1- Argument: Fighting to prove a point is a waste of your time because it is better to resolve differences without violence.
2- Audience: Young men with hot tempers who seek to prove themselves through fighting.
3- Goal: To convince the audience to find some way (such as dancing) to live peacefully with people they don't agree with.
4- How the argument was made:
*Ethos: Michael Jackson establishes that he has authority on the subject by showing that he is aware of the issue and able to deal with it by setting a good example. Mostly, though, he already has authority just because he is Michael Jackson. The audience for this music video already admires/respects him.
*Pathos: The over-the-top nature of the gang fight (almost) shown serves to make the audience feel that it really was quite pointless. The feeling that the fight could so easily be avoided is the main method of persuasion used.
*Typical: The resolution of this intended gang fight is not typical. Usually, a caring peacemaker with sweet dance moves does not come to show people a better way to get over differences.
5- Effectiveness: This seems moderately effective as an argument. The overly dramatic scenes shown make a point that a fight can be avoided.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Paper A: Does a rat make a good pet?
1- Argument: Choosing a pet rat will increase your fun because rats are intelligent, friendly, playful pets.
2- Audience: Middle school children (ages 10-12) who like animals, and have permission to get a pet rodent. They have probably never thought of a rat as a possible pet. Instead, they are familiar with rats only as diseased pests.
3- Goal: My goal was to persuade my audience to select a rat as a pet.
4- How the argument was made:
*Ethos: I try to establish my authority on the subject by letting my audience know that I have experience with different types of rodent pets, including rats.
*Logos: My argument rests mainly on logic. I present various facts about rats to make them appear attractive. I talk about how smart they are, how playful and brave, and how affectionate they are.
*Relevancy: Everything contained in the paper is relevant to the topic (rats). Not everything is relevant to the argument. In an effort to show that rats are more fun than other rodents, I occasionally mentioned some way in which this was true. This might be relevant to a slightly different argument, but it is extraneous for this one. I believe the whole paper is relevant to the audience, as well--I think everything I mentioned is something middle schoolers would care about and understand.
5- Effectiveness: I believe this paper is very effective at proving that rats make good pets. That, in fact is a pretty big flaw. The paper has become more informative than persuasive.
2- Audience: Middle school children (ages 10-12) who like animals, and have permission to get a pet rodent. They have probably never thought of a rat as a possible pet. Instead, they are familiar with rats only as diseased pests.
3- Goal: My goal was to persuade my audience to select a rat as a pet.
4- How the argument was made:
*Ethos: I try to establish my authority on the subject by letting my audience know that I have experience with different types of rodent pets, including rats.
*Logos: My argument rests mainly on logic. I present various facts about rats to make them appear attractive. I talk about how smart they are, how playful and brave, and how affectionate they are.
*Relevancy: Everything contained in the paper is relevant to the topic (rats). Not everything is relevant to the argument. In an effort to show that rats are more fun than other rodents, I occasionally mentioned some way in which this was true. This might be relevant to a slightly different argument, but it is extraneous for this one. I believe the whole paper is relevant to the audience, as well--I think everything I mentioned is something middle schoolers would care about and understand.
5- Effectiveness: I believe this paper is very effective at proving that rats make good pets. That, in fact is a pretty big flaw. The paper has become more informative than persuasive.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Source for Paper B: Making the switch from full-time worker to at-home mom
1- Argument: Having the mom in the family stay home has a positive effect on the whole family because there is better cooperation in tasks and less stress.
2- Audience: Black parents (the article appeared in Ebony) who both work, and feel that their lives are very busy, and may have doubts about the quality of daycare.
3- Goal: To persuade the audience that having the mother stay home with her children may solve a lot of problems.
4- How the argument was made:
*Ethos: The entire article is about a family that has tried both having mom work outside the home and having her stay home with her children. This lends authority to the article, because it can be assumed that these people in the story understand the challenges of both arrangements.
*Pathos: The wording of the introduction really causes the reader to feel a sense of how hectic this lifestyle is. The story given causes optimism about the chance for success at having mom stay home.
*Typical: This article may not depict a typical outcome of having the mother stay home, rather than at work. Because the mother shown has experience in teaching, she may be more qualified than many mothers to stay home, or it may be more suitable for her.
5- Effectiveness: Because this article only depicts one family's story, it is unlikely to be highly successful. It is too easy for readers to assume that "it may have worked for them, but it won't work for us." The addition of some statistics relevant to the topic would add a lot of credibility.
2- Audience: Black parents (the article appeared in Ebony) who both work, and feel that their lives are very busy, and may have doubts about the quality of daycare.
3- Goal: To persuade the audience that having the mother stay home with her children may solve a lot of problems.
4- How the argument was made:
*Ethos: The entire article is about a family that has tried both having mom work outside the home and having her stay home with her children. This lends authority to the article, because it can be assumed that these people in the story understand the challenges of both arrangements.
*Pathos: The wording of the introduction really causes the reader to feel a sense of how hectic this lifestyle is. The story given causes optimism about the chance for success at having mom stay home.
*Typical: This article may not depict a typical outcome of having the mother stay home, rather than at work. Because the mother shown has experience in teaching, she may be more qualified than many mothers to stay home, or it may be more suitable for her.
5- Effectiveness: Because this article only depicts one family's story, it is unlikely to be highly successful. It is too easy for readers to assume that "it may have worked for them, but it won't work for us." The addition of some statistics relevant to the topic would add a lot of credibility.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Visual Art: William Turner's "Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying"
See the painting here (bigger) or here (more authoritative source).
1- Argument: The practice of importing slaves degrades humanity because it encourages people to devalue human life.
2- Audience: Americans who still believed slavery was ethical, but who had not given much thought to what happened on the trip over.
3- Goal: To convince people that the horrors involved in transporting slaves outweighed the benefits of using their labor.
4- How the argument was made:
*Pathos: There are a lot of dark colors used in this painting, which evokes a feeling of sadness. However, the slave ship itself is red, reminiscent of blood and violence. The brushstrokes are very tempestuous, which imparts a feeling of the turmoil that the slaves themselves must have been feeling. The hands and feet reaching out of the water serve as reminders that the slaves are very human, and may serve to help the viewer feel guilt. The visible shackles, and the fact that the most obvious foot appears to belong to a woman, intensify this guilt.
*Sufficient: I think that enough emotion is used to amount to a fairly complete argument.
*Typical: I believe that this is fairly typical, though I have not done enough research to verify it. Slaves that would have no market value could be thrown overboard by unscrupulous slavers in order to gather the insurance money, but it may not have been extremely common. Or it may have been, after all.
5- Effectiveness: I believe this argument is fairly successful. It imparts a feeling of horror to the practice of importing slaves which could certainly cause people to think twice about the practice of slavery.
1- Argument: The practice of importing slaves degrades humanity because it encourages people to devalue human life.
2- Audience: Americans who still believed slavery was ethical, but who had not given much thought to what happened on the trip over.
3- Goal: To convince people that the horrors involved in transporting slaves outweighed the benefits of using their labor.
4- How the argument was made:
*Pathos: There are a lot of dark colors used in this painting, which evokes a feeling of sadness. However, the slave ship itself is red, reminiscent of blood and violence. The brushstrokes are very tempestuous, which imparts a feeling of the turmoil that the slaves themselves must have been feeling. The hands and feet reaching out of the water serve as reminders that the slaves are very human, and may serve to help the viewer feel guilt. The visible shackles, and the fact that the most obvious foot appears to belong to a woman, intensify this guilt.
*Sufficient: I think that enough emotion is used to amount to a fairly complete argument.
*Typical: I believe that this is fairly typical, though I have not done enough research to verify it. Slaves that would have no market value could be thrown overboard by unscrupulous slavers in order to gather the insurance money, but it may not have been extremely common. Or it may have been, after all.
5- Effectiveness: I believe this argument is fairly successful. It imparts a feeling of horror to the practice of importing slaves which could certainly cause people to think twice about the practice of slavery.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Movie Trailer: Monsters vs. Aliens
Watch the trailer here.
1- Argument: Watching Monsters vs. Aliens will entertain you because the movie has an interesting plot and humor.
2- Audience: I think the target audience is elementary to middle-school age children, and their parents. The subject matter for the movie (monsters and aliens) identifies it as designed for children. However, some of the humor shown was a little bit more grown-up oriented, which might appeal to parents.
3- Goal: To convince the audience to watch Monsters vs. Aliens when it comes to theaters.
4- How the argument was made:
Ethos: Authority is established when the DreamWorks logo is shown at the beginning of the trailer, because DreamWorks is a legitimate film studio.
Pathos: The music used invokes a feeling of urgency. Mostly though, this trailer uses humor to attract its audience. If the audience feels that the humor is actually funny, they will be attracted to the movie.
Relevancy: All scenes shown are relevant to the topic (the movie itself), since they come from the movie. It also seems that all of it is relevant to the audience, since anyone watching is likely to understand on one level or another.
5- Effectiveness: I believe that this trailer is effective for its intended audience. Children will be attracted by the humor, and parents will be accepting because it looks fairly interesting and mostly clean.
1- Argument: Watching Monsters vs. Aliens will entertain you because the movie has an interesting plot and humor.
2- Audience: I think the target audience is elementary to middle-school age children, and their parents. The subject matter for the movie (monsters and aliens) identifies it as designed for children. However, some of the humor shown was a little bit more grown-up oriented, which might appeal to parents.
3- Goal: To convince the audience to watch Monsters vs. Aliens when it comes to theaters.
4- How the argument was made:
Ethos: Authority is established when the DreamWorks logo is shown at the beginning of the trailer, because DreamWorks is a legitimate film studio.
Pathos: The music used invokes a feeling of urgency. Mostly though, this trailer uses humor to attract its audience. If the audience feels that the humor is actually funny, they will be attracted to the movie.
Relevancy: All scenes shown are relevant to the topic (the movie itself), since they come from the movie. It also seems that all of it is relevant to the audience, since anyone watching is likely to understand on one level or another.
5- Effectiveness: I believe that this trailer is effective for its intended audience. Children will be attracted by the humor, and parents will be accepting because it looks fairly interesting and mostly clean.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Source for Paper A: Rat helps hook school to Internet
1- Argument: Rats can have a positive effect on society, because rats can be trained to do useful things.
2- Audience: Elementary or middle school children who read Current Science.
3- Goal: To cause people to change their ideas that rats are just filthy vermin by introducing people to the idea that rats can be trained to do useful things.
4- How the argument was made:
Ethos: Because the article is directed toward schoolchildren, the very first sentence establishes a connection by referring to students using computers at school.
Typical: The example used in this argument is not entirely typical. Not all rats can be trained to perform this kind of work. However, it would be more typical had it been mentioned that the rat involved is a fancy rat, not a wild rat.
Pathos: The word choice used in this article encourages the reader to think of a rat in a positive way. "Tiny" emphasizes the small, cute nature of the rat. Referring to the rat as "she" and "her" instead of "it" personifies the rat, as does referring to favorite foods and retirement time.
5- Effectiveness: This article probably convinces much of its audience that rats can be useful instead of gross.
2- Audience: Elementary or middle school children who read Current Science.
3- Goal: To cause people to change their ideas that rats are just filthy vermin by introducing people to the idea that rats can be trained to do useful things.
4- How the argument was made:
Ethos: Because the article is directed toward schoolchildren, the very first sentence establishes a connection by referring to students using computers at school.
Typical: The example used in this argument is not entirely typical. Not all rats can be trained to perform this kind of work. However, it would be more typical had it been mentioned that the rat involved is a fancy rat, not a wild rat.
Pathos: The word choice used in this article encourages the reader to think of a rat in a positive way. "Tiny" emphasizes the small, cute nature of the rat. Referring to the rat as "she" and "her" instead of "it" personifies the rat, as does referring to favorite foods and retirement time.
5- Effectiveness: This article probably convinces much of its audience that rats can be useful instead of gross.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Song: "Take a Chance on Me" by ABBA
1- Argument: Taking a chance on me will not be a waste of time because if you try dating me, I'll always be there for you.
2- Audience: A man who has previously not been willing to date the singer.
3- Goal: To persuade the audience to date the singer.
4- How the argument was made:
Pathos: Flattery is used by implying that there is a line of women waiting to date this man, encouraging him to think favorably of the singer because of her high opinion of him.
Logos: Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of logic used in this song. The singer makes suggestions of all sorts of activities that she would be interested in doing (going for a walk, listening to music, et cetera) in order to get to know him better. These low-key activities do not seem intimidating, and probably really would facilitate learning about one another. Also, she makes the argument that she will be around any time he needs her. She repeats this point, in different words, to emphasize the fact.
Sufficiency: The argument is fairly sufficient. The only thing that seems to be missing is statistics, and these are probably better left out ("94% of past boyfriends thought I was a great girlfriend!").
5- Effectiveness: Overall, this argument looks pretty good. The main problem with it is that people are generally not easily persuaded concerning whom to date. If the audience has really made up his mind not to date this girl, he probably will not be convinced.
2- Audience: A man who has previously not been willing to date the singer.
3- Goal: To persuade the audience to date the singer.
4- How the argument was made:
Pathos: Flattery is used by implying that there is a line of women waiting to date this man, encouraging him to think favorably of the singer because of her high opinion of him.
Logos: Surprisingly, there is quite a bit of logic used in this song. The singer makes suggestions of all sorts of activities that she would be interested in doing (going for a walk, listening to music, et cetera) in order to get to know him better. These low-key activities do not seem intimidating, and probably really would facilitate learning about one another. Also, she makes the argument that she will be around any time he needs her. She repeats this point, in different words, to emphasize the fact.
Sufficiency: The argument is fairly sufficient. The only thing that seems to be missing is statistics, and these are probably better left out ("94% of past boyfriends thought I was a great girlfriend!").
5- Effectiveness: Overall, this argument looks pretty good. The main problem with it is that people are generally not easily persuaded concerning whom to date. If the audience has really made up his mind not to date this girl, he probably will not be convinced.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Encounter: Schubach Jewelers
1- Argument: Shopping at Schubach Jewelers will enhance your jewelry experience because Schubach has high-quality jewelry with good guarantees.
2- Audience: A married couple wearing jeans, T-shirts, and very little jewelry.
3- Goal: To convince audience that Schubach Jewelers is a better place to purchase jewelry from than other similar stores.
4- How the argument was made:
Ethos: The first display that he showed us was on sale for fifty percent off. He told us that this line was probably the least expensive in the store. This established a fairly good connection with the audience right away, since we are indeed the poor college students that we look like.
Logos: When asked what makes this store better than others like it, he told us that the lifetime diamond guarantee did not require us to come in and have the jewelry checked every six months. The convenience involved in this offer is very attractive logically. Additionally, he told us that the quality of their jewelry is higher than that of others, but did not really add any evidence for this claim.
Sufficiency: More information would have been nice. I did not feel that enough evidence had been presented to convince me that Schubach is superior to other similar stores.
5- Effectiveness: Overall, this argument seemed to work well. In particular, one unspoken argument was given that seemed more persuasive than what was said: customer service without pressure.
2- Audience: A married couple wearing jeans, T-shirts, and very little jewelry.
3- Goal: To convince audience that Schubach Jewelers is a better place to purchase jewelry from than other similar stores.
4- How the argument was made:
Ethos: The first display that he showed us was on sale for fifty percent off. He told us that this line was probably the least expensive in the store. This established a fairly good connection with the audience right away, since we are indeed the poor college students that we look like.
Logos: When asked what makes this store better than others like it, he told us that the lifetime diamond guarantee did not require us to come in and have the jewelry checked every six months. The convenience involved in this offer is very attractive logically. Additionally, he told us that the quality of their jewelry is higher than that of others, but did not really add any evidence for this claim.
Sufficiency: More information would have been nice. I did not feel that enough evidence had been presented to convince me that Schubach is superior to other similar stores.
5- Effectiveness: Overall, this argument seemed to work well. In particular, one unspoken argument was given that seemed more persuasive than what was said: customer service without pressure.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Commercial: Clean & Clear
View the commercial here.
1- Argument: Using the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit will clear up your skin better than other face washes because this system fights the multiple causes of acne, and it has worked for others.
2- Audience: This ad is targeted toward American youth with acne problems. I believe it is aimed mainly at girls. The examples used are girls. Also, girls will pay attention because the girls speaking are attractive, and girls with acne would like the think that using this product will make them more beautiful like the spokesgirls.
3- Goal: To convince people to buy the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit to treat their acne.
4- How the argument is made:
Ethos: Right away, the girls establish a connection with their audience by acknowledging that acne is frustrating. Then, they cite a clinical study (and show charts), and because the commercial moves so quickly, it is hard to notice that the word "study" is singular, so it helps credibility rather than hurting it. Finally, they use testimonials of real girls to show how valid the evidence is.
Pathos: Throughout the entire commercial, there is upbeat, hopeful music playing, which helps the viewer to feel hopeful and excited that this product could change their life. Also, the spokesgirls have serious voices, which inspire confidence.
Logos: A study is cited that shows that for 100% of participants, skin was clearer in just one day. If it worked for everyone in this study, logically, it should work for the viewer as well. Additionally, it is stated that the product will fight bacteria, clogged pores, and oil, which are different causes of acne. This idea of attacking acne from multiple fronts makes a lot of sense.
5- Effectiveness: This commercial seems effective. However, it would be helped by the use of more logic. Some people are sure to notice that only one study is cited, which may raise doubts. Another flaw is the fact that it utterly ignores the counterargument that it will not work for everyone. Most people know this, and since the only study mentioned says that 100% of participants experienced a cure, it invites cynicism. Listing a very low failure rate based on several large studies would solve both of these problems.
1- Argument: Using the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit will clear up your skin better than other face washes because this system fights the multiple causes of acne, and it has worked for others.
2- Audience: This ad is targeted toward American youth with acne problems. I believe it is aimed mainly at girls. The examples used are girls. Also, girls will pay attention because the girls speaking are attractive, and girls with acne would like the think that using this product will make them more beautiful like the spokesgirls.
3- Goal: To convince people to buy the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit to treat their acne.
4- How the argument is made:
Ethos: Right away, the girls establish a connection with their audience by acknowledging that acne is frustrating. Then, they cite a clinical study (and show charts), and because the commercial moves so quickly, it is hard to notice that the word "study" is singular, so it helps credibility rather than hurting it. Finally, they use testimonials of real girls to show how valid the evidence is.
Pathos: Throughout the entire commercial, there is upbeat, hopeful music playing, which helps the viewer to feel hopeful and excited that this product could change their life. Also, the spokesgirls have serious voices, which inspire confidence.
Logos: A study is cited that shows that for 100% of participants, skin was clearer in just one day. If it worked for everyone in this study, logically, it should work for the viewer as well. Additionally, it is stated that the product will fight bacteria, clogged pores, and oil, which are different causes of acne. This idea of attacking acne from multiple fronts makes a lot of sense.
5- Effectiveness: This commercial seems effective. However, it would be helped by the use of more logic. Some people are sure to notice that only one study is cited, which may raise doubts. Another flaw is the fact that it utterly ignores the counterargument that it will not work for everyone. Most people know this, and since the only study mentioned says that 100% of participants experienced a cure, it invites cynicism. Listing a very low failure rate based on several large studies would solve both of these problems.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Text Ad: Cord Blood Banking
1- Argument: You should store your child's cord blood because it could save his or her health or life.
2- Audience: I believe this ad is targeted to new parents because the subject is not applicable to any other population. Moreover, it is directed to expectant parents who planned their pregnancy and are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new baby, because parents who do not see a child as something desirable will not pay to store cord blood or subscribe to the parenting magazine that the ad appeared in (Baby Talk). Finally, it is targeted to people who have some money, since those who are poor cannot afford this service.
3- Goal: To convince parents that storing their baby's cord blood is vital, and that they should do it with the Cord Blood Registry.
4- How the argument is made:
Ethos: The ad establishes its credibility by citing its age and size. It also claims to be the "#1 choice of Ob/Gyns and expectant families." Finally, it includes a story that was featured on the Today Show.
Pathos: This ad relies heavily on pathos. It uses a picture of a cute, innocent child, which may cause a parent to feel protective and affectionate. It also tells a true story about a boy whose life was saved because his parents saved his cord blood, which is heartwarming, and a little bit alarming. Additionally, it induces feelings of guilt by implying that you are risking your child's life if you do not use this service.
Logos: Logic is used when stating that cord blood can help in the treatment of many conditions, and that one should be prepared.
5- Effectiveness: I think that this advertisement is probably fairly effective. It certainly makes use of a lot of ethos, and because parents tend to be emotional about their children, this makes sense. More logic would increase the effectiveness, however, because some information that could help to persuade is missing. For example, more examples of what can be done with the stem cells in cord blood would be helpful, as would some statistics about how many people actually use them.
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