This is my first one, but be as mean and critical as you want because it can only help
FEBRUARY WEEK ONE: LANGUAGE ANALYSIS OF SINGLE ARTICLE (Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all) --
“Anna Bligh outperforms Julia Gillard in the greatest leadership test of all” is the first hint to the reader that the author, Susie O’Brien, believes that the Queensland premier is rising above the Prime Minister in terms of leadership. This article, published on the 14th of January, focuses on the way that Bligh has handled the flood disaster with more capability than Prime Minister Gillard. The article uses an active voice when describing Bligh’s superiority to position the reader into agreeing that she is a far more able politician than Gillard.
The image in this article is particularly prevailing, as it visually represents the contention that Bligh has surpassed Gillard in the trial of true leadership. A sharp, clear and focused image of Bligh highlights the concern and compassion on her face as she is addressing the media. This is strongly juxtaposed by an out-of-focus Gillard in the background. This symbolises where they are in terms of relative leadership skills and mercy; Bligh is in the forefront and Gillard just fades into the distance. The readers begin to draw conclusions about Gillard hovering in the background, not standing out at all. This image causes readers to concur with the author that Bligh is ahead, not just physically but mentally also, of Gillard in the political world.
Strong rebuttal is used throughout the article to influence readers away from their preconceived ideas about the superficial compassion of politicians. When the author states “It is almost customary for politicians to get political mileage out of disaster scenes” it is quickly followed by a firm and convincing “we have seen little posturing and posing from Bligh”. This positions the reader to realize that Bligh stands out from the petty displays of sympathy and that her compassion is genuine. By doing so, readers begin juxtaposing her actions with other politicians and realize that she “outperforms” them. The author also rebuts the “old-school political commentators” and again states that Bligh does not fit into the generalisations with “but, ironically... [she has] proved her strength”. The mentioning of “old-school” make Bligh’s actions seem modern and appropriate, which sways the reader into agreeing that she is doing everything correct politically.
Bligh’s compassion is sharply juxtaposed with repetitious use of the phrase “by contrast” when describing Julia Gillard’s reactions. The author describes Gillard with words such as “wooden”, “unsure” and “unconvincing” which all carry negative connotations that Gillard is incapable of reacting to the flood disaster. Gillard is compared to Bligh by the repetitious use of “when she...” which describes Bligh’s actions and emphasises in the reader’s mind the difference between the two politicians. This causes the reader to mentally criticise Gillard’s apathetic performance, as it is so sharply contrasted with Bligh’s outpouring of mercy and strength. The reader then agrees with the author that Bligh has “outperformed” Gillard in this test of leadership.
Moreover, the author includes excerpts of the various statements made by Bligh. Bligh uses inclusive language in her speeches such as “it will not break our will” and “we are Queenslanders” to achieve her goal of making the audience feel that she is on their side. By including this in the article, it positions readers to believe that Bligh is on the same level as her citizens and she is responding with empathy. When contrasted with Gillard and the fact that she has “been hitting the wrong notes” it reminds the reader that Bligh shows leadership qualities by bringing herself down to the same level as her people, while Gillard has shown none of these qualities.
The author also uses subtle hyperbole when she states that “you genuinely believe she is going to rebuild her capital.” Truthfully, Bligh isn’t likely to physically rebuild the flood-affected areas, but the way she is showing strong leadership and mental potency causes the author to portray her as a person that won’t wait for fate but will keep pushing on. This persuades the reader to realize the ability Bligh possesses as a premier to steer the state in the right direction. The reader is also influenced by the mental image that Bligh will go to a “hardware store and get cracking herself” which also highlights her determination and tenacious nature.
Throughout the article, the author makes continued efforts to paint Bligh in such a way that will influence the reader in thinking she is a noble and respectable politician. With direct juxtapositions with Gillard, the reader realizes that when adversity hits, the Prime Minister will not be the one to stand up, rather Anna Bligh. The reader understands that Bligh, not Gillard, is the one who passed the “greatest leadership test of all.”
Any comments will be much appreciated, thanks heaps in advance
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