Rhetorical Analysis Of Mental Illness Does Not Equal Dangerous

It can be assumed that no individual will do well in every subject or area in life. Writing is a skill that many fail to possess. It is not only a form of entertainment but also the art of persuasion. In the 2015 issue of Psychology Today, Carrie Barron’s article, “Mental Illness Does Not Equal Dangerous, Mostly” explains what factors can influence crime and argues that the mentally ill are relatively benevolent. Logos and ethos are woven into Barron’s article… Though both are rhetorical devices meant to support her claim, they are not utilized to their full extent.

In her introductory paragraph, Barron reminisces of her days in a village where she would write in a local café. She mentions a man who is well-known in the area. Barron indirectly states that he is mentally ill, “...walks fast, keeps moving, avoids eye contact, speaks with clipped, broken statements and an illogical flow of ideas”.... He is depicted as benign and intelligent, however she does not let the readers know exactly what mental illness he has. She may not know exactly what his diagnosis is, which is plausible. Barron then says “Mental illness is not synonymous with dangerous, and most mentally ill people are not dangerous”. Here is the keyword, most. She admits a small percentage of the

In fact, she spends much of her time discussing the different branches of mental illnesses and personality disorders. Her tactic is flawed because she constantly mentions what factors can provoke violence. Barron’s examples include a history of violence, adolescence and being male. She goes on to mention what part drugs play a role in a person’s life. Barron explains “If you are under the influence of a drug, your body is altered and you might do some uncharacteristic things”. This is a no brainer. The effects of a drug could apply to anyone; not just the mentally