The Analysis Process

So far my analysis paper has had a bit of a slow process. I've had a hard time deciding which speech to analyze. The speeches on Americanrhetoric.com are either a couple paragraphs or 13 pages. After hours of being picky I decided to go with Ronald Regan's D Day speech which was only 4 pages. I'm excited to work on building my analysis skills since I haven't  had much experience. I plan on doing some more research over the weekend. Hopefully I will be successful.

What I've learned so far

     In this class I have learned the importance of Pathos, Ethos, and Logos. I understand that pathos is a writing appeal that captures the audience through emotion. Logos is a writing appeal that means persuading by reasoning. When a passage is logos it uses examples of statistics and facts to help the reader understand in a logical sense. Ethos relates to the credibility of the document. It convinces the reader by the character of the author.  I've also learned the term Kairos. Its a greek word meaning the right moment. Relating back to the Family Proclamation which was published in the right time before the worlds definition of family dramatically changed.  This important document sets clear expectations of how important marriage is between a man and a women. By being released at the time it was it prepared members for the confusion ahead.

      Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave two messages within the last five years. Both were about todays technology and social media. The first talk was titled “Things as They Really Are. In this talk Elder Bednar warned the members of the Church how dangerous gaming and the Internet can be. He informed us that the new virtual world can “disconnect us gradually and physically from things as they really are.” He gave numerous examples of people who were pulled into the virtual world unable to escape. To much time making relationships on the internet can heavily affect the relationships a person has in the real world. He also makes a point of how internet gaming and socializing  can be spiritually numbing if we become addicted. 

In his other talk “To Sweep the Earth as With a Flood” he focuses on the growth of technology and social media in the church. Over the time between his last talk the church has grown in followers on Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. This has been a great tool to share spiritual messages quickly to the world. He also talks about how useful it is to the missionaries. They are able to make appointments, share gospel videos, and keep a controlled Facebook account that shares important and meaningful insights. The lord is hastening his work by this mass growth of powerful innovations. These programs can be used for good and be a blessing in peoples lives. Towards the end of his talk he invites us to “to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth.” 

Although these talks are similar in topic of internet and social media, they illustrate the good and evil of both extremes. One leaves a tone of disapproval for the extended usage of the internet and the other shares the blessings that can come from sharing good gospel truths. The Internet can be a tool  if used in moderation and for the right purpose.