Summary Of Why Environmentalists Attack The SUV

Sports Utility Vehicles have long maintained the reputation of being gas guzzlers and detrimental to the environment. In the article, “Why Environmentalists Attack the SUV,” Mr. John Bragg presents the argument that the SUV is a symbol of Americanism. While it is easy to understand his thinking, it is largely based upon subjective reasoning. Conversely, the SUV.org article, “Environmental Double Standards for Sport Utility Vehicles,” postulates that SUV’s represent a paradox to consumers. Additionally, cartoonist, Khalil Bendib takes a drastic approach by overtly stating that American automotive corporations are directly contributing to the degradation of the environment. In Mr. John Braggs writing, he proposes that the SUV is attacked by

However, It is unclear how Mr. Bragg ends up with the conclusion that the SUV alone represents personal independence. The very reason for owning a care is for personal independence; therefore, the SUV is not the sole means to achieve this. Additionally, the paper goes on to state that the secondary purpose for the SUV is personal protection. Many cars now have improved technologies for the safety of passengers. In any case, SUVs have had to drastically revamp there already tarnished track record. For example, in the late nineties and early two-thousands, there was a high level of reporting attributing SUV accidents to rollovers. Due to the high center of gravity, at fairly moderate speeds, the SUV is susceptible to rolling over. Conversely, most sedans and coupes are not as vulnerable to this. Mr. Bragg points out that the large cars of the 1970s were safer because they were big; however, cars of that era were merely made of different materials. Nowadays, vehicles are made of composite and recycled materials, consequently reducing the chances of withstanding minor

The stark reality of the degree that carbon emissions are having regarding the greenhouse effect. Additionally, the three articles do present many valid points. However, I would have to go with SUV.org purely because of how organized the argument was. The tone, structure, and message in the writing require the reader to take some sort of action. Despite being an arduous issue, it remains the most detrimental entity that we as people have control over. Nonetheless, SUV.org is still, in my opinion, the most valid argument of all the articles. In closing, we as Americans are required to ensure the longevity of our planet whether it be quality of the air or the preservation of all things green.

Works Cited

Bragg, John. “The American Dream: Why Environmentalists Attack the SUV.” Ramage, John D., Bean, John C., and Johnson, June. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 7th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 535-37.
“What Is Wrong With SUV” suv.org. Ramage, John D., Bean, John C., and Johnson, June. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 7th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 546-551.
Bendib, Khalil. “Oil and War” Cartoon. bendib.com. Ramage, John D., Bean, John C., and Johnson, June. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 7th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007.