Aristotle And The Karate Kid

3267 Words14 Pages
Aristotle’s Connection with The Karate Kid Many rhetoricians have substantiated belief systems about persuasion and the methods used by orators and the like. Consequently new belief systems and analytical interpretations have developed and matured. The most effective and influential structure present today, is the media outlet. Typical radio and television operates primarily as commercial venues convincing and urging you to purchase product or determine the best of two of the same product. We hear slogans such as, “For the closest…,” “If you want the best …,” or even “Guaranteed or your money back.” Yet, one media outlet that manipulates and relies on the use of language even more substantially than these commercials, is the movie and filming industry. Although you will typically view previews, language, music and actions provide the influence and act as the method of persuasion. Aristotle, the author of Rhetoric, would probably have congratulated many of today’s writers for their use of language and their ability to become orators. When we analyze and break down the movie, Karate Kid, we can clearly see the innovation and method that Aristotle found so unique and outstanding. There are several characteristics that can be seen to follow Aristotle’s beliefs about persuasion in The Karate Kid. Aristotle states, “for to a certain extent all men attempt to attack others” (Aristotle, Book 1; part1). This isn’t necessarily the physical attack of the characters, but could be co-relating to the idea that the intended purpose of many of the scenes from the movie determine that the producer was provoking the viewer to take a specific standing on the issues presented. For example, when observing the ways in which the character Johnny and his group of friends interact with Daniel Laruso, you can clearly see that there is more behind the relationship and hatred than mere
Open Document