Reich's Cultural Parables: Standing with Japan

One of Reich’s Cultural Parables is that of the Benevolent Community where neighbors and friends roll up their sleeves and pitch in to help when problems occur. It’s also about “America’s essential generosity and compassion to those in need.” The speech I chose to use for this is one given by President Obama in after the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.  Right at the beginning of his speech he talks of the great destruction to our friends and greatest ally, and then lists the things that are being done, such as protecting our own nuclear energy and American citizens in Japan affected by the catastrophe, and how the USA is helping the Japanese people contain the damage, recover, and rebuild.

I do like the fact that he called this country across the ocean our friend and ally. Throughout the speech he speaks of working alongside and helping with the efforts of recovery and damage control. I believe that when he focuses on our fellow Americans it immediately sets forth a sense of urgency and encourages other Americans to rally around and support whatever needs to be done to protect and help our fellow citizens, who are our neighbors and friends, no matter where they are living. Speaking of the situation in this way creates an immediate affective reaction, especially for those family members who are left here on American soil wondering what is being done to help their loved ones.

On the other hand, the specific information about what the damage is and what is being done also informs the public of the dangers of the situation and gives the public the knowledge they need to handle the situation at hand.  He speaks of taking “prudent and precautionary measures to educate those Americans who may be in danger of radiation.” This creates a cognitive effect not only for those here watching the situation unfold, but also allows us a measure of peace that our fellow Americans who are being taken care of as well.

The process premise of need is used at length within this speech from the need of evacuation for safety’s sake, the need for educating those who may be affected by radiation, and even the need for evacuation of certain locations. Obama also vocalizes the necessity of citizens to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of both the Japanese and American governments as things unfold. Obama also addresses the needs here at home and says that there is no danger posed to our nation. The only need we have here is to stay informed. He states that we have a responsibility to learn from crisis events in other countries and to “draw from those lessons to ensure the safety and security of our people.”

Obama also speaks of having our nuclear plants checked here at home to be sure that everything is safe and functioning well. I believe that this could fall under the process premise of attitude and/or consistency. It can reflect an attitude of action and proactivity in assuring the safety and security of our own. Ensuring that we have done all that we can do to prevent any crisis here in our own country. This action can also fall under the premise of consistency due to the effort itself and following certain protocol to prevent or try to minimize catastrophic events here on our own soil. After all, if we look good here and are safe, then we are better able to help and serve our fellow allies. As he lists out the things that we as a nation are doing to support and help Japan he says that the military has been helping in that capacity for “decades” which also implies consistency in our support of this nation.

We have given food and water and helped in recovery efforts which also shows our attitude of support for our neighbor, which is the final process premise. We have sent our own experts to help “contain the damage at Japan’s nuclear reactors. We are sharing with them expertise, equipment, and technology.”

This speech screams that we are a benevolent community. Look at all that we have done for Japan. This is definitely a great example of Reich’s Cultural Parable. Obama makes his point well. America is doing all that it can do to help out not only our own fellow American’s but also the Japanese who were affected by the earthquake and Tsunami. American’s have donated to the relief funds, the American Red Cross has taken care of the immediate needs of those affected, and the also gives a website where any others who would like to volunteer can go to learn more. He says, “The Japanese people are not alone in this time of great trial and sorrow. Across the Pacific they will find the hand of support extended from the United States.” What a great nation we live in where we will and do exhaust our efforts in help of other nations in need.