Taylor Swift Music Video

http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/TaylorSwift/Mine--218701022

The argument: The video demonstrates a principle in the Social Sciences called “generational transmission” or the passing of negative behavior and emotions from one generation to the next. Taylor argues that is possible to rectify or repair the emotional damage caused by an uncaring or absent parent with love.

The purpose: The video speaks to those from dysfunctional homes, demonstrating that one does not have to be afraid of love after witnessing conflict in the parental relationship. Love can actually heal the wounds caused by the example of a bad parent.

The audience: The audience is those with a rough home life that may be afraid to trust in a relationship.

The goal: The goal of the video is to get those that chronically fear relationships, to begin to trust in other people.

How she does it: The video successfully uses the appeal of pathos. The video flashes between Taylor Swifts home life, where the viewers witnesses an argument between Taylors parents as she looks on in fear, to her present day relationship with a boy. Thus, the negative emotions that come with parental conflict and the positive emotions of a present-day relationship contrast with each other.

Taylor also uses logos in the form of an anecdote to make her point. The video shows the story of Taylor falling in love with a boy, getting married, and “trying to avoid the mistakes her parents made.” It shows her arguing with her husband, as well as flashbacks to a similar scene in her childhood. Finally, it shows her overcome the dispute and rejoin her husband. She demonstrates with this story the very point that she is trying to make: that one can overcome the bad example of one or both parents in a relationship.

The story she uses if very relevant. The flashbacks to her childhood strike viewers at the heart, especially if they came from a similar situation and had similar experiences. The pictures hanging on the trees represent these experiences and how hard they are to forget. They also represent how they can be learned from and applied in our own relationships.

The evidence is also very specific. While Swift uses some symbolism to make her point, the story is very clear. The viewer is not left to assume much.

The music video is very effective. Taylor Swift, who many admire, steps into a role that many of her fans are in. Through her lyrics and music video she speaks to these fans and tells them that it’s ok to love and trust someone.