Author Archives: d.diaz2

Campaign Ad Analysis

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In Nixon’s 1972 campaign ad the purpose is to try and have the people see Nixon as a normal, relatable man, rather than just a president. This was the year for Nixon’s re-election, meaning the people were comfortable with him as president, but maybe wanted a closer look into who they were voting for.

The Vietnam war was still going during this time. The people of the United States were very afraid of the possibilities. Re-electing Nixon was more comfortable and safer for the people at that time. Nixon’s campaign ad is very different from the standard patriotic campaign ads that we are use to seeing.

The campaign is trying to relate us to Nixon in a way that he can be perceived as more than just a public figure. In fact in the very beginning, the narrator states: “Most of us see him only as a public figure, in this film we can glimpse a private man at work and in his relaxed moments. The man so few people know.” The campaign is trying to reach to those who think that he was only president and could not be a kind hearted man with real moments. The video is filled with real life, personal moments.

After the introduction of him being alone and at work, there is a more fun side of him exposed. During an event at the white house, president Nixon stood up in front of all the guests to let them know that there was also a birthday celebration. Nixon personally wished Duke Ellington a happy birthday by playing the piano in the wrong key, showing he isn’t perfect, and sang along with all the guests. This is an important clip, because it shows that he cares about his friends and guests. He also acknowledge things like birthdays and that he may not be the best piano player.

Although the video is showing a man that you can relate to, it doesn’t lose its main point, he is our president for a reason. The video, in between clips of touching moments, take the viewer behind the scenes of the white house where you can see Nixon being a firm, strong leader. For example, right after the wedding scene there is a scene where Nixon is shutting out something he doesn’t believe in with a strong firm voice saying “absolutely not.” The clip of him being a strong leader, is then followed by another personal clip.

The clip of president Nixon at his daughters wedding is the most powerful, in my opinion, because it shows that even with all the important things and responsibilities as president, he doesn’t forget the important moments. However, the choice of showing him walking her down the aisle, instead of sitting in the audience, still reminds the view that he is a strong leader. Similar feeling with the reception scene, where he is hugging and shaking hands with the guests, it shows that he cares, but still takes care of everyone.

The pattern then continues, after the wedding scene there’s a quick, further shot, of him on the phone discussing private presidential business. Now this can be perceived two ways: he was at his daughters wedding and still made time for work, or he was at his daughters wedding and knew when it was time to return to work. Either way, it shows that no matter how busy he may be, he is always on top of our country making sure that everything is in its place.

Campaign Ad used: http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1972

Declaration of Independence & Constitution

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Declaration of independence

The Declaration of independence is a famous text that was written to form our country. The tone was strict and firm, to enforce the way of life that our finders wanted. A big, “we the people theme”, can be that the men who wrote the papers were very hypocritical. As well, a good theme would be that the language used can be interpreted in many ways, so it can change with the time and culture, which it was many times. A great example would be slavery and discrimination. The first statement “all men are created equal” has created much controversy when African-american citizens were not being treated equally. Leaders such as Martin Luther King, used the Declaration of Independence to support his case.

The Constitution

The Constitution is another famous text that was written with the standard Bill of Rights and 17 that have been added. The Bill of Rights are straight forward and protect our freedom as American citizens. The tone used is very welcoming and encourages people to want to be in the United States. We were built on rebels, who wanted to have the freedom to believe and do what they mostly wanted, you can see that in the Bill of Rights. A theme for “we the people”, can be about how the amendments have helped people all around the world in the country. Another theme could be about the 17 added amendments that were formed to assimilate with time, such as the 19th which gave woman the right to vote. Today, the Constitution is used for things such as legalizing gay marriage, abortion, and gun laws. Many people believe that making abortion legal, will vandalize their first amendment. More importantly, people have been trying to get the second amendment changed, because of the amount of shootings in the past few years. However, it won’t be easy, since many people believe that their rights cannot be changed or taken away, for any reason.