From Crackle:
Shad argues that by finding and pursuing their own passion in life, black youths can break through stereotypes and societal expectations. Shad’s video aims at young black North Americans. He argues about the issue of the media creating stereotypes of blacks and that young people feel forced to conform to these messages.
The enthymeme could be that if young black men and women find their passion and pursue it they will overcome media stereotypes because by pursuing whatever their dream is they will pave the way for others to follow their example.
Shad’s logical appeal in the video are the images of the homes and TVs. He dramatized decades of black history in personal life and the media that provided evidence for what he said in the lyrics. By standing and rapping into the camera for a prolonged period of time, Shad gained credibility as a rapper by showing that he can perform outside of a recording studio. Filming in black and white also has a sense of historical credibility.
By looking straight into the camera Shad appealed to the emotions; he appears committed to what he’s saying. More emotional appeals came when the video cut to a kid and what his life is like, then panned through images of several decades of black homes. The homes’ images really pound in the point of the lyrics. It is sufficient, but doesn’t tell you everything. This style lets your imagination and emotions do the rest of the persuasion in your head.
The homes and TV scenes seemed typical of the times they represented. The combination of logical arguments in the lyrics and the evidence for it shown in the video made everything seem very accurate. For the times, this issue is relevant. Blatant racism is much less common in current society, but stereotypes still exist and are very powerful. If people both listen to the lyrics and watch the video they can’t help but be persuaded, at least in part, that Shad is right.
