Censorship 101 By Sonja West: Rhetorical Analysis

Censorship in America can vary between the silencing of young voices and the prevention of exposing others of inappropriate material. Many people are afraid of losing their freedom of speech, as first amendment rights should be mandatory for American citizens. Polar to this argument insists the importance of censorship, as it can shield the public from information that can lead to fear or chaos. Leaving students ignorant to world problems, however, is argued by Sonja West that it removes their first amendment rights and creates a future working-class of Americans who are clouded from the truth. West is a law professor at the University of Georgia who is distinguished for her expertise in the first amendment law and minor in journalism. In her article, “Censorship 101,” West crafts her text through numerous court case experience and skill in rhetorical devices as her background expertise is used to her advantage. Sonja West begins her argument with the use of exemplification in a previous court case. The scene is set in 1962, and West garments the introduction with excessive details and biased language as readers quickly root for the victory of the Tinker case and share the celebratory state of their

West describes Mary Beth, observing that “even though she was quiet and a rule follower, Mary Beth was also moved by the carnage of the Vietnam War.” By using juxtaposition and a narrative tone, West incorporates the two sharply contrasted sides between silence and war of Mary Beth to indicate the spectrum of Beth’s perception. Mary Beth is the poster child for students lacking voice in West’s article, and showing the capabilities of a young student shows readers how age doesn’t minimize or make children’s voices any less important, for students are fully functioning human beings with their own set of morals and