The Drug That Pretends It Isn T Summary

Introduction
In the article “The Drug That Pretends it isn’t” by Anna Quindlen, the author expresses her views about alcohol and how the damage of alcohol is overrated by society. Quindlen believes that alcohol is more harmful than heroine and other drugs. She does not believes that it is okay to take drugs like heroine, for example, instead of alcohol, however she believes alcohol is worst. She wants to persuade the reader that alcohols is dangerous even though anti-drug organization want to hide that because they think it’ll take the attention from the real issue: “the ‘real’ drugs, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.” (Pg.1). Parents hate this drugs so much that they prefer their children to be under the influence of alcohol rather than these drugs. They believe drugs like these are so

bad, but what they do not know is that there is more tragedies happening under the influence of alcohol, like domestic-violence or sexual-abuse, than when under the influence of these so offensive drugs. Quindlen approach to persuade the reader are very efficient. Her argument is well supported and she adds rhetorical strategies that help to persuade the reader. She appeals to the readers by adding statistics, she adds a counter argument, and brings important authorities in the article that support her argument.
Anna Quindlen argues that alcohol is worse than drugs.

Anna uses Logos as a rhetorical strategy to support her argument. Anna adds, “In 1995 four out of every 10 people on probation said they were drinking when they committed a violent crime, while only one in 10 admitted using illicit drugs.” (Pg.2) she adds this quotes to show the reader that the majority of people in this case, that committed a violent crime, were under the influence of alcohol, again proving that alcohol has an effect on people making them violent which make them, while under the influence, dangerous for society, instead of the other drugs. She also said, “A recent poll of 7,000 adults found that 82 percent said they’d even be willing to pay more for a drink if the money were used to combat alcohol abuse.” (pg.2). Many people are suffering, or know someone who is a victim of alcohol abuse. As shown in the quote, 82 percent of people are willing to even pay more on drinks just so that alcohol abuse can be stopped, this shows how alcohol affect the lives of many and how people is desperate to find a solution. She uses logos to appeal to readers with statistics to give her argument support by adding real

evidence.