Jay Heinrichs, author of Thank You for Arguing, brought up how subduction can be used as the most insidious and enjoyable forms of argument. Subduction is used for more than just consensual sex, and Heinrichs summed up its power perfectly.
Heinrich’s details a story of the time a used car salesman seduced him into purchasing a used Ford sedan. As soon as he buckled in for a test drive, the man asked if he wanted to see P.T. Barnum’s grave (the real guy from The Greatest Showman). They stopped and saw peacocks and brilliant-green parrots in a huge fir tree. The visit had definitely delighted Heinrich which lead to him doing whatever the salesman suggested including buying the Ford.
Subduction is the act of changing an audiences mood leading to a consensus, or a shared faith in a choice. It is basically a way of manipulating, but in more of a lighter since.
The Food Network is one great example of subduction. They use similar techniques as the porn industry—good looking characters, over-miked sound, little plot, and fancy close-ups. Their tactics can make anyone enjoy watching food be made through creating these mood changing effects.
Even the great Greek philosopher Aristotle believed in the power of subduction. Getting people to have faith in anything requires usually more than logic. There must be an emotional feeling behind it which creates a desire. Although subduction can be considered immoral to some, it’s better than a fight or argument to win an audience.
Another example that could go with the car salesman story is a car dealership commercial. They make the cars look brand new and make it seem super easy to get a new car so that you will come and look at the cars. After you look at the cars they then convince you to buy one.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your example of the car salesman for describing seduction. Car salesmen and dealerships make their products look the nicest and the cleanest because they know people love to show off their new products. Seduction is a harsh form of persuading and is just like manipulation.
ReplyDeleteThe car salesman example is perfect to show how seduction can be used in a way other than actual sex. The salesman connected the car with adventure and fun. He seduced the author into buying the car. Seduction is one of the best tools for manipulation.
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