Theories of Rhetoric and Writing

Rhetorical Self-Analysis
Introduction
Of the many uses of rhetoric, one of the strongest appeals can be
made on the values of the listening audience. Sometimes facts and quotes
simply wont be as useful as an instrument of persuasion. Sometimes we
must start with the simplest of common grounds, where the issues are black
and white. Only after establishing a shared perception of core values can
you use the consensus to establish a basis by which issues that are black
and white may be compared to those which may be perceived as shades of
grey.
My inspiration in writing pieces of persuasion always starts with Dr.
Martin Luther Kings Letter from Birmingham jail. The method of using not
only the facts of the written text of a particular religion or denomination, but
use of our own sense of good and evil was a catalyst for change.
Challenging the principles by which an individual stands can be instrumental
in causing the viewing audience to reexamine and reevaluate their
adherence to the moral and ethical codes they proclaim.
The Rhetorical Self-Analysis shall be categorized by Ethos, Logos, and
Pathos. The subject of this rhetorical self-analysis is an essay on the support

for the repeal of dont ask, dont tell legislation. The subject matter was
eerily familiar and foreign at the same time. Being a heterosexual male,
serving alongside openly gay men in the ultra-masculine world of military life
was a complex field to navigate. Yet, it was a diverse and invaluable
education in the real world application of values that have been taught,
reinforced and reemphasized throughout our lives.
Ethos
The opening line of the essay quotes the sentiments of President
Barack Obama regarding the matter. It states, "It is time to recognize that
sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than
they are by race or gender, religion or creed." (Jackson, Par.2) This
statement summarizes the clear and obvious stance of the enlisted and
officer personnel within the United States Military. The most important
quality for a service member relates to his professional and technical
competency for his selected field.
As a heterosexual male, I never felt uncomfortable or affected by the
presence of members whose preference was towards an alternative lifestyle.
The core values of the Navy are Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and
being gay in no way compromises an individuals ability to fulfill the
contractual obligations signed by each and every service member.
Throughout my naval career it became glaringly obvious that the military
was continuously decades behind when it comes to issues of civil rights and

true equality. I suppose that most fears were predicated on changing a

lifestyle that frequently substitutes gay bashing for playful banter.
I thought to myself why was it so difficult to fathom men who pledge
allegiance to God, country, and service at the liberty of our Commander and
Chief, would find it nearly impossible to behave in a manner consistent with
the sensitivities of our nations political climate. President Obama offers
remarks that subtly provide a contrast and choice for the listening audience.
His references that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by
sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed creates
a black and white argument.
Will we disregard heroism, sacrifice, and integrity in a fashion
reminiscent to the ways we overlooked other races contributions to America
and the impact of women on the progression of the suffrage movement.
Obama clearly states to the American public the side of history we need to
be on regarding this matter. We can adopt the stance of oppressors or
choose the side that leads to progress and advancing opportunities for all
people.
Logos
The Declaration of independence states a clear and present stance on
issues of equality. The authors of this great document are credited with the
statement, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,

that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is my
opinion that legislation is not the means by which we are enlightened to
know our right from our wrong.
It is interesting to think that you may fight and die for a country that
wants you to be ashamed and hide in plain sight from the truth. In my essay
supporting the repeal of DADT legislation, one particular quote stood above
the rest in relation to self-analysis and introspection. The quote states, how
can I consider myself a Christian, and yet I will only love as Christ did,
selectively. It was not until I was removed from the situation that I thought
about the way oppression grows and continues to prosper.
Without the abolitionists, slaves would not have found freedom,
without women willing to stand up to male dominated society womens
suffrage would not have granted opportunities, without the civil rights
movement: segregation, Jim Crow, and racial discrimination would be
acceptable parts of everyday life. Through the demonstration of those
several examples it is clear that peaceful change is always aided by
courageous members outside of the disenfranchised minority.
Pathos
Ideally compassion, empathy, and respect are entitlements of all
individuals. Within the essay there is another statement that questions the
validity of the principles and values we profess to live by each day. It states,
What if I was only tolerated by percentage? What must it feel like to have

people accept only a portion of who you are? What if my job qualifications
and personality were desirable, but my black skin was offensive?
What message is sent to the world, and future generations when we
fight to protect legalized discrimination? Is the pain from the gay and lesbian
community any less valuable, simply because the discrimination isnt as
obvious as the parts located between our legs or as readily identifiable as
the amount of melanin in our skin? These questions stood out and
personally challenged how committed I am to my faith and to my own
intolerance for discrimination. How can I hate discrimination, but accept it
when its target comes from a different race, gender, or economic
background?
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, this quote from
Dr. Martin Luther King paints a clear picture why we should never be
bystanders in the fight for equality. While you sit idly by today while the
conflict grows, you may be the target and the new epicenter for
discrimination and injustice tomorrow.

Works Cited
Jackson, David. "Obama Praises Senate for Repealing 'don't Ask, Don't Tell' The Oval: Tracking the Obama Presidency." News, Travel, Weather,
Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com.
Web. 21 Feb. 2011.

<http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/12/obam
a-praises-the-imminent-demise-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/1>.