Reflection

Martin illustrates that the tattoos and piercing are a symbolic expression of self and some of the important incidences that occur during adolescence. Martin starts by highlighting some of the notable reasons underlying the worrying rise in external body modifications among teenagers. These external modifications are seen as offering solid and readily accessible solutions for numerous identify conflicts and crises characteristic of adolescence. Martin points to the brutal nature of adolescence. During this period, teenagers often make decisions that become part of their lives. While these external modifications may be seen as body art, there is more to them. For instance, they have symbolic connotations. Tattoos are more than permanent souvenirs, things like relationships, often they become the only symbol of the existence of the relationship or a symbol of an incident that occurs during adolescence. These external modifications are expressions of important incidences in one’s life.

Using pathos, Martin successfully proves his thesis; convincing the audiences that reasons are underlying these body modifications. Martin’s logical argument is greatly persuasive since it is wrapped up with a decent amount of emotion. Pathos, in this article, is not just an expression of something sad and dramatic; rather, it is love and other emotional reactions. For instance, the case vignettes which points to the reasons why both adults and teenagers get tattoos and piercings. In the first case, the vignette is a teen whose tattoo is a reminder of his father’s life and demise. In the second case, the vignette is a girl’s face tattooed on the father’s chest. This demonstrates the rhetorical method of pathos, as it is using the testimonies to two people, an adult and a teenager, sharing comparable experiences that readers can connect to. Using this method, Martin conveys the feelings of love.

Logos have equally be utilized in the article to support the thesis. Logos drives the argument forward; Martin presents his points in a straightforward and commanding manner that audiences cannot conceive an alternative of the argument. Martin utilizes logos as a means of backing the argument by relying on factual evidence in the article. Severally within the article, Martin incorporates anecdotes from other works such as R. Brian’s The Decorated Body and Herman Melville’s Moby Dick (Martin 18). Using illustrations from other works in the article to support arguments and reinforce claims using other author’s ideas are recognized as the method of logos. Martin clarifies that there are different reasons underlying teenagers’ need to get body modifications. He is interested in having the readers comprehend that the reasons behind tattoos are more than mere sight of such modifications. Another logos utilized by Martin is that some teenagers get these external modifications since they do not have control over their bodies .

Ethos manifest in Martin’s article, which entails endeavors to alter the audience’s opinion by the use of the author’s integrity. While this is not the most authoritative persuasion method, martins still utilized it extensively. For instance, Martin writes about the interviews between him and other people he met, eparticularly owners of tattoos. While there is no mention of him having tattoos, Martin’s discourse with individuals who has tattoos helped him bolster credibility in his writing. Martin has to convince audiences about his knowledge on the topic of adolescent psychiatry. He utilizes ethos by citing several case studies and overall experience to solidify his argument .

By using several rhetorical methods, Martin successfully clarifies the different reasons underlying teens tattooing themselves. People often get tattoos for personal reasons, so they are continually on an incident in their lives. Therefore, tattoo ought not to be judged simply by their appearance, but seen as another means of seeing a person’s self. Tattoos should be viewed with an open mind; this is key to understanding why it is widespread among teenagers. By use of the rhetorical methods, Martin offers the reader a better understanding of the subject. A blend of integrity, personal narratives, and logical reasons make a logical argument.

Works Cited

Martin, Andres. "On Teenagers and Tattoo." Reclaiming Children And Youth: Journal Of Emotional And Behavioral Problems, vol. 9, no. 3, 2000, pp