Victor Martin

Thursday, March 12, 2015

First Block
AP Language and Composition

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Throughout his articles, Andrew Leonard proclaims how technology is not leading to a
good or bad symbol, but a way to persuade others, as well as a major focus on power. The even
more unnerving details that Leonard argues about is how the media is functioning as a way to get
peoples money from the advertisements and coupons they give to them. He also points out that
the social media and technology have shared an interest in increasing attention to Americans and
giving them opportunities to buy their products or even use them.
One of Andrew Leonards articles, A new explanation for techs pathetic gender
diversity: The personal computer, implicates how the increasing growth in computers has lead
to a low percentage of diversity, especially in gender. Leonard has also included references from
two different people, who have debated on whether women should confirm a computer science
major. The authors purpose did not cast blame on either side, but instead challenged his

audience, which arefemale college students, to step up and reclaim their roles as this profession
and reflect more about the pros this than the cons. While Leonard explores both sides of this
issue, even extolling the positive influences that the computer business can offer to women, he
ultimately produces a stronger argument for the negative side effects, because of the greater
emphasis for power and money that men are devoted to have over women. His argument, which
supports with published studies on the subject, is both convincing and alarming. Through the use
of rhetorical strategies, especially logos and pathos, the author is effective in conveying the
seriousness of his argument and motivating his audience to take action.
Leonards strategy of using logical reasoning is effectively used throughout his articles,
as well. He offers the audience facts and results from studies to support his claims, for example
Apple introduced the Apple Watch, a device that connects directly to your skin and comes with
multiple sensors that will be able to monitor a wide range of biometric data, Facts like these
effectively demonstrate how the author shows specific details of a product that aims at to express
his debate over it to his audience. This shows the connections on how the lack of originality on
this $349 device that was revealed can affect the desirability of customers. In one article, a
look at how the exposure of a persons private content in social media can lead to scams in the
persons emails just from websites that ask for billing information that should deliver sellers
actionable data to increase sales. However, this leads to irrelevant information that keeps
depending on the person to buy a certain coupon they offer. These references are both
compelling and effective statements that support the authors claim. Through logical statements,
facts, and examples, Leonard effectively supports his argument by utilizing logical reasoning
that pairs well with his intended audience, with the end result reaching to a successful argument
and article.

Leonard also argues through emotion, effectively supporting his argument and spurring
the audience into action. Huffman appeals to his audiences sense of fear ,shock and anger by
linking common concerns to the audience. This is effective because it instills fear and concern in
his audience, winning their attention and building their support against his opposition. In
addition, shock and anger are aroused as Leonard describes the disappointing features of
technology and the internet, both which have been used by many Americans to this day. Despite
the negative emotions this argument arouses, the author ultimately empowers the reader to make
a change for the better, and to discuss how they feel about their argument.
A positive change in the lives of our children and adolescents, through responsible media
and conscientious parenting, is the message that Leonard attempts to impress upon the reader.
His effective strategy of exploring many sides of different issues and placing equal culpability on
both the media and the technology, made for a more convincing argument.

Works Cited Page

1. Leonard, Andrew. A new explanation for techs pathetic gender diversity: The
personal computer. Salon 25 August 2014: Salon.com. Web. 11 March 2015.
2. Leonard, Andrew. How Apple built the greatest hype machine in the history of
the world. Salon 9 September 2014: Salon.com. Web. 11 March 2015.

3. Leonard, Andrew. The scary Apple Watch future. Salon 9 September 2014:
Salon.com. Web. 11 March 2015.
4. Leonard, Andrew. Your data is for sale and not just on Facebook. Salon 29
August 2014: Salon.com. Web. 11 March 2015.