Rhetorical analysis of a song

Surname1 Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date This is America by Childish Gambino Music is not only used for entertainment but is also to educate the world on events that are affecting the society. Therefore, artists give much attention to content just as they give attention to the rhythm and beats of a song. This is because of stiff competition in the industry as the audience is relating more with content as opposed to just a good song with a good video. An example of music that is not only favorite on my list but also captures my attention is “This is America” by Childish Gambino. This song sends a powerful message to the audience by using three appeals of Kairos and Aristotle that include logos, pathos, and ethos. Globally the song has been referred to as a cultural phenomenon with a video that has a strong message. The music video and lyrics of the song demonstrate ethos by demonstrating issue of gun control in the United States (Donald). Apart from that, the artist talks about issue of discrimination and racism which an African American male encounters in the quest to be successful. Therefore, those that have experienced discrimination, racism, and gun control are able to relate to the song (Sciullo 164). While listening to this song, I must admit that his naming of the song was well thought as it depicts current modern life in America. The song has numerous meanings behind it. At the start of this song, Childish Gambino dances funnily even though the lyrics are peaceful. Again, use of facial expressions symbolizes Jim Crow which advocated for racial segregation. Lyrics “you just a black man in this world… You just a barcode” demonstrate racism where barcode was what was used to tie African American slaves. Surname2 This song uses pathos that appeals to my emotions. It does this by bringing in memories of terrorist events that have ever occurred. Gambino then goes ahead to shoot a man covered on his head depicting an act of terrorism and violence in America. The dances that Gambino does are a representation of distraction. This explains that entertainment industry in America is only used to distract people from violence and other pressing issues affecting Americans. “Dance and shake the frame” lyrics are advising Americans to wake up from their slumber and address these issues before it is too late. “We just want the money” is another lyric that shows how America is only money oriented and does not care about their fellow human beings (Donald). Shooting of the black choir is one scene that stood out as it represented Charleston church shooting where nine African American were killed. In addition, the seventeen-second pause in the song symbolizes seventeen people that were shot dead at Florida. This song uses logos as shown in its verse, refrain, verse, refrain set up type. It talks about issues affecting Americans. Childish Gambino is raising awareness on increased violence in America. At the end of the song, it shows Gambino being chased symbolizing of racism as he is being chased because he is black (Sciullo 165). In the entire song, Gambino shows what Americans view to be logic. Issues such as police brutality against African American communities and gun control make an individual question American logic. Also, in America, there have been rampant cases of school shootings and Gambino sees better to bring it out in a song. To sum it up, this song is persuasive, and its message is supported by the creative and unique video which audience relate with easily and compliments lyrics. Therefore, this video easily depicts ethos, pathos, and logos through its music video and unique lyrics. Surname3 Work Cited Donald Glover. “Childish Gambino - This Is America (Official Video).” YouTube, YouTube, 3 April 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY. Sciullo, Nick J. "Using hip-hop music and music videos to teach Aristotle's three proofs." Communication Teacher 28.3 (2014): 165-169. ...
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