Gloria Steinem's The Time Factor

In her essay, The Time Factor, Gloria Steinem successfully provides an impeccable sample of persuasive writing. She does so by initially using the persuasive technique of including comparisons to support her argument. In one comparison, Steinem explains the differeces between each of the three societal classes: “The rich and the middle class can plan for future generations, but the poor can plan ahead only a few weeks or days” (Steinem 276). This is a valuable persuasive technique primarily because it uses logic and reason to influence the rational side of the reader’s mind to strengthen the argument. By doing so, the reader is more likely to believe the information presented and thus, give credibility to the point. Comparison also aids in

weakening the contrasting argument. Comparisons similar to the one above also give us, the reader, a sense of connection as we would be able to relate to at least one of the three classes of individuals described.

Another example showcasing how Steinem created a flawless model of persuasive writing is her use of incorporating anecdotes into her text. This is shown when she uses an anecdote to elaborate on her point of how planning is all dependent on how you were born into society, let that be rich or poor, male or female, Caucasian or Hispanic, Steinem introduces some situations that she or people that she knew had faced in their lives that showed this point thoroughly (Steinem 278). One particular anecdote that she used described of a “successful black journalist” who understood the “sense of powerlessness” as he acknowledged that “even after twenty years” of working as a correspondent, “he planned only one assignment at a time” and still cannot “forget his dependence on the approval of white editors” (Steinem 278). Using anecdotes especially when writing persuasive texts is beneficial because they are for one good reinforcements to use when lacking scientific, statistical or factual proof. Anecdotes are also much simpler for the reader as someone’s testament is easier to believe as opposed to comprehending complex information and technical

facts. The final persuasive technique that Steinem used in her essay is this rhetorical question: “We need pragmatic planners and visionary futurists, but can we think of even one feminist five-year plan?” (279). This is an exceptional persuasive technique because it aids in stimulating the reader’s mind to reflect on what the underlying message is of said question and thus, acts as a discussion starter. If we study the question above, we can see that it is referring to the idea that there are no historically popular feministic long term plans. It also backs on the idea of how we need “pragmatic planners and visionary futurists” (Steinem 279), but unfortunately do not have any. Therefore, when a reader comes to this question, they will immediately understand the point that the author is proving, hence, persuaded to ultimately agree with the author and his or her points. To conclude, by using the persuasive techniques of incorporating public comparisons, personal anecdotes and stimulating rhetorical questions in her essay, Gloria Steinem has effectively provided a successful example of persuasive writing.