have. It’s not just about innovation and connecting humanity, it’s about “hastening the work of salvation,” which is of greatest importance.

                  To provide a contrast and warning about the potential hazard of technology and social media, Elder Bednar shows us the ugly flip side. In “Things as They Really Are,” the negative impact of the technology boom must be considered. Elder Bendar talks in great length about the importance of our bodies and the outcomes that might beset us if we choose not to obey moral laws. If we can’t “possess [our] vessel” or have self control as Paul tells the Thessalonians we may become subject to unwanted consequences. Losing our identity in social media is one of those pitfalls. Converting ourselves into a lesser digital existence goes against the Plan of Salvation that God decreed.

                  Everyone can recognize the importance of being smart with technology and social media. There are hazards and dangers that may haunt us if we are not careful. That being said, we cannot miss the opportunities to do good and assist the progressing work of salvation. Previously I have avoided social media and technology, but now I will heed to the advice of Elder Bendnar. I will make a radical change and embrace the possibilities of social media. There are distant places great opportunities that can only be reached by the tap of a key or the click of a button.