Credibility, Gratification, and Enlightenment

I feel that he has a connection with Burke's "The Rhetoric of Hitler's Battle" and the overall purpose of rhetoric. Aristotle says that rhetoric is the "art of persuasion." When it came to Hitler, he persuaded a nation to take up arms. Both of them agree on the idea that whatever language is used, should be used to evoke emotion in the reader or listener rather than for the gratitude of another. In the beginning of Burke's essay, he is saying that if a person knows that their speech will be viewed well no matter what, that person writes "more to our gratification rather than our enlightenment" (190).

Hitler is regarded as one of the greatest speech givers of all time. How else could he have led Germany out of their depression and into World War II? The article speaks of unity around an idea. During his time in power, Hitler was able to convince his armies that they were doing work to stop their enemies. By "uniting on the basis of a foe shared by all" (191),  Hitler would be able to lead those who heard him. He would convince them because he himself believed it. Hitler would have no plan if no one followed him. His words were meant for enlightenment.

Hitler would not be the first to exemplify this idea of it being important that rhetoric is for enlightenment. Other leaders like John F. Kennedy, Jesus of Nazareth, and even any talk show host can use rhetoric for enlightenment towards others.

But, one can easily fall out of this and write for gratification instead of for the audience's enlightenment. This reminded me of a scene from one of my favorite movies: 22 Jump Street [Go to 1:25 and view.]

By the teacher saying "I have tenure," he automatically destroys his credibility. Using "tenure" as an excuse is almost equivalent to a Mom saying, "Because I said so." Also by saying this, he illustrates that he may not there because he wants to teach, but for another reason. Therefore, his work is only for the gratification of a other, not for the enlightenment.

Now while the teacher does say that questioning him is the basis of the course and gets excited about that, the talk about tenure kills his credibility.

Credibility is what Hitler had when he came into power due to the people knowing him from Mein Kamph. Also, being in a position of power will give anyone credibility. Hitler was able to take that credibility and unite the German people around a common idea, "a common enemy" (191).

Therefore, credibility is linked directly to gratification and enlightenment.