Rhetorical Analysis Of The Invisible War

Claims are made throughout the entire documentary by various people surrounding sexual assault in the military. The United States military works around hidden corners to avoid having a bad reputation due to assault or rape, was the first claim made. This is revealed by victims willing to share their stories. They were all told to “stop crying and realize that they brought this onto themselves”by their commanders. Therefore, his gives insight into the larger picture because the commander did not stop the sexual assault nor did they receive empathy after surviving a life changing event. Next, the second claim made occurs within the second half of the documentary; The military covers up sexual assault not only to the public, but also to the government,

The first use of a rhetorical strategy can be seen when women told their commanders of the assault and their responses to the victims. This is an aphorism due to the commanders speaking a statement of opinion in a brief witty manner. Moreover, these women were quickly dismissed by their commanders saying they brought this upon themselves and it was their fault to begin with. This is effective within the documentary because most individuals know that rape and sexual assault is not brought on by the victims. In addition, an anecdote is used. Following reading other women’s rape stories, one victim explains her road back to being herself. “I am finally learning how to be a woman again and I am really trying to have fun with it. I’m not forcing myself into places I don’t want to be in, but I’m recovering me,” cried Regina Vasquez. The use of this anecdote greatly appeals to the audience and their emotions in understanding how much sexual assault changes one’s life. Finally, the entire film is explicit. No information regarding how the rapes occurred are left out nor is what followed afterwards. More examples regarding this will be cited in logos and

Over 20% of women within the military have been sexually assaulted, as well as 1% of men. Yes, men as well. The terrible thing regarding this statistic, is that it leads to another one. Of all the rapes that occur, usually only 175 perpetrators get jail time for their crime and wrongdoing. Not surprisingly, this loops around to the commanders not reporting the rape and the military covering it up. According to the department that investigates crimes within the military, there are other “higher priority” things to worry about. All of these statistics and facts strengthen the argument made by The Invisible War tremendously due to the military’s level or ignorance and incompetence to solve the issue. The final point that may shock the audience is the Feres Doctrine. This doctrine means that an individual cannot sue the United States military if they received an injury during their time of service. One victim who lost both plates in her face due to her rapist punching her, cannot receive the surgery she needs to do normal activities with her daughter because the military and VA system will not provide the money to cover it. This improves the overall argument by throughoroly explaining how far the military will go to limit the amount of sexual assault reported. Although, while the use of logos is effective, pathos is even