Reich's Cultural Parables Post

This particular speech I chose for two reasons. First, it oozes with inferred references that highlight Reich’s "Mob at the Gate"cultural parable. The second reason is because I know how much our beloved instructor admires and loves Brother Beck. (I am also glad our beloved instructor has a sense of humor.)

Glenn Beck gave this speech in 2013 at the Christians United for Israel, Washington Summit. Beck has established his media stronghold on the basis of America being a great country which was established for the purpose of saving mankind from their wicked ways. Despite America’s greatness, Beck showcases the dark forces that have been whittling away at the goodness here from within. He believes in the strong foundation established in the past and that that will lead us all to peace and prosperity after a time of trial and tribulation.


This speech is quite long, and I would encourage you to watch all of it, but the first and last ten minutes hit all of the necessary points for understanding the "Mob at the Gate" parable.

This particular speech is powerful and poignantly adapted to show America as the “shining light on the hill” as Beck referred to it many times in his speech accompanied with the applicable biblical and pilgrim references. He also shared the story of fighting the Barbary pirates in America’s first war as a nation, and how we were the only ones even then who would face these foes. Jefferson even had the Koran published in America so people could read it and determine for themselves if this was a good cause to be fighting.

Beck then shared how we are “key” to the restoration of Israel and that without us they could not stand. We are their protectors and must stand united in order for them to prosper. This again shows how perfectly it fits into Reich’s cultural parable.

He continues to feed the flames by sharing how evil infiltrated the European nations during the World Wars. This part was quite fascinating since he used actual historical relics from the time to show the evil. He again pushed forward the notion that we were the saviors in those times and we will have to be once more.

He followed this up with a warning that we are on a course reminiscent of biblical prophecy. We must stay strong and true or we will also be infected with the evil that tears the soul of nations apart. This furthers the second concept of the parable about the fear we have because of our vulnerability a openness that we may succumb to the evil that may come from abroad.

He also shared how the first great seal of our nation was established on principles of us being a virtuous and good people who will stand to protect others in their affliction. He then went into detail about the Statue of Liberty and what symbols it has that adds to the ideals that we are a nation of light and hope to the world.

His last stand for his case is his appeal that the youth are the answer. We must raise them to be the protectors. We must not let them be overcome by the evil of the outside world. They are our future and the future for all other nations to find peace in. By including the youth, Beck takes Reich’s cultural ideals well into the future as a new generation is taught these ideals.

Also in this speech, Beck hits on all of the process premises. He initiates our basic needs by first telling us how bad things are and that we are the need for other nations. He focuses our attention back to our roots while giving us a sense of power because of where and how we live.

He also uses a lot of emotion in his speech. He is typically a crybaby anyways, but in this speech he effectively draws the audience through fear of the future, guilt for letting down their guard, anger over how the government is handling things, pride for our heritage, and ultimately the happiness and joy we will feel when we have done all we can and have found our own peace.

The process premise of attitude was just as well administered throughout the speech. He made his audience think through his line of logic. He appealed to their emotions with passion from his soul. He challenged them to take the behavioral steps to stand with each other and with Israel.

The final process premise is about consistency. He created a cognitive dissonance throughout his speech, but then reassured his audience that as Christians we know what the outcome will be in the end regardless of what happens between now and then. This attitude taken resolves any dissonance incurred.

Despite the predictability of the speech topic and its direction, this was a great example of Reich’s "Mob at the Gate"cultural parable.