Blog Post 4: Environmental Documentary Film Review

I believe the criteria needed in order to make a documentary film persuasive and successful are as follows; It need lots of factual evidence from multiple sources, an appeal to the emotions of the audience, and a call to action. 

In relation to the purpose of this film, I believe it was successful in informing the audience about the advancement of Tesla’s fully electric car, however, I don’t believe it was necessarily successful at persuading the audience to a call to action! The film does present multiple factual points as to why EV’s (Electric Vehicles, especially the Tesla Model S) are superior to its competitors and appeals to the audience in many ways by giving, throughout the video, reason after reason for how the car can improve the standard of life for the buyer, yet once again, doesn’t clearly call for those watching to make the change. Perhaps because the video is made from another perspective other than that of Tesla themselves, it might be harder for that call to action to arise. For these reasons, I don’t believe the documentary itself was as successful as it could have been, had it included a stronger call to action backed by more evidence surrounding the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

The film I chose to review was “Tesla Motors - Elon Musk - Documentary 2019,” by National Geographic. This film focuses on the growth of Tesla as a company and their mission as a group competing to create a better alternative to current transportation. I believe the purpose of the film is to not only inform the viewer of recent advances in technology but to persuade them that what is coming is much better. In terms of an environmental film discussing my exact topic of air pollution from vehicles in urban areas, it was a bit difficult to find something in exact congruence with my topic, yet this documentary focuses on and poses some very interesting and compelling facts dealing with their solution: electric vehicles. As far ast the first criteria is concerned, there are a number of factual statements given providing evidence as to the benefits of the car to the consumer (not specifically all environmental). For example, in the fourth minute of the film, it is explained that these electric powered cars can potentially cut emissions in half, even after considering using a coal powered plant to produce electricity in the first place! I wish there was more evidence akin to that given above, but I still believe it satisfies the demand for factual evidence in an argumentative film, essay or discussion.

Of course, once again, the original purpose of the film was not to convince viewers to aim for electric vehicles over gas vehicles due primarily to environmental benefits, but rather influence viewers to understand the benefits of EV’s for reasons related to technology, speed, luxury and other sumptuous commodities. I believe these argumentative avenues had and have a big effect on the viewer because it provides the “ooh” and “ahh” of the presentation. The viewers are engaged because this new technology is interesting and that helps to keep all viewers engaged in the process. To give an example, throughout the video, multiple shots and videos are taken of the electric car in production, giving view to its luxuriousness and its beauty. For that purpose, in the domain of appealing to the audience, I believe the film does a great job making the view “want” what they’ve got and appeals to their emotions, especially that of desires! 

Obviously, there are multiple ways to tackle the challenge that our current vehicles pose to the environment, yet their (Tesla’s) goal is not to slow it down or “fix” the current model of car, but rather create something completely and wholly new. As mentioned many times before, the purpose of this film is not to persuade over matters primarily dealing with the environment. The documentary itself isn’t given from the point of Tesla convincing the audience to buy their product but rather a report of information from an outside source. Because of this, I believe the film lacks a direct call to action, as in it doesn’t quite get people up and out of their seats preparing to do something.

In conclusion to my review of the documentary, I believe it deserves a C+ in regards to a persuasive film, because it lacks an essential quality of a great persuasive argument, as there is no direct call to action. Despite having a few great points of compelling evidence and a great emotional pull, the lack of a call to action diminishes the point of a persuasive documentary film or video in the first place!

Disclaimer: I understand that this video may not have been meant or created for the purpose of persuasion, which may shed light as to why it lacks in the realm of effectiveness, but for the purpose of this assignment, I believe it qualifies for discussion!

Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD9PGi8hHvY

Blog Post 3. The Use of Narrative Transport Theory

“For Tigers to exist, we have to want them to exist, now, more than ever.” What exactly is John Valliant’s point in posing this thought? With this quote in mind, given by John Valliant, quoting John Goodrich, the Tiger becomes more about what we should do than simply just a story about a tiger in Russia. The story itself is important, as that is the medium which is used by Valliant to capture his audience. However, as the book flips from chapter to chapter, it’s almost as if the central story fades for longer periods of time as more information and direction on morals and ethics enter the pages. Valliant does an excellent job at capturing the reader's attention with something as exotic and extraordinary as an Amur Tiger at the beginning of the book and then allows that hook to persuade readers to carry on through the journey as he slowly teaches, advises and encourages all who read to be more aware of the choices they make in relation to the surrounding environment. In essence, John Valliant does an exceptional job of using Narrative Transport Theory by first seizing his audience and second, building credibility and third, mentoring and exposing his values through the use of facts and images, while the reader is still engaged.

In order to teach and advise something of great importance, a teacher must engage their audience. John Valliant, acting as the teacher, engages readers who pick up The Tiger, first with its title. In a similar fashion to that of a newspaper headline, aiming to catch the attention of the onlooker with an exotic hook, John Valliant captures attention with his title. There are not many more things as exotic and interesting to humans than tigers, perhaps because we don’t know much about them, other than they are, in a sense, “rare.” John uses this same idea to continue to capture a reader as the book begins with the attack of a tiger. What better attention-grabber is there than to catch the attention of someone with a tiger attack! John does a great job of leaving you on the edge of your seat as you wait to hear what happens next to the tiger after the first attack. We are accustomed to short and quick stories in order to get the whole idea of a story as fast as possible, but John is very good at not giving it away all at once. Because of this, he is able to elongate the story from a simple tiger attack, into a book I believe teaches about morals and ethics and what we can do better as a society in relation to all that is around us.

After John has caught the attention of the reader, he then proceeds to give in depth background of multiple characters, which allows us to understand the choices the characters make in the book more fully. For example, at first, poaching of any animal seems a heinous crime, but as we understand the why behind the choices some of these characters make to end up poaching animals, it’s not so black and white. Because of this contrast, it in a way sets up an opposing view, similar to that of an argumentative essay, when one includes a counter-argument. As we know the point of a counter-argument actually builds credibility for the writer in the first place, and therefore John receives more credibility before jumping too far into what I’ll call the “morals and ethics” section of the book. As John builds credibility after already including a juicy hook for the readers, he sets himself up in a position to teach. 

At last, once John has empowered himself to teach, after building credibility, he continues on throughout the rest of the book to bring up facts and information about the relationship of humans with the natural world. He gives short stories about man before time and man in the wilderness. He offers insight on how humans have lived in harmony with the animals and environment in the past and then offers his suggestion, in diverse ways, through his own mouth and the mouth of others, that we need to shift back a little and watch where we step so we don’t end up anywhere we don't want to be. John offers quotes from others past and present, local and global, to show that the relationship between us and our friends of nature is crucial to our own health and to the future generations beyond.

In conclusion, John Valliant does an excellent job of introducing ideas and knowledge which can persuade and move others to think differently (Narrative Transport Theory) by first engaging the reader, next, building credibility through example and rapport and lastly, offering his suggestions as the human race moves forward.

Solastalgia

Solastalgia is an interesting term that I believe can connect with everyone and anyone in some way. Most people seem to have pride in some sort of geographic, whether its their hometown, a common place of vacation or retreat, or an occasional yet meaningful visit to a place seldom gone to. For me, I could say I have such pride in places like Nephi, Utah, American Fork canyon, or Kisumu, Kenya! Each of these places are unique in and of themselves, and unique to me as well! For example, Nephi lies in a valley surrounded by mountains that always seem to be towering over you and enclosed by large fields on every side, constantly giving you the feeling of warm small-town home; while the shores of Homa Bay (Kisumu, Kenya) are back-dropped by massive hills of forest-green trees and ever present storms. The last place and the place of choice for me, is American Fork canyon. Obviously, the name refers to much of the environment around this place that’s special to me. Surrounded by steeps mountain walls and carved down by water, the canyon is a prime place to relax, meditate, enjoy family and friends and much more.

In each of these places, the environment around them is crucial to the feel they give. If something were to happen (and things have in the past) to the environment surrounding the mountains of American Fork canyon, lots of what I love could be destroyed. The extreme heat of Utah in the summer time, mixed with the drier-than-bones-land we have, creates an easy breeding ground for fires. Nephi canyon, another place close to my heart, especially as a young boy, was defaced by a massive fire years ago that left everything black and dead. It wasn’t until recently that we decided to go back and camp like we used to because the fire's toll required years for the landscape to somewhat recover! Similarly, American Fork canyon has had some close calls, as fires have encircled it before many times. Another potential problem involved with climate change and heat increases could have to do with the aesthetics of the canyon as well. In recent years, less and less snow seams to fall and catch on not only the valley but mountains of the Wasatch area. Other than loving the look of the snow-capped summits, less snow also means less run-off, which in turn could affect the valley of the canyon as to the vegetation and wildlife that runs through its depths.

At any rate, because these places are special to me, I care about what goes on and happens to them as time moves forward. If something extreme enough were to happen to the canyon to prohibit me from going there again for some time, that would be as if you were taking away potential memories to be made for me because I have made so many made there already! In the future I hope to some day provide the same opportunity for my own children to find peace and enjoyment like I have in the natural canvas of the canyon and that goes to say that it must be maintained for future generations beyond that of my own. Fires, pollution, drought or any other problem that would cause this special place to become anything less than it is would be hard to face, as the sub-par circumstance would only revert my thinking to “what it used to be” or “what it could have been?” In conclusion, recognizing some of the problems I have seen myself and sharing them only makes me want to contribute in the small means I can to do my part to make sure I preserve a place which has been so special to me.

Blog Post #1

I came across an article speaking of air pollution and the harmful affects it has on humans. The article's title is, "Air Pollution is killing twice as many people as previously thought." The author, Lloyd Alter, provides examples and evidence of his titled claim and shares statistics relating bad air quality to respiratory-related fatalities. As I agree with his overall objective to clean up our air quality and environment, I disagree with one of his last claims where he says it is time "to clean up... and... to say goodbye to wood-fired pizza and bagels." Once again, I don't disagree with him that achieving good air quality is important, but I do not think we need to go to the extent of not being able to use our wood-burning ovens! I believe there are many other alternatives to turn to before we get down to the nitty gritty "problems" like a wood-burning fire.

https://www.treehugger.com/fossil-fuels/air-pollution-killing-twice-many-people-previously-thought.html

Hey! I'm Kameron Mortezazadeh, but you can call me Kam Mort if it makes it any easier! (My old man is from Iran so that's where the last name comes from if you wondered). I am currently in my second semester at SUU and as of now, I plan on studying accounting. As for hobbies, I'm a big fan of soccer and anything outdoors!