A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Junk Food

Poverty is Literally Making People Sick Because They Can't Afford Food

In his article “Poverty is Literally Making People Sick Because They Can't Afford Food” Matthew O'Brien writes about how low income persons are more likely to get sick at the end of the month because they can't afford food. O'Brien explains how people living from paycheck to paycheck are often out of cash by the end of the month and can no longer afford food ,this problem also applies to those dependant on benefits or food stamps. For people with Diabetes the problem goes beyond hunger and they may end up with Hypoglycemia. As stated by O’Brien “The basic idea is that people struggling to make it paycheck-to-paycheck might run out of money at the end of the month—and

have to cut back on food. If they have diabetes, this hunger could turn into an even more severe health problem: low blood sugar. So we should expect a surge of hypoglycemia cases at the end of each month for low-income people, but not for anybody else.” Low income persons have an overall lower level of health care, but the only condition that sees spikes according to the time of month his Hypoglycemia. O'Brien proposes that if these people received more money through a higher minimum wage or receiving food stamps twice a month, the elevated hospitalization rates for Hyperglycemia at the end of the month would go down. Since these problems come from lack of sufficient funds, government programs can be helpful but really we can help them more significantly by giving them money. O’Brien says this clearly in the article regarding welfare and food stamps “These might help people plan a little bit better, and stretch their cash a little bit further, though it wouldn't help their fundamental problem: not having enough money. But, luckily, there's an easy fix for that. It's called giving people money.”
Logos is used strongly throughout the article, and O’Brien uses statistics to strengthen his argument.

He writes about how low-income people are 27 percent more likely to be hospitalized for hypoglycemia at the end of the month,right before paychecks and benefits come out. A chart that depicts the increase in hyperglycemic patients at the end of the month v.s appendicitis patients that stay the same throughout the month is also used to prove his point. Appendicitis rates stay the same through the month since lack of food is not a factor in causing appendicitis, while hyperglycemia rates spikes around the 27th of the month.

Everyone knows someone who struggles to make ends meet, and the horrific effects poverty can have on families. This emotional attachment to the subject matter increases the In other words, poorer people don't need more care at the end of the month for every kind of condition. Just the ones that get worse when you don't have enough to eat.article’s pathos. The reader may be personally struggling with poverty, hunger or hyperglycemia. This issue really hits home, so the reader may be more inclined to read the entire article and listen to it’s

suggestions.
The article was very easy to follow and extra clarity was provided after more complex points. Such as when the author writes “In other words, poorer people don't need more care at the end of the month for every kind of condition. Just the ones that get worse when you don't have enough to eat.” This elaboration leaves little room for confusion, so even less educated people would be able to comprehend his points.
It is very clear what O'Brien wants from his readers, and he almost forces action from them.

We see this in many places in the article such as when he writes “We can do better. We could start by paying out welfare, food stamps, and Social Security twice a month, instead of just at the beginning. We could even pay out food stamps as cash instead of benefits, since we know people will trade them at deep discounts to turn them into cash.” With such a clear solution and plan of action, a reader will be able to pass it on to people he or she knows to spread awareness.

The article consists of many sharp points and the author seems very passionate about the subject. This passion suggests that O'Brien has a personal connection to the issue of poverty and the low health quality of low income persons. O’Brien seems almost desperate to convince his readers of the severity of this issue. The article is written in an informal, which compels the reader to feel a more personal connection. It is as if the author is giving personal advice to a friend. The title of the article is also very direct and inclusive to grab the reader’s attention and get right to the

point.
It is very important that this article was written because there are many people who are completely unaware of the issues presented. It is entirely possible for someone who grew up comfortably, and never had to worry about not having a meal, to not even know what food stamps are. In some neighborhoods poverty is not prevalent and these ideas may be completely foreign. Shedding light of these issues can be extremely beneficial to those who depend so heavily on government aid, and may not be getting enough help especially towards the end of the month. O'Brien clearly details the problems and suggests possible solutions in a clear fashion.

O’Brien’s article is strong and really hits home. He brings awareness to a very

prevalent issue in a way that can persuade people to take action. His clear and

light style is appealing and easily understood by many types of people, with

varying levels of education. Maybe one day this issue will be solved, and there

will be equal opportunity for healthy and successful lives.