I have never listened or read the “Sinews of Peace” speech
from Winston Churchill and I was rather ignorant about the origins of the “Iron
Curtain” metaphor. I love listening to audio tracks from before the boom of
technology.
The Importance of Taped Media
I work in broadcasting and over this past summer, I worked on a
special project where I converted old tapes (legit film reels and such) into
digital media. It was crazy hard and I was terrified I was going to destroy the
sensitive material. But I gained a perspective on how broadcasting and media
worked before the digital age where most systems are now automated. I have a
greater appreciation for historical media such as the Churchill.
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| Painting of Winston Churchill via Wikimedia Commons |
Rhetoric of Peace
As far as rhetoric for the speech, I want to lead this
analysis with an important part of the audio that is not written. From what I
assume are journalists or radio commenters documenting the event, saying things
along the lines of “Churchill is wearing a red robe to signify academia, etc.,
etc.,” one of the most interesting comments occurred while the speakers transitioned,
and it was noted that Churchill “shooed” away photographers. This comment
encapsulates the importance of the “Sinews of Peace” speech as well as the tone
that Churchill wanted to leave with the audience members. Simplistically,
Churchill intended with the contents of his speech as well as this action that
this was not about him or his role in public media but about the changes that
the Allies can create together.
During the written components of the speech, whenever
Churchill refers to himself this concept of focusing on others is still
apparent, because Churchill literally says it himself: “There is nothing here
but what you see,” and “This is no time for generality and I will venture to be
precise.” By clarifying that there is no “fluff” in this talk, Churchill
attempts to appeal to ethos by establishing authority that is simple and
difficult for the audience to misunderstand.
Selflessness over Selfishness
This was effective for the audience because it did draw
attention to the overarching topic that Churchill called “the unestimated sum
of human pain” in a “sad and breathless moment.” Considering that this speech was delivered during
the tail-end of war started for what could be argued as selfish reasons, the
tone of the speech derailed that selfishness and united those who may be weary
of world leaders or doubting the future unity and effectiveness of the Allies.
