RA #9

Rhetorical Analysis on Paper A (Piñatas and Parties)
1. The argument in this paper is that there are negative behavioral consequences that stem from piñatas. Because piñatas include violent hitting and selfish collection of candy, they in turn encourage greed and aggressive behavior.
2. The audience for this paper is bilingual, pro-piñata, Hispanic mother of young children. The audience would have to value not only the traditional, entertaining aspect of piñatas at parties, but also the results in their children’s behaviors and attitudes.
3. The goal for this paper is to convince these mothers that piñatas do in fact promote such feelings or behaviors of selfishness and violence. By this persuasion the goal would therefore be to get these mothers to stop buying and practicing this party game.
4. This is mainly done by use of sufficiency; through examples, research information, and other facts. Authority, or ethos, is used throughout the paper as a way to better persuade. The authority is brought in by the journal articles on the relevant subject matter.
5. This article is not that effective to me. Only because there are much more serious things out there that are tied to violent or aggressive behavior and greedy attitudes. This paper needs to be more sufficient as well, by including more research of relevance.

Rhetorical Analysis: source for paper B

Papacharissi, Z., & Mendelson, A. (2007). An exploratory study of reality appeal: Uses and gratifications of reality TV shows. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 51(2), 355-370. http://search.ebscohost.com.erl.lib.byu.edu
1. The argument of this journal article is that people watch reality TV to fulfill voyeuristic and fantasy desires, as well as for mere entertainment and relaxation. This study argues that viewers of reality TV begin to perceive these shows as real, rather than staged acts.
2. The audience for this article would be teens to young adults in support of reality TV. Another target audience could be the parents of those teens, interested in the subject.
3. The goal of this article would be to persuade viewers of the reasons and consequences included in watching reality TV shows.
4. This goal is achieved by use of ethos (authority), or reputability. The writers of this article both have PhDs and are professors in the department of journalism. The Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media is credible as well. This article is also written very efficiently due to use of examples, facts, and statistical information.
5. This article is effective because if comes from reliable sources and answers valuable questions to the new uprising of reality TV.

Rhetorical Analysis #4

http://www.apa.org/releases/videogames

1. The argument for this article is that the interaction involved in violent video games increases general violent aggressive behaviors. What are the consequences of violent video games on aggressive behavior?
2. The audience is parents of adolescent boys from all classes and ethnicities. Or even adult males themselves that engage in this "activity".
3. The goal would be to try and persuade the audience that such violent video games do in fact result in negative or violent behaviors. The goal would include convincing them to quit playing violent or action packed video games so that the aggressive tendencies that accompany them will disappear.
4. This goal is being met by authority. Credible doctors and psychologists are using statistics and reputable research to outline evidence and relay facts on the matter.
This is done accurately due to the studies that have been performed and the specialized expertise involved.
5. When statistics and authority are used to persuade a message, it is effective if the audience is relevant.

Swiffer Ad

• 1. The argument or thesis of this ad would be: If you have a busy schedule with messy kids running in and out of the house, buy the Swiffer picker upper, a two in one mop and broom. It is more convenient and affordable than having a broom, dust pan, mop, and bucket by saving more room and taking less time.
  2. The target audience is middle age, suburban moms. But even bachelors can use the Swiffer due to its simplicity and convenience.
  3. The goal is to persuade or convince the audience that Swiffer cleans up even the dirtiest messes. Whether it be dirt or food, swiffer can clean it up fast and efficiently.
  4. The argument is mostly being made through pathos and logos.
  It is emotional because it captures and portrays the messes that are so easily made in the home, offering a quick and easy solution to tired mothers.
  It is logical because no one likes messes and messes are inevitable. It only makes sense, or is practical for one to buy the two in one mop and broom that makes cleaning hassle free.
  5. This ad is effective because it depicts reality and produces a simple solution for dirty floors.