Media Meditation: State of the Union

Is Obama Giving Away Free Cars?

...No

Then Why is Everyone Clapping?




1. TRIUNE BRAIN

I think that President Obama's address mostly thrived on reaching people's limbic brain. It seems that he focused mostly on what American people are feeling, which I think works in his favor because it is shows that he is aware of what is happening within our country at this time.

President Obama did trigger the reptilian brain, otherwise we wouldn't have seen everyone getting up and down, up and down, to applaud. I think this symbolize that people are willing to "fight" alongside Obama during this time.

Our neocortex brain is also stimulated because we are made to listen to what is being said by President Obama and actually make meaning of it.


2. EIGHT TRENDS


Epistemological Shift:
President Obama's speech has changed from just being a speech to a televised event, and then being put on the Internet.

Technological Shift:
I was at work when President Obama gave his State on the Union message, and it really didn't matter because I was able to watch it the next day online on my laptop.

Personal Shift:
We are BLOGGING about President Obama's speech...! We take part in expressing what we think about the State of the Union message.

Aesthetic Shift:
President Obama was able to use some humor within his speech which somewhat blurs the lines between news and entertainment.


Economic Shift:
President Obama addressed his concerns about big businesses and how small businesses should be able to thrive just as much.

Discursive Shift:
There are definitely things that the government does not want us to know, and they are also able to only tell part of the story and get away with it.

Cultural Shift:
Throughout President Obama's speech I couldn't help but wonder how much information the government actually has on me.


3. SEVEN PRINCIPLES

"Reality" Construction/Trade-offs: What are more of the challenges that the United States will meet before things actually get better? I think that it is hard to address the entire story when you are trying to keep morale up.

Production Techniques: I think it's interesting to show different camera shots and when they are being used. It is a little hokey when the audience is being shown, and it looked like First Lady Michelle was about to fall asleep when they first showed her.

Value Messages: President Obama was trying to send a positive message that the United States is back on our feet and that it is only going to get better.

Ownership: The President wants more people to stand behind him and his choices, and is trying to portray himself and his administration in the best light.

Individual Meaning: What I find most meaningful from President Obama's address is the fact that it actually seems that he genuinely cares about all Americans, and wants to make changes that will benefit the country as a whole.

Emotional Transfer: This medium reaches the emotion of patriotism. President Obama is talking to all Americans about what is happening and what needs to be changed in order for America to be on it's A game.

Pacing: I think that the pacing was slow compared to what we are used to normally viewing. I think that this is on purpose, that way it is easier to focus on what is being said, and not what you are seeing.


4. TECHNIQUES OF PERSUASION

Rhetorical Questions:

Humor: Stating the fact that he hated the bailouts for banks, and that they were as popular as a root canal. Oh, Obama, so silly!

Repetition: "We cut taxes for...", President Obama stated this before each group of people he listed.

Plain Folks: President Obama talked about where he has visited across the nation to talk to everyday Americans.

Warm Fuzzies: President Obama talked about the letters that he reads from children who ask about when they can go back home.

Group Dynamics: Using "we", "us", and "together", throughout his entire speech.

Strength: President Obama stating that we are a nation of strength and that no matter what the U.S. will prevail.

Scientific Evidence: Giving stats about how many Americans are out of work, how many jobs have been saved, and how much money has been spent and/or saved.


5. THESIS:

President Obama's State of the Union message stated that although times have been tough, and will be tough, things are slowly getting better, and the most important part of his presidency is creating jobs for Americans.


6. THREE FACTS:

-A State of the Union has been given for the past 220 years.

-Income Tax has not risen a single penny for anyone over this past year.

-Banks are lending mostly to large companies and corporations rather that small businesses, even if they are profitable.