Rhetorical Analysis Of William F Buckley

435 Words2 Pages

William F. Buckley Jr. validly asserts his argument of Americans passive decision to ignore their right to speak up against acts that are unjust and are hesitant to express what is on their mind. He confesses he is often unable to convey his complaints and disapproval, allowing the feeling of vexation to amount. Buckley defends his valid argument by presenting a narrative in the introduction of his speech, essentially stating that he and anyone else on the train ride could have easily asked the conductor to change the temperature, but rather remained submissive in a situation they had the power to control. His arguments are true, for small amounts of people speak their mind regardless of appearing obtrusive or pushy, perceived by society as unconventional because it is uncommon to strongly speak your mind. In a similar story, Buckley shares an account he experienced in a movie theater when he insisted the picture projected on the movie screen was clearly out of focus, as his wife instructed him to ignore it. He surely claims that every person in the theater expected someone …show more content…

In past generations, Americans fixed their problems by being proactive and taking immediate action. Contrastingly, Buckley rationally explains, Americans in society today call others to fix problems for them, such as plumbers, electricians, or the furnace man. The increase in Americans dependency on others creates a “sense of helplessness,” while determination derives from taking care of the needs of oneself. Buckley’s claims of the increase in helplessness as we rely on others to perform work for us are credible, for the reliance on others leads people to become unsure in their abilities and depletes their confidence to articulate their views, thinking others will speak up for