Since the 1990s, autism diagnoses have been on a rather rapid incline. With that being the case, more and more people have been growing up with diagnosed siblings, parental figures, etc. Though despite how common it is, it is still seen as an oddity. Two presentations from two people, Faith Jegede and Joshua Bennett ("What I've Learned from My Autistic Brothers" and "Levi"), open our eyes to the world of Autism. Both made powerful speeches with genuine care behind them. However, only one presented one that felt far more compelling- Joshua Bennett. Through not only his appearance and way of speaking, but his diction/syntax, and use of rhetoric. From the start, Joshua Bennett presents himself in a very pleasant way: casually yet formally dressed …show more content…
He begins his speech with a historical anecdote; "In 1851, a physician named Dr. Samuel Cartwrite coined the term "drapetomania"". When opening with a statement like that, it gives the audience an idea that you are knowledgeable and have done your research before getting up on stage- unlike Faith who opened up with "Today I have just one request." Please don't tell me I'm normal." While just as impactful due to it creating a possible connection with the audience, it isn't as strong as a historical anecdote may be. Though a historical anecdote isn't the only rhetorical device Joshua uses, he also brings up a rhetorical question. A question that gets the crowd thinking. When did the brain become an appliance? With these two rhetorical devices, and many others, Joshua Bennett shares this all through a strong and descriptive piece of slam poetry. A poem dedicated to his little brother, …show more content…
Joshua mainly sticks with Pathos, though he also provides logos through the use of occasional facts (Ex- the mention of Dr. Samuel C). His pathos is the strongest point in his poem and presentation of it. He isn't afraid to show emotion throughout. Joshua makes use of strong wording and comparisons; "Levi, they will come for you too." and "Turning our children into chattel- and our schools into asylums where we medicate based on myth" to name a few. Using strong lines like these in slam poetry is so much more potent and moving than just telling a story like Faith J did. There is also his use of logos, bringing up cases of mistreatment towards autistic children- "Christopher Baker, a boy from Lexington, Kentucky—his teacher stuffed him in a duffel bag and left him there for twenty minutes." Or his mention of a later neurologist that coined the term autism while using an analogy- "Ten years ago, a neurologist cast the word “autism” like a giant fishing net over his
The short documentary video “Prisoners of Silence” focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders with a clear emphasis on autism. It further delves into the rather controversial method of treatment for autism known as facilitated communication, which was first developed in the early 1990s. The video follows the introduction and ultimately the downfall of such a treatment as controversy quickly ensues after a series of sexual abuse cases and ample scientific evidence are produced.
The video begins by introducing a revolutionary new possibility in the understanding of what autism is and how to approach those persons afflicted. Through a technique called "facilitated language" many autistic children were seemingly freed from the inability to communicate. Many were able to "speak" freely through a letter keypad with the help of a facilitator or guide. There are stories upon stories of success - of students, teachers, families, etc.
Giving others who do not suffer from autism or caregivers an insight on how the individual may be feeling and what they are going through. This book can also help numerous medical professionals such as speech-language pathologists and pediatric doctors. As Grandin stated in the book that not all sufferers act, think, and feel the same so this novel may not be beneficial to readers who are looking for information on a wide scale of individuals who suffer from the illness. She also stated that there is no cure for autism, however some medications can help with some symptoms such as depression or anxiety. What intrigued me the most about Grandin was that she never gave up and worked on her social skills. Not only did she became a spokesperson for autism, but also became a professor at Colorado State University in which both require public speaking and being comfortable in front of people.
I wrote a slam poetry because I want to write it the way a high-functioning autistic person would write if he/she wants to get his/her message across, if they are willingly to do it. In my essay, I explain how autism is some sort of rhetoric whether the child speaks or not as well as how autism is stereotyped in the media. I feel that a slam poetry would work because people can hear and understand from an actual person with autism. Of course every child with autism experience different symptoms so it may not be the best way to present overall. However, if the audience can understand and learn from even one person with autism, then it can send out a positive message. Plus, listening to slam poetry in a fun and creative way would really grab the audience’s attention. It would really persuade them to realize how people with autism are talented in their own way. With that alone, it can also defy many stereotypes and misunderstandings that autism is presented in the public
Stokely strongly uses many rhetorical questions in his speech to get the audience’s thoughts active and running as he goes on. As he discusses on how the
Whilst the concept of autism and what it means to be autistic is still widely unrecognised by many, Mark Haddon’s use of conventions of prose fiction and language amplifies the distinctive qualities of the text. Haddon exemplifies key themes such as the struggle to become independent, the nature of difference and the disorder of life through the strategic placement of literary devices.
The Case of Temple Grandin paints a picture of a young woman’s determination and hard work while struggling with autism during a time when the disorder was unknown. This case discusses Grandin’s challenges, early diagnosis, growth and development in school, and support from her mother. Temple Grandin could not speak like the other children at the age of two, so because doctors could not find any physical issues she had been subsequently labeled as brain-damaged. To communicate with others, she would throw tantrums and scream. She could speak by three and a half years old with the help of speech therapy. A few years later at the age of five, Grandin was diagnosed with autism so her mother worked with her 30 minutes every day to keep her from being placed in an institution. At her aunt’s ranch, Grandin develops the “squeeze machine” a device used to apply pressure without being stimulating. Grandin excelles in school and receives her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Franklin Pierce College in 1970. After her graduation from college in 1970, Grandin attends Arizona State University where she earns a master’s degree in cattle in 1975. In 1989, Grandin earns her doctoral degree from the University of Urbana-Champaign in animal science. Grandin has never married, but she is proof that individuals with autism can lead productive and notable lives (Meyer, Chapman, & Weaver, 2009).
Edwards intends to use rhetorical devices for the reason that, people will be instantly captivated and willing to actually understand and use this sermon to change their particular ways. For example, the use of the rhetorical device imagery is fairly used in this sermon to portray and contribute one to visualize how in this case Hell would be like.
Through reading Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, it is hard not be impressed and taken aback by his eloquence with words, especially when you factor in that he is writing this letter from inside of a jail cell. He demonstrates how educated and intelligent he is as he is able to write this lengthy letter, complete with biblical citations and references, from within the jail and without access to any resources (Maranzani, 2013). Through reading King’s letter, and admiring his employment of Aristotle’s canons of rhetoric, and other rhetorical strategies, as well as his effective use of pathos, I have discovered that there are many underlying elements that go into being an effective rhetorician, and King inspires me to improve
From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial more than two score years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King electrified America with his momentous "I Have a Dream" speech. Aimed at the entire nation, King’s main purpose in this speech was to convince his audience to demand racial justice towards the mistreated African Americans and to stand up together for the rights afforded to all under the Constitution. To further convey this purpose more effectively, King cleverly makes use of the rhetorical devices — ethos, pathos and logos — using figurative language such as metaphors and repetition as well as various other techniques e.g. organization, parallel construction and choice of title.
L., Anson. “Rhetorical Analysis of the ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech.” Teen Ink. Emerson Media,
Autism is something to embrace, not conquer” (211). But sometimes the message of hope. love, and struggle can best be understood from the lips of a child. In an article written by nine-year-old Joey Cariello, he simply stated: “I try to be the best brother I can. (I like him just the way he is even though he has autism)”
In the book, McCreary writes, "People are always surprised when I tell them I'm a comedian. They think I must be a serious, tortured artist because I have autism, but really, comedy is how I process the world" (McCreary 45). This quote illustrates how McCreary uses humor to navigate and make sense of his experiences with autism. By framing his challenges and observations through comedy, he offers readers a relatable and accessible entry point into understanding autism. Humor not only entertains but also disarms the audience, making them more receptive to the deeper, more serious messages about acceptance and
Autism is a problem that people have with communicating. It can affect many contrasting types of people in divergent ways and there is not yet a complete cure for it. People need to know about this disability and what people can do with people who have it.
...to grow and increase yearly, one can imagine the effect on society these rates already have, and can possibly have with continued growth. It will not be long before autism becomes the normal society. That is a concern will should all share as creatures of earth. All families that are faced with autism will find happiness with the life shared with an autistic individual. Sadly, these individuals face bullying, and social rejection. They deal with health care rejections, and limited services available into adulthood. A future unknown. Although these individuals are different, that doesn’t mean they are less. As humanity, we need to treat everyone as an equal part of this important reality we call existence. Autistic individuals are the quietest souls, but that may only be because we haven’t learned to pay attention. Autism speaks, so isn’t it time to listen (htt1)?