Blog Post 4

Language Strategy: Polarization

Polarization is a language strategy that is used to unite two very separate groups. It uses identification to locate two groups that stand for opposite beliefs. "Social movements utilize a rhetoric polarization to transform relationships by creating clear distinctions between the evil other and the virtuous self, a we-they dichotomy." (p. 149) Polarization contrasts the two diverse groups using "us" and 'them", it divides the two groups by forcing individuals to make a choice of one or the other. There is no middle ground in polarization. Persuaders of polarization attack individuals by standing firm to the saying “if you are not with us, you are against us.”

Language Tactics: Songs

Songs are one of the most useful forms of language, mainly because of their ability to speak to large groups of people and aim their message directly to specific groups. Songs used in protests have numerous advantages over speeches, leaflets, editorials, and essays including their design to be repeated, sung out loud, instrumental and rhythmic beats, and verbal components. “Protest songs attempt to transform perceptions of social reality by creating awareness of an urgent problem in the environment, often focusing on suffering and misery.” (p.156) Protest songs usually attempt to energize audiences to get excited for the message being conveyed through the song.

Artifact: “Changes” – 2pac

The song “Changes” by 2pac is a great example of a song that uses polarization to target two very different audiences. 2pac raps about racial issues on the streets at the time and how the separation of races causes extreme actions from both races involved. 2pac explains how he wishes he could see change in the world where all races are equal and discrimination is no more. “I see no changes all I see is racist faces, misplaced hate makes disgrace to races.” (Changes, 2pac) 2pac uses this song as a protest song to get his message through to both audiences in this social movement. He uses his power as the protestor to attempt to begin uniting the two groups by describing real life situations that he has seen or been a part of.