This is an interesting interview with Sarah Palin, as she voices her opinion on abortion and evolution. The most interesting aspect of this interview to me was the way she used rhetoric to get around the questions. She never straight out answers the questions. In this situation Palin needed to stand up for what she believes and say it so people will respect her. She eventually answers the question but because she takes her time to get to the point, people will view her as weak and unfit to run our county.
She does, however, use certain words and ideas in her speech to connect with Americans. She uses God terms like “support” and “life” to appeal to young Americans who may be in the situation concerning abortion. She wants the viewers of this interview to feel connected to her and come out with a positive outlook on her anti-abortion view. Palin wants them to feel supported and recognize the importance of life.
Sarah Palin stays away from Devil terms so no one watching will get a negative view of her. She wants Americans to know where she stands, but she doesn’t want to come off too strongly, so she always says she “personally” believes these things so viewers still believe there is hope for things to change. She stays away from negative terms involving abortion and only speaks on supporting those victims of such things as rape or incest.
Concerning evolution, Palin confuses the viewers by stating two opinions. She over talks herself in this interview. She states that she supports teaching evolution in schools, but follows that comment by stating her belief in God’s creation of the Earth. You can tell she is trying to make everyone happy in this interview, but ends up loosing sight of what she wants to stand up for.
What does this say about society’s ability to stand up for their beliefs?
Well Holly, I think it is very hard, especially for politicians, to directly say what they believe in for the fear of being reprimanded (by the media or citizens) or hurting someone else’s feelings. It looks like Sarah Palin deliberately stayed away from any negative connotations and her believes, because American citizens who feel opposite of her could tear her apart. Also, Palin’s job requires votes, so she can not lose any votes but by her doing a, I suppose, strategic move during the interview by steering away from an “yes” or “no” answer to a more “I want to support victims” answer. She may not be as dumb as people say, her interview about abortion proves it, because if she said anything like abortion should be illegal or I disapprove, then a negative outcome could of came out of it. I think politicians have a harder job to be able to say what they directly believe in, because they have to uphold an image for the public. However, Citizens should stand up for their beliefs otherwise we would not be where we are today. Example, riots and protests are about belief’s to make the nation better.
ReplyDeleteHolly, You note that Palin stays away from "Devil terms" in this interview. I'm curious: What are some Devil terms that "pro-lifers" sometimes use in the context of the abortion debate?
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that a lot of "pro-lifers" are more bold and tend to use "Devil terms" like murder or death. They use negative words to demonize abortion. They talk about it being unlawful and immoral. They use harsh language to make a bold statement and scare people away from abortion.
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