Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Proposal

I have decided to write an analysis on the article, “Ashcroft and Friends Versus Washington and the Framers: Fighting Words for a Secular America” I chose this article because of it’s specific angle on the issue of church’s relation to state. The author, Robin Morgan, discusses the founding of America, she takes on the argument that too often we assume the founding fathers were religious and built this nation on those beliefs.  Through her skillful writing that appeals to ethos, she utilizes direct quotes from the founding fathers proving their complete detachment of church and state. 

She doesn’t’ simply summarize what their quotes say concerning their character, but connects it directly back to the nation and the government that was produced by these men and their personal beliefs which we learn were quite secular. Her final statement reads, “That’s only a sampling, quotes that blast cobwebs off the tamed images we have of the Founders. Their own statements…can reconnect us to our proud, secular roots, and should inspire us to honor and defend them.” Her call to action is powerful following her rebuke of the ideas and arguments of so many in America today.

Faith in America

By adopting an authoritative voice, Mitt Romney increases the audiences’ confidence in his message. As an example, in the beginning he quotes John Adams and throughout the speech he quotes other historic figures and references them in relation to his topic of faith in America. Presenting himself as a presidential candidate and therefore a political figure, he shows his knowledge for the country’s history and his appreciation for the founding fathers of our country.

In his message he tells the audience his appreciation for other faiths by sharing their various practices that he would like in his own church. He mentions Catholics, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Lutherans, Jews and Muslims. By mentioning other religions and showing respect for their practices he is able to make a connection with not only members of those faiths, but any reader in America with the belief of religious freedom. Even though I am not any of those religions, he gains my respect that not only does he know their practices, but he admires them.

Finally, we get to the part of his argument that appeals to the logical side of one’s mind or the more logic thinking audience. One of the counter arguments he brings up is the effort by some to eliminate God or any reference to religion from the nation and its practices. He references the belief that it does not encourage people to think on their own, especially Atheists and Agnostics.  To refute the argument he again references the rounding of the country, the fact that it was made not on one religious platform, but the belief that there is a higher power looking out for our country and its proceedings.  

Addiction to Mommy Blogs

1. She brought in her own personal addiction by sharing the irony of it by saying how she was a depressed, overworked Ph.D. student along with her friends. By bringing in her own situation you relate to her feelings. You also get a better view as to how she interacts with the mommy blogs in contrast to her life. 

2. Throughout the writing she is constantly labeling the blogs and the bloggers live's with word like adorable, lovely, old fashioned, comforting, easy going, happy and many others. The use of the descriptive words helps you to imagine what the blogs are like. Like I said earlier, it sets up a contrast with the feelings in the world today which are harsh, sad, judgmental and definitely not comforting.

3. She brings in the counter argument saying that they're dishonest in the way they portray married life, raising kids, and just being a mom. She taps into the pressures of being a mom in Utah and how many feel the pressure to be perfect in all they do. She turns the counter argument to her favor however because she uses it to highlight the bloggers in such a way that you see them as human and choosing to see the positive side in life. This helps the reader to further relate to her argument as to why the blogs are a great thing.