Lester Bowles Johnson Rhetorical Analysis

Lester Bowles Pearson’s inauguration address of the national flag of Canada features inspiration, patriarchy and unity that one can associate with Canada’s national pride. Today, the national flag embodies a message of nationality and a badge to show identity at the Olympic Games, Canadian organizations and businesses. The white and red flag, featuring a red 11-point maple leaf in the center of two red strips on opposite ends was inaugurated on February 15, 1965. A rhetorical analysis divulges the varying themes of success with which Pearson employs pathos, logos and ethos. Pearson’s ethos is strong because of the reputation he had as a prime minster, Canadian solider, professor and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1957. While his use of pathos to appeal to his target audience of Canadian citizens of all kinds is strong, his use of logos is weak. Pearson is described as public …show more content…
For many people the choice of the Read Maple Leaf over the Red Ensign was an emotional and disapproved decision. He initially invited his audience to acknowledge the disapproval from many Canadians by pointing out the facts surrounding the choice of the flag: “On September 5, 1945 an Order-in-Council was passed declaring the Red Ensign to be Canada's National Flag pending a decision of the Parliament of Canada.” He appeals a sense of understanding and thoughtfulness towards his tougher audience members that may not agree by stating historical points in the creating the national flag. He continues with: “As a result of this decision by the Canadian Parliament and on the advice of the Government of Canada, Her Majesty, our beloved Queen, was pleased to issue a Proclamation that the Flag we are about to raise today should be the Flag of Canada.” The details and history build an appeal to logos and helps build a timeline of how far the audience members have