Moore vs Gatto

Michael Moore and John Gatto both argue the same basic principle, something is wrong with schools, but have different methods of going about it. Gatto is primarily a comic writer, while Moore is a loud, in-your-face writer, each with his own organization, tone, and methodology.

Moore believes the problem with schools is the manner in which they are run. In this, he varies from Gatto as Gatto believes schools are in essence a conspiracy. They both argue that schools are manipulating students into becoming better consumers. While they both give examples of corporate marketing in schools to support their points, Gatto believes mindless consumerism is the primary purpose of school which is achieved through a hierarchical cycle of boredom and marketing. Moore argues that it is the corporate world taking advantage of underfunding because political leaders who blame teachers for problems with education, do not appropriate the required funds to schools..

Their tool sets also vary. Moore uses a very critical, judging tone. He does this through occasional impudence toward those he criticizes. Gatto is also very critical, although he primarily criticizes through his sarcasm and humor. Both methods are able to keep the reader interested although Gatto’s method is effective in appealing to the reader’s sense of humor. This is because while Moore’s humor is very critical and dark at times to make the reader think more deeply, Gatto’s humor is lighthearted to give the reader a greater sense of entertainment. Each of their methods has a downside, however. Moore’s method can make him sound unprofessional while Gattos can make him sound childish. This can cause each of their methods downsides to make each reader respectively seem less credible.

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...kes examples relatable for high school students to make high school readers more inclined to agree with him. He completes making high school students his primary audience by ending his essay with ideas of how to undermine school administrations and teachers. Gatto’s essay is intended to primarily target parents or to-be parents of public school students. He does this through his examples which help in supporting an argument to informed audiences or audiences with an opposing bias. When he addresses the audience, he also gives advice about how to manage their children’s education. Both methods are effective for their respective audience because they are relatable and use the correct form of argumentation for the bias of the target reader.

Both Moore’s and Gatto’s methods of argumentation are efficient although may prove ineffective in convincing some critical readers.