Rhetorical Analysis Of 'Attention Whole Foods Shoppers'

A major topic of concern today can be found in the world’s struggle with hunger and the malnourishment of millions of people. In attempt to address this matter, many countries have turned to genetically modified foods, causing many people to debate on whether or not they could be the answer to world hunger. Unfortunately, the countries not participating in the genetically modified foods movement are the main ones in need of food and nourishment. One author, Robert Paarlberg, attempts to describe the great need and positivity of allowing these modern growing methods in his article, “Attention Whole Foods Shoppers.” Through the use of convincing facts, rhetorical devices, proposals, and addressing opposing views, Paarlberg effectively argues …show more content…
For example, he successfully utilizes pathos when he expresses, “The result is nothing to celebrate: average income levels of only $1 a day and a one-in-three chance of being malnourished” (Paarlberg, par. 6). The fact that the “average income level is $1” is relatable due to the presence of money in today’s economy, and Paarlberg uses this relation to cause readers to feel emotion and sorrow for the people who are suffering. This use of pathos is another way that he drives people to want to make a change, supporting his claim. Paarlberg not only uses pathos, but also uses logos to strengthen his position as he states, “The majority of truly undernourished people- 62 percent, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization- live in either Africa or South Asia, and most are small farmers or rural landless laborers living in the countryside of Africa and South Asia” (par. 3). By using hard evidence, such as “62 percent,” he backs his claim with credible facts which prove that there truly is a problem, and this creates another efficient way that he convinces people of the reality of world hunger. In addition to pathos and logos, Paarlberg’s proposition type article helps strengthen his …show more content…
For instance, he uses true, emotion based facts to help portray his message: “World Bank President Robert Zoellick warned that high food prices would be particularly damaging in poor countries, where ‘there is no margin for survival’” (Paarlberg, par. 2). Paarlberg uses the words “there is no margin for survival” to connect with readers emotionally, which helps him to convince them that something needs to change and allows him to follow up with a proposal. Yet again, he plays with people’s emotions reporting that “in Africa, more than 70 percent of rural households are cut off from the closest urban markets because, for instance, they live more than a thirty-minute walk from the nearest all-weather road” (Paarlberg, par. 3). The reality of this evidence allows Paarlberg to affect the reader’s emotions in a more personal way. This type of personal emotion is another factor that makes it easier for him to suggest to readers that change needs to occur. Paarlberg’s use of true and credible facts, along with discussing other views, helps him earn