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Rhetorical Analysis Of Life Is A Highway

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When Tom Cochrane visited West Africa in 1989, he had no idea that his experience would lead to the almost overnight success of his music career (Friend, 2017). Originally titled “Love is a Highway,” “Life is a Highway” sat on Cochrane’s shelf for years after many failed attempts at making it work as his next hit song (Friend, 2017). After visiting West Africa, Cochrane was inspired to rewrite “Love is a Highway” as a reminder of life’s uncontrollable nature. The rewritten version, “Life is a Highway,” quickly rose to the top of the rock charts in 1991 and became an anthem for a new generation after being rerecorded by country music star Rascal Flatts in 2006 for the Pixar movie Cars (Fox, 2022). What contributed to the dramatic popularity …show more content…

Human creation and understanding of symbols are known as rhetoric (Foss, 2017). These symbols, or rhetoric, are expressed through various mediums, all with different emphases and methods of processing. One of these rhetorical methods is metaphoric criticism, which investigates how metaphor shapes reality. Aside from the title itself being a metaphor, “Life is a Highway” explores multiple different metaphors within the pages of its lyrics. The origin, lyrics, and popularity of “Life is a Highway” pose the question: How can metaphors be used to create an understanding of the abstract concepts of life and …show more content…

This universal language of music also embodies the basic human motivation of unification. Rehfeldt, et al. (2021) claim “Because of the symbolic meaning assigned to particular types of music by a sociocultural community, and because of the shared experience that people may have while producing or listening to music, music may serve to unify groups of people” (p. 770). Music creates a sense of belonging for both the artists creating the music and the listeners enjoying the music. Each variation of music speaks to the basic human motivation of unification in a unique way. Country music has an especially unique way of speaking to listeners and providing a sense of belonging through the roots of

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Will you be eating roadkill tonight for dinner?   In Brenden Buhler’s “On Eating Roadkill”, the author is asking whether the citizens of the United States would consider eating roadkill, and if, in fact, we are aware that we already have. “So for those on the fence (or outright repelled) by the concept, consider this:  because gelatin ends up in everything from marshmallows to gummy bears to ice cream, there’s a good chance that you’ve already consumed, legally, some accidental meat.” (206) Buhler has convinced this reader that eating roadkill is a viable option for feeding some of our homeless here in America.

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The ability to divide our attention during cognitively demanding tasks and the allure of technology creates a delicate balancing act that can at times have grave consequences. On September 22, 2006 in Utah, Reggie Shaw placed the fates of James Furfaro and Keith O’Dell, as well as his own upon this deadly scale. Tragically, the lives of James and Keith were lost, and Reggie Shaw’s future would be forever altered by the events and decisions of that day (Richtel 16). In this modern age of technological marvels our attention is vied for in a constant conflict. Frequently in our lives or particularly in our jobs we are called upon to execute mentally demanding and at times dangerous tasks.

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Over the decades, the topic of the environment has always ended in endless arguments and debates. In Edward O. Wilson’s book The Future of Life, he satirizes two passages about stereotypes of environmentalists and people first critics. Using rhetorical questions, ad hominems, Irony, and logos, Wilson illustrates the unproductive manner of environmentalists. Using ad hominems, both passages mock each other. “Environmental wackos” frustrate Wilson because the environmentalists think they have control over the county.

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The camera moved from veteran to veteran, capturing an immense amount of emotion in a single shot. The director, Aron Gaudet, worked from different angles in order to convey a particular message about what it truly means to be a veteran. In the documentary, “The Way We Get By,” he takes three people impacted by the military who live in Maine to tell their story and show their passion for America. They regularly visit the Bangor Airport to show their appreciation, love, and support of the troops. The words of the veterans are not all that express how much the service that soldiers do mean to them.

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From the pioneering artists of the 1920s to the contemporary stars of today, country music has played a vital role in shaping American culture and identity. Its legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide, showcasing the enduring power of music to connect people, express emotions, and preserve the stories and traditions that bind us

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Country music is one of the most popular genres of music today in the United States. Throughout the years, this industry has created many well known stars, such as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr, and Loretta Lynn, who have all been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (“Inductees List”). Together, along with the numerous other stars in the category, these immensely talented artists contributed to the sound of country. But modern country music is undergoing a sizable obstacle. Many artists are pushing the boundaries of country music, leaving the definition of the genre up for debate.

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”(p. 20) With this in mind, it is clear that music is a vital aspect of keeping society’s happiness and hope at a steady rate. It also signifies that without music there would be only darkness, and society would crumble because of

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In a time of great upheaval, country music provided a much-needed sense of stability and familiarity.” (Kerlinger). Country music was able to help and connect people during a complicated and new time where people were figuring out what they were going to do in life, and still has a similar impact

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Country music has gone through several changes over the years that some fans have embraced while others fans have shunned the changes. This popular genre originated in the southeastern states back in the early 1900’s and was well known for the indulgent sounds of stringed instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Many early country songs contained lyrics that told the stories of a love-stricken, or a heart broken cowboy. The country songs of old were adored by many different types of individuals. In the mid 1900’s, families used to sit around and listen to their beloved country music stars on the radio show The Grand Ole Opry, which was known as the nation’s favorite radio show of the 1950s according to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia(Grand

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Country music gives people the comfort of knowing they are not alone in their struggles. The lyrics are about real life experiences that anyone can relate to, and this is what makes country music so popular. The music industry also has a large impact on the genre. It is now very popular for an artist to be sponsored by a large company and that is why it is possible for country artists to sell out large stadiums that seat over 10,000 people. Also, there are a few recording labels now that hold the majority of the genre, on the other hand, recording oneself is also gaining popularity.

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“Music makes the people come together.” says Madonna in the title track of her 2000 album Music. The lyric originates from what seems like just a campy, dance floor anthem. However, it speaks a universal truth; music unites us as an enormous vessel of human expression. From the actual compositions to the personas of the people behind them, it constantly adds to our cultural landscape. Popular music forms the world around us, fueled by the women who act as its idols.

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All over the world, people express their culture and their way of life in the form of music. In the early nineteen-hundreds America was beginning to form their own genre of music, which would come to be known as country music. When we think of country music, we often think of hillbillies, cowboys, a pair of boots and blue jeans, but it's much more than that. Country music is more than just songs; it's become a way of life in America. Country music was formed out of the genre of Appalachian folk music in the southern United States.

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