6th Weekly Blog Post

This video is constructed in an eye catching manner. The director went about creating it in a different way than videos are normally made. Michael Salomon, the director, wanted to give it a comical vibe to go along with the satirical lyrics to the song. The animation style strongly resembles that of a JibJab online cartoon. It doesn’t seem to follow all of the arrangements of the elements listed in our textbook, CDA. There are many elements that make up this video, but they are all presented in an orderly manner, so as to not be jumbles together and take away from the actual message behind the video. There is not a visual hierarchy in the video that corresponds with the one described in the book, however, I do believe the element of visual hierarchy is present in the video in another way. There is a very clear visual path that catches your eye and directs it in the correct way to interpret the visual message. The last element mentioned in CDA, visual unity, is also present. There is repetition in images within the video. It is always jumping back to the image of Toby Keith and two other men riding down the road on motorcycles. The visual images we see leave very little room for interpretation. All the images coincide with whatever is being said in the lyrics of the song at that given time.

The construction of this video simply adds to the satirical and comical message this song suggests. The scenes simply give you a visual to go along with the words being sung. The opening sequence of the video shows Keith and his fellow bikers riding down a road and then switches to a man bundled up surrounded by snow and glaciers and then switching to a bright sun with swim shorts and water everywhere to correspond with the lyrics, “Winter gettin' colder/summer gettin' warmer.” The construction of the video is mainly an aid to help listeners further comprehend the message the song is attempting to convey.

The video does present an argument of some sort. Keith wants to demonstrate the problems Americans still face in society today. America has faced many improvements over the years when it comes to society, but there is always room for improvement. Many have stated the song and video are highly offensive, but Keith has a statement for them, “They really can't get a fire started in the direction they want to go because the video makes fun of everybody.” It is a good point presented by Keith. The video does poke at all aspects of society, not just a select few.

Weekly Blog Post 5

Toby Keith's video and its lyrics are full of emotion. It isn't the kind of emotion you would expect, though, coming from a song with "American" in the title. Generally speaking, these songs are somewhat patriotic and full of nothing but pride to be in this nation of ours. This song, however, is full of nothing but what seems to be disgust almost. The emotion conveyed through these lyrics are not proud. They sound disappointed in what America has come to. This emotion, otherwise known as pathos, is something found in every form of communication.

In this particular video/song, Keith wants the viewers/listeners to notice all the things that are going wrong in our society in this day in age. “Winter gettin' colder/summer gettin' warmer/Tidal wave comin' cross the Mexican border/Why buy a gallon, it's cheaper by the barrel/Just don't get busted singin' christmas carols.” This section of lyrics is a perfect example of many things that are “going wrong” in our society. Now, some hear this song or see the video and are instantly offended and, in turn, dilike the song, or even the artist. Some, however, think this song is a great example of the things going wrong in society and like to use it as an example that proves a point. It is a hit or miss song, as it usual when it comes to songs of controversy.

Logos is also very apparent in this video/song. The way the words and verses are arranged makes the song very catchy and easy to listen to. Keith makes all the words fast and together in the same rhythm. They also have a tendency to rhyme in the AABB style. Lyrics that rhyme generally are more appealing to listeners because they are easier to remember. Keith also keeps the phrases short and generally doesn’t make a complete sentence or thought. They are generally just short statements. It is as if he just took major headlines and put them together in a song. This way of composition is a good way to keep listeners interested and keep them listening to the message in the song.