For my viral video rhetorical analysis I chose the viral video hit, "My New Haircut."
Stance: I believe this video is attacking young males from the South Jersey shore area. It's showing that they are a mockery by exaggerating their aggression, anger, and cockiness among other traits.
Audience: I definitely believe the primary audience are teenage to young adult males. While many would believe the video is funny because of the characters, I think teenage boys and young men who go to the gym and party relate to the video a lot. Those from the tri-state area would relate to it most.
Genre: The video is a satire about young South Jersey shore males.
Purpose: I feel like this video was made to poke fun at the young males from that area but also to show that the stereotypical east coast "tough" guy isn't really tough. They shouldn't be taken seriously. They are always trying to show their toughness on the outside but they are truly weak. A prime example of this is when the video flashes to the guy struggling to lift weights at the gym. Another example is when he screams, "Ma where's the f**ing protein!?!" It's trying to say acting tough makes you look more of a joke than a real man.
I laugh every time I watch this video because I know of many people from that area who act similarly to the character in the video but also because it helps me put things into perspective for me. Guys who think they are tough by being aggressive, greasing their hair, and popping their collars are the exact opposite and can't be taken seriously.
Ethos: I see a lot of appeal of character in the clip. While he seems like a stereotype and a lot of his antics seem exaggerated, people from the tri-state area can relate to the character as they may know someone who is like him. He's the typical aggressive, cocky, greasy, tough South Jersey shore guy. I know many people who have seen the video tell me, "I know a guy just like him."
ReplyDeletePathos: I also definitely think there is pathetical appeal in this clip. Through the character's outrageous lines and antics, I think it successfully makes the audience laugh. By making the clip satrical and evoking emotion from the audience, the message is able to be sent more clearly.
Logos: I see logical appeal in this video very discreetly. I think since it's so outrageous, the makers of the film aren't trying to use logic to send their message. However, in the scene where he is screaming into the camera about steroids, protein, powerbars, and muscle milk I think the message is saying that all the working out to become a tough guy is really meaningless. It definitely got me thinking, Does taking supplements, greasing my hair and screaming really make one more manly?