Locating Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Ever since Aristotle, we have sought to identify the ethos, pathos, and logos used to strengthen arguments and presentations. Indeed, we can find these forms of rhetoric when examining the speeches of Fannie Lou Hamer and Stokely Carmichael, as well as in non-violent protest videos.

Addressing the Credentials Committee, Hamer immediately establishes ethos by being straightforward and honest, stating her exact street address. By revealing her whereabouts, she sends the message that she has nothing to hide. Her involvement in the civil rights movement thus far (she has permanent kidney damage from a police beating) further establishes her credibility. She uses plain-spoken language and ample dialogue, which presents her as a personable, honest person.

Carmichael also commands respect because of his background (ethos), which includes becoming honorary prime minister of the Black Panthers and a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He is well educated in the great philosophers of Camus and Sartre; this contributes to his ethos. Carmichael reasons his way through several issues (logos), such as the assertion that recent legislation is for the white people, not blacks ("I knew that I could vote and that wasn't a privilege, it was my right... somebody had to write a bill for white people to tell them... don't bother him"). An example of logos also occurs when he mentions the statistic of 94% of black children still living in shacks.

The videos evoke emotions of sympathy and outrage (pathos), as we are shown how peaceful blacks at sit-in demonstrations were mercilessly beaten. The clips are credible (ethos) because they are a primary source of what occurred during that time, and involve interviews with whites and blacks (including some high ranking officials, like mayor of Nashville), and those for and against integration.

I Believe

I believe travel is the best educator there is. I believe in family and friends. I believe that John Wooden has some of the greatest quotes of all time (e.g. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” and “Learn as if you’re going to live forever and live as if you’re going to die tomorrow”). I believe Tiger Woods will surpass Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors. I believe golf is the game of a lifetime, and that golfers at UT (and those wanting to learn the game) should check this out. I believe Elvis’s favorite food, the peanut butter and banana sandwich, is something I’ll never tire of. And I believe Nickelodeon had better shows in the ‘90s.

I believe in hard work, perseverance, integrity, and respect. I believe Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer of all time, and while he is eccentric, he may have been framed. I believe presidential debates are fascinating to watch. I believe Aussies are great people, the Great Barrier Reef deserves its title as a natural wonder of the world, and that Aboriginal art is terrific. I believe photos make the best souvenir. I believe kids should have PE daily, and that our society should focus more on preventive medicine. I believe Robin Williams is hilarious, Letterman has the best late-night show, TV news is infotainment these days, and most movies are too long. I believe SCUBA diving is an indescribable thrill (especially when you see a shark). And I believe that’s enough parallelism.

What is a protest?

A protest occurs when at least one person is not satisfied with the status quo or current state of something in society or the world. The protest is conducted to bring about awareness, support for the cause, and ultimately change. While a group of protestors will ultimately be more successful, a single person is enough to spark a protest. If one person feels passionately about something, he or she can inspire others to join the fight (and this is not to imply that protests must be violent). There are many different tactics that may be used during a protest. Strikes, boycotts, and petitions are a few of the most common ones.

To be successful, a protest needs to generate sufficient support for real change to occur. This must happen at the grassroots level first. Many protest groups desire media attention, which can provide free publicity about a cause. In order to cause change, people must first become aware of and educated on an issue. Therefore, mass exposure to a particular issue via the media can expedite a protest campaign, especially if the media portrayal is positive or if the general public is already sympathetic with the protest’s concerns and arguments. Ultimately, a protest’s success is measured by its ability to instigate change and accomplish its goal. Once members of the public and politicians are educated on an issue, widespread support should be enough to facilitate the desired change because of our democratic system.