American Baby by Dave Matthews Band was released in 2005 during the time in which the United States was in the process of recovering from 9-11 as well as advancing technologically. The title American Baby appeals to pathos because so many people have pride in America or categorize themselves as American. This pride of anyone who was born in the US is what the title says, an American baby.
One of the first scenes pictured in this video is a wind farm, most like somewhere in the Midwest. A wind farm is a symbol that is becoming synonymous with "going green" as well as representing sustainability, therefore this appeals to ethos. Dave Matthews Band clearly supports alternative forms of energy, a positive movement towards sustainability, through the use of wind farms so much that this is one of the first images in their video.
The images shown in this video relate to any American in some way. The White House, a school classroom, farm fields, golf, as well as a church. These are American symbols of happiness and the norm of society. The lyrics of the this song, "If these walls came crumbling down, Fell so hard to make us lose our faith, From what's left you'd figure it out, Still make lemonade taste like a sunny day" emphasize that regardless of what changes or difficulties America is faced with, we would still encompass the core American values and remain America despite changes. These images appeal to pathos for nostalgia is felt for these familiar and happy times.
Logos is mainly represented in this music video through the clips of Dave Matthews and his fellow band mates actively playing their instruments and singing. Showing the guitar strings, picking and drumming up close reveals that these men are indeed talented musicians. Therefore one can feel confident that their lyrics and music is genuine.
Overall Dave Matthews Band's music video American Baby persuades the main audience that sustainability is a positive move towards a better future, that America can overcome any obstacle and remain true to it's values, and that Dave Matthews Band is a credible, original, musically talented band.
I like your point of the idea of sustainability being used in this video, probably something I wouldn't have thought of. Another thing I noticed when watching the video was the combination of images and the repetition "Stay, American Baby". I feel like this is tugging on the heartstrings of anyone (pathos) watching because after 9/11 America changed like you said, and there is that desire to go back before the great tragedy to a more "innocent" America for our generation especially. I think the combination of those words and the constant images regarding sustainability is the band saying stay innocent, like a baby almost because Americans, especially our generation have after 9/11, definitely grown up and lost some of that naivety and blissful inexperience.
ReplyDeleteGreat analyzation and video! The band definetly made some good choices with lyrics coinciding with the pictures being shown. They whole time they are touching on something that is very dear to many people who have had to fight, take care, and defend our country. Amaericna pride is a huge ordeal in our country as post 9/11, and showing images of firefighters and marines, to name a few. They touch on earthly subjects which is another issue that is very emotional with americans. The use of Pathos, Ethos, and Logos is quite evident. Thanks for sharing this!!!
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