Rhetorical Analysis Of Heartless Bykofsky

Stuart Byfofsky is an American journalist and columnist. He asserts to let his readers know that he is going to discuss the issue of the homeless. He tells us he is going to be “heartless”. Bykofsky’s main argument is that we need to come together and get rid of America’s living nightmare as he calls them. He uses different strategies to convince his readers that this is a problem. As you read the article, you understand that he makes valid points to discuss the issue with having the homeless on the corner of every street. In other words, they simply need to go. He focuses on explaining that the homeless cause a decrease in property value, tourism and also tarnish a city’s reputation (11). Bykofsky effectively utilizes appeals to persuade

Bykofsy shows through rage and rants that homeless people need to be off the street. He illustrates “I find it ironical that my tax money keeps the street—their home—paved and clean. That makes me their landlord. I want to evict them” (8). Now, because he is talking to heartless people like himself, this can resonate with them efficiently. Other readers may find his rage a little rude and of course, heartless but It’s a smart move for the type of audience he is targeting. Using logos allows the author to use outside information to support his argument. Although Byko fsy only has one outside source, it is a credible one. He mentions “No one has reliable statistics about their numbers across America, but authorities agree the homeless fall into three categories” (9). Authorities is a credible source and this is able to build logical points. He is able to state his argument, reason it and back it up with outside information. Bykofsky also uses ethos to show credibility. Although he has little credibility, It’s important to note that he may be biased due to the fact that he is a columnist. He basically writes about what he likes and dislikes. We learn from the introduction that he “supports civil-rights and animal causes, he opposes political correctness, bicycles on the sidewalk and most other forms of selfishness and stupidity.” In that case, homelessness is a form of selfishness and

Bykofsky does a great job using narration. He illustrates an incident between him and the homeless with a lot of description. The descriptive language in his article is able to create an image in the reader’s mind. He also does a great job describing the scenario when he leaves his apartment. He explains “Since I walk the same route every day, I pass the same street people on the same gratings, or curled in the same makeshift, cardboard shelters” (6). This allows the scenario to come to life for the reader and it helps make sense. As Bykofsy gives more detail descriptions, a clearer mind emerges in the reader’s mind as they read the