Ethos/Pathos/Logos Analysis

For my ethos/pathos/logos analysis, I chose to analyze the Perspectives on Globalization article "Refuting the False Doctrine of Globalization. The author used these rhetorical strategies to further her argument that globalization has several adverse effects on issues like poverty.

Ethos:

1. The author establishes in the first sentence that she is a faithful Christian. Targeted to a BYU audience, this would establish a common belief with the audience and foster respect.

2. The author quotes the scripture, "Do you have eyes, and fail to see?" Again, by utilizing the common religious ideals she finds with the audience, her arguments take on a new level of validity.

3. The author refers to Adam Smith, whom many see as the original source of free market theory, and his perspectives on capitalism. This enhances the argument's credibility due to the prominence of the man quoted.

Pathos:

1. The author says that "Christians are called, before all else... to love neighbor as self." This statement appeals to the audience's emotions and beliefs, in a way that supports her argument.

2. The author gives many examples of globalization's adverse effects (sweatshops, pollution, etc.) and then indicts the public for accepting these consequences. This causes the audience to reflect on how they view emotional social issues.

3. The author criticizes the hunger for "growth" as encouraging destructive activities: Young children buying cigarettes, alcoholism, and pornography. These extreme examples evoke strong emotional reactions from the audience.

Logos:

1. The author cites statistics showing a 22.2% growth in household worth in the US from 1983 to 1998, but also that homelessness increased. These facts support the idea that growth isn't always good.

2. The author states that "the world's 225 richest people have a combined wealth of over $1 trillion, equal to the income of the poorest 47% of the world's people." Again, she uses numbers to show the adverse affects of economic "growth."

3. The author cites examples of companies exploiting patent laws that oppress farmers and merchants in poor countries.


 
For my opinion editorial, I am writing about the ban of skateboarding on campus. To further my argument, I could use the following rhetorical strategies:

Ethos:

1. Establishing myself as a BYU freshman who frequently longboards will ideally build a mutual respect with my target audience, fellow longboarders.

2. Relating experiences with BYU police will lend credibility to how I interpret BYU's policies, as they were told to me by law enforcement.

3. Acknowleding counter-arguments will temper bias, and objectivity can help build credibility.

Pathos:

1. Portraying the ban as an attack on individualism could evoke strong negative reactions about the ban from my audience.

2. Showing that other forms of transportation are allowed while skateboarding isn't may inspire more passionate calls for skateboarding to be allowed.

3. The fact that skateboarding is allowed on other college campuses could result in feelings that the policy is unfair or unjust.

Logos:

1. Presenting possible solutions will help lend a logical, reasoned tone to the argument.

2. Alluding to other strict rules on campus behavior (i.e. Honor Code) could help the audience reach the same conclusions as I do.

3. Examining the school's stance on the issue as a "liability" issue could help the audience form a more educated opinion on the validity of that stance.