Case Study: Mr. Rogers
Before he was a nationally-known figure, Fred Rogers was already a pioneer in public television for children. In 1969 he appeared before a senate subcommittee to support funding for public broadcasting, which was facing significant cuts. Watch the passage below in which he passionately argues for alternative television programming that speaks to the social and emotional needs of children.
As you watch, notice the effect Mr. Rogers' short testimony has on crusty Senator John Pastore of Rhode Island, who had never heard of him before. What accounts for this response? When you are finished watching, complete the assignment at the bottom of the page. Here is the text of the testimony:
Senator Pastore: Alright Rogers, you've got the floor.Mr. Rogers: Senator Pastore, this is a philosophical statement and would take about ten minutes to read, so I'll not do that. One of the first things that a child learns in a healthy family is trust, and I trust what you have said that you will read this. It's very important to me. I care deeply about children. Assignment
Watch and read Fred Rogers' Senate testimony from 1969. Write a short analysis (about a page) of the appeals Rogers uses in his testimony. Consider appeals using ethos, pathos, and logos, and see if you can find examples of each. Think not only about the words Rogers says, but also the way he says them, and the different ways he relates to his audience. Here's an extra point to consider: this video has become very popular on the internet. Does Rogers have the same appeal for us today that he had for Senator Pastore, or are there different appeals in this speech for a modern audience? |