Rhetorical Analysis: Motor City

February 5th 2012, it’s game day. New York Giants versus the New England Patriots. We all have seen the famous Budweiser commercials that appear every Super Bowl, and yes we all look forward to seeing what appears on our television screen during those few short minutes in between the intense battle between the two opposing teams. This was a special commerical, some may not have even noticed to dig deeper into its’ true meaning. Motor City, otherwise known as Detroit, Michigan, experienced a detrimental downfall in 2009 when Chrysler and Ford went bankrupt in 2009. Over the span of the next three years, the country faced the biggest declination in unemployment, economic, and social aspects. Chrysler realized that maybe their downfall was similar

to other people’s and ran with their idea to develop their commercial.
Every human has experienced a downfall at some point in their life. For example, whether he or she goes through a financial declination, a sudden death in their family, or even as simple as a bad grade on a final exam. All these unexpected troubles carry with them the same uncertainty, doubt, and sadness left upon each person.
Therefore, by looking at simplistic metaphors, targeted granfalloons, and unifying diction, Chrysler demonstrates the need to become united and fix our future because halftime is over, and it is the second half; our time to change.

Thus, establishing a trusting and unifying bond between the Chrysler Company and American citizens, making them feel the need to embody Chrysler’s actions of picking themselves back up from such a detrimental downfall and to buy their cars. Chrysler uses simplistic metaphors, “This country can’t be knocked out with one punch,” to demonstrate that our country is too strong to be knocked down; thus establishing a bond that we are strong and if we are acting as one we can accomplish anything. The commercial’s granfalloon establishes a feeling of needing to take action and fix the fallings in society and this country, for example, “How do we come from behind? How do we come together?.” It pushes the audience to jump off their couches and go start the second half, America. Chrysler unites the audience as one by inserting empowering diction such as, “we” and “our.” As well, the company refers to Detroit, Michigan as “motor city” to illustrate a rugged, historic place, thus making the audience feel a sense to keep history

alive.
Some may believe Chrysler’s only actions were to have them buy their cars. Yes this is true, but only to an extent. The Chrysler company was striving to reach out to citizens in America to get off their seat and take action. It is our time; our time to finish what we started and turn things around for this country.
To truly understand and comprehend what Chrysler’s commercial truly stands for, you must be educated about the history and all the occurred the past four years. Maybe even to an extent, football. You may ask why? That is simple. In order to truly relate, you need to understand the plunge that occurred not only in Motor City, but beyond in the year 2009. Every economic shift, wrongdoing, and social injustice that led our country to the biggest loss since we can remember.
Chrysler demonstrates a strong sense of argumentation throughout the entirety of the commercial, whether they are symbolizing the need to get off our seats and stand up for America, in the repetition of the “half-time” of the game, or depicting middle class families who are in need of help. Through this strategic plan, they develop a strong argument and influence consumers to essentially buy their cars and take action for future years to come. Maybe even, they want us to realize we cannot afford another 2009.