Shillue's Rhetorical Techniques Used In Sticks And Stones

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In "Sticks and Stones," Tom Shillue argues that the rougher and meaner world of his youth better prepared him for adulthood compared to today's more sensitive culture. Through personal anecdotes, humor, and nostalgic references, Shillue builds a case against what he sees as an overly protective and hypersensitive modern society. This analysis will identify and explain the rhetorical techniques, tricks, and flaws Shillue employs to persuade his audience. Shillue opens with a personal anecdote, stating, "I’m always telling my daughters stories from when I was a kid. By comparison, the world of my youth was rougher and meaner than the world that kids grow up in today." This anecdotal evidence establishes his credibility and fosters an emotional connection with the audience, making his argument more relatable. By sharing personal stories, he positions himself as an experienced figure, someone who has lived through and …show more content…

He was a three and a half foot tall Mexican thief! Can you imagine pitching that to an ad agency today?" This appeal to nostalgia triggers sentimental responses, leading the audience to view the past more favorably and, by contrast, be critical of the present. By highlighting how these commercials are unacceptable today, he underscores the cultural shift towards increased sensitivity. Shillue employs humor to make his points more engaging and memorable. For instance, he describes a violent cartoon commercial: "A cartoon Hawaiian character walks up to an unsuspecting cartoon tourist and says, 'Hey -- how about a nice Hawaiian Punch?!' Sure! I will be back soon. says the tourist, which gets him punched directly in the face. We all thought that was hilarious." This use of humor serves to downplay the seriousness of violence and stereotypes in media, suggesting that such content was harmless fun rather than

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