Pre-reading exercise
Group Work
- What are the main reasons behind the war (use the internet for assistence)
- George W. Bush termed the war a “war on terror” or “Operation Enduring Freedom”. Discuss his choice of words, based on what you have learned so far about means of pursuasion in political speaches
Hunter S. Thompson on 9/11
Comprehension
- What does Thompson emphasise about the 9/11 incident?
- What does he predict will happen in response to the attack?
Rhetorical Analysis
- Thompson predicts that "It will be a Religious War, a sort of Christian Jihad, fuelled by religious hatred and led by merciless fanatics on both sides." Which of the following rhetorical devices are referred to in the quote?
- Which of the rhetorical devices are used by Thompson himself, and which are ones he anticipates that George W. Bush will apply? Are there any that are not applied?
Mix and match
Look at the following quotes from the text, and link them with the appropriate rhetorical devices. You may link them with more than one rhetorical device. Not all devices are applied.
Questions for George W. Bush: War on Terror
1. Find examples from the speech to fit the following rhetorical devices.
2. Forms of appeal: Find examples of each form of appeal from the speech?
- Which form(s) does Bush rely most heavily upon and why?
3. This may be seen as a call to arms speech, not unlike Churchill’s Blood, Sweat, Toil and Tears. Based on your previous analysis of Churchill’s speech, list as many similarities and differences as possible.
Eminem: Mosh
For a quick tutorial in Eminem’s rhyme schemes, watch this video.
1. Look at the first verse of the song, and find as many examples as possible of end rhyme and internal rhyme:
I scrutinize every word, memorize every line
I spit it once, refuel, re-energize and rewind
I give sight to the blind, my insight through the mind
I exercise my right to express when I feel it's time
It's just all in your mind, what you interpret it as
I say to fight, you take it as I'mma whip someone's ass
If you don't understand, don't even bother to ask
A father who has grown up with a fatherless past
Who has blown up now to rap phenomenon that has
Or at least shows no difficulty multi-task
And in juggling both perhaps mastered his craft
Slash entrepreneur who has helped launch a few more rap acts
Who's had a few obstacles thrown his way through the last half
Of his career typical manure moving past that
Mr. kisses ass crack, he's a class act
Rubber band man, yea he just snaps back
2. Much of this first verse is about Eminem building himself up as an authority (ethos). What reasons does he give for us to follow him?
3. This first verse both tells us and shows us (through the rhyme scheme) that Eminem is a clever lyricist. Does that make him an authority that we should follow? Why/Why not?
4. What is the main message/theme of the song?
5. Who might the song be addressed to?
6. Eminem suggests that ”Maybe this is God just sayin' we're responsible / For this monster, this coward…” Who is he referring to and what does he mean?
7. ”Eminem also suggests that ”Let me be the voice in your strength and your choice / Let me simplify the rhyme just to amplify the noise” Is he running for president, or what does he mean?
8. Find as many references to patriotism as possible. Is Eminem patriotic? Why/Why not?
9. Comparing the song to the article by Hunter S Thompsen on 9/11, what similarities do you find?
The Decade of 9/11: War without end
Pre-reading exercise:
In groups, discuss the reasons behind – and the consequences of – the USA Patriot Act
Consider the following
• Is it a necessary step in modern surveillance?
• Does it work as an antiterrorist tool?
• What challenges might the governement face in maintaining such an act?
Assignment for the text
1. Give an outline of the general opinion of Weisbrot, using a couple of examples from the text.
2. What are the worst mistakes the USA has made in handling the situation, according to Weisbrot?
3. Explain the pun “We support your war on terror”
4. What role has Wikileaks played in exposing the attrocities of the USA War on Terror?
5. In what sense is the War on Terror a subsitute for the Cold War according to Weisbrot?
6. What does Weisbrot mean when he states that “torture and assasination are institutionalised”?
7. List examples from the text that suggest the USA government relies on propaganda for support
8. According to the text, does the USA government succeed in pursuading people to support its views. Find examples in the text.
9. Does the War on Terror succeed in making people feel safer? Why/Why not?
10. Is safety of the American people the main goal of the War on Terror according to the text?
11. Comment on the following quote: “People like Vice President Dick Cheney knew immediately after the towers went down that this was not just a tragedy, but an opportunity that would serve their interests for years to come, beginning with the unnecessary wars and occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq.”
