Ethos is very important in the argument of a protest in that support is usually gained as a result of agreement. Cindy Sheehan is one example of an individual seeking support for a cause. In order to do so she must demonstrate credibility and prove herself as a trustworthy source. I believe that she does provide credibility to her intended audience simply because she is directly involved in the issue as a result of her son's death in Iraq. The loss of her son is her primary motivation in her attack against the war efforts and other issues supported by President Bush. As a mother, she is able to relate to other parents who are concerned for the well being of there sons and daughters involved in the war. She appeals to their sense of pride, parenthood, and mourning for those who have already lost loved ones. However, she comes across to me as a rather harsh and hasty protestor. Her involvement with this issue began immediately after the loss of her son and now she claims to be running against Nancy Pelosi. Her efforts seem to be a little unorganized and I feel that many people lost interest in the story for that reason. None the less, she is still making her way into the U.S. media, so she has experienced some success even in that.
In the Malachi Ritscher case, the ultimate method to get attention for a cause was demonstrated in his self immolation. He was able to gain national attention due to the severe manner in which he protested. He took his own life to draw public attention. This may be a successful way to get attention, but I believe it is a terrible way to protest. I believe that more can be accomplished when living. In his case, he could have alternately used music to protest his beliefs as many muscians take advantage of today. Ritscher lost credibility with many reporters and analysts, as seen in their critical commentary. They claim that his death was not necessary and inappropriate. Malachi Ritscher did gain attention, but protesting itself needs more than attention to accomplish the end result.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I agree completely with what you said about both Cindy Sheehan and Malachi Ritscher. I think both have just cause of protesting, but I think both could have found different ways of protesting against the war.
You make a good point that Malachi Ritscher could have accomplished more by living and staging a prolonged protest than by killing himself. The reporters who questioned his act also were not very inspired for his anti-war cause because they believed alcoholism and/or a mental illness played a role.
I really appreciate how you provided reasons for Sheehan's actions and show how she taps into people's emotions. It's really easy to respond negatively to her, but you took the more difficult route and justified her actions.
I definitely agree with your statement about Ritscher's actions needing to do more than draw attention to be successful. Especially since it did not lead to any significant change. While i don't agree that his actions were in the right, I'm also not sure what more he could have done in his protest. Other than the people that barely knew him, i'm not sure if he was a very credible person. Of course, he could have done more to build his ethos if he were alive.
Post a Comment