RWS 1302 Genre Analysis Resub

Edward Wells 2/10/17

Introduction

In an academic journal by Martin Cloonan and John Street named Rock the Vote: popular

culture and statistics, which speaks about the British and American organizations Rock the Vote

which advocate and inform younger citizens about their current political landscape and to be

more informed. In a video from C-Span, a video discussion between host John McArdle and Vice

President in Civic Engagement at Rock the Vote Jesse Moore in a political discussion named

Jesse Moore on Millennial Voter Turnout, discuss voter statistics of the millennial generation,

and include opinions from callers phoning in to speak on the matter of the low political

attendance of our generation.

Audience and Purpose

The audience for C-Spans video discussion between John McArdle and Jesse Moore is

aimed towards people of all ages that are interested in the current political landscape more so in

voter statistics of millennials as opposed to older generations. With Jesse Moores position at

Rock the Vote he throughout the discussion promotes awareness for the need of more people the

millennial generation to be more politically involved, and to change the general trend of low

political turnout from the millennial generation. In Martin Cloonan and John Streets academic

journal is aimed towards those looking to research the company that is Rock the Vote or to see

potential changes in how politics are handled in these newer times with the millennial generation

being able to vote, potential political science and law school students. The journal is simply

informative, informing us on the history of the company and what theyve done to build their

credibility. Differences between the two genres are that of course one is an academic journal, the

other a video discussion, the video discussion between John McArdle and Jesse Moore on

millennial voter turnout is more persuasive to raise awareness on the issue of a lack in political
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Edward Wells 2/10/17

participation in the millennial generation, while Martin Cloonan and John Streets academic

journal is only informative.

Rhetorical Issues

In regards to ethos, C-Spans video discussion between John McArdle and Jesse Moore

establish their credibility through providing voter statistics of different generations through past

presidential elections, especially being televised by C-Span which is a very well-known political

news provider. Martin Cloonan and John Street establish their credibility through their

publishing of the academic journal by Blackwell Publishers and became part of the Political

Studies Association in 1998. The journal itself provides factual history about Rock the Vote and

provide references to other writings from other professionals about politics. Both achieve the

same credibility by being verified and represented by official programs and publishers.

In regards to pathos, C-Spans video discussion between John McArdle and Jesse Moore

establish an emotional connection to the audience with speaking to them directly by taking their

calls and discussing the issue of millennial lack of political involvement as well as other political

issues. Creating the essence of understanding and the personal connection of voice to voice

communication Jesse Moore and John McArdle establish this emotional connection. Martin

Cloonan and John Streets academic journal dont express an emotional narrative, the journal is

read to be purely informal and minorly opinionated but with no emotional expression. Both

genres differ due to the fact that the academic journal is only informative while the video

discussion adds an emotion of concern to add to the purpose of the discussion.

In regards to logos, C-Spans video discussion between John McArdle and Jesse Moore

use voter statistics to support their claims such as, If you look at the data on voter turnout,
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millennials making up 31% of the voting population, but not a reliable voting block, also adding

further facts on camera of 46% participation in 2004, 50% in 2008, and 46% in 2012 (McArdle,

2016). Martin Cloonan and John Street support their claims and opinions about Rock the Vote

such as, Rock The Vote was launched at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London on 18

February 1996. Inspired by a similar movement in the United States, the campaign had one

simple objective: to raise the proportion of the electorate under 25 who would vote in the next

general election. In 1992, only 61% of 1824 year-olds voted, compared to 75% of older age

groups. Young people who were registered to vote were much less likely to use their vote than

older people. (British Election Survey, 1992) (Cloonan, Street, 1996), not only bringing in the

rhetoric and meaning of Rock the Vote, but brining in other references to support their claims as

well. Both genres complete their logos properly by providing statistics and facts in very similar

ways.

Conclusion

John McArdle and Jesse Moore achieve their purpose by creating a dialogue with other

people of varying age groups on voter statistics of different generations and the lack of political

involvement from the millennial generation. Martin Cloonan and John Street achieve their

purpose of their academic journal by providing information behind the creation and the initiative

with Rock the Vote. With my current thesis, which is, With the current political agenda in our

country with a concerning lack of younger generation involvement we must stride for further

pollical involvement in music festivals, the video discussion between John McArdle and Jesse

Moore helps the thesis the most because of not only the factual information within the video but

the callers of varying ages expressing their opinions as well. These two genres will provide

information for an argument that will benefit younger voters and those that are uninformed on
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the current political landscape to become more politically involved so we can change the tide

with the current administration.

RWS 1302 Genre Analysis Resub
Edward Wells 2/10/17

References

Cloonan, M. (1998). Rock the Vote: popular culture and politics. Politics, 18(1).

Retrieved February 10, 2017, from http://0-

web.a.ebscohost.com.lib.utep.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=5aae532e-0efa-

4156-ace6-1eac274fb8fa

%40sessionmgr4006&hid=4207&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaX

Rl#db=a9h&AN=3253900

C-Span. (2016). Jesse Moore on Millennial Voter Turnout. Retrieved February 3,

2017, from https://www.c-span.org/video/?416348-4/washington-journal-jesse-

moore-millennial-voter-outreach&start=99