Drugs are bad, mmkay...

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I think it's pretty interesting to consider the rhetoric behind the 'Above the Influence' campaign and similar anti-drug campaigns. We can all easily imagine an Above the Influence ad. The ads show drugs as being poisonous, as rat poison or something similar, or they show us our dogs being disappointed in us. Regardless, we’ve been exposed to anti-drug, alcohol, and tobacco ads and ploys since we’ve been in fifth grade. At this point in our lives, every single one will seem like another person saying “Don’t do drugs, mmkay”.

So how exactly do anti-drug campaigns deal with the apparent indifference of their target audience? They really can’t. To me, it seems like you’re going to drink if you want to, smoke if you got ‘em, and get high if you’re into it; and if you’re not you won’t. These ads essentially are created to scare kids that already use straight, and paralyze kids that don’t with fear. The fact of the matter is, we all know that it’s bad, but we also know that we’ll never be this girl:

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The rhetoric is based on an emotional appeal. We’re supposed to reflect on our behavior, the times we messed up, and feel ashamed, and if we’ve never been drunk, puking at a party, the emotion of the ad is supposed to be so visceral that we immediately feel the girl’s shame. This of course is based on the assumption that most teenagers and young people act impulsively and disregard rules and common sense. Of course, we do all have lapses in judgment, but if every one of us was a purely emotional unit, Above the Influence ads would actually work.

But we legitimize our actions continually telling ourselves that “that isn’t me”, and for the most part, it isn’t us. I would be more than willing to bet no one you know is running around doing meth on the weekend or shooting up. We’re not extreme. And if you are, stop ‘cuz drugs really are bad don’t ya know.

But we do know, and we’re sick of hearing it, so we don’t care. I can’t even imagine how to suggest anti-drug campaigns better their ads, to combat the war on drugs. Even writing this entry, I can’t help but thinking I should start over and write about something else, because who really cares? We know.

I am who I am for you... but really... for me..

            I think it’s interesting consider how rhetoric influences how we present ourselves and develop our ‘image’. We all know rhetoric is used to convince or sway people, but what portion of our persona could be considered rhetoric? In many ways, I personally believe most of what we do and how we present ourselves is done to show how we view ourselves and how we want others to view us. It seems almost cyclical to see that we do things because of other but ultimately, we do things for other for ourselves.

But how exactly can this apply to our grand image of ourselves and others..? It does in everyway. If you choose to be boisterous, loud, and noticeable, it’s because that’s how you want to be viewed, and maybe you saw that type of behavior work for someone else. Maybe you’re quiet and reserved. We all act the way we do because ultimately it’s how we like ourselves the best. It doesn’t matter what type of person you are because regardless, your public behavior, how you dress, how you speak, who you are friends with, and who you admire all create your image. All of these facets of a person that can be viewed by others at face value, will be used  to create an impression of who most will think you are.

Now this may all seem shallow and a one-dimension manner of looking at others, but it’s not far from reality. We’re told not to judge a book by its cover, but on the same token, that’s all we do. We instantly form opinions of anyone we take longer than a second to look at.

It’s why image consultants have a job. They understand that persons of interest are viewed no differently than different brands of cereal in the grocery store. We’ll buy into whatever brand we find most appealing.

In some ways we’re all trying to sell something about ourselves. What’s even more interesting is when someone doesn’t think they care about what others think. In that case, they’re selling indifference and a rejection of social norms. It’s just a different product.   

Justify This...

Whether you’re trying to justify your own laziness or the actions of someone you love, it is interesting to examine how rhetorically, we develop such justifications for ourselves. Ultimately, excuses are made to protect emotions, however, the excuse has to appeal to logic or it’s utterly useless. If the excuse bares no logical weight, it won’t serve as valid justification to whichever party receives it.

            We’ve all procrastinated, we’ve all covered for a friend, and at some point in time we’ve all believe our own lies. When I procrastinate, I do it because I feel I deserve a break. I’ve been working hard, I relatively been keeping up with my work, and therefore, I should by all rights slack a little. Now, this pacifies the guilt of not doing what I’m supposed to, but it also serves to make a great deal of sense. What’s unique is that sometimes we can lie to ourselves better than anyone else. I’d be the first to say that generally, procrastination is relatively harmless, but self-justification, is a slippery slope.

            It’s an extrapolation, but if we consider an addict, or an alcoholic. They webs of lies and justifications for themselves, and at some point the compounded justifications become a living reality. There’s no way an addict of any sort can be told they’re wrong, because they’ve told themselves a thousand times over that they’re right. They’ve logically come to the conclusion that that are so, and someone else will never change their minds.  

            Of course, most addictions spiral based on shame and many factors that I’m sure anyone that’s taken a psych class could rattle off, but perhaps it’s simply based in telling ourselves that we are right. I don’t need to finish this paper now. I deserve this time to myself. We’re always right.

            It’s interesting to consider that we have these kind of rhetorical conversations with ourselves without even considering the different methods we use to convince ourselves of our actions. I think it’s more interesting than anything to consider.