A large part of my issue with unbridled nationalism stems from the vision that America is the most powerful nation in the world. We see ourselves as the protectors of freedom who are obligated, often by the will of God, to spread democracy to all suffering nations. The only problem here is that our projected image among the world has shifted from altruism to schoolyard bullying. As is shown in the cartoon that I created, the United States is flexing its proverbial muscles to a crowd of fans holding a banner which states: In America We Trust. The cardboard cutout implies that the audience is viewing one side of America; the powerful image that the government, and many Americans themselves, wishes to portray to the world. In this image, a rather scrawny individual wearing red, white and blue shorts holds up this larger than life persona.
The once noble image of the American military marching into Germany to procure freedom against the oppression of Hitler has currently been replaced by an economically weak nation with a refusal to see ourselves as part of a global community. Reveling in our own strength may be the cause of our biggest setback. I believe the argument makes a clear point, but the defining message is somewhat weak without explanation. The argument in general causes the reader to think about the message being delivered, which may be an asset or a liability depending on the interest of the viewer. Some visuals are effective in their ability to deliver a quick and powerful message to the viewer, while others rely more heavily on the reader’s ability to absorb messages by forcing them to think about their own opinions and interpretations.
The second visual being here used was found in Google Images under the search, “American Pride.” The image reinforces the vision of America as the tireless pursuer of freedom. Our nation’s great strength, both political and military, are being touted here. The American eagle soaring through the air in front our flag suggest that we are a proud nation. The word “we” is used at the beginning of every sentence to reinforce unity and bolster nationalism. It almost harkens back to the World War I propaganda advertisements used by our government to gather national enthusiasm for the war. The visuals make a strong statement about our moral convictions as Americans. The imagery is effective because the flag and the eagle are ingrained in our psychology. The problem here is that any skeptic would look at the argument and see it’s majestic imagery as a veil; the cover-up being a messy war, and an economy drawing towards catastrophe.
The final visual comes from a YouTube clip in which the creator points out that America, the most powerful nation in the world, has been consistently at war with someone or something since our involvement in North Korea in the 1950’s. The creator suggests that out military bullying has been spearheaded in large part by weapons manufacturers and their need to produce and sell products. The government is attacked for its desire to control the rest of the world, with a final note: “None of us really matter to them,” making a powerful statement about the world’s view of American politics. The video has incredible imagery and sound. The messages are quick and pointed at their targets effectively. The overall impression is that the message comes at the viewer so quickly, and with such evocative special effects, that one could almost be lulled into a hypnotic state to completely believe that what is being stated in undoubtedly true.
-The YouTube video that I have listed features a commentary beginning at 2:12 and is not something that I am considering as part of the visual argument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsHFwrwdQ-0
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