Rhetorical Analysis Of Hidden Intellectualism By Gerald Graff

Do you believe intelligence can only be measured by either being “street smart” or “book smart”? Author Gerald Graff was faced with the realities and hardships surrounding this inquiry. Upon reading the article “Hidden Intellectualism” by Gerald Graff, Graff managed to discuss the negative effects of measuring intelligence by these means. Graff begins establishing his credibility by detailing personal stories and experiences, citing compelling facts, and successfully implementing strategic emotional appeals throughout his article. As the text progresses, readers can identify Graff’s usage of rhetorical strategies such as pathos, logos, and language. Gerald Graff’s ultimate goal was to erase the hurtful stereotypes surrounding labeling individuals

Throughout his text, readers identified phrases and words used in today's current time. He managed to archive phrases used during his adolescent years and smoothly integrate them into today's current era of language. While there were places where his tone was more serious, there were also places where his tone was as if he was talking to us as a well-known friend. His descriptive words paint a picture of his childhood, almost as if we lived through his experiences. The various descriptions enhance his argument by managing us as readers to see his perspective from his point of view. The selection of wording helped readers understand the piece better and more effectively. Graff used tactical wording such as “academic eyes” rather than simply stating eyes, this profound usage of wording made his text more interesting but also descriptive. The language demonstrated throughout the article was symbolic not only for the topic but as well as the argument. The terminology “street smart” and “book smart” has been around for centuries, Graff’s portrayal of this phrase was well worked and incorporated into his writing and used in a way to help his claim. The overall construction of language throughout the text encouraged and persuaded readers to take Gerald Graff’s

His way of constantly using these rhetorical strategies made him seem credible yet sincere. His personal experience with the argument’s issue evoked emotions that were used in a way of persuading the readers towards his stance. His variations of tones, language, and strategies made his argument clear and effective. Readers were able to be persuaded towards his stance by making us want to act towards diminishing the labels “street smart” and “book smart”. His wording resonated with many readers, stories like these are common to most people. The effectiveness of these strategies supported his argument and made the readers advocate for change. Graff’s usage of pathos, in the beginning, swayed readers to trust him as an author by evoking emotions of sympathy towards him. Later, in the story, Gerald Graff incorporates logos by having his argument be supported by facts. His own inclusion of personal stories tugged on the emotional strings of the readers and helped persuade them toward his stance. Gerald Graff’s goal was to eliminate the hurtful stereotypes surrounding the labeling of individuals through intelligence and debunk the myth of being “street smart” or “book smart”. Ultimately through the strategies analyzed, many can agree that Graff managed to effectively achieve his