PERSUASION
How do the two essays differ?
In the article “Our Blind Spot About Guns,” Kristof argues used a different example to relate with the issue at hand, that it is an argument based on the comparison. He compares the for gun regulation policies to the need for car regulation policies. While in “Don’t Make English Official–Ban It Instead,” Baron used a previous case to argue the same point. He brings an old argument to date; the validity of his arguments relies on the issues raised in the last argument.
Which one is more effective? Why?
The essay “Our Blind spot about guns,” By Nicholas Kristof, is more effective.
To prove his arguments, the Kristof provides a detailed breakdown of almost similar cases. In every scenario where the need for car regulation prevailed, the essay offers a similar situation where gun regulation should prevail, yet it is not. The article successfully illustrates the similarity the two topics are, and related regulations should be imposed on gun owners.
Does the source use evidence?
In his essay, Kristof provides a picture of Dodge, Kansas, 1878. In the image, there is a sign that reads, “The carrying of firearms strictly prohibited.” To back the claim that visitors visiting Kansas and Wichita were supposed to hand over their guns at police headquarters upon arrival.
Cite an effective passage from your preferred essay and describe why it works?
In the “Our Blind spot about guns,” Kristof borrows the note “we didn’t ban cars, or send black helicopters to confiscate them” from Michael Waldman. He goes on to illustrate how cars were made safer by introducing seatbelt, airbags, lowering speed limits, and increasing the drinking age. The illustration is then used to suggest the behavioral fixes and technology like smart guns that recognize a thumbprint, trigger locks, and expanded background checks.
It describes car regulations and improvements that were introduced to reduce car-related deaths and provides a parallel description of gun regulations and enhancements that should be introduced.
References
Opinion | Our Blind Spot About Guns. (2020). Retrieved 3 March 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/opinion/nicholas-kristof-our-blind-spot-about-guns.html
Rhetorical Analysis for Dennis Baron. (2016). Retrieved 3 March 2020, from https://studymoose.com/rhetorical-analysis-for-dennis-baron-essay