Analysis Of Putting Down The Gun

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Recommended: Misconceptions of gender roles in mass media

Men and women are targeted by society with stereotypes that most of the time do not apply, and instead of growing up to become the best version of themselves, they are conditioned to grow up oppressed by the gender roles that are giving within a society- which limits their options to an incredibly narrow range of ideals and behaviors. Through a personal anecdote Rebecca Walker, in her essay “Putting Down the Gun,” claims that the stereotypes imposed on young females and males, daunt them from undertaking what they truly want. By the use of dialogue Walker argues that societies beliefs on what are the ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ traits are only hindering the young kid from their true selves. “‘Boys talk about sports, like their matches and …show more content…

She furthers her argument through the appeal of pathos as she conveys her son’s feelings. Through the dialogue she presents with her son one can see how he is forced to act a certain way because of the gender roles imposed on society. Walker also uses the rhetorical device of climax to increase the importance of the subject. “My boy is intuitive, smart, and creative beyond belief. At the time he loved animals, Japanese anime, the rap group Dead prez, and everything having to do with snowboarding.” (Walker, 413) As she describes the characteristics of her son she’s emphasizing that he has his own personality, different from the stereotypical male figure. Walker explains how gender stereotypes are ripping her kid apart from his true self. Walker counter argues herself as she postulates that maybe she should encourage her son to behave in masculine ways so that he can be loved and accepted by society. She uses an accusatory tone and appeals to logos, giving the effects that this would have on her child. “my sons true self will not be entirely snuffed out by …show more content…

Similarly to Walker in “Putting Down the Gun” Ehrlich begins her essay narrating a personal experience. Ehlich introduces her essay by having flashback of previous events in her life when she sees a Marlboro ad in the subway. Through the use of imagery she describes a natural environment, “horseflesh, the glint of a spur, line of distant mountains, brimming creeks,..” (Ehrlich, 367) She establishes her ethos as she argues that the cowboy on the Marlboro ads in the subway are completely different from real cowboys, who she has been able to know. Ehrlich puts several descriptions in quotations marks in the opening paragraph to discuss the distorted image of the cowboy. She states that “If he’s strong and silent, is because there 's probably no one to talk to…” (Ehrlich, 367) Through the appeal of logos she discusses the masculine stereotypes and gives the causes and effects, claiming that the toughness commonly associated with cowboys, only conceals the tenderness inside. This becomes a form of counterclaim as she describes the stereotypical cowboy and then provides an explanation to why the statement is interpreted in a misleading way. Likewise, Guy Garcia in “The Decline of Men” claims that “while the cowboy image has survived and thrived, real cowboys have not.” (Garcia, 93) Through historical evidence (logos) Garcia argues that the cowboy as America

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