Explicit content: definitions, prevalence, and regulatory approaches

¶ … War Address" by F.D. Roosevelt

Discussion analysis on Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Infamy Speech"

The Second World War had been noted as the most destructive conflict in the history of humanity, mainly because it involved and separated nations of the world into two factions: the Axis and Alliance powers. These factions reflect the kind of conflict that led to the declaration of the world war, wherein the Axis group was composed primarily of Germany, Italy, and Japan, while the Grand Alliance involved the United States, Britain, and France. The Grand Alliance was formed as a protest against the Nazi government, led by Adolf Hitler, implemented its anti-Semitism propaganda across Europe, and it moved on to include the Asian region as well (with the participation of Japan).

The Pearl Harbor attack against the United States served as the catalyst that led to its participation as member of the Grand Alliance and involvement in fighting the world war. With its war efforts focused on fighting the Japanese forces, the U.S. had radically shifted from being a neutral nation towards being antagonistic not only against Japan's offensive attacks, but to the world war in general. Thus, after Japan's offensive action against the U.S. In 1941, then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered the "Infamy Speech," which officially engaged the U.S. In the ongoing world war.

In the Infamy Speech, Roosevelt laid down evidences to the American citizenry that led to the declaration of war against Japan and its allies in the war effort. What made this speech effective as a piece of political propaganda was the preponderance of explicit content, information that convinced people that indeed, U.S.'s decision to go to war was justified and morally correct. In the texts that follow, a discussion of analysis of the Infamy Speech was conducted, focusing specifically on its explicit content. This paper posits that the Infamy Speech contained explicit content that laid bare the aggressive actions that the Axis powers had committed against the Alliance and neutral countries in general. The Infamy Speech was depicted as a political propaganda that showed the Grand Alliance as being the "right" or good side of the war, while its enemies were those portrayed as bad elements that triggered socio-political unrest to the rest of the world.

In putting forth the argument of "us-against-them" attitude to his countrymen, Roosevelt had enumerated the atrocities committed by Japan. These actions were considered unjustified and was simply an offensive act that intended to highlight Japan's military power, threatening countries all over the world, especially those in the Asian region. Japan as the antagonist and offender in the U.S.-Japan conflict was reflected through the President's implication that Japan resorted to treachery as a way of gaining the upper-hand or control of the conflict. That is, treachery was evident when he informed his audience that, " ... one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States ... delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply ... While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack."

Apart from portraying Japan as a treacherous offender and antagonist to American society, Roosevelt had also shown explicitly the country's commitment of atrocities against other countries as well. This was included in order to convince the public that Japan was on the wrong side of the war, and that U.S. had been correct in deciding to be involved with it. Roosevelt countered,

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.