A Rhetorical Analysis Of 'Love Your Enemies'

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Social contention continues to increase as wars begin, debates arise regarding political topics, and as overall expressions of resentment and hate towards others deepen. In attempts to address the escalation, the religious advertisement “Love Your Enemies” was publicly promoted during the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII, where over 123 million people watched globally, making this Super Bowl record-breaking in terms of views (Pabst). Though millions watched the Super Bowl, the ad is primarily targeted towards non-religious viewers and encourages them to turn to Jesus Christ to relieve hateful actions as they’re less likely to understand that Jesus loves all. In the “Love Your Enemies” campaign presented by the Christian-affiliated organization He Gets …show more content…

In preparation for the intended message, the music begins to fade while shouting and conflict take its place. Simultaneously, the screen blackens, all noise ceases, and text introducing the religious message emerges. The music picks up again at the motivating chorus as the words transition to the focal point of the message. The phrases use a yellow text color to highlight the “us” in Jesus and fully emphasize the religious message. To conclude the advertisement, the website of the organization is displayed, encouraging the audience to visit and view the additional content for a continued interest in learning how to reduce human conflict through the power of Christ’s love. He Gets Us, the institution that supported and created the message, is a Christian-based group not particular to any specific church but has a united goal to introduce people to Jesus and His unceasing love and mercy. As explained previously, those who are not religious and don’t quite understand the power and influence Christ has in overcoming conflict are the intended audience for this specific …show more content…

The advertiser specifically chose pictures that show bitterness to feature relatable feelings as a result of common possible situations found throughout society. Though the violence is audibly silent, the pictures truly speak of the tensions. Also, some images express conflict between those of similar racial groups, acknowledging that the issue is a factor amongst individuals with shared characteristics. Therefore, the advertiser illustrates that, regardless of similar features, hostility continues to be an issue. Consequently, through the silent descriptions regarding the relation and relevance between the issue and the advertiser, these depictions bestow credibility upon He Gets Us. Another example that supports the advertiser is after displaying these specific photographs, the screen becomes dark, and straightforward sentences that present Jesus appear. The contrast between the harsh reality displayed in the photos to the simplicity Jesus brings signifies the importance of why the advertisement expresses intense behavior. As Jesus is introduced, the negative energy from the photos ceases, demonstrating the extent and strength of simply introducing Jesus

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