The recent spate of mass shootings has left us all feeling angry, sickened, and saddened. As we search for answers, it’s important to understand the rhetorical devices that are often used to justify gun violence.
Pathos
Pathos is an appeal to emotion. It is used to create a strong emotional connection between the speaker and the audience. Pathos can be used to make the audience feel angry, sad, or hopeful. For example, a speaker might use pathos to describe the victims of a mass shooting or to talk about the pain that the families of the victims are going through.
Ethos
Ethos is an appeal to authority. It is used to establish the speaker’s credibility and expertise. Ethos can be used to make the audience believe that the speaker is trustworthy and knowledgeable. For example, a speaker might use ethos to cite statistics about gun violence or to quote an expert on the subject.
Logos
Logos is an appeal to logic. It is used to present a rational argument for a particular point of view. Logos can be used to convince the audience that the speaker is making a valid argument. For example, a speaker might use logos to explain how gun violence is a public health crisis or to argue that gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence.
Name-Calling
Name-calling is a type of personal attack. It is used to discredit the speaker or the speaker’s argument. Name-calling can be used to make the audience believe that the speaker is untrustworthy or biased. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might be called a “gun-grabber” or a “communist.”
Straw Man
A straw man is a misrepresentation of the opposing argument. It is used to make the opposing argument seem weaker than it actually is. Straw men can be used to make the audience believe that the opposing argument is invalid or ridiculous. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might argue that gun owners are all dangerous criminals. This is a straw man because it misrepresents the views of most gun owners.
Red Herring
A red herring is an irrelevant distraction. It is used to divert the audience’s attention away from the main argument. Red herrings can be used to make the audience believe that the main argument is not important or that it is not worth discussing. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might argue that gun violence is a mental health issue. This is a red herring because it diverts the attention away from the main argument, which is that gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence.
Repetition
Repetition is the use of the same word or phrase over and over again. It is used to create emphasis or to make a point memorable. Repetition can be used to make the audience remember a particular fact or statistic or to make the audience agree with the speaker’s point of view. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might repeat the phrase “gun control saves lives.”
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggeration. It is used to make a point more dramatic or to create a stronger emotional response. Hyperbole can be used to make the audience believe that the situation is worse than it actually is or to make the audience believe that the speaker’s point of view is more important than it actually is. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might say that “gun violence is a national emergency.” This is hyperbole because it exaggerates the situation.
Euphemism
A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or phrase that is used to replace a more harsh or offensive word or phrase. Euphemisms can be used to make a topic more palatable or to avoid offending the audience. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might use the euphemism “gun safety measures” instead of the more direct term “gun control laws.”
How to Identify Rhetorical Devices
It is important to be able to identify rhetorical devices so that you can evaluate the speaker’s argument more critically. Here are some tips for identifying rhetorical devices:
- Look for loaded language. Loaded language is language that is designed to evoke a strong emotional response. For example, a speaker who supports gun control might use the term “gun violence” instead of the more neutral term “gun deaths.”
- Be aware of the speaker’s body language. The speaker’s body language can also reveal rhetorical devices. For example, a speaker who is using pathos might use emotional gestures or facial expressions.
- Listen for the speaker’s tone of voice. The speaker’s tone of voice can also reveal rhetorical devices. For example, a speaker who is using logos might use a calm and rational tone of voice.
Conclusion
Rhetorical devices are a powerful tool that can be used to persuade an audience. It is important to be able to identify rhetorical devices so that you can evaluate the speaker’s argument more critically.
