I Need Some Change In The Rhetorical Analysis Essay

“Why activism is good for you” by Sarah Clancy by Heiddy Rodriguez

Here is what need to be improved: -Revise thesis -Organization of paragraphs. You are trying to squeeze in ethos, logos and pathos in every paragraph even when the example you point out do not fit. You should break up the paragraphs into sections where at most you talk about two appeals. I would group Ethos and Logos together and speak about pathos in its own paragraph

Heiddy Rodriguez

Professor Gonzales

ENC1101

13, October 2019

A Rhetorical Analysis of “Why activism is good for you” by Sarah Clancy

The article, “Why activism is good for you” is written by Sarah Clancy, a poet, a social campaigner and tour guide, who lives in Galway. She informs readers to realize the power of their actions to bring changes in society. The message conveyed in this article reminds readers to develop critical thinking and build a society that is favorable and equitable for everyone. She uses specific examples to persuade the audience who in turn may agree to play their active part in the reformation of societies (Clancy). “The author has successfully communicated the importance of positive activism to bring changes in society by taking ownership of personal power." (is a quote or your thesis? If this is your thesis you forgot to explain through what rhetorical strategies she successfully communicates)

Clancy initiates her argument by saying that changes in society can be brought if the citizens are willing to accept their roles and responsibilities. Readers may not be able to understand her stance, but she convinces them that they should not think that their efforts will go wasted. For example, Clancy says, “We do not live ‘atomic’ separate existences” (Clancy). The metaphor ‘atomic’ indicates that this world is not a place of isolation. Little things and actions have their importance and every action has its effect on all the parts of this society. All human beings are connected in one manner or the other.

The ethos appeal used in this article informs readers to take any action because positive or negative actions have their outcomes on the overall society. The example used by Clancy persuades readers to play their part without worrying about the magnitude of the results. Her vision to change the world by taking small steps influences the readers and they can feel her honesty through her tone used in the article. She uses persuasive language to take initiatives that can lead a society in the right way. (Add a quote in this paragraph)

To take initiatives, Clancy argues to realize the worth that can be used by individuals of the society to bring changes in those parts which are neglected or need improvement. For example, she creates an emotional appeal among the readers by saying, “First of all accept that you are powerful and take ownership.” (Clancy). She urges readers to identify their strengths and act upon them. (God, now tell me why this an effective use of pathos?) She uses the word activism and supports it through her claims that activism is not always a negative word and people can also use this term in positive meanings. A few readers can misinterpret her word activism, but if they keep on reading the whole article till the end, they will realize that Clancy has made strong arguments to support her claim about bringing changes in the society with the use of individual power. She also increases the credibility of her(This is good but this suggests that her logos is good. New paragraph) arguments by quoting the saying of an anthropologist, “Margaret Mead”. This quote builds a strong connection between the thoughts of Clancy and Margaret Mead. She also uses the subjective approach in which she also gives her an example that how she feels when she does something being a social campaigner. This empathetic tone is used to enhance the credibility of the arguments.

The credibility of the article can also be judged by the readers when they look at those areas of the society which have been identified by Clancy. She uses specific examples to show the logos appeal which shows the rational thinking of the writer. “Both the local and the global; poverty, injustice, the environment, health, wars, resource distribution, politics and yes the global economic model” (Clancy). Her professionalism is reflected through her work when the pieces of evidence and organization of her work create logical balance. After reading these specific dimensions at the local and global levels, readers may respond immediately in an agreeable manner. Their feelings and reactions may be positive, and they can initiate their actions to play their part in the making of a new society. The imagery and word choice of Clancy makes the article a logical flow of thoughts which ultimately convinces the audience. Structure and organization of the article communicate the true purpose and intention of the author.

     Clancy uses the word activism for bringing positive changes in society. She is of the view that the meanings of activism should not be taken in negative terms. This would increase the appeal to accept the word and act accordingly. “The word activism is often taken as a synonym for protecting” (Clancy). The negative meaning of this word in the main argument draws the attention of the reader away. He may at once stop reading the article because they might not feel interested in reading a topic that is about protests. This is the biggest weakness of this article because Clancy has chosen the wrong word for an explanation of her thoughts. This makes the authenticity of the article a bit unclear. It is true that the reader may find it difficult to continue with the reading of this article because he may get confused. This confusion is the contradictory point in this article. A contradictory text does not have its influence on the readers. Of course, this might be harmful because the intentions of the author may not be accomplished if her writing is not making any contributions to society. One word which denotes the whole text and confuses the author cannot bring positive outcomes. It can stagnate the thoughts of the readers and the efforts of the author will go wasted. So, authors must be careful in the selection of words to bring positive consequences as a result of their writings. Otherwise, their thoughts would bring no passivity if they do not carefully make a selection of their words.

In conclusion, it is narrated that Clancy successfully sends the message to be activist in the society and to accept the responsibility which is lied upon every individual in the society. These efforts are needed to bring changes in a society where there are shortcomings. She indicates that people must not be waiting for some experts to take these initiatives, rather they need to make organized efforts which can become significant in the future. She also highlights the areas where changes are desired. In the article, she uses ethos, pathos, and logos to gain the trust of the readers and her language style convinces readers to take ownership of their powers. After reading the article, readers can accept and identify their responsibilities to be social change agents and making efforts for themselves and the coming generations to live in a just and fair society.

Works Cited

Clancy, Sarah. " Why activism is good for you." Lust of Life, A Lust for Life, www.alustforlife.com/the-bigger-picture/why-activism-is-good-for-you.