Talk About Fallacy

In regards to our recent topic of logical fallacies, I thought it fitting to address "appealing to popular opinion". I remembered from the beginning of the year the days we spent studying American culture and identifying popular trends and whatnot. I think sometime in the unit Mr. Heidkamp showed us a campaign ad for John McCain. I recalled this ad vividly, where he campaigns for his Arizona senate seat by supporting and promising to help the fight across the border. McCain starts out the ad by referencing "drug and human smuggling, home invasions, and murder", after which the border patrol officer discusses the action being made and proudly says, "Senator, you're one of us." This conversation exhibits multiple fallacies. For one, McCain appeals to authority, looking to validate his argument through use of the credibility of an uniformed border officer. Also, McCain appeals to popular opinion when referencing the crimes committed. He associates all of these injustices with people who cross the border, no doubt affirming the thoughts of many across the nation. Finally, if someone could figure out this last one, it would be great. The border patrol moves from "completing the danged fence" to outright saying, "Senator, you're one of us", as if the entire situation is one of patriotism. This argument also includes the complete disregard for the reasons people cross the border, even if they come to America for opportunity, family, etc.

Comments

[Sophia B]

I think you have a really good point, Muda. People seem SO easily swayed by what seems patriotic. I don't think they ever really think about it, or, as you said, the motives good people have for coming to the United States.

This ad really resonated with me as well, and I'm somewhat disappointed to think of how many people will buy into the multitude of logical fallacies that it's argument is based off.

[Heather Zurowski]

I completely agree with you both. The commercial barely touches on the issues they mention, just stating apparently can show viewers, "how amazing of a politician John McCain is." Now I am not saying he is a good or bad, I am just saying he cannot expect to have supporters just from that one commercial. Unfortunately that is what happens. I may be going off on a rant that is totally irrelevant, but there are so many voters out there that don't even know why they are voting for someone.

Relating this back to fallacies; fallacies can be so misleading and corrupt peoples' opinions or decisions.

[Connor T.]

Muda, this commercial is full of logical fallacies, but i think the fallacies presented here work. McCain is being smart by addressing what people down in Arizona want to hear. Illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and murder are big problems at our borders. Opinion polls show that people are sick of these problems. McCain's logical fallacies are smart, although they may be a little bit dramatic.