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Rhetorical Analysis Of Scott Sawyer's Argument Against Racism

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Scott Sawyer’s opinion piece published in the Gladstone Observer on the 25th of January 2014, employs an informal tone to argue against the unnecessary racism often exhibited on Australia Day. The piece follows a train of thought as it transitions from an impartial positive tone to stern and disgusted. The article “Ditch the racism and enjoy Australia Day as it should be” states it’s contention in it’s title, clearly and concisely, continuing on to position the Australian population to agree to it’s contention using rhetorical questions, emotive and inclusive language and appeal to patriotism.

The article displays a cartoon image of a cave man looking puzzled at a stone wheel, contemplating its existence and use. The image acts as a metaphor …show more content…

He employs the technique of retelling an anecdote in an informal positive tone, giving readers the illusion they know and understand him on a personal level, making them more inclined to be persuaded by his argument. Sawyer shifts his attention to how others celebrate Australia Day, focusing on those who see the occasion as an opportunity to exhibit racism towards anyone who isn’t Australian. His snarky tone demonstrates his distaste towards the common occurrence which after the friendly anecdote, encourages readers to agree. He follows on with his distaste, asserting that exerting “hate at someone based on their skin colour or culture, because it’s “Straya Day”” doesn't seem necessary. “Why do people let themselves get so hot under the collar about these things?” he poses in a rhetorical question linked to the previous quote, manipulating readers to agree as they assume the answer is …show more content…

“What a disgrace!” he states before labelling those who exhibit unnecessary violent behaviour “sub-human scumbags who deserve to rot” further demonstrating his disgust towards the matter by using emotive and colourful language. These phrases gain reader attention, drawing their focus even deeper into the current topic. Continuing with the informal language, Sawyer claims in simple terms “I don't think it’s Australian”. The casual tone causes readers to feel as though they are in a conversation with the writer rather than reader an article, making them more inclined to be in agreement. The reader is drawn to further be in consonant as Sawyer affirms “no-one wants to be picking their lifeless mate up out of the gutter”, appealing to emotion and fear of loss, compelling readers to be persuaded to a further

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