British Accents

(http://brandchannel.com/2013/11/07/good-to-be-bad-jaguar-plays-up-british-bad-boy-side-for-super-bowl-debut/)

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7gR7EYjcP8

          In this commercial, the object is to sell cars; however, the method used is extremely entertaining and effective. The company enlisted the help of three very well-known movie villains- Sir Ben Kingsley, Mark Strong, and Tom Hiddleston- to discuss how villains are often British. There is nothing inherently superior about the British; however, the three villains assert that the superiority lies in how they sound. By nature of their accent, British villains seem more focused, precise, and just sound right, as Strong states. This commercial is particularly fun and effective because it plays up the appeal of the "bad boy" persona and then emphasizes that bad boys drive jaguars. This claim tells the audience that bad boys are intelligent and drive jaguars, appealing to any who would like that distinction as well.
          However, more importantly, the commercial highlights the importance of perception. The presentation of reasons why it may be that many villains speak with a British accent demonstrate that people's perceptions can be played upon and used to the advantage of others. Using a British accent creates a perception of intelligence and deviousness in the villain. Now, apply everything that Kingsley, Strong, and Hiddleston said about villains and British accents to argumentation. People perceive British accents as intelligent, focused, precise, and, ultimately, convincing and alluring. They sound infinitely more civilized while significantly more threatening as well. With this in mind, I submit that we should all begin to argue with British accents. Immediately, the arguer will sound more intelligent, focused, and convincing which will be intimidating to the one arguing against him. It will allow the arguer to hid behind a mask, keeping a stiff upper lip, as Hiddleston states, so as to avoid providing any encouragement to the opposition. While sounding more civilized, thereby avoiding unnecessary barbaric argumentation methods, the threatening nature of the accent only adds to the discomfort of the opposition. It is for these reasons that we should all argue in British accents for it can only strengthen our arguments and elevate our stature. Words are extremely powerful, but, ah....the way in which they are said...therein lies a completely different and unrealized power if we will but explore it. (You read that last line in a British accent, didn't you?)