American Justice and Divine Mercy Rhetorical Analysis Thesis

I really enjoyed this piece. The first time I read it, I thought it was a little dramatic, but when I went back and read it taking the stance of his “audience” I was moved by what he had to say. I think Patrick Clark does a marvelous job at persuading “his audience.” I believe that is audience would be mainly Catholic students probably in their late teens and early twenties. Because their minds are still subject to influence and persuasion, I think he does a great job of getting them to think. First, I think his opening line was brilliantly written; “here are just a couple of scattered thoughts that have come swirling into my mind…” When we spoke in class, someone said that this diminished his credibility, because he is down playing his himself. However, I think this shows just how smart he really is. It shows that he is a well-respected and intelligent man. By showing his humility and “downplaying” what he has to say right at the beginning, under the surface he is saying “here are some of my recent discoveries and revelations. If you would like to hear them, I would be delighted.” I imagine president Monson in my coming to BYU and saying “I had a revelation last night, would you like to hear it? If not, that’s okay” and every Mormon out there would say “ha-ha of COURSE we want to hear about your revelation! Are you kidding me!?” By downplaying his credibility and his importance, he shows humility which consequently strengthens his credibility. As we find in religious pieces written by prophets, popes, ministers etc. I feel like there are a lot of thought provoking questions that get the reader thinking. He does this in a sneaky way, because he states what he thinks, then asks what the reader thinks – as if they are going to disagree with him, right! If a general authority said “I think going to the movie on Sunday, is probably not the best thing to do. Rather, we should go on a picnic with our family, and enjoy Gods creations. What do you think?” he states what he thinks but turns it back on us! This is a common strategy among religious leaders, and it works! The “guilt trip” or the free agency given, even though you know what you are “supposed” to do. I think the audience would be very receptive to what Patrick Clark has to say. I think he is thought provoking and persuasive and moral, which is something that strikes hard with young religious people. 

"Faith in America" Rhetorical Analysis

Romney's purpose in conveying this message was to show voters who he was as a candidate. He expressed that he - no matter his religion would remain unbiased, and loyal to the constitution. I think his motive in doing this, was to show readers that he would be a just and fair president, but not sacrifice his beliefs to do so. He believes in God, and the Freedom of religion. He believes that God had influence on the founding of this country, and he would like to encourage that. He is appealing to voters, who want a good president who advocates for those who wish to see God brought back into America, instead of shoved under the rug because the idea of God is "offensive, unrealistic, or discriminating."  "Faith in America" I thought he was very persuasive. Probably pertaining to the fact that I am also LDS, and have similar views. I thought he directed a lot of his argument towards Ethos. He used "identifying with the reader" to his advantage, because in this situation, his audience are all the the United States citizens. He identified with the reader, by talking about the founding of the United States. This topic is something every single person living here can relate to, whether were born into freedom, or came here in search of it. The founding is - and should be something that is important to every citizen. He related to them, by adding himself into the mixture and telling the blessings he has received by living in this great nation, and how he plans to continue to strong and reliable government. He also accomplished this by "selecting an appropriate point of view" he told about his wife and his family, and the joy they can have because of freedom of religion. He made it more personal by telling about himself and his family, as well as his beliefs. He appeals to peoples pathos by giving examples of the past. Most Americans respect our founding fathers, and we all know that the founding fathers, had at least a hint of God in their mind while creating this great nation. Romney chose to take this and run with it. I have heard before that the fathers weren't actually religious, but form this Romney chose to portray that they were so. Which, at least for me, brings some sentimental value to his argument, because I can see how they "trusted in God" and it makes me want to do the same, because look how far we have come. He also uses, sad examples of other countries who have tyrants or murderers taking over because of religious prejudices. This appeals to our Pathos because nobody wants death, and sadness, which he described it to be because of religious discrimination, therefore, religious freedom will keep things like that from happening and make us happy. When applying to Logos, I think there were a few flaws in his argument. Looking to "acceptability" I think he forgot a large majority of citizens - atheists (those that don't believe in God) there are a lot of people in the United States that don't believe in God. To those people I can see a lot of holes in his argument. Because his argument was basically centered around God and religion, those that don't believe in God, are instantly cut out of the group, and probably stop reading the minute they hear the word religion. Those people are looking for a president who is completely focused on the government and politics. As was clearly conveyed by Romney, that he wasn't spouting to be something he wasn't, it think he could have tied in some "logical" stances he had that weren't based around "emotion" which is what a lot of people think religion is - its not logical and realistic, it is an emotional decision. I think Romney had some good Logos points, like equality for all, and the right to freedom, which appeal to mostly everyone, but I think he could have stated his opinions in a less biased manner in order to persuade. Not necessarily to convey who he was a a president because he made it clear he was proud to be a Mormon, but in the sole purpose of persuasion, i think he could have been more comprehensive.

Rhetorical Analysis of "Love. It's not found, it's made"

While writing “Love. It’s not found, it’s made” I approached persuasion in three different ways. First, because I was addressing a Mormon populated audience, I decided to incorporate scriptural references and doctrinal issues. This approach corresponds with Pathos, because it appeals to their emotions. Because our religion is so immersed and concerned with emotions, I thought that would be an asset to my argument. I believe looking for an eternal companion is a sensitive matter, as well is individuals and their relationship with God. By using such an intimate example it created an avenue for correction and persuasion. I believed that some people would be moved, and others, totally offended. Which can be considered the nature of the opinion editorial - to cause controversy. However, I think that by using scripture references, and words spoken by general authorities, LDS people reading this, would be persuaded; because we are directed to heed to the words of the prophets. Although my opinion can be argued and possibly supported by other scriptural evidence, I think I used references, and points that are undeniable and widely accepted by the Mormon Church. I also, used examples to convey my opinion through movie quotes. As we all know, people watch movies to be emotionally appeased, therefore by using a movie quote, it would get the reader interested in what I was saying, and hopefully convey my message through emotion. By using a humorous quote, it also added light heartedness to my paper, and engaged the reader.  I also appealed to Logos, by reasoning with the reader, and asking thought provoking questions, that allowed them to rationalize the situation. I also, gave examples of why having a soul mate is unrealistic. My topic was mostly a pathos oriented opinion, however, there are some logos to be found in my argument, and I chose to bring those out in order to more deeply persuade my audience with reality. When approaching ethos, I was a little worried, because I don’t have any more experience with relationships than anyone out there reading this. Which is why I decided to avoid the situation completely and not tie myself into it. By remaining a humble bystander, expressing her opinion, it left the audience to analyze my point of view and take it for what it was, rather than being concerned with who it came from. Instead of questioning everything I had to say because I was just a freshman, I avoided my credibility, and strengthened it by adding suspense and mystery as to who would have such an opinion. 

"why can't I stop reading Mormon housewives blogs"

In "Why can't I stop reading Mormon housewives blogs" she appeals to the Ethos by explaining her life compared to that of a Mormon housewife. She explains her life to be sad and dark, then creates the bright and sunny visual of that of a Mormon's lifestyle. She uses a little humor like "I can't believe I would ever say that they are uplifting" at least for Mormons, it plays to our Ethos, because our goal is to inspire people like her! and reading this makes us feel like we are touching peoples souls. She also plays to the Logos, by mentioning prescription drug problems, and how her and her friends are in school building careers, while Mormon women are at home. I think she uses the comparison, to say "which one is better - in the eyes of the world? But which one is better?" the logic is what she has to offer, but i think what she is confused about and why she is even writing this article, is because she herself is confused why such a blog, that doesn't seem to have much "logic" to it, would draw her in so far. she uses her Pathos, by explaining that she is and educated student as well as a consistent blogger. We believe the things she says because she seems intelligent, and well to do in the world. She also seems knowledgeable about her Mormon blogs, because she describes them perfectly!

Opinion Editorial Reflection

I was surprised how much I enjoyed writing this Opinion Editorial! I was expecting it to be a daunting task, but as I started writing, it came quite naturally! I found myself enjoying being passionate about something, and sharing my opinion on something I believe strongly in! I enjoyed the nature of the editorial, allowing us to incorporate tone and voice, which was unique to us! The more laid back style of writing was refreshing and encouraging. I really enjoyed reading through my classmates essays as well! I enjoyed seeing how they wrote and what voice they incorporated, as well as their stances on many very hot topics. writing this opinion editorial actually made me more excited to write, and more open with my opinions! I am really happy I had the opportunity to share my beliefs in such and atmosphere!

Love. It's not found, it's made

Jennifer Bate

2 February 2015

Love, is an achievement. Those who graduate from college, win the super bowl, or lose 50 pounds, don’t say “oh, it just happened” they say “it was worth the time and effort.”  Love requires the same. Many times people search to find their “match” and then give up trying once they are married, because they haven’t learned that love is work! It’s the constant devotion, compassion, patience and showing of your dedication. Although some people may easily click with one another, we must remember, that it doesn't end there. Love isn't something you just happen upon by chance, it’s something you work towards. One thing that we all have in common, is the need and desire to be loved. Those searching for it among the stars, will be sorely disappointed when destiny doesn't show up. Those who look straight forward into the faces of those who surround them and consciously make the decision to create a relationship, just might be surprised how naturally it can come.

Love isn't something to be found. Many believe there is only one person out there meant for them. Hence the terms: soul mate, match, or other half. If there were 20 people living on this earth, I could agree with that. However, there are billions of people on this earth, and finding one in a billion, is reaching for the stars. What if your true love was born across the world? It might take you forever to find them, and your whole life would be deprived of love up until that time. Death is also a fact of life, and unfortunately many people are left alone when their loved one dies. Assuming that we only have one person that is right for us, how sad to think that they should now have to be alone for the rest of their life! What if they were young and just married? It doesn't make sense that there would only be one person on earth meant for you! Those that loved once with all of their heart, but later loved another, can do so, because we can learn to love! I believe you could look into a crowd, and find several people with whom you could build a relationship and develop a love meant for the Gods.

Looking for “the one” is unrealistic. The goal is to look for “one,” one that will make you happy, one that will love you through thick and thin, one you can devote yourself to, and grow together through time and all eternity. Notice that all of those things aren't easy. Loving someone through thick and thin, isn't always a stroll in the park, it takes sacrifice. Devoting yourself to someone, means being there for them, and supporting them in all they do. Growing together takes patience and understanding. Of course mutual attraction is another important component, but once you have established that, learn to love them and enjoy your time together.

In the Mormon culture, I see people confuse destiny with the power of God. Some believe that we have a match that was designed in heaven, and it is our mission on earth to find that person, through guidance and confirmation by the Holy Spirit. And to even take it further, there are those who believe that it is God’s choice. They are waiting for God to tell them who to marry and fully expect to live happily ever after; because of course, it was designed by God. I believe this way of thinking to be dangerous because it takes the responsibility out of our own hands and places it in the hands of God. Our purpose here in this life, is to learn to use our own agency. Many people find themselves well into adulthood without having found a partner, all the while waiting for the Lord to deliver that person to them on a silver platter or “in a dream.”  I believe that God loves us and cares about our lives; and as a loving parent will warn us if we are about to make a big mistake. However, I do not believe God will ever tell us who to marry.

God sent us here on earth to make our own choices. By giving us free agency, he has allowed us to choose for ourselves who we place in our lives. Imagine for a moment that you prayed to God, and he told you who to marry. What if you weren't happy? If the relationship didn't work, the blame would be on God. Of course it would, he told you to marry them. And furthermore, if he told you to marry someone who wasn't right for you, then you are left to assume that God doesn't love you, and doesn't care about your happiness. Therefore, it is unreasonable to think that God is responsible for every person’s marital choice, and their future happiness. It is up to us!

Some of our duties and responsibilities on this earth are to learn to interact with other people, develop relationships, learn to love and serve, and ultimately receive the gift of charity. According to Elder Neal A. Maxwell: "The affection and thoughtfulness required in the home are no abstract exercises in love, no mere rhetoric concerning some distant human cause. Family life is an encounter with raw selfishness, with the need for civility, of taking turns, of being hurt and yet forgiving, and of being at the mercy of others' moods. Family life is a constant challenge, not a periodic performance we can render on a stage and then run for the privacy of a dressing room to be alone with ourselves. The home gives us our greatest chance, however, to align our public and private behavior, to reduce the hypocrisy in our lives—to be more congruent with Christ" (That My Family Should Partake [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], p. 3). The Lord has made it clear that we need to receive the gift of charity which is stated in Moroni 7:45 “and charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, beliveth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Both of these examples sound like a lot of hard work to me. Similarly, love - even romantic love requires the same type of work. It is not simply “falling for someone” but rather investing to create a good relationship with someone you desire, and learning to deal with those everyday interactions, which are sometimes taxing.

In the 1994 movie Only You, a young woman named Faith, is told by a fortune teller that her future husband would be named Damon Bradley. Later in her life, in the midst of an elaborate excursion to find her soul mate, she falls in love with a man named Peter, who does absolutely everything in his power to keep her love. Blinded by the idea of fate, she can’t be with him because his name isn't Damon Bradley; she could never settle for someone knowing that her true love – her “soul mate,” was out there somewhere! Peter states with perfect rationale “This guy, by the way, could be the biggest loser who ever walked the face of the earth. He could be a grump, a jerk, a pervert, a cynic, a man who's mind is infested with dark thoughts, he could be a criminal... he could be... truly sick…  I can't believe you're gonna let a few little letters of the alphabet keep us apart. It is a detail! Just - look, just call me Damon, okay? It'll be like a nickname.” If we wait around to find our “true love” we might pass by someone whom we could be perfectly happy with! Faith almost lost her love because she was blinded by the idea of destiny! As she was leaving him he yelled “why can’t you just accept the fact that I would do anything to keep us together?” The fact is – love isn't something that you find it is something that you make, and luckily for Faith, Peter, understood this concept, and with much difficulty made it happen. Despite the fact that he wasn't her “destiny.”

My goal in writing this is to persuade you to broaden your perspective and stop trying to find a needle in a haystack, instead understand that you can love many people, it just requires a lot of time and investment! Don’t wait to be acted upon by destiny, and don’t wait for God to tell you who to marry; make your own choice and work to develop a wonderful relationship! Your happiness is up to you! If two people are compatible, and are each willing to earn the others love, there can be success. As was described perfectly in Dan in Real Life “love isn't a feeling, it’s an ability.”

Works Cited

Only You. Perf. Marisa Tomei, Robert Downy Jr. TriStar Pictures, Fried/Woods Films,  Yorktown Productions, 1994. DVD.

Dan in Real Life. Perf. Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche. Touchstone Pictures, Focus Features, 2007. DVD.

Smith, Joseph. "Alma Chapter 34." The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi. 34: 27-28. Alma. Salt Lake City, Utah: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981. 294-295.

That My Family Should Partake [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], p. 3).