Ain't I Right By Marty Robbins
The song "Ain't I Right" by Marty Robbins was a widely popular song produced in 1966 in order to portray the detrimental affects communism has on the U.S. Through the use of pathos, Robbins is able to demonstrate the widespread dysfunction and division that communism causes within the U.S. and the importance of banishing such ideology in the nation. The song itself has an fast beat, which is generally associated with happy music, despite the message of the song being far more serious. Robbins mentions the struggle of the common people, the corruption within the government and the great divide that communistic activities are causing within the nation, all of which are issue to be taken seriously. The purpose behind this contrasting tone and message is to appeal to a much larger audience; by making the music more upbeat and "catchy", people are more likely to listen to it in times of leisure and agree with the conclusions of the singer as compared to if the beat were more melancholy. Throughout the passage, the author mentions repetitively how the communists do not care for the people, insisting that these people have much to gain from American suffering and see this activism and destruction to American ideals as "a game". By portraying communists as uncaring people who see American ideals as "a game", Robbins is able to incite anger into the listener, as this passage makes it seem Americans are being taken advantage of, something that no true American desires. Robbins repeats the phrase "Ain't I Right" every time he criticizes communism; he does this in order to make it seems as though Americans are reaching their own conclusions of right and wrong, despite simply following the ideas laid out to them by the singer. Through the use of pathos, Marty is able to successfully convince his audience the detrimental effects communism is having on this nation, as well as the effects if such communist policies were put in place.
-Shaher Bano
I appreciate your interpretation of the cartoon. The ethos in cartoons can be difficult to analyze, however, your description and explanation of Uncle Sam was very elucidative. It would have also been interesting to see you shed light on the different countries shown.
ReplyDeleteShaher, this song is fascinating! At first, I felt certain the singer was being ironic. But, the more I listened, the more I realized that tone would draw me and give me a sense of optimism, not irony. Cool text and ncie analysis of appeal to pathos.
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