How Did Duvernay Use Ethos Pathos And Logos In The 13th?

The documentary 13th, directed by Ava DuVernay, is centered around the argument that slavery did not end with the inclusion of the 13th Amendment in the United States Constitution. To enhance her argument, she includes interviews with well-educated authors, professors, activists, and politicians. She also tells the stories of African Americans who have been wrongfully prosecuted by the police and have not received the justice they deserve, including Trayvon Martin. This essay will analyze the Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman scene in the documentary and how DuVernay effectively uses ethos, pathos, and logos in the film. Duvernay includes the Trayvon Martin case to further her argument that slavery did not disappear with the 13th Amendment; it modernized into the American prison system.

The documentary has won nine major awards and was an Academy Award nominee for “Best Documentary Feature” in 2017. The scene is recalling the public’s reaction to the wrongful killing of Trayvon Martin and the resulting effects it had on society. Martin was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in 2012 in Sanford, Florida. DuVernay utilizes news reports, police interviews, and footage of the courtroom in 2012 to establish ethos. The citizen accounts are from when the attack occurred and their reaction to the situation. She also includes footage of the protests and outcry that occurred after Zimmerman was released. Incorporating news footage and interviews from 2012 into the scene was effective in establishing credibility. The audience can recount their experience in 2012 when the scene took place and relive the experience. The Trayvon Martin case is well-known by the public and her recollection of the story is accurate to how it unfolded in