Comparing Pathos And Diction In Washington Post And Fox News

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HB 126 Missouri, “Except in the case of medical emergency, no abortion shall be performed or induced on a woman without her voluntary and informed consent, given freely and without coercion. Consent to an abortion is voluntary and informed and given freely and without coercion if, and only if, at least seventy-two hours prior to the abortion” (Missouri House of Representatives). HB 126 bans abortion, even in the case of a serious fetal diagnosis. These are incredibly difficult decisions and they cannot be clumped into one category. This makes for a very controversial topic in which authors have to use rhetoric to convey their arguments. Using Pathos and Diction, the Washington Post and Fox News construct arguments that both help evoke empathy …show more content…

Through the lens of Pathos and Diction, these outlets navigate the contentious debate surrounding abortion laws, each aligning with divergent perspectives yet converging in their methodological approach to influence their audience. The Washington Post and Fox News utilize Pathos and Diction in their coverage of Missouri's HB 126, evoking contrasting emotions to influence public opinion on abortion laws. While the Washington Post highlights the emotional toll of anti-abortion laws to garner sympathy and anger, Fox News celebrates the bill as a moral victory, aiming to inspire protection for "innocent life." Both media outlets strategically employ language to advocate for their respective ideological positions. This analysis illustrates the significant role of rhetorical strategies in shaping the abortion debate, reflecting the deep divisions within societal discourse. This exploration of rhetoric reveals how deeply entwined our understanding of law, morality, and emotion is, challenging us to consider where we stand in the vast gray area that defines the abortion