Most of us can remember exactly what we were doing on 9/11/2001, the day that the twin towers were attacked. It was an unbelievable and frightening time for many of us. In the speech given by George W Bush the night of the terrorist attacks, he uses Reich’s Cultural Parable of the Benevolent Community to elevate patriotism.
He mentions that terrorist can shake the foundations of buildings but not the foundation of Americans. The terrorists can dent steel but cannot bend the steel of American resolve. He uses “we” several times and pointed out many examples of how “we” as a nation are working together to overcome the tragedy. “our” first responders, military, volunteers who gave blood, emergency teams, government personnel are all doing their parts. He assured us that all areas of the law enforcement community will search for those responsible for the terrorism. A great people “we” have been moved to defend a great nation. “we” will not tolerate these attacks. Americans, “we” were attacked because we are the bright beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world, and no one will stop that from continuing. He thanks those around the world for “us” the American people. Americans “we” will join with allies who want peace and stand against terrorists. All Americans “we” will unite for our resolve and justice and peace. “we” will fight for freedom. “we” will fight for justice.
In Reich’s cultural parables, he identifies four narratives that appear within the American culture. By using hope or fear, the message that is being sent will resonate with the listener. The Mob at the Gates narrative could work here because of the fear we were all feeling. However, Bush really was speaking to give our nation hope and to draw us closer together as one nation under God. He used the Benevolent Community Narrative which explains the overuse of “we” and “Americans”. Along with his speech, the images we were watching on TV compelled us to want to “pull up our sleeves and pitch in for the common good”
At the time it was given, I remember his speech being a needed calm and assurance that justice will prevail. It did instill patriotism, although before this speech was given most of us spent all day watching the events unfold on T.V. and already had our sense of patriotism brewing within us. For example, the hours that followed the 9/11 attacks I was moved to hang the American flag in front of my house. Within hours the entire neighborhood followed that lead, finding comfort in showing our patriotism. Other people travelled many miles to volunteer and assist cleanup efforts, locals all offered services, anything we could do to feel that we as a community can somehow make sense of such a tragedy.
The process premise of need is used constantly throughout Bush’s speech. Our nation had a need to handle the immediate crisis at hand which was done by the first responders. Bush made it clear that justice will be served, which appeals to our need of safety and emotional security. We had a need to feel calm and safe, as we feared more attacks could still happen, threatening more American lives. This was for many of us the first time that we felt a loss of power and pride as a nation. We had a belief that our military protects us from having attacks on American soil. The self-actuation of our immortality led us the need belonging and patriotism.
Bush did a very good job at subtly convincing all of us that we as a nation want the same things…freedom, justice and peace. He asked for us to pray for those who need comfort, and quoted scripture. He pleaded for us to walk together as Americans so that we may go forward defending freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Although I can hardly stand to hear him speak, he did appeal to our nation in a way that was effective and appropriate under the circumstances.
This was a great example of Reich's parable. This speech hit home for many people. You did an awesome job in your analysis. This speech also played on people emotions as well. Again great job.
ReplyDeleteGreat speech and great analysis! This is pretty much textbook when it comes to Benevolent Community. How could you not want to roll up your sleeves and help out after this speech and the images that accompany this tragedy?
ReplyDeleteCindy, this was a great selection for the Benevolent Community. Rescue workers, strangers and neighbors all helping any way they could. The nation pulled together in a remarkable way during this time.
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis! I wonder if his speech writers had Reich's parables in front of them as they wrote those words because they fit perfectly. It works, it brought the nation together in a dark time. It's a comfort to me to know that this nation can pull together when faced with a threat. It's kind of like a family of siblings who fight with each other but will defend each other against outside forces. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI agree that this fits perfectly with the benevolent community. It was a speech that did unite the nation and helped them feel a reassurance that even though they had been attacked, they would rise again. Justice would be served to the terrorists. Uniting the nation was crucial at this event in history.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that we have to go through a tragedy such as this to unite our country and remember who we are and what we stand for? Bush gave a great speech that brought America together and we forgot everything thing about each other. All we wanted was the best for each other because we are a country standing up together. It didn't matter what race, religion, politics or cultural you are. We are America. The Benevolent Community was the exact parable for this speech. Great analysis of knowing how Bush got people thinking and doing something to bring America together.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly where I was when this happened. The day was a day of silence and awe. A day of destruction as to how and why so many could do this. Seeing our president later that day speak was inspiring and motivating. Opportunities of service were all around us and how we could rally together as a nation in order to stay strong. Some enlisted and others picked up a shovel to rebuild it, while others looked for the survivors among the dead.
ReplyDeleteThe nation did come together and it did rebuild itself. I'm so grateful that are wars that are fought today are fought on their soil not ours.
Good Example. Love him or hate him, there were not democrats or republicans that night. There were only Americans. (ok, that might be a stretch) But, I it would be hard to find someone not willing to rally around the President that night. The country's patriotism level was definitely raised that night and it seemed to linger for a while.
ReplyDeleteI can still remember where I was when the towers went down. I was on a military base in Georgia. I was on my LDS mission. We sat there with a bunch of WW2 veterans and watched as the planes brought the towers down. It was a sad day for America. I loved the presidents response to such a horrible act of terror. American resolve is strong as steal and cannot be shaken by acts of evil and terror. We are the brightest beacon of light, opportunity and freedom. To me that is what America is! Great speech and great analysis Cindy.
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