Rhetorical Analysis of Hillary Clinton's Speech, Women’s Rights are Human Rights

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On September 5, 1995, Hillary Clinton delivered an influential speech at The Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Clinton expresses general concern over escalating violence toward women, in other word’s gendercide. “Gendercide refers to the systematic elimination of a specific gender group, normally female. It’s most common in India, China, and other regions in Southeast Asia” (GirlsKind Foundation). Crimes, such as bride trafficking, infanticide, abandonment, and dowry related murder; often take place within private households, going unnoticed and not even acknowledged. “Tragically, women are most often the ones whose human rights are violated. Even now, in the late 20th century, the rape of women continues to be used as an instrument of armed conflict Women and children make up a large majority of the world’s refugees” (Clinton 3). By addressing her speech in Beijing, where gendercide is prevalent, Hillary expressed her objective effectively not just the United Nations, but to audiences across the world. Clinton effectively delivered her speech by portraying her purpose for women to achieve equality and better opportunities, with ethical appeals, emotional appeals, and logical appeals. The goal of Hillary’s speech is to persuade her audience that her ideas are valid, by using ethos, pathos, and logos. Hillary is the First Lady and Senator, she shows credibility as an influential activist for woman rights. “Over the past 25 years, I have worked persistently on issues relating to women, children, and families. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the challenges facing women in my country and around the world” (Clinton 2). Clinton’s purpose for her speech was to advance the go... ... middle of paper ... ...women has escalated to an all-time high. Hillary Clinton’s speech “Women’s Rights are Human Rights” targets this growing problem and by portraying a purpose, style and language, and different appeals to the audience effectively. Works Cited Clinton, Hillary R. "American Rhetoric: Hillary Rodham Clinton -- United Nations 4th World Conference Speech ("Women's Rights Are Human Rights")." American Rhetoric: Hillary Rodham Clinton -- United Nations 4th World Conference Speech ("Women's Rights Are Human Rights"). Michael E. Eidenmuller, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013. Population Council. “World Conference on Women: The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action on Women and Health”. Population and Development Review , Vol. 21, No. 4 (Dec., 1995), pp. 907-91. Web. 22 Nov. 2013 "GirlKind Foundation." Gendercide Info & Resources. GirlKind Foundation, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013.

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