Rhetorical Analysis Of Milk

Milk then provides a masterfully provides a counter-argument to the popular stance of his opponents. He preserves this light hearted tone, because he understands that his opposition had long oppressed his audience he was addressing, ranging from shaming to inhumane conversion therapies. He explains the story of Anita Bryant, a well known singer and political activist, who God told that the “drought in California was caused by the gay people.” Milk responds to this absurd claim by stating that during the day he was elected and the day he was sworn in that it was raining. He also states it's continued to rain since then, and joking that he should be “recalled” in order to stop the rain. Here he uses repetition and a comical tone to fully demonstrate

This question applies to the target audience, the gay community, and all which fall outside that category as well. He doesn’t answer the question, but instead uses those questions to transition to some of the recent occurrences in the gay community. He touches on the mistreatment and wrongful stereotypes that plagued his beloved community which were slated by various forms of media. He states that “In 1977, we saw a dialog start. In 1977, we saw a gay person elected in San Francisco.” Here Milk talks about himself in the third person, instead of saying “I was elected” he chose to say “we saw.” By talking in third person like this he builds his ethos in both the way he addresses that he was this important man who got elected, and presenting himself as a humble soul, which he truly was. He doesn’t go up and brag that he did it, he instead uses we, to create a sense of inclusivity and to make the audience understand that they were responsible for this moment in history. He then states that he hopes that 1978 will continue this forward, setting up his overall theme of

He has explained context, explaining some history and some struggles which the gay community faces, however it is not until the end where the big picture is shown. Milk states that the reason he values gay officials, and why he is so steadfast about his goal, is to give hope. He explains “if you help elect to the central committee and other offices, more gay people, that gives a green light to all who feel disenfranchised, a green light to move forward.” He effectively uses repetition by utilizing the word hope in almost every sentence of his conclusion, in order to create an uplifting tone, which juxtaposes his previous somber comments, and to make sure the audience understands his mission. He very plainly states “Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better place to come to if the pressures at home are too great. Hope that all will be all right.” Using the specific rhetorical device of anaphora, which would make his speech more memorable and fully engage the