Rhetorical Situation Analysis: Articles About Graffiti

The rhetorical analysis involves determining the author's prowess in communicating ideas and information to the audience. It shows the effectiveness of the author in the employment of ethos, logos, and pathos. The paper illustrates a rhetorical analysis of two texts. One of the authors is "Graffiti is Young Cool, Creative- Let it Happen" by Lady Pink and the other one, "Graffiti is Always Vandalism" by Heather Mac Donald. The authors have a different perspective regarding the same topic "When does Graffiti become art?" Pink argues that graffiti is an exciting art that should be embraced in the society. The author is against the acts of brutally on graffiti artists. For instance, she claims that the imprisonment of her husband and the police raids on her property was an injustice. On the other end, Mac Donald claims that graffiti is always vandalism. Therefore, it is illegal, and those participating in the activity should be punished accordingly. It is essential to note that both writers apply ethos, pathos, and logos to express their argument. However, Pink's effectively utilizes the tools to compel the readers compared to Mac Donald.

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Pink uses ethos appropriately to convince the audience that she is a credible source of information. The author begins by highlighting that her husband was imprisoned for vandalism due to graffiti. Additionally, she claims that she is a professional graffiti artist and earns a living from the practice. Moreover, Pink indicates that police had raided her house multiple times to recover graffiti materials (n.p). Therefore, the audience is interested in reading her story as she is experienced in the field. Consequently, understanding the benefits and the demerits of the practice. So, the audience considers her a credible source of information. On the other hand, Mac Donald does not indicate effective use of ethos. The writer condemns the practice without specific reasons that can be traced back to her. As a result, the readers will not be compelled by her arguments.

Equally important, Pink uses pathos to persuade the readers. Writers apply pathos to influence the audience by emotional feelings such as sympathy to make the audience experience the intended feeling. Referring to Pink, she states that "I have made my name as a graffiti artist" thus prompting a feeling of joy (n.p). It is essential to know that people value fame; therefore, her statement may make the audience to reconsider their perception regarding the art. Additionally, the writer incorporates the injustices that her family has experienced due to the activity. Consequently, the author stimulates anger among the audience; thus, prompting action. On that note, the readers will turn against the brutal acts of the police. The author insists on the use of pathos by describing her husband's imprisonment. Contrastingly, Mac Donald does not use pathos effectively to persuade the audience. The writer bases her argument on the idea that no institution has accepted graffiti in the recent years. She also claims that people value graffiti on other people's premises but not their own. It is crucial to note that the author does not indicate any personal experience that might trigger the audience emotions. As result, they will not be compelled to believe her statements.

Notwithstanding, Pink uses logos to appeal to the audiences. According to Esuh, an author applies the tool to persuade the readers by reason (n.p). The idea involves quoting facts, relevant authorities, and historical correspondences. Pink uses facts such as the argument that graffiti does not require formal training; therefore, it is interesting and fun. Additionally, she also claims that the world has embraced the practice citing valid examples such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of the city of New York. Moreover, the writer refers to the book "We Own the Night" as the primary reason for the imprisonment of her husband. The book is widely known and the readers can relate to it. Hence, they find Pink's arguments more appealing. On the other end, the Mac Donald does not support claims with corresponding facts. According to Mac Donald, the claims that graffiti is a crime but does not give valid reasons for the argument (n.p). Consequently, the audience will not believe the arguments because they are baseless. It is essential to note that people are appealed to facts and proven information.

Conclusion

Conclusively, writers use different methods to convince the audience. The fundamental tools are ethos, pathos, and logos. The rhetoric analysis on the two authors indicates that the Pink effectively uses the literacy tools to persuade the readers. The author uses ethos to prove that she is a credible author for the topic. She explains that she is a graffiti artist and illustrates the challenges that she has experienced. On the other hand, Mac Donald fails to indicate her credibility. Additionally, Pink applies pathos to stimulate the reader's emotional and convincing them thereof. Finally, the author uses logos to convince the audience by logic. Therefore, it is recommendable that authors apply literacy skills effectively to persuade readers and make their texts interesting.

Works Cited

Mac Donald, Heather. Graffiti is Always Vandalism. The New York Times. 2014. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/07/11/when-does-graffiti-become-art/graffiti-is-always-vandalism

Pink, Lady. Graffiti is Young Cool, Creative- Let it Happen. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/07/11/when-does-graffiti-become-art/graffiti-is-young-cool-creative-let-it-happen

Esuh, P. "Rhetorical Analysis of the Persuasiveness of Advertising." Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research 7.1 (2010): n. Page. Web.