English feedback redo

Perry May

Frank Merksamer 

English 111

Draft of Rhetorical Analysis

Unlike many commercials, which rely on product demonstrations, Nike’s advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick's logical appeal lies in its central message, alongside its slogan. The ad's main message, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything" (Nike, 2018), suggests that achieving the best outcomes or progress requires sticking to one's values or principles despite personal loss. The creator reinforces this reasoning by using Kaepernick's real-life experiences as evidence, as he lost his career after kneeling during the national anthem to protest against racial injustices. Through the use of "Just Do It!", the ad indirectly indicates that the central message is the logical way for anyone with dreams to chase. Through using a well-known athlete with an impactful story, in addition to the slogan, the ad establishes a cause-and-effect relationship that makes its argument logical and compelling. Personally, the appeal is persuasive because it links the brand's identity with the universal idea of confidence through action, portraying Nike as a brand that supports people who take risks for what they believe in. This reasoning convinces that Nike is a company that stands for perseverance and integrity, proving that it's one of the best brands to use.

The ad uses emotionally charged visuals of Kaepernick, which immediately draws viewer attention due to the black and white close-up of his serious face, combined with the inspiring message about sacrifices (Nike, 2018). The ad’s visual design is simple, allowing the quote to stand out, which can appeal to viewers who seek bravery and inspiration. For many fans, Kaepernick’s story is inspiring, therefore, his facial expression in the ad may evoke a feeling of determination and courage in the fans, connecting the brand to supporting the pursuit of beliefs. The emotional connection the ad evokes from the message and use of the athlete represents Nike as a symbol of justice, resilience, and hope, not just a sports brand. Personally, the ad's central message is the powerful emotional appeal, which prompts a viewer to reflect on their pursuits and encourages viewers who stand out for their beliefs. However, for viewers who oppose Kaepernick's actions, the ad can evoke negative emotions like frustration and anger, creating national debates and controversy. As such, the ad's emotional depth makes it more memorable and influential.

The ad creates the brand's credibility and trust through Kaepernick's personal integrity and Nike's identity. The campaign is created on the public perception of Kaepernick's character, not just his athletic skills. Kaepernick is an athlete known for his integrity and activism, and the ad demonstrates his act of risking his career for social justice as a courageous act, making his character a symbol of the message. The ad's minimalist style, combined with a recognizable slogan, 'swoosh' logo, and reputation as a leading sports brand, further adds to the ad's credibility and trust (Nike, 2018). Personally, Nike’s association with Kaepernick deeply resonates with me because it shows the brand's willingness to take a stand in social justice. Additionally, it also makes the company appear trustworthy, socially responsible, and brave, qualities that make viewers likely to support and purchase its products. How the ad builds its credibility and trust appeals to young and socially conscious audiences, who value brands that are inclusive and support social justice issues.

Works Cited

Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.). The rhetorical triangle: Making your communications persuasive. Mind Tools.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/RhetoricalTriangle.htm

Nike. (2018). Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything [Advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick]. Nike Inc.

UofLIFE (2013). Writing Center: Rhetorical Analysis. YouTube. https://youtu.be/s84EDd8jFgw?si=sXn4JPuXZxxruikg

This is for the draft that I have attached. I am a few days late so just refer to the Nike draft that I am asking you to redo, for this assignment.

Work with the draft rhetorical analysis that you turned in on Monday. You are revising for purpose and form. Remember that although I will share feedback on your papers, you need to think deeply about how you can improve the paper.

Purpose: the goal of the rhetorical analysis is to use the appeals (logos, pathos, and ethos) to make sense of the greater text. You need to identify each of the appeals in specific locations of the text (they can all be from the same part of the text). From there, respond to the appeal. Think about how it gets you thinking about the larger text. Remember to read the whole text before attempting this. Answer these questions about your first draft:

1) How are you thinking about logos? What claims and evidence are you considering? Which specific passage are you considering, and how do you use specific text to consider an argument?  See if you can focus the logos thinking a bit more. Make sure that you respond to the logical argument that you pull out. How much does the logic make sense? Can you think of a counter argument or a reason to reject the logic? Clarify your response here loosely before changing the paragraph.

2) How are you thinking about pathos? Are you looking at a specific passage in the text? Which one and why? Remember that pathos is about your background and experiences, your philosophy. In other words, how are you relating to particular shared ground in the text?  Can you clarify your connection more strongly with an example or clearer focus on your philosophy? Even if you do not connect and feel disconnected from or hostile towards the text, explore that disconnection more.

3) How are you thinking about ethos? Are you using something from the text that creates credibility and trust for the speaker, or are you thinking about what you already know about the speaker? Remember that ethos is the speaker's reputation and the degree to which we trust the speaker.  How do you respond to this reputation? Elaborate on the extent to which it promotes or discourages your appreciation of the text?

You will need to answer the above questions in a  single Word document. Once you do that, think about the three body paragraphs. Outline more unified and coherent paragraphs, taking into consideration new thinking as above as well as form. I want to see three clearer outlines as below (do this for all three body paragraphs!):

Topic sentence-->transition from the last body paragraph, showing how the paragraph relates to teh last, and clarify / claim how the particular rhetorical appeal helps you to think about the speech

a) detail the appeal, looking at the text from the perspective of logos, pathos, or ethos. Remember to focus on one passage

b) fill in your argument by showing how the appeal leads to your reaction

ex)

Because Johnson argues clearly that the country is changing for the worse, I find incredible relevance in the similar evidence that I find now, ten years after Johnson wrote his argument.

a) Johnson claims that the country is x. He adds y evidence to make the argument. He clarifies that . . .

b) As relevant as the argument was in the late 60s, it is as relevant today. In comparison to Johnson's evidence of . . ., today we'd need to look at . . ..

Notice that I have transitioned between a and b. I have also moved from details of the appeal to my reaction.  This is key.

Turn in the loose thinking for purpose and the three outlines (form). I'll grade each part equally.

Perry May

Frank Merksamer 

English 111

Draft of Rhetorical Analysis

Unlike many commercials, which rely on product demonstrations, Nike’s advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick's logical appeal lies in its central message, alongside its slogan. The ad's main message, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything" (Nike, 2018), suggests that achieving the best outcomes or progress requires sticking to one's values or principles despite personal loss. The creator reinforces this reasoning by using Kaepernick's real-life experiences as evidence, as he lost his career after kneeling during the national anthem to protest against racial injustices. Through the use of "Just Do It!", the ad indirectly indicates that the central message is the logical way for anyone with dreams to chase. Through using a well-known athlete with an impactful story, in addition to the slogan, the ad establishes a cause-and-effect relationship that makes its argument logical and compelling. Personally, the appeal is persuasive because it links the brand's identity with the universal idea of confidence through action, portraying Nike as a brand that supports people who take risks for what they believe in. This reasoning convinces that Nike is a company that stands for perseverance and integrity, proving that it's one of the best brands to use.

The ad uses emotionally charged visuals of Kaepernick, which immediately draws viewer attention due to the black and white close-up of his serious face, combined with the inspiring message about sacrifices (Nike, 2018). The ad’s visual design is simple, allowing the quote to stand out, which can appeal to viewers who seek bravery and inspiration. For many fans, Kaepernick’s story is inspiring, therefore, his facial expression in the ad may evoke a feeling of determination and courage in the fans, connecting the brand to supporting the pursuit of beliefs. The emotional connection the ad evokes from the message and use of the athlete represents Nike as a symbol of justice, resilience, and hope, not just a sports brand. Personally, the ad's central message is the powerful emotional appeal, which prompts a viewer to reflect on their pursuits and encourages viewers who stand out for their beliefs. However, for viewers who oppose Kaepernick's actions, the ad can evoke negative emotions like frustration and anger, creating national debates and controversy. As such, the ad's emotional depth makes it more memorable and influential.

The ad creates the brand's credibility and trust through Kaepernick's personal integrity and Nike's identity. The campaign is created on the public perception of Kaepernick's character, not just his athletic skills. Kaepernick is an athlete known for his integrity and activism, and the ad demonstrates his act of risking his career for social justice as a courageous act, making his character a symbol of the message. The ad's minimalist style, combined with a recognizable slogan, 'swoosh' logo, and reputation as a leading sports brand, further adds to the ad's credibility and trust (Nike, 2018). Personally, Nike’s association with Kaepernick deeply resonates with me because it shows the brand's willingness to take a stand in social justice. Additionally, it also makes the company appear trustworthy, socially responsible, and brave, qualities that make viewers likely to support and purchase its products. How the ad builds its credibility and trust appeals to young and socially conscious audiences, who value brands that are inclusive and support social justice issues.

Works Cited

Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.). The rhetorical triangle: Making your communications persuasive. Mind Tools.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/RhetoricalTriangle.htm

Nike. (2018). Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything [Advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick]. Nike Inc.

UofLIFE (2013). Writing Center: Rhetorical Analysis. YouTube. https://youtu.be/s84EDd8jFgw?si=sXn4JPuXZxxruikg