The immigration rhetoric of the last couple of months has been most troubling as it hones in on a certain group of our citizenry. Yes, there are many undocumented citizens here and it is a violation of our laws but it is only Hispanics at the heart of this issue as they are more identifiable and easy targets.
The radar is bleeping at full blast but only a few seem to hear it. Calling all citizens of different faiths and with a heartbeat; wipe the sleep from your eyes and the cobwebs from your brains, as we are on the precipice of something vile. A repetition of an event that did not take place in this nation, albeit the internment of Japanese-Americans was immoral, as there were no internments of German-Americans during World War II; this event was beyond what any socially advanced nation would willingly embrace. I am speaking of Adolph Hitler, his rise to power through his rhetoric and the aftermath of that rise.
Rhetoric is defined as ‘artificial eloquence; language that is showy and elaborate but largely empty of clear ideas or sincere emotion.’[1] Merriam-Webster defines rhetoric as ‘2 a: skill in the effective use of speech, b: a type or mode of language or speech; also: insincere or grandiloquent language.’[2] The purpose of sharing the definition is for understanding as I share this bit of information, “An important part of context is audience: “Rhetoric is never about discourse in the abstract; it is always concerned with directing one's words with specific intentions towards specific audiences…All rhetorically oriented discourse is composed in light of those who will hear or read that discourse.” As an example of rhetorical analysis focusing on context,
Have we forgotten the images of Hitler’s hate? I realize that things may not go this far but again, where is the outcry? We all agree that immigration reform needs to be addressed as a nation but the GOP should remember that when President Bush attempted to do so, they went against him so this is only political fodder to kick around to obtain votes. The rhetoric has become too potent with hate disguised as innuendos of patriotism, discriminating against a group as Hitler did. The GOP and Tea Party are utilizing our current economic situation which was actually brought about because the Republicans championed giving big businesses more power via less restrictions, who in turn have exported American jobs. Notice the quoted article states, “directing one’s words with specific intentions towards specific audiences”. In one of my posts, I discussed the political purpose of uneducated poor whites who are one of the specific audiences, while the racists among us, across the board as there are those with melanin who practice reverse racism, is another specific audience. Well stated is this quote by Plato when he said that, “Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men.”[5] Within this current political atmosphere, one does not have to have a charming personality, just the ability to tweak the ignorance, fears, and hatred of their specific, targeted audiences.
The most interesting thing is on the rhetorical front, these hatemongers do not realize that in essence, we are all here illegally as the Native Americans where here first. Whether or not an established government existed, there was a nation of people in existence on this massive plot of land when the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock. The land was stolen from Native Americans to establish said government. We are a nation of immigrants, as there is only one group of citizenry entitled ‘Native Americans’ and legally and morally, only they have any real claim. Honestly, if something is stolen can one then claim it for ownership? If something is taken through deceit and murder, can one still claim it as such? In our established laws of democracy, one cannot take what is not theirs by any means to claim it as their own.
It does not matter one’s race, ethnicity, sexual preferences, gender, spiritual/religious beliefs, or socioeconomics; we are all human beings first and foremost. Edmund Burke said, “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”[6] and although there were many who helped the Jews, it was only after the fact; let us not wait until things are out of control. These hatemongers are now going after babies and children born within this nation. How low can they go when they want to change the 14th Amendment just to deprive babies and children the very same right of a somewhat decent life? Yes, the undocumented citizens are breaking the law of man yet we break the laws of our faiths each and every day, is there not forgiveness? Is there not atonement or healing? The majority of these people just want a better life and sometimes the way to that takes far too long. Let us stand on the side of humanity.
[1] http://www.yourdictionary.com/rhetoric Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. 2nd definition
[2] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhetoric
[3] Dr Gideon Burton of Brigham Young University,
[4] http://www.diplomacy.edu/Language/Rhetoric/analysing.htm
[5] http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/p/plato159589.html
[6] http://www.quotedb.com/quotes/29
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