Mike Rose's article "Blue-Collar Brilliance" from They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing With Readings challenges common beliefs that blue-collar work is less skilled or essential and highlights the specialized knowledge these workers have. Rose uses pathos, ethos, and logos in his essay to challenge societal assumptions about skill. Through rhetorical appeals, Rose effectively argues that the value of blue-collar work must be recognized rather than overlooked.
Mike Rose establishes his ethos in "Blue Collar Brilliance" by sharing both his personal and professional experiences. Rose mentions he is a professor of education and has done extensive research on the cognitive demands involved in blue-collar work (Rose, 2018, pp. 380-383). In doing this, he shows that he is well-informed about blue-collar work and gives himself credibility. Additionally, Rose uses first-hand experiences with his family members and their position in blue-collar jobs to further establish his ethos. He grew up watching his waitress at a restaurant and observed the flow of her workplace (Rose, 2018, pp. 377-379). By showing that he has
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He does this by sharing personal stories about his family, who work in blue-collar jobs. When Rose was younger, his uncle gave him a tour of the factory where he worked (Rose, 2018, pp. 381-382). Sharing these personal stories creates a sense of connection with the audience. Another way he applies pathos is by using descriptive imagery: “The floor was loud—in some places deafening—and when 1 turned a corner or opened a door, the smell of chemicals knocked my head back. The work was repetitive and taxing, and the pace was inhumane” (Rose, 2018, p. 381). Using emotional language makes readers feel empathy and understanding for blue-collar workers. Overall, Rose's strategic use of pathos helps to humanize and legitimize blue-collar