The Appearance of Protest

This past week we looked at the Yes Men as well as the influence of punk rock culture. Appearance and perspective are key to both as the views and ideas held by the audience are shaped by their affect.

The Yes Men offer a humorous mockery of several political issues and individuals. In order to prove how abstract and manipulative some aspects of our politics can be, Andy and Mike impersonate and mock representatives from President Bush to members of the World Trade Organization. To them, appearance to their audience is important not to boost their own status, but to lower that of others. The Yes Men's intention is to make flaws and fallacies of authority figures and organizations known to the public through overemphasis and exaggeration of certain elements in the various presentations that they make worldwide. I believe that the Yes Men are unconcerned with the way they personally appear to their audiences since their cause is the focus of each event. This also allows them to be more effective and establish greater ethos in that the success of their objectives is more important than the personal recognition to gain.

Secondly, we read the article, "Punk Isn't Dead," and learned about the beginnings of the rebellious movement and how it was started. We determined that punk culture is a rebellion against authority and other social norms including, but not limited to, attitude and appearance. The punk movement encourages anti-establishment causes and prefers separation from society in dress and character. Many who fall into this category wear anything from plain dark attire to elaborate and grundgy costume-like clothing. This ususally creates a contrast against the normal attire of modern society, therefore creating the desired effect. Often those considered "punk" exhibit a carefree attitude and don't worry about the judgements of others. In addition, we also discussed how some people have jumped on the punk bandwagon and see the style simply as fashionable - not as a protest. Typically, these people do not hold the same beliefs about society and its authority, however may initially appear to be part of the rebellious statement. In many cases, the punk movement is defined by appearance, whether it is genuine or not.

PETA and the Guerrilla Girls

I do not support the ideas and beliefs of PETA, however I must add that I was rather impressed with the website in that it exceeded my expectations. When I typically think of a PETA protest I think of the naked marches and the splattered paint on others wearing fur. I think of abstact posters/billboards and other media, and I also think of very opinionated and forceful members. However, the image portrayed on the website offers a much more professional view of the organization. There are several comparisons made, and though some are taken as silly, anyone looking at the website will notice the effort that PETA makes to respectfully sway or convert the beliefs of the opposed. I was also surprised to see the organizations acceptance of an individual's transition away from meat and animal products. I believe that the official website provides a better welcome than the protestors demonstrations typically seen in news headlines.

Another example of protest that we looked at this week is the Guerrilla Girls. I was initially confused about their intentions, although it did become clear after looking at some of their billboards and flyers. I noticed that the Guerrilla Girls want to raise awareness for professional women in Hollywood. I particularly like the billboard with Trent Lott on the Oscar award. It list a couple of statistics and also includes humor with the mis-matched head on the Oscar, being that of Trent Lott who is a major political figure. The poster drew attention to the fact that more women are involved in politics than in film production. I thought it was a creative way to inform people and not be to abstract or offensive. They have found a creative way to express their feminist views in a funny way that very effective.

Thoughts on Critical Mass

First of all, I am glad I watched "We Are Traffic" before witnessing Critical Mass in action on the roadways. I think I would have a much different response had I not been informed as to what exactly is going on. Now that I have seen the short film, I feel that I have a greater appreciation not only for Critical Mass, but for bicyclists too. I think their mass organization is a protest, but I believe it can only be taken as far as the individual level. It is possible that each one involved in a ride could represent a variety of different issues that they wish to be addressed. We mentioned in previous blogs that a protest could be a group or as small as one person who grabs attention for an issue. But could it be said that Critical Mass is a combination thereof? It is hard to classify Critical Mass as something specific when it is such a "non-specific" organization. Anyone who wants to be a part of it, can, and anyone is free to ride for a reason of their own choosing. I have slightly mixed feelings about Critical Mass - I think it is a comical way to raise awareness for bicyclists, but I feel that it can also get a little out-of-hand if members randomly stray from the control of the group. Overall, I am impressed with the success of the organization, seeing that it has spread to nations overseas as a means of "celebration" for all bicyclists.

Appeal to Credibility

Ethos is very important in the argument of a protest in that support is usually gained as a result of agreement. Cindy Sheehan is one example of an individual seeking support for a cause. In order to do so she must demonstrate credibility and prove herself as a trustworthy source. I believe that she does provide credibility to her intended audience simply because she is directly involved in the issue as a result of her son's death in Iraq. The loss of her son is her primary motivation in her attack against the war efforts and other issues supported by President Bush. As a mother, she is able to relate to other parents who are concerned for the well being of there sons and daughters involved in the war. She appeals to their sense of pride, parenthood, and mourning for those who have already lost loved ones. However, she comes across to me as a rather harsh and hasty protestor. Her involvement with this issue began immediately after the loss of her son and now she claims to be running against Nancy Pelosi. Her efforts seem to be a little unorganized and I feel that many people lost interest in the story for that reason. None the less, she is still making her way into the U.S. media, so she has experienced some success even in that.

In the Malachi Ritscher case, the ultimate method to get attention for a cause was demonstrated in his self immolation. He was able to gain national attention due to the severe manner in which he protested. He took his own life to draw public attention. This may be a successful way to get attention, but I believe it is a terrible way to protest. I believe that more can be accomplished when living. In his case, he could have alternately used music to protest his beliefs as many muscians take advantage of today. Ritscher lost credibility with many reporters and analysts, as seen in their critical commentary. They claim that his death was not necessary and inappropriate. Malachi Ritscher did gain attention, but protesting itself needs more than attention to accomplish the end result.

Appeals in Film and Speech

As I think back to the two film clips we watched I easily noticed the logostical appeals present. Testimonials, the first-hand accounts of certain events of the civil rights movement appealed to the viewer's logic in that it serves as evidence, to some degree, of the given actions. The films display scences of marches, picketts, and even sit-ins to demonstrate the non-violent manner in which many African Americans protested their limited rights within American society. Also present were examples of pathetic appeal, as images ran across the screen showing peaceful protestors physically harmed and imprisoned for their demonstrations. As a result, the viewer feels pitty for those peacefully protesting and likely has sympathy for the victims. I believe that the clips encourage the viewers to re-think previously held judgements and consider the positive progress in civil rights made by the individuals of the protests.

The speech made by Stokely Carmichael is another example of how appeals can influence the perspective of an audience. He establishes the fact that he is a proven leader and effective organizer as he states his involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), thereby gaining not only the trust, but also the respect from his audience. His appeal to his own credibility strengthen his argument and allow the audience to maintain confidence in his agruments and claims.

Fannie Lou Hamer's speech also establishes ethical appeals as she offers a first hand account of her beatings and physical abuse. Her audience is very likely to believe her story and therefore they will be more receptive to her claims. Hamer also demonstrates her ability to apply pathetic appeals in her speech as she describes the harshness and brutality she faced while imprisioned. I think that sympathy and a desire for change is stirred in those that she speaks to and is a consequence of her articulation and basic diction.