We are students in an introductory level english course in our first semester of college.  We do not have many qualifications such as degrees or awards to be named scholars, however we do have a large quantity of research and learned material on rhetoric to be called knowledgeable on this subject. We chose the texts “I Ain’t Marching Anymore”, and a pro war propaganda poster because we thought that it would be interesting to see how the media during a war time impacted the judgements of the people, just like the media today impacts the way that people think and believe things about different topics. Our collective interest was to see if there were indeed similarities in how media and propaganda were able to influence a group of people, similar to what happens everyday around us.

Phil Ochs's 1965 anti-war song, "I Ain't Marching Anymore," and a 1950's pro-war propaganda poster released by the American government present contrasting points-of-view regarding the stance Americans should take on US involvement in the Vietnam War. The pro war poster uses the quote, “After total war can come total living”. This is supposed to inspire the reader to get into the war in hopes of gaining a better life afterwards. It tries to justify the war. The anti war song relies on a catchy tune and a connection to the younger audience to persuade. By describing past wars and the  bloodshed of battle, the song states that the character is no longer “marching anymore”. Overall, these posters are both extremely important during this time period, as America’s involvement in the Vietnam war was a controversial topic. As seen through the song, many Americans, especially the youth, did not believe it was America’s best interest to get involved. However, due to the scare of communism, many Americans were also in fear and desired, “Total living”.  As seen throughout this blog, the anti war propaganda was much more successful than the pro war attempt. The song had more facts, and more emotional appeal than the poster. Even though the poster looked calm and desiring, there is no validity to its argument as past wars have not led to total living. Similarly, the poster may have even aided to the opposite cause, as seeing this attempt could potentially add to the rage of the anti war social movement. Similarly, the source plays a part in the popularity and effectiveness of these advertisements. Since the pro war poster originated from the government during a time in which anti-government sentiments were being born, a popular artist would have a much easier time gaining support in his favor.  

It is important for every citizen of the United States to learn his/her history. Afterall, one cannot learn from his/her mistakes without knowing them. Therefore,  learning about war propaganda is a way to introduce the idea of persuasion, while also introducing the idea of war to a generation that is somewhat removed from the violence their parents have known. Similarly, young adulthood is the age in which individuals truly began to form their opinions and decide which values are most important. Therefore, inaccurate persuasion by propaganda could affect this process for any youngster that does not realize the capabilities rhetoric. Throughout our blog, it is our goal to education about the Vietnam war, while also introducing different aspects of rhetoric and what is most or least successful.

We did not really have a methodology to our blog in terms of order, however, we did attempt to ease our way into the topics, to provide a more smooth introduction to our ideas and opinions.  We started off our blog with the simpler of topics,  so that we could  ease the readers of our blog into the ideas we were introducing, and then went into the more in depth topics where we stated our opinions of which text we thought was more successful.  We chose this way to design our blog because we felt as though the build up to our major argument added strength to the idea that the anti-war propaganda was a lot stronger and had a lot more support than the pro-war propaganda.

First, we would like to say thank you to all of our readers who took the time to read our thoughts and ideas. We hope you have learned some new facts. Also, we just wanted to emphasis the importance of making connections to the past. In the 1960’s there were so many movements and such a huge sense of fear always lingering in the air. With all of these opinions floating around, it was hard to know which cause was the right cause. However, now most of us live in a world with more security than the past. Instead of worrying about an atomic bomb, we are worrying about a terrorist attack, which is equally as bad but in different ways. Therefore, it is important for us to learn about the past and make connections with how are parents and grandparents thought and felt. It would be interesting to try and talk to your parents or grandparents and ask about this time; ask if they were ever involved in such movement. Were they pro or anti Vietnam war? You can show them this propagandic texts and ask how they feel and if they feel one text was more impactful than the other. It is important to keep the conversation alive, both about the past and about how one should feel and think today.

The Evaluation Component of Stasis in the Poster "After Total War Can Come Total Living" 

     The 1950's poster, "After total war can come total living" employs the evaluation component of the stasis theory to argue the validity of needing the wars and why the US should be backing behind them on the personal level and as a nation as a whole.  The poster takes the position in favor of a post war Utopian society, where the war will serve as a benefit to the United States and not as a detriment to the nation. The war would benefit the society standards of the United States, and create a "Utopian" society, however it would cause horrible after effects to the standard of society in the US.

     This pro-war propaganda corresponds to other evaluation of stasis arguments for the Vietnam War that took place more than 10 years past the initial propaganda.  Both (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310115124312524009/) and (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/310115124312524009/) are pro-war propaganda for the Vietnam war in attempts to gain support for the war efforts from the public instead of lose support of the government.  Both posters were similar to remind the public of the good that the government can create, especially in times where the public believed otherwise.  The addition of these two posters helps solidify the evaluation component in the original poster, that the government is there to help the public, despite the massive amounts of distrust during war eras of the 1960's. 

       

Ethos in The Pro War Propaganda

In "After Total War can come Total Living", there is a lack of ethos in the propaganda because there was a serious distrust in the government during the time that this piece was released and used.  This piece of propaganda was released in the 1950's as an attempt to justify and rationalize the second world war, and then similar posters were used again to rationalize the Vietnam war.  Along with the war, the levels of distrust also followed the economic prosperity and stagnation of the economy.  There were spikes of distrust in the mid 1960's and 1970's, both in times of recession in the economy (http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2010/04/80-percent-of-americans-dont-trust-the-government-heres-whm y/39148/).  There is also a lack of ethos in this propaganda poster because it is exactly that, propaganda.  As a characteristic of ethos, the author is supposed to understand the issue/the topic from all angles.  Since this is a propaganda piece in favor of pro war, there is no appeal or understanding of the anti-war protests or side to the argument.  This detracts from full aspect of ethos, and detracts from the argument validity because of that.  

Lacking Logos in "After Total War Can Come Total Living"

The 1950's government ad, which states "After Total War Can Come Total Living," takes a pro-war stance and is geared toward the general American population. When viewed in the context of the Vietnam war, this ad does not make a logical argument on two terms -- the lack of credibility the government has and the unsupported  argument of pro-war. As the anti-war movement gained momentum, many people turned to the government as the source of blame. Americans, especially young adults, viewed their government as untrustworthy and in some cases, heartless. This was because they kept sending young men to battle in a war a majority of the public deemed to be unnecessary. If the government lacks credibility, their ad will be useless in gaining interest in supporting the war. The ad continues to make a poor appeal to logos, as its slogan and design convey the message that war is necessary to achieve a utopian society. This argument is not logical because it dealt with the future of America instead of its present state (at the time). The ad does address soldiers going off to war, or any violence that war entails. If anything, the illogical state of the ad may have gained the government even more protesters. If the slogan was taken out, this ad could have been taken as an ad for a shopping mall or a movie. In order to have added credibility to the argument of war, the ad should have included a  picture depicting soldiers as brave and heroic, such as this ad from WWII (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/BuyWarBonds.jpg). Depicting what the Americans were fighting for could have made a much more sound pro-war argument.

Appeal to Logos in "I Ain't Marching Anymore"

"I Ain't Marching Anymore" is a protest song that goes against the Vietnam war and advocates against sending solders to fight. Although the song connects with the youth on an emotional level, the song also relies on logic to persuade. The song focuses on historical facts to discourage recurrences in the future. In a convincing manner, the song lists many battles and wars that America has been involved in throughout the years. This shows how much fighting and violence makes up American's past. Also, the song expresses the negative aspects of war, such as, "yes, I even killed my brothers". By stating these consequences of war, they appeal to the logical though process that death is bad. Similarly, another lines states, "when I saw the cities burning I knew that I was learning", proving that the past soldiers are learning the uselessness of war. Lastly, the song creates a sound argument that concludes with, "I ain't marching anymore". Another song, "Fight War Not Wars" by Crass (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jce4-CXTXzA), also has a similar meaning. This song repeats the title over and over with accompanying music ensuring the meaning comes across to the audience. The idea of fighting a war and not multiple wars plays into logical thinking, because it makes sense to do something once as opposed to doing the same thing over and over. When "I ain't Marching Anymore" lists previous wars, it also shows the idea that multiple wars are ineffective.

Kairos of "I Ain't Marching Anymore"

Phil Ochs's song, "I Ain't Marching Anymore", came out in 1965 in the midst of social frustrations with the possible stale mate of the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War started in 1955 , and the US got involved in 1964. Along with the rise of the Hippie movement came the rise of the anti-war movement, which is embodied in the lyrics of this song. Ochs captures a frustrated soldier's point of view by implying that the war is pointless, especially when it comes to sacrificing young lives. The song alludes to a myriad of previous American battles, in order to emphasize the point that war is not answer, as the country is repetitively involved. This song can be compared to Paul Hardcastle's "19" (http://www.metrolyrics.com/19-lyrics-paul-hardcastle.html), which also takes an anti-war approach in regards to soldiers' lives lost, though written 20 years later. Hardcastle sings, "All those who remember the war, they won't forget what they've seen. Destruction of men in their prime whose average age was nineteen." Ochs's lyrics are very similar to Hardcastles when he says, it's always the young to fall…tell me is it worth it all." From "the battle of New Orleans" to a post-war reflection on the Vietnam war, there is a repetitive theme of young soldiers dying for a questionably good cause, regardless of the time period.

Audience of Phil Ochs Song "I Ain't Marching Anymore"

Phil Ochs was not just a musician in the 1960s. He was a key protest singer, or as he refered to himself, a "topical singer".  His was known for infusing political messages in his music, and through his extrinsic ethos, he can reach a wider audience.  Ochs as a musician was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice.  In a time of war and civil unrest, Ochs humanism and messages were recieved by the public with open arms, because they were able to connect with his lyrics.  In comparison to other protest singers like Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs was more well received as a musician.  His wit and charm appealed to many especially the younger crowd, which is why is "I Ain't Marching Anymore" gained so much success in a younger crowd.  With gaining popularity in a younger generation, it was able to make a political impact in how the youth reacted to the war, and how they were treated.   The intended audience was received as they were able to act upon the messages of Phil Ochs songs, and take their messages to action.

Audience in "After Total War Can Come Total Living"

  The intended audience in the poster ad "After Total War Can Come Total Living" is the American public who either opposed or were skeptics of the war. The ad evokes the message that it takes a full commitment to war, on both an individual and national level, to achieve a worry-free society. The poster is a form of government propaganda, but its ability to convey the positives of the government's intended audience is questionable. The picture highlights a man and a woman looking over a town into the future, but it does not directly deal with the atrocity that war brings. I think that perhaps addressing what the public is facing could have appealed more to a skeptic audience, as it would more directly address their present issues. This British government ad (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/10/fc/62/10fc62cbe31e2cdfa6d5764e8fcc6f97.jpg)  from World War I, for example, deals more directly with what the audience has to face -- their loved ones going to war. The ad depicts an upset mother, daughter, and child who are all looking at the soldiers marching away to war with their guns. The British ad doesn't highlight what the future could be like, but instead, focuses on how the government expects their constituents to act.  The government expected their people to "say go!" and support both their men and the war in general. The audience of both ads are scared and skeptical constituents, but only the British ads directly appeals to them.

Kairos of "After War Can Come Total Living"

This advertisement was established to give hope to American's while supporting the war effort. Throughout America's history, different ideologies towards war have appeared. Therefore, different forms of propaganda have been used to support those ideals. For example, looking back at colonial times, the "Join or Die" propaganda created by Benjamin Franklin (http://www.apstudent.com/ushistory/docs1751/joindie.htm), used the idea of unity and fear to support the Revolution. This technique worked specifically during that time period, due to past events and the colonists perspectives. Similarly, the "After War Can Come Total Living", poster is effective due to the era in which it was established. During the 1960's, the Cold War was ongoing and the Vietnam war had just begun. Both of these wars were against the spread of Communism. The idea that war is necessary for life parallels the idea that after the defeat of communism comes the sucess and capitalism. Since many Americans had a fear of communism, this promise for future prosperity would be effective on the common person's emotions. The viewer sees the characters, dressed in respectable attire, gazing down onto an organized and healthy community and desires to be these characters. This ambition would motivate Americans to support the war effort. Although war is laborious, the end result of life would be worth the prior struggle. However, if fear and unease or the desire for something more was not as high in the 1960's, this poster would not have been as effective in motivating the American citizens. After all, timing is everything.

Phil Ochs established Ethos in "I Ain't Marching Anymore"

Phil Ochs was a known protest singer of the 1960's. Many of his works included anti war rhetoric, such as his song, "Draft Dodger Rag,"(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFFOUkipI4U), which is actually quite comedic. His songs also include some satire of his time period, as seen in, "Draft Dodger Rag". Due to his known reputation as this type of artist, his song, "I Ain't Marching Anymore" already has significance before its lyrics or tune is heard. Therefore, simply because Phil Ochs is the author of the song, it has established credibility as a protest song. This describes the extrinsic ethos attached to the song. However, the song provides intrinsic ethos as well. By describing and listing various wars and battles fought by the American's, the song takes on a nationalist spirit. Also, the way Phil Ochs presents the anti war theme as a statement sung through an appealing tune, it makes the song stronger and more successful. For example, if the song had said, I may not be marching anymore, as opposed to, "I ain't marching anymore," it would have not been as effective in its persuasion. Therefore, the history of the artist along with the presentation of the song both have effects on the impact of this rhetoric strategy.

The Appeal to Pathos in "I Ain't Marching Anymore" by Phil Ochs

As an anti Vietnam War song, "I Ain't Marching Anymore", connects to the listeners emotions through imagery, music, rhythm, and lyrics. The song makes allusions to many different wars that Americans have fought in throughout history, such as the Battle of New Orleans and the two World Wars. Creating images of blood shed and allowing the reader to visualize death and feel empathy for the victims, the song continues to reinforce the disgust of war. Since this is a song, the music and lyrics play a huge role in how it is perceived. Listening to this song for the first time, it was very catchy and makes you want to sing along. In addition, the rhymes add to the smooth transitions and therefore, appeal towards the listener in a positive way. Similarly, the repetition of "But I ain't marching anymore", also supports and reinforces the anti war theme. Like most anti war songs, this song is aimed at a younger audience and has many lyrics that resonate well with a youthful audience. By saying, "It's always the old to lead us to the war, It's always the young to fall, Now look at all we've won with the saber and the gun, Tell me is it worth it all", it grabs the adolescence's attention and questions why he/she should be involved in these foreign affairs. Throughout the 1960s, many other artists played upon these techniques to promote their perspectives. An artist with a similar sound and message as Phil Ochs is Tim Hardin. His song, "Simple Song of Freedom" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uVcr7LIusc) also states the distaste for war. Songs and lyrics are very useful rhetoric devises especially when popularized in society.

Pathos in "After Total War Can Come Total Living" 

     One of the biggest strengths that appears in this pro war propaganda is the appeal to the fear of the people, and the strong emotion that comes from a census of the people.  Historically wise, the second world war had concluded not long before the Vietnam War was taking action, and it created anger and fear in the general public.  Because of this, the general public was typically more anti war than in favor of sending people over seas to fight a war they did not understand.  However, from this propaganda, the government is able to play into that fear, and also boost moral by promising a chance of better living once the war is over.  This is a stark contrast compared to what life during war time was like.  The propaganda also appeals to the general idea of a "nuclear family", a very popular ideal from before the war had started.  The man and woman standing together overlooking a seemingly perfect town gives the sense of a utopian society, which adds to the affect of a perfect society of "total living", appealing to the sense of perfection every human innately has.

The Evaluation Component of Stasis Theory in "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore"

     Phil Ochs in his 1965 song, "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore", utilizes the evaluation component of the stasis theory to argue against the validity and worth of fighting the war on both on an individual and national level. Ochs takes the position of an American soldier who is asking even with "all we've won with the saber and the gun…is it worth it all?" He alludes to previous American battles in order to support his argument to the ineffectiveness of war.  He sings "it's always the young to fall," and this statement itself provides the song's stasis as to there being no valid reason to keep fighting and sacrificing young men's lives. 

     This stasis of evaluating the Vietnam War and concluding that it be best that both soldiers and the country stop fighting can be paralleled to news anchor Walter Cronkite's 1968 Vietnam Commentary (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106775685). Cronkite states "we've been too often disappointed by the optimism of the American leaders", which is similar to Ochs's characterizing politicians as the "old [that] lead [them] to the war." Both statements are stating the same thing: that politicians are making the wrong call on US involvement in war, especially since they are putting soldiers' lives on the line.  Cronkite also suggests that the Americans back out of the war as "honorable people…who did they best they could." From a soldier's point of view, Ochs suggests the same thing through his repetition of "I ain't marching anymore." It is interesting to see how Ochs's song is saying the same things as Cronkite, though written three years earlier. As argued in his song, Ochs, like Cronkite, believes that fighting in the war is in fact not worth it on an individual and national level, and that it is best that both soldiers and the country stop involving themselves in war.

Main Texts

Pro War:
http://imperialgoogie.tumblr.com/post/66458799677/the50s-after-total-war-can-come-total-living

Anti War:
https://play.google.com/music/preview/T5wpelmrrseiy3qjelxmteqd5f4?lyrics=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=lyrics&pcampaignid=kp-lyrics&u=0#