Response to Arianne's Question 11/17

2. In Blakesley’s article he also discusses the aim of rhetoric in films as identification (pg. 117). He states that for the audience “identification functions as desire, as an assertion of identities...we pursue that identification as one way of expressing our consubstantiality.” As humans we enjoy the opportunity to pretend and desire to be someone else, and the use of film is powerful in drawing that desire of identification out of the audience. I can still remember how much I wanted to be a Power Ranger when I was younger, and in my mind I thought I could do all the stunts and fighting. Can you think of a character that you desired to be when you were younger, or a character that you identified with in films? What about that character allowed you to make that identity connection?

When I was younger, one person on television that I wanted to be was Sabrina the Teenage Witch because I thought that life would be so amazing if I were able to have magical powers and control what happens. I think what attracted me to the character was the fact that she was someone that I could see myself being friends with. She was fun, charming, friendly and just very likable in general--something that definitely would appeal to kids my age at the time.

Sabrina's character was someone who was realistic. She wasn't the prettiest girl at the school, but also not the most awkward. She was just any typical girl that would blend in with the crowd. Add in the fact that she is also a witch and has magical powers and you've hooked every little girl in. Who wouldn't like to have some kind powers?--if that girl at school was being mean to you, you can somehow make her do something to embarrass herself in front of everyone, or if you're struggling in school you can automatically understand everything with the wave of a wand. The fact that Sabrina was someone you can identify with, plus the fantasy of being a witch, is something that would attract anyone's attention. It is almost as though this person is you, but a little better.

I think writers definitely have a way of finding and creating characters that represent someone you can relate with. I feel as though the character has to be almost an extreme version of yourself, but also realistic at the same time. The character has to react in a situation the way you think you would most likely act. It is a lot to take into consideration. If there is a movie or show that has too many characters that people are not able to relate to or identify with, I don't think it would be successful.