The subject for my first writing project focused on hate crimes. The target audience I decided to focus on were hate groups, and those individuals who are in agreement with hate crimes. The purpose was to inform groups of their immoral actions, and to create as shock effect by enlightening my target audience of the dangers and consequences of their intended acts. The primary purpose was to persuade my audience to discontinue their acts of violence and hate.
I began my writing assignment with rhetorical questions. By using the rhetorical questions, I created the illusion that the speaker (me) was actually on their side. I started by asking, “Blacks. Whites. Jews. Homosexuals. Catholics. Immigrants. Do any of these genders religions or race fill you with hate? Do you hate the sight or thought of them? Do you hate when they DARE to be in your presence?” The purpose of the rhetorical questions was to get the audience’s attention. I really wanted the audience to listen to me. Calling them names or saying every action they did was wrong would cause them to ignore my every word. Therefore, I took a different approach. As my writing progressed my goal was to make their attention increase, while my points to so say understand them decreased. After capturing the audience’s attention, I gave them reasons to continue listening to me. I started by understanding their motives. After connecting with them I began my transition. I informed them of possible consequences if they continue down their road of hate. I ended that portion of my paper by defining a few terms that would be used throughout my assignment. (hate, hate crime, hate group) My next goal was to make aware present conditions, by telling the story of a black man who was chained to a truck and dragged to his death. Throughout my assignment, I also incorporate multiple quotes from Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was an inspirational leader who believed in nonviolent protests to achieve social change. Toward the end of my paper I proposed a solution to stop hate crimes. I stated positive effects that would occur if the solution was carried out. I also stated the negative effects that would occur if the solution was ignored.
Do you think that this was an effective way to persuade my audience? Why?
I absolutely love the way you were able to persuade your audience. My mother says that you can always attract more flies with honey than vinegar. I think that the way you approached your audience was very effective because if you were just to constantly counter their arguments and attack them, then your audience would ultimately stop listening to you and go into defense mode. By actually approaching them in the way that you did, you were able hook them in, get them to listen, and hopefully convince them to change their ways. I absolutely love it!!!
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