has a cluster of related words and images, noted here in terms of: name-calling (attack words, demonizing the enemy);"horror stories"& "atrocity pictures" (telling and showing what the enemy does, or will do). Note the common problem/solution sequence: Threat (stirring up emotions, intensifying fears); Bonding (getting together a group); for a Cause (a sense of duty, idealistic purpose); Response (targeted action). Such "committed collective action" is here called the "pep talk."
from Persuasion Analysis | Hugh Rank | ©2005 | http:// faculty.govst.edu/pa [Home]
Naming & describing the threats, the feared actions, and the agents-
abdicate
aggressors
arrogant
beat
bow
capitulate
cede
conquer
control
command
competitors
condescending
defeat
defer
degradation
degrade
dependent
disdain
disgrace
dishonor
dominate
domineering
enemies
foes
give in
give up
haughty
humble
humiliate, humiliation
insolent
lose
obey
oppressors
overbearing
overcome
overwhelm
patronize
relent
relinquish
resign
serve
subdue
subjugation
subordinate
submission, submit
subservient
succumb
supercilious
surrender
surmount
tyrannical, tyrants
vanquish
victory, victorious
win, winner
yield
The feared threat is dominance by, or submission to, or humiliation
by, a stronger other. We don't fear the weaker. Dominance and submission
are relationships possible between two parties, or among several in a
hierarchy, a "pecking order."
Kinds of dominance vary: physical strength, social status,
ideological "moral" dominance. Power, like money,
may be a "common denominator," a means to all
other ends.
Degree of dominance varies from absolute domination to relative co-existence.
Audiences differ in their standards of feeling "humiliated."
Some overreact, taking affront at the slightest insult; others perhaps
underreact.
Certainly, one of the most reported facets of the "Arab Street" today is the humiliation factor -- and the resulting anger, resentment, and bitterness -- felt by many Arabs and Muslims relating to the actions of the Israelis in Palestine, and the Americans in Iraq.
Conservative rhetoric of those who HAVE certain benefits (power, control, strength) stresses protection (keep the "good") and prevention (avoid the "bad"). HAVES fear loss of control (submission, powerlessness, impotency).
Progressive rhetoric of those who HAVE-NOT certain benefits (power, control) stresses acquisition (get the "good") and relief (change, get rid of the "bad"). HAVE-NOTS fear continued deprivation (submission, lack of control, humiliation).
Images common in "atrocity pictures" about domination
Images emphasize
large size, huge number (huge flags, banners; massed troops, large crowds, demonstrators)
bodily strength (giants, muscular bodies, heroic-size statues, paintings)
fierce, powerful animals (lion, tiger, bull, horse, dragon)
powerful natural forces (lightning, thunder, waves, storms, stormtroopers, blitzkrieg)
powerful machines (tanks, trains, battleships, dynamo)
monumental architecture as symbol and evidence of power.
Victims of power abused: the weak, defenseless, poor, women, children, elderly, fragile.
