Assigned Entry #4 Get Them to Change

 

When you are told something your whole life that something is good, you generally tend to believe it, but what if someone introduced a new idea to you that may change your mind? Would you be willing to accept it? Michael Moore attempts to do this very thing in his 2009 film Capitalism: A Love Story. Moore takes the old thought that Americans may have about capitalism being the best economic system and flips it on its head by pointing out its weaknesses and the flaws it has, while incorporating his belief that democracy should replace it.

Me and my fellow peers watched the movie, most for the first time, and most came out leaving with the same emotional reaction, one of anger and/or disgust. Moore's use of the rhetorical triangle, emotional connection/appeals and factual knowledge on the situation is the reason why he is credible and was able to get those responses. He used connections and comparisons that most people would be aware of or find personal like comparing the United States to the Roman Empire or referencing the bible/religion to find common ground and try to get everyone in his audience on his side.

Personally, I was actually motivated to do something and check out the situation of the United States economy. I was upset and had a feeling of pride that the majority have the power to turn everything around, but saddened that most choose not to. In the movie we were given the opportunity to see people doing what they can to make the situation in their favor and how it should have been. Moore used this in order to show us we will be able to do something if we ban together and vote.

I believe Moore used his own name to make the movie more credible. He is a well-known figure and so he made the audience very aware that this was his production and that he was a part of it. This was incorporated into his strategies to get you on his side and was used very well. If you needed help to persuade someone to be on your side then I would study his uses in the film. It is a great visual on how to do just that.