Rhetorical Analysis Of Dr. Oz

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Americans today have a growing obsession with so-called “health superfoods” and locally grown, organic produce. There is a strong appeal, especially to young people, to buy these foods labeled as “Health Foods” over their processed canned and frozen counterparts. However, these foods do come at a much higher cost. The high prices leave many Americans with the questions “Is there a health benefit to these foods” and if so, is it really worth it? Give (Frozen) Peas A Chance And Carrots Too by Give (Frozen) Peas A Chance And Carrots by Mehmet Oz aka “Dr. Oz” addresses that very question. Dr. Oz, well known for his popular TV program “Dr. Oz” tries to convince the average consumer that processed canned and frozen foods reap the same health benefits …show more content…

Oz uses ethos to help back up his argument. To fully understand the extent of the ethos behind Oz, we must understand his audience and his background. Dr. Oz is addressing a very average day to day American. His daytime television show is where he is getting most of his audience, and the people watching are more than likely not going to question “facts” to them given by a well-known doctor. He uses this to its full advantage by giving the “facts” I mentioned previously. They give Oz a great deal of credibility amongst his readers because they sound true and factual, and for the average person, that is more than sufficient. Oz also knows that his background as a doctor will give him credibility so he does not fail to mention this in his writing “But as a doctor, I know that patients don 't always have the time, energy or budget to shop for artisanal ingredients and whip them into a meal”(Oz para.4). By mentioning that he is a doctor, Oz gives his writing a sense of validity amongst his readers.
Dr. Oz follows the fact with a statement that grabs the audience 's emotional senses, something that they can sympathize with; Oz’s use of pathos strengthens his argument. By saying that “I know that patients don 't always have the time, energy or budget to shop for artisanal ingredients and whip them into a meal”(Oz para.4) Oz is communicating to the reader that he “understands” them, making his claims seem more valid. Another example