Telling Americas Story: Narrative Form and the Reagan Presidency - Essay Example

"Telling America's Story: Narrative Form and the Reagan Presidency" The article in question serves as an analysis and criticism of Ronald Reagan's use of the narrative form in his rhetoric. Although much credit has been given to Reagan for his role in uplifting the nationalistic spirit of American's, various criticisms have emerged that pinpoint his lack of technical reasoning and policy-making abilities. Some critics have suggested that Reagan's story-telling are simply idealistic and create realities that are far off from what was truly the situation at that time.

The basis of the analysis and criticism in the article are the speeches and other uses of the narrative form in Reagan's discourse prior to and during his term as president. The main argument that the article elaborates on is that the narrative form of Reagan's rhetoric has various moral and epistemic consequences. While the article's discussion agrees and supports that Reagan's story-telling was effective in that it made the Americans believe and trust in him, it likewise argues that Reagan's dominant story has various implications and consequences.

Through the analysis of Reagan's story telling, the article aimed to identify the various contradictions that exist within the former president's speeches. Much of the evaluation relies on the use of the narrative theory and the interpretation of Reagan's rhetoric on the basis of such theory's principle and ideas. The article points out Reagan's use of anecdotes and myth in his rhetoric. It was likewise pointed out that Reagan did not merely use story-telling to bring a certain message to his audience.

In fact, as the article suggests, Reagan's story is his message. Reagan's use of anecdotes is meant to spark interest in his audience and to make his message clearer. The myth that Reagan so often uses in his rhetoric is the story of America; one that illustrates America as a great nation that fights for progress and freedom and whose greatest heroes are the ordinary and common people themselves. In listening to Reagan's story, the audience see themselves as the heroes of America and they are encouraged to join in the nation's battle for further freedom and progress while Reagan portrays himself as the storyteller of America and its people's legacy.

This is the same story that pervades in Reagan's rhetoric. This story is used as basis in judging the situation. The dominance of such story has led many to overlook the factual inaccuracies in Reagan's claims. The article further discusses the moral orientation and implications of Reagan's rhetoric. The article suggested that Reagan usually justifies his policies using its goals; meaning Reagan's claims focus on the ends and not on the means towards achieving such ends. Reagan overlooks the realistic implications of his policy and instead focuses on what such policies can achieve.

The use of common sense in reasoning and judgment is another element of Reagan's rhetoric that the critic saw as dangerous. The critic pointed out that Reagan's dominant story and the common sense required from Americans in accepting the story disallows the possibility of changes or challenges. The criticism of Reagan's rhetoric is clear evidence of his effectiveness as a speaker and story-teller. Despite the many inconsistencies present in his story, he was still able to reach out to the American people and renew their American spirit.

However, it is true that his rhetoric is often idealistic and irrational. From what has been discussed, Reagan's rhetoric is more suited for inspirational speeches rather than for political discourse. Also, the discussion has shown that the use of the narrative form, although it may be part of human nature, can only be used up to a certain extent in political discourse.