The argument of the piece is that the NRA is a major part of the gun violence problem in the United States. Zyglis may have pleased his audience with similar views on the topic, but he may not be changing anybody’s mind if they do not hold a more liberal stance on the topic to begin with. The rhetorical devices of imagery and detail are used heavily in this picture. The gun is portrayed as a large, scary device, with certain aspects exaggerated such as the size of the magazine. LaPierre is drawn as very angry and hostile, holding the gun with a very hyperbolized crazy look on his face.
The most noticeable detail in the picture is the gun’s scope looking back at LaPierre, adding irony behind his spoken statement, “Let’s focus on the source of our gun problem… ”. LaPierre also seems completely oblivious to the fact that the scope is pointed back at himself, which seems to imply that the NRA is almost “blind” to the problem. Another detail is how LaPierre is using gun violence to try to stop gun violence, something that shows a lack of logic within the NRA, and there is the idea that they have the wrong ideals and methods when it comes to dealing with problems involving gun laws.
All of these pieces of detail and imagery shape Zyglis’ argument– he believes the NRA is a major part of the gun violence problem. The only clear rhetorical strategy used in this piece is the artist’s own ethos. Zyglis has been a cartoonist for over a decade, has been nominated and won many different awards for his work, and his pieces are internationally syndicated. He is a very credible source to his audience and to the newspapers that purchase his work. Zyglis’ use of his own ethos makes it so he seems qualified to state his argument in this subject. Adam Zyglis’ piece does reach and connect with the majority of his audience.
The Term Paper on Gun Control 13
Gun Control Government 2301 02 November 1996 A Well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms , shall not be infringed. Amendment II, Bill of Rights Constitution of the U.S. The Second Amendment has been a major issue in American politics since 1876. In question is the intent of this Amendment. Was it meant to insure that ...
It is effectively persuasive towards people who lean left in the gun control debate. As for with right-wing readers, he will not connect with them. His lack of strong rhetorical strategies leaves him open for argument from the opposition, and since his cartoon just states the argument and leaves it without an appeal to logic or emotion, it will just upset the conservative-minded. Zyglis does effectively reach his target audience, but in a way that is more “preaching to the choir” than persuading, and the argument made leaves room for attacks from anyone who disagrees.
