1. Note an example of ethos, pathos, and logos in your essay: Cite and explain (1-2 sentences each).
An example of ethos in my essay would be through the use of story-telling. “There were many discourse cultural societies within this town…several Bengali functions would be organized weekly to get our community together.” My past experiences display my credibility in writing. An example of pathos in my essay would be being inclusive in my writing to not only Bengali-Americans but to anyone that grew up between two cultures. “Cultural gap assumptions are immediately drawn against ‘westernized Bengalis.’ Frankly, these conventions are haggard alongside any westernized version of a culture.” An example of logos in my writing is shown through using historical terms to describe American culture. “America is known to be a melting pot consisting of many discourse communities mixed into one.”
2. Write a short summary and analysis of a song, photo, short poem, movie scene, music video scene, or TV show scene you know well. This is a first experiment—a first attempt at using concepts we’ll get much more practice honing. For a written example, see the summary and analysis of Finding Nemo (109-110) or see Blankenship’s many prompt questions from the Black Lives Matter protest photo (106-107). Use at least three recent vocabulary words. 8-9 sentences.
In the song “Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar, he sings about how money brings purpose, ease, and lavishness into one’s everyday life through the use of pathos. “Money trees is the perfect place for shade and that’s just how I feel.” It also saves you from the daily difficulties people face. However, at the same time, money can also lead to evil things, “but the one in front of the gun lives forever.” This has been seen through individuals highlighted in media, “dreams of living life like rappers do.” Desperate people trying to make money can go to great malicious lengths, “what else is a thug to do when you eatin’ cheese from the government? Gotta provide for my daughter…” The exigence is that Lamar believes this pattern of going to malicious lengths has been especially seen in people that have grown up in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. Neighborhoods where gang activity and violence are prevalent. He gives an insight into his own life in the past through the lyrical choices in this song.
3. What did you notice about doing this summary and analysis activity? What questions, doubts, connections, opposing views, uncertainties, or observations do you have? 4-5 sentences.
By doing this summary I noticed that most, if not all, songs, poems, and speeches utilize the use of ethos, pathos, and logos. In the specific song I analyzed, I have opposing views with the violent culture that was described in efforts to achieve wealth. I agree with the concept that money brings ease into our everyday lives, however, it should never be at the expense of someone else’s life. It is interesting to observe the desperateness and lengths that individuals undergo to achieve wealth and status.
Thanks, Tasnim! For me, the word “interesting” in your final reflection is an open door through which a whole paper could walk. What interests, troubles, excites, or alarms you about the world you think the song is pointing you toward? What is the difference between making a song about a subject and just living it out? How does the song attempt to affect your emotions (pathos!) and how and where does it succeed or fail?
I found it very interesting that you provided song lyrics into your analysis, it really put what you said into perspective. “Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar seems to hit a lot of controversial topics on money, which is a great topic to analyze.