Rhetorical Analysis Of Why Tipping Is Wrong By Jayaraman

“Why Tipping Is Wrong,” an article found in the New York Times discusses the issue of lower minimum wage for tipped workers. Writer, Saru Jayaraman, the director of the Food Labor Research Institute at Berkeley, argues for the reformation of the law that allows a lower minimum wage for tipped workers. She presents her argument by targeting those who go to restaurants, lawmakers, the waiters/waitresses, and even the restaurant itself. By targeting this specific audience, she is able to speak to those who interact with those working in the industry and those who will be able to make a change in order to fix it. Rhetorical devices are vital in order for arguments to be successful. One particular device that makes itself evident is logos. “…53 percent of tipped workers in New York State are minorities, and 21 percent live at or below the poverty line.” The use of statistics is prevalent through her article and it quantifies the idea that tipped workers aren’t paid enough. In addition to that, she states that more than half are minorities and almost a quarter of the population are barely scraping by or not even making a living wage. These people are not given the same advantage to those who are given minimum wages, that for the most part, covers the cost of living. It denotes inequality,

“Women are forced to live on tips are compelled to tolerate inappropriate and degrading behavior from customers, co-workers and managers in order to make a living.” The language in this sentence evokes the feeling of sympathy and anger. The use of “degrading” it gives the impression that the women are “forced” involve themselves in unsavory situations just to make ends meet. This heartily supports the argument because society views women as the mothers of the future, so therefore they would want them to lead good lives to influence their children. It also speaks to the free will of those who are involved in the