One of the seven types of persuasive appeal is beliefs or
convictions. Beliefs or convictions is the use of God or our country to
convince people something. The American flag is used all the time in advertising and elections.
Examples of this would be a company using the flag as their background or connecting
the American dream to a specific thing.
Did you know that using the flag in these ways go against the constitution? One example of this is that, “the flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free”(4 U.S. Code). With this in mind, the flag should never be carried out onto the field during the national anthem at football games.
Another example of using the flag in a way that goes against the constitution would be, “The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard” (4 U.S. Code). This means that technically the American flag should never be used on paper plates or napkins like you see during the Fourth of July.
It also goes against the constitution for there to be any sort of wording or designs placed over the flag, “The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature” (4 U.S. Code).
People use the American flag all the time to persuade to
beliefs or convictions. People use this persuasive appeal for several reasons
including trying to convince someone to buy a specific product, a person trying
to convince people to vote for them in an election, or even when someone tried
to change someone’s mind on an issue. I personally find it interesting that even though the constitution specifically prohibits the use of the American flag in these ways, one of the seven persuasive appeals is beliefs or convictions.
This is a phenomenal post in my opinion! It never dawned on me that this type of advertisement (with the American flag) is actually a negative thing. I think society also fails to realize this as well because we see these things everywhere. All the examples you provided are just several of MANY throughout our world. This saddens me because it reveals that companies care more about putting their product out there and becoming wealthy that they disrespect their country in this way. I think it is time we bring this issue to light and attempt to get buyers to realize this as well. However, since these types of ads have been going on for such a long period of time, it will be a complicated and difficult to persuade companies to do so. Maybe if we continue reading Thank You for Arguing, we will have more techniques to use that could aid is in our argument.;)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post. I think most people had no idea that advertising with the American flag was considered at least I know I didn't know that. I think this blog posts grabs people's attention. I also think you connected this to what we are talking about in class very well. I also had no idea that this is against the constitution. I'm also shocked that were really not supposed to bring the American flag onto the field during the national anthem for a sporting event. This is such an interesting fact considering majority of pro sports in America do this.
ReplyDeleteI thought your post was great. It was a great way to explain how people use the flag to persuade people to purchase goods. I recently included this in my presentation for our projects. Who knew people would be so drawn to buy a product when it is patriotic
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