As many of us wonder if the idealism of the UN has any real affect on the world, it remains a form of hope in the the American psyche. As a popular actor recognized throughout much of the world, DiCaprio admits that he is not an "expert" or scientist but a "concerned citizen". Yet, he claims he knows the facts. Process Premises It appears that the DiCaprio ego needs an outlet to offer the world something more than the actor has been able to provide on the entertainment screen. This need is certainly fulfilled through a most creative outlet, a supposed stage of the world. Somehow this stage provides a level of esteem that DiCaprio believes will be significant. Another premise of DiCaprio's message is one of fear and guilt, ironically presented as an appointed "Messenger of Peace". His certitudes are listed in an alarming tone while claiming that the message is not his alone but supported by the US military as "the greatest security threat". DiCaprio's third premise is based on his belief that a healthy planet environment is an "inalienable human right". He demonizes those who pretend that climate change will sort itself out. He suggests that those who ignore the realities should be held accountable. Finally, DiCaprio expresses the most effective process premise through cognitive dissonance. He holds the world accountable for failing to take preemptive actions to alleviate the damages created by out of control polluters. Surely translated into the diverse languages of the planets representatives, his reprimand is a cause for discomfort. Larson's Probable Analysis Several cultural myths can be applied to DiCaprio's presentation. Larson, C. (2000) Cultural premises in persuasion. In Persuasion: Reception and Responsibility (pp. 228-252). .Belmont CA: Wadsworth. Since Larson refers specifically from an American perspective, it is appropriate to note that DiCaprio is truly speaking from that frame to an audience that has cultural values he likely naively disregards. Larson's myth of "The Possibility of Success", is perhaps the strongest motive for DiCaprio's plea to the world. With no regard to any other world cultural plight, DiCaprio implores that action must be taken "my friends, this body, perhaps more than any other gathering in human history, now faces this difficult but achievable task...". Again DiCaprio is convinced that saving the environment is not easy but "achievable". Many Americans likely agree with DiCaprio's sentiment, but Larson might argue that several other world cultures might disagree with the priority DiCaprio attempts to establish in about 4 minutes time.
Paul Tudor Jones II: Why we need to rethink capitalism TED 2015 · 9:51 · Filmed Mar 2015
Paul Tudor Jones II, a self professed capitalist, opens the listeners mind to the ethical dilemma society and corporations face when determining priorities. He attempts to inform and gently alarm the listener with simple slide show reports of how society has allowed corporations to make profits the end all, "it's like we've ripped the humanity out of our companies." The presentation is effective considering several methods espoused by those of JB Fogg, a Stanford PhD, who would agree that Jones effectively starts his presentation by designing specific "triggers" to evoke emotion and prompt changes in behavior. Jones alerts us to a corporate vs. humanity double standard of values that is "threatening the very underpinnings of our society." By highlighting the current absurdness of corporate values "profits mania" and the ever growing income inequality; the listener can't help but ask how do we fix this problem? Jones openly admits there needs to be a "tremendous change in the behavior" in spite of the challenges.
After Jones clearly charts the direction we are headed and the catastrophic options we have for natural change, he suggests that there is a specific way to promote behavioral change through increasing corporate "justness". Fogg would ask how do you get corporations to change their behavior, or what behavior(s) are specifically wanted. Jones suggests increased corporate philanthropy as a good start. Yet he admits that is not enough. Additionally, Jones suggests that the general oblivious public is part of the problem and needs to get engaged by simply responding to the free-market capitalistic system. As a successful CEO, Jones knows that companies must respond to their customers. He offers a non-profit organization designed to simply survey 20,000 Americans annually asking what the corporate standard should be. http://justcapital.com/
"We will track – in an unbiased and transparent way - the top 1000 companies in the country to see how they rank against America’s definition of just. We’re calling it the JUSTIndex. And we will make all results available to you, the public. Why? Simple. By shining a light on what it means to be just, we think we can define, inspire and reward more just behavior, not only in companies, but in investors, consumers, all of us."
Fogg would likely agree that taking this step makes engaging and changing behavior more easy by simply promoting more communication between corporations and the public. Jones is convinced that by holding corporations creatively accountable, human society will naturally improve through just means and actions by individuals. My analysis motivated me to follow the link and simply accept to be contacted for surveying by email. I hope this presentation will motivate you to do likewise.
