Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Amber Boller
Ms. Sarah Puett
ENG 104
6 December 2012
Are You Human? In the 1992 speech by Mary Fisher titled “A Whisper of AIDS” she speaks to not only the people attending the 1992 Republican National Convention, but the world and all who can listen to her speak. She speaks of a condition known as “AIDS” (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) that springs from the origin HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and is the cause of thousands of deaths every year. She uses pathos to persuade her audience that AIDS is a concern in our nation by using the emotions fear, anxiety, and sympathy. She uses anxiety and fear interchangeably, making her argument strong; all the while, she talks to her young sons directly to spark a resilient sympathy from her audience. The speaker is HIV positive herself and uses that to make the audience sympathize with her. She is an ordinary wife and mother that appeals to those who are in denial they’re at risk. AIDS is a disease that is lurking quietly at our doorstep. The author proclaims “AIDS is not a political creature. It does not care whether you are Democrat or Republican; it does not ask whether you are black or white, male or female, gay or straight, young or old.” By saying this she has just addressed essentially everybody; making her appeal broad. This quote makes me feel like nobody is safe, evoking anxiety into me. Anxiety is a noun describing a feeling of nervousness or agitation, often about something that is going to happen. In this case, the risk of getting AIDS is what causes an emotional response. She has personified the disease to make it look like an enemy or a physical threat. When something is compared to a human in a way that can potentially harm them or others, it creates feelings of anxiety. By using this tactic, she makes it seem like you can run, but you can’t hide.
Fisher’s other emotional appeal is fear, which awakens the audience and grabs their attention because now suddenly they’re at risk. “If
Ms. Sarah Puett
ENG 104
6 December 2012
Are You Human? In the 1992 speech by Mary Fisher titled “A Whisper of AIDS” she speaks to not only the people attending the 1992 Republican National Convention, but the world and all who can listen to her speak. She speaks of a condition known as “AIDS” (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) that springs from the origin HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and is the cause of thousands of deaths every year. She uses pathos to persuade her audience that AIDS is a concern in our nation by using the emotions fear, anxiety, and sympathy. She uses anxiety and fear interchangeably, making her argument strong; all the while, she talks to her young sons directly to spark a resilient sympathy from her audience. The speaker is HIV positive herself and uses that to make the audience sympathize with her. She is an ordinary wife and mother that appeals to those who are in denial they’re at risk. AIDS is a disease that is lurking quietly at our doorstep. The author proclaims “AIDS is not a political creature. It does not care whether you are Democrat or Republican; it does not ask whether you are black or white, male or female, gay or straight, young or old.” By saying this she has just addressed essentially everybody; making her appeal broad. This quote makes me feel like nobody is safe, evoking anxiety into me. Anxiety is a noun describing a feeling of nervousness or agitation, often about something that is going to happen. In this case, the risk of getting AIDS is what causes an emotional response. She has personified the disease to make it look like an enemy or a physical threat. When something is compared to a human in a way that can potentially harm them or others, it creates feelings of anxiety. By using this tactic, she makes it seem like you can run, but you can’t hide.
Fisher’s other emotional appeal is fear, which awakens the audience and grabs their attention because now suddenly they’re at risk. “If