A Rhetorical Analysis Of Bring Back Flogging By Jeff Jacoby

The increase in crime in the modern time has overcome its expectations; the penitentiary system has failed to uphold its values, or so it might appear. The need for reform is highly debated. In “Bring back Flogging,” published in 1997 in the Boston Globe, Jeff Jacoby advocates for a transformative reform by reinstituting corporal punishment as a modern conviction. In his article, Jacoby demonstrates an elevated level of credibility by citing valuable sources, as well as introducing refutable facts with data, and successfully reaching the reader with persuasive talk. Nevertheless, his introduction and the use of irony strongly damages the rest of the arguments for the severity of the issue, thereby weakening the emotional and credible approach.

Furthermore, Jacoby highlights the reduction in criminal sentences, if any. As a result of this insights “crime is out of control.” Jacoby continues by arguing how expensive the new practices are compared to the puritans. Additionally, Jacoby comes to an agreement that certain puritan practices are nothing less than torture. Therefore, he implies “why not sentence at least some criminals – say, thieves and drunk drivers – to a public whipping.” Lastly, Jacoby argues corporal punishment as a less risky practice than sending someone to prison. To begin with, Jacoby strategically uses diverse and reputable sources to enhance his credibility, thereby strengthening his ethos and approach. These sources include references to authoritarian figures such as “John Dilulio, a noted Princeton criminologist,” and “Former Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun,” including his participation in the Boston Globe as a journalist. Using these sources supports Jacoby’s credibility, representing him as a knowledgeable and trustworthy commentator. Jacoby’s ethos approach comes more into contact when presenting statics, which persuades the

In addition, transitioning to the present-day system, Jacoby highlights the modern issues in prison “The Boston Globe reported in 1994 that more than 200,000 prison inmates are raped each year, usually to the indifference of the guards.” This information serves as a strong emotional approach, challenging readers to question the morality and humanity of our modern convictions. Lastly, Jacoby poses the question whether “puritans were more enlightened than we think, at least on the subject of punishment.” Jacoby strategically plays on the readers emotions, empathizing with a reflection upon the modern penal system. The idea of a quick, painful, corporal punishment as a potential alternative invites the reader to consider whether such measures are more humane and emotionally tolerable than the hidden atrocities within the penitentiary system. Nevertheless, while the historical anecdotes effectively engage the reader, the ironic tone used by Jacoby in different situations such as “Are we quite certain the Puritans have nothing to teach us about dealing with criminals?” This question could potentially endanger his credibility, as a departure from the gravity of the