Misplaced Faith

Gabe Kimble

Inquiry 2 Assignment

Professor Strickland

8:00 MWF

Misplaced Faith

National anthems give a sense of pride, a sense of a distinguished reputation, and the sense of glory.  When one sings their respective anthem they are singing of a land in which they love.  Such a song should not be song light heartedly.   We sing anthems to show a sense of loyalty and to show where we have placed our hearts, our trust, and our resources.  America is a country of great pride and of a prominent future.  However, recent changes in American politics and the state of the economy have produced a bewildering misplace of trust in leadership.

Glenn Beck has produced what could be considered today’s national anthem of America.  To the tune of the Soviet National Anthem, Glenn beck has produced a new anthem in which the lyrics have been reworked to show an allegiance to a famed over pompous leader, President Barack Obama.  The music video opens up with the scenery of a boxing arena.  In the middle of the platform is John McCain and Barack Obama squaring it off for the presidency.  Surrounding colors include red, gold, and black.  These color of course depicting that of the Kremlin in soviet Russia.  These colors represent socialism in which the government provides for all and controls all.  The government protects the general well being of the people, but it does so through initiatives that are controlling giving people no freedom. 

When analyzing the ethos of this music, one notices that Beck is comparing Obama’s presidency to that of where he has become controlling; from the scene of congress, portrayed as the spectators of the match off between McCain and Obama, to the referencing of the Messiah.    It is made clear from start to end that Obama has clearly taken over the world.  Beck compares Obama’s reign to that of socialism not because he views him as controlling, but to instill a sense of fear in the hearts of the viewers.  The point of such an extreme symbol is to simulate the loss of choice by citizens and a growth of governmental control.

The song also incorporates the use of the word Messiah.  The use of this specific word instills a sense of all powerful and all knowing just as Jesus Christ.  By making the comparison to Christ the speaker is trying to show that Obama believe he is doing no wrong and that the change he has brought during his presidency is the change that America has been waiting on.  Obama is being portrayed as the savior of America and worthy of worship.  Beck uses this allusion to show that Americans as a majority have put an absurd amount of faith in their president. 

Obama’s disciples, democrats, believe that under this administration America will become stronger and will in fact come out of the economic crisis it has faced the past few years.  The song also says to “bow down and praise The one.” Through this part of the lyrics Beck is showing the misplaced faith that the people have put in their president.  He is showing us that we have to start being more realistic.  Obama is not Christ and can not perform miracles.  He is only human and as such can only do so much for the country.  In reality this video is mocking the American people not the president. 

It is mocking the people for putting Obama on the pedestal that he is on.  Beck is trying to convince Americans to take back the freedoms they have and to stand up for themselves.  The video is saying that if the people did spoke out and used their political power that Obama’s reforms could be stopped.  The future of America would not be socialism, but continued democracy.  This land was meant to be ruled by the people.  If the people do not wield their political sword the country will no longer be a democracy.  The government will control the country and the jobs. 

About three quarters of the way through the song mentions making a country that is pleasing to your wife.  With the focus being the First Family, one can deduce that Obama is not really the president but his wife.  The video insinuates that Obama is making the changes he is just so that he pleases his wife.  He is not doing what is in the best interests of the country, he is doing what is in the best interests of his family. 

The song also references to  Lindsey Lohan who is depicted as a drunk trying to steal the attention of the camera man.  The words briefly describe that Obama has become more famous than the drunk superstar who is in court everyday fighting charges for drunk driving.  Instead of news headlines reading “Lohan” they read “Obama.”  Obama through his selfish interests has gotten the attention of the media, foreign governments, and people all across the world.  Obama wants to be known for all the things he has done making sure the American public is well aware of who he is and who their president is.  He is more interested in the fame than the actual role of being president. 

The lines stating to give Obama money and guns is focusing on two issues.  The first issue being that the government has asked for money left and right as well as bailed out company after company.  The government has misappropriated tax money and though the stimulus plans have done little good they continue to ask for more and expect to get it.  The second issue that these lines speak to is about forfeiting our right to bear arms.  Democrats have always pushed for gun reform and now, being the head of the Democratic party, Obama is seen as the man who will take away guns and abolish the second amendment. 

Beck’s message is that instead of putting our faith in a person, we should be putting it in our country.  One man can not rule the nation of millions and know the best possible way to do so.  If we put all our faith into him then we could be missing major developments that could benefit us.  Obama is not America, we are America.  If we do not act fast America will no longer be under a democratic government but instead a socialist. 

Mr. Beck is known all over the country for his fox news show.  He reaches thousands of people on a daily basis.  Through the creation of his “Obama National Anthem” he has been able to bring an issue that he believes is important, to the attention of the American people.  The video is most appealing as it can show many sides of an issue without actually speaking about them.  The video provides imagery and lyrics.  The lyrics are written into the video as subtitles.  However, these lyrics are no ordinary lyrics as they transform from English to Arabic.  This of course, is mocking the President of his ethnicity. 

When the president was first elected many citizens were debating whether or not Obama was even a U.S born citizen.  Beck is able to really hone in on his belief that the people of America have given Obama too much faith, by portraying him as an Arabic, socialist, self-centered man.  After one has watched this music video it causes them to wonder about how the country is really being ran.  It makes the viewer develop questions about the ability of Obama to lead.  Through all of the rhetorical aspects the video really portrays the president as an incompetent leader who is changing how the government operates. 

Beck, Glenn, September 25, 2010, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l46t_nrySg4