Notes on The Art of Influence

Part 1: Florence Kelley – "Speech Against Child Labor" (1905)

• Main Issue: Kelley identifies the unethical use of child labor as the main issue, highlighting its harm.
• Examples of Child Labor:
  • Little girls working in textile mills through the night.
  • Children making artificial flowers and neckwear under the sweating system.
  • Children making shoes, stockings, and knitted underwear in factories.
• Women’s Suffrage and Child Labor Laws: Kelley argues that if mothers and teachers could vote, they could help free children from child labor.
• State Laws:
  • Georgia: Cotton mills
  • Pennsylvania: Coal-breakers
  • Alabama: Limitation on working hours for children under 16 in cotton mills.
  • North/South Carolina and Georgia: Night work hours
  • New Jersey: Work cessation for women and children at 6 PM and noon on Fridays.
• Call to Action: Kelley urges the audience to fight for voting rights to help pass laws ending child labor.

Part 1: Ronald Reagan – "Address on the Challenger Disaster" (1986)

• Astronauts Description: Reagan describes the astronauts as courageous, brave, and daring.
• Message to School Children: He acknowledges the difficulty of the event but emphasizes the bravery needed for exploration.
• Future of Space Exploration: Commitment to continue space exploration.
• Historical Reference: Compares the Challenger crew's dedication to Sir Frances Drake's commitment to exploration.
• Literary Reference: Uses a compare and contrast with Frances Drake to honor the Challenger crew.

Part 1: David Selznick – "Letter to the Hays Office" (1939)

• Main Concern: Selznick focuses on the censorship of the word “damn” in "Gone with the Wind," crucial for its emotional and dramatic impact.
• Addressing Mr. Hays: Instead of the censoring official, demonstrating credibility.
• Previous Films: Mentioned to assert Selznick’s reputation and integrity.
• Argument on "Damn": Not an oath or curse; at worst, a vulgarism, as per the Oxford English Dictionary.
• Reassurance: Allowing the word won't lead to widespread profanity in films.
• Precedent: Hopes establishing a precedent for future film scripts.

Part 1: Art Hoppe – "To Root Against Your Country" (1971)

• Why Rooting Against Country: Disappointment and shame over the country's decisions.
• WWII vs. Vietnam War: Higher civilian casualties in Vietnam.
• Vietnam War Aspects Hated: Massacres, body counts, napalming, and environmental damage.
• Distinction in Rooting: Supports peace, not violence in Vietnam.
• Loneliness of Opinion: One opinion feels insignificant compared to the majority.
• Larger Cost of War: Beyond military losses, the war incurs hatred, shame, and rage.

Part 2: Joseph McCarthy – "Speech Explaining the Communist Threat" (1950)

• Greatest Threat: Communism.
• Spread in Asia: Described as a disaster or "dawning of day."
• Accusations: Against U.S. officials.
• Ideological Conflict: Communism vs. Democracy.
• Religion vs. Communism: U.S.'s devotion to God is stronger than atheism.

Part 2: Frida Kahlo – "I'm Amputating You" (1953)

• Reason for Writing: Writing before surgery in case of death.
• Amputation Comparison: Compares letting go of her leg to letting go of Rivera.
• Past Betrayals: Infidelity with her sister and others.
• Directness: Telling Rivera personally about amputation.
• Final Decision: Emotional release from Rivera.

Part 2: Cesar Chavez – "He Showed Us the Way" (1978)

• Honoring Martin Luther King: Admired for non-violence and equality.
• Power of Nonviolence: Most powerful weapon for justice.
• Effects of Nonviolence: Better resolution to social issues.
• Nature of People: Caring individuals are more inclined towards nonviolence.
• Long-term Effects: Nonviolence leads to sustainable achievements.

Part 3: Virginia Woolf – "Professions for Women" (1930)

• Writing Open to Women: Offers success potential.
• Process of Becoming a Writer: Full of challenges.
• "The Angel in the House": Represents an ideal woman.
• Killing the Angel: Rejecting restrictive norms to express her true self.
• Difficulty in Killing the Angel: Deeply ingrained values.
• Lying for the Angel: Writing only what was proper for men.
• Novels vs. Reviews/Articles: Novels allow more freedom.
• Second Obstacle: Male-dominated literary world.
• Metaphor for Obstacle: A battle against limitations.
• Allusion: References "A Room of One’s Own."

Part 3: Abigail Adams – "Letter to Her Son" (1780)

• Reason for Travel: To aid his father's diplomatic duties.
• Mother’s Wisdom: Voyage benefitted him, proving her foresight.
• Advantages over Others: Access to education and connections.
• Metaphor of Greatness: Relates opportunity and responsibility.
• Role of Hardship: Character building for leaders.
• Historical Reference: Ancient leaders shaped by hardship.
• American Revolution Connection: Character test for Americans.
• Temper Advice: Advice to control passion with wisdom.
• Urged Qualities: Virtue, diligence, humility, duty.

Part 3: Rachel Carson – "Introduction to Silent Spring" (1962)

• Description of Town: Initially vibrant, turns silent.
• Causes of Change: Human activity through pesticides.
• Organism Adaptation: Humans alter environments to harm.
• Time as a Problem: Gradual accumulation of chemicals.
• Cycle of Biocides: Resistance leading to stronger chemicals.
• Agricultural Policy Contradictions: Favoring immediate profit over health.
• Modern Practices: Monoculture and poor planning worsen pest issues.
• Role in Spread of Species: Trade introduces invasive species.
• Government Blame: Negligence influenced by industry.
• Final Contentions: Ethical responsibility in scientific progress.
• Capitalism’s Role: Profit-driven exploitation of resources.