In Fannie Lou Hamer’s speech, she talks about the consequences of her trying to register to vote. She uses logos appeals by giving her accounts of what happened when she refused to withdraw her registration to vote. For example, she uses logos appeals when she talks about her observations on going to jail and losing her job after registering to vote. She describes how she lost her job very vividly and what happens when she is beaten while in jail. Furthermore, the author uses ethos appeals when she gives facts about her personal background—who she worked for, her name, where she lived, etc. The author also used pathos appeals evoking sensations. She does this by describing her beating when she was in jail to try to make people understand the fear she felt during that time.
In Stokely Carmichael’s speech, he talks about the concept of black power and how the white population has tried to destroy it. He uses logos appeals by appealing to our common sense and using examples from history to explain his point. For example, he used common sense to explain the failure of the civil rights bill. He says that the civil rights bill were for white people, to let white people understand that black people should be allowed certain rights because they are human beings as well. Furthermore, he uses ethos appeals by giving personal impressions of what happened to him when he tried to vote to convince us of the wrongdoings he has suffered due to being black. He says how he was beaten, shot at, or jailed just because he wanted to vote. Carmichael also uses the pathos appeals by explaining how the black population is tired of white supremacy. He says that black people are “tired of trying to prove things to white people” and that the black population has the right get things they need to function as human beings.
I believe the appeal that is most dominant of these speeches is logos because both authors of the speeches try to explain how the black population has suffered due to the fact that they want certain rights as human beings. Both authors offer accounts of how they have suffered as African Americans, trying to fight for certain rights they believe every human deserves. I think this appeal is most dominant because people listen to logical claims from other people. If you use logic to persuade people, people will believe that what you are saying makes complete sense and will most likely believe you.
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5 comments:
I think you are right that logic tends to be the more affective appeal. However, there are many people that simply did not understand the concept of equality. I mean, in retrospect it is common sense, but back then people's sociocentric bias prevented them from truely realizing the injustice done to minorities. I think that both Lou and Carmicheal had to use multiple appeals in order to reach some of the close minded listeners. I mean emotions are universal, so is the right to be free.
After reading your blog and what you commented on mine, i have to agree that all three rhetorical concepts are related. It's impossible for someone to completely rely on one thing. Otherwise they will come on too strong and be ineffective. For example, Carmichael couldn't solely beat the audience with his logic, he did have to establish his credentials and loosen them up with jokes and imagery.
i think it's interesting that you brought up her withdrawing her registration as logos. it's a good point because she did have the right to vote by the Constitution and yet they still tried to keep her from it. it cannot be proved otherwise that she had the right to vote.
I think it's great how you use examples from the texts to support your argument, great use of logos! I also agree that all three appeals are necessary in making a valid argument.
You picked out some important details from the two speeches - this kind of work is really useful when you are writing your two page assignment. Nice job, Woan-Tyng!
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