Fantasy+Theme+Spring+14

Fantasy-The me Criticism:

The research question for the selected artifact is “How does the national anthem The Star Spangled Banner create and reinforce the idea of American Exceptionalism?” This contributes to rhetorical theory by revealing the historical foundation of American Exceptionalism.

The definition of American Exceptionalism dates back to the revolution and a political scientist named Seymour Martin Lipset, who deemed the United States the “the first new nation”. Lipset developed a distinctive reference to American exceptionalism he coined “Americanism” which was based on the new free world and all of the benefits that come with it.

The research question contributes to rhetorical theory by establishing that the original meaning of the stars and stripes and The Star Spangled Banner was a meaning of pride and freedom.

American Exceptionalism is a notion that has flourished in American society, albeit with varying degrees of support.

History behind Fantasy-Theme Criticism:

Ernest G. Borman created the fantasy method of rhetorical criticism; he continued to build upon the work previously begun by Robert Bales. Originally, the fantasy-theme was designed to provide insights into the shared worldview of groups ( Foss, 2009, p. 97); however, Borman created the symbolic convergence theory of communication, and the method fantasy theme criticism, that can be applied not only to groups, but many other types of rhetoric.


 * 1) Communication creates reality and reality is not fixed., it changes as our symbols for talking about it change.
 * 2) Individual’s meanings for symbols can converge to create a shared reality or community consciousness (Foss, 2009).

The Star Spangled Banner is one example of the symbolic conversion theory at work. Fantasy theme criticism can be applied to uncover the communication and meaning created by simply reading or singing the National Anthem. There are many professional recordings of the Star Spangled Banner that capture the symbolic convergence happening; however, it is the recordings by participants that more clearly reveal the drama of the communication taking place. Seeing the emotions that people portray during the Star Spangled Banner show us the patriotism people are experiencing as the fantasy is played out.

The Artifact: media type="youtube" key="qGDH18R7GfA" width="560" height="315" align="center"

Setting:

The stars and stripes from the American flag represent the freedom of the United States of America and how fiercely independence was fought to achieve it. When Americans think of the stars and stripes we visualize “the dawn’s early light” and the “twilights last gleaming”. This creates the image of honoring the meaning of the stars and stripes from morning until evening. Images of battlefields and men dying for their country are frequent. The stars and stripes illustrate the glory of a country which is cherished and loved by its citizens.

Character Themes:

The stars and stripes represent the works of Francis Scott Key who wrote the Star Spangled Banner in 1814 when he was 35. Key took the lyrics from a poem he wrote in 1814 “Defense of Fort McHenry” after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in the Chesapeake Bay during the battle of Fort McHenry in the war of 1812.

A prominent character and perhaps the most important, is George Washington, who was the first president of the United States (1789–1797), the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. George Washington was deemed as “father of this country” during his life and after his death.

Action Themes:

Stars and stripes are represented by the Fourth of July firework displays which take place all over the country. The singing of the National Anthem at the MLB all-star game initiates the American Fantasy of living in a great nation past, present and future. Citizens are clad with stars and stripes t-shirts, hats, pins and glasses adding to all the festive events.

Convergence theory:



All of these renditions of the national anthem illustrate the symbolic convergence theory. Convergence also means consensus or general agreement on subjective meanings. The general agreement communicated by the singing of the national anthem is American exceptionalism. The drama and fantasy are created over and over again throughout the year, across the country, at local, state, regional and national level events. Evidence of symbolic convergence can be discovered through the frequent mention of theme, narrative, or analogy (Foss, 2009. p.98). One of the narratives repeated in the Star spangled Banner is:

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Freedom:

The stars and stripes from the American flag represent the freedom of the United States of America and how fiercely independence was fought to achieve. When Americans think of the stars and stripes we visualize “the dawn’s early light” and the “twilights last gleaming”. This creates the image of honoring the meaning of the stars and stripes from morning until evening. Images of battle fields and men dying for their country are frequent. The stars and stripes illustrate the glory of a country which is cherished and loved by its citizens.



Fantasy theme can be set off by an agreed upon cryptic symbolic cue such as a code word, phrase, slogan or a non-verbal sign or gesture. Well-known cues of the national anthem are:

Standing The removal of hats Hands over the heart The unfolding of a giant flag The shushing of the crowd, The applause Shouts of joy as the singing comes to an end.

The basic unit of analysis of symbolic convergence and fantasy theme criticism is the fantasy theme. In this context fantasy means the creative and imaginative interpretation of events. The fantasy is removed from the actual time and space from the actual activities of the group. In this analysis the place is a major sporting event. The fantasy interpretation of a glorious USA is what the singing of the Star Spangled Banner sets off. American exceptionalism which sets the US apart from other countries of the world, where might makes right, US military actions are justified, US military personnel are heroes.

Fantasy themes are characterized by their organized and artistic qualities (Foss, 2009, p.99). Military personnel, the display of military aircraft and the participation of distinguished political figures many times accompany the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. The artistry with which the Star Spangled Banner is presented rivals any official government ceremony in pomp.

A Discussion of the contribution the analysis makes to rhetorical criticism.

According to Foss (2009), the fantasy theme "is designed to provide insights into the shared worldview of groups", (p. 97). Star Spangled Banner is a song written for a Nation in order to unite its citizens in a feeling of honor of pride despite the ugliness and desolation of war. The song was written using words and analogies to spark a memory in the minds of people, not only to remind them of the terrors and aguish of war, but to take pride that we as a Nation are still standing strong.



Foss (2009) further states, "Evidence of a symbolic convergence can be discerned through frequent mention of a theme, a narrative, or an analogy in a variety of messages in different contexts", (p 98). When taking a closer look at the Star Spangled Banner, it becomes clear that only one verse of the four verse song is ever sung at any event, whether it be a sporting event, a high school event, or any other event that brings a Nation together for a short period of time. As one studies this artifact closely, it becomes apparent that the song makes reference to good and evil throughout the four different verses. The good can be referred to through different terms such as what so proudly we hailed, in full glory reflected now shines in the stream, in triumph doth wave". One verse that is steadily used at the end of each verse is O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!". These words and phrases lend to creating a positive image in the mind of audience and help to create a feeling of strength and pride. Evil can be portrayed through such phrases as where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, and their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. These verses and phrases assist the audience in creating negative visions and feelings of fear and destitute. The contribution this analysis makes to rhetorical criticism is as each person hears and or sings the song it allows each person to create his or her own thoughts and feelings. It allows each person's mind to wander and create his or her own thoughts of war, whether a Nation's war or a personal war, as well as allows each person to feel his or her own sense of pride about overcoming strife and grief in his or her own life. The song allows each person to feel a sense of community with other people who are living the same thought pattern at the same time even if only for a few minutes. The power and influence of the Star Spangled Banner comes from its repetition in American life whether at the ballpark or an official ceremony.

The Stars Spangled Banner Across America Additional Examples: media type="custom" key="25689108" media type="custom" key="25689114" media type="custom" key="25689120" media type="custom" key="25689124" media type="custom" key="25689126" media type="custom" key="25689130" media type="custom" key="25689132" References:

Foss, S. K. (2009). Rhetorical criticism: Exploration and practice (4th ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland.

https://www.google.com/search?q=9+11+never+forget

https://www.google.com/search?sa=G&q=american+flag+with+eagle

http://www.leehopkins.net/2011/05/31/symbolic-convergence-theory/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-DSFrGnQrk

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