Analysis Of The Onion's Press Release Of Magnasoles

Ella Parks
Mrs. DesLauriers
AP Language and Composition
January 12, 2023
Objective Summary of The Onion
The Onion’s Press Release of MagnaSoles sarcastically ridicules consumers' foolishness by promoting the release of the new MagnaSoles with the help of rhetorical strategies. MagnaSoles are the new shoe inserts that, according to pseudoscientist, Dr. Arthur Bluni, are so much more than just shoe inserts as they use pseudoscience to create unseen comfort for wearers. Although other inserts use similar technology, MagnaSoles also use reflexology and crystals to heal the body in ways similar to modern medicine. In addition, MagnaSoles employs Terranometry, discovered by Dr. Wayne Frankel, which connects the consumer to the Earth on a certain

The sarcastic tone exhibited throughout the article gives the audience an idea of what modern day techniques are used in advertising. In their mock Press Release of MagnaSoles, the Onion sarcastically ridicules consumers’ foolishness by promoting the new product with the help of scholarly diction and compelling

The article mocks marketers who advertise their products with absurd claims in an attempt to sell to gullible audiences. By describing MagnaSoles as having the ability to “harness the power of magnetisms to properly align the biomagnetic field around your foot”, audience members may feel obligated to purchase these sensational insoles. This advanced diction implies that the author is well educated, helping them reach their goal of satirizing how salespeople promote their products. Satirizing the way customers believe anything that a product's website says, the article mockingly describes the different “methods” that went into the creation of the MagnaSoles. They separate their product from any other by explaining that only MagnaSoles integrate the “healing power of crystals” into their design. The language the author uses to portray their product effectively engages the audience, causing them to purchase MagnaSoles. Once again, gaining the audience's attention, the author includes diction that, although it sounds legitimate, is completely made-up. Although “terranometry” sounds like a brand new form of cutting-edge science, it is entirely fabricated by marketers who are looking to sell their product to believing customers. Salespeople manipulate consumers into believing them because they deliver their most advanced