Rem Kolhaas Rhetorical Analysis

An argument is intended to be persuasive to its audience. This persuasion varies often. For example, a credible and reliable author is a necessity in order for a work to be convincing. In addition to a well-rounded text, the purpose of the argument must be clear to the reader in order for it to be effective. Architect Rem Koolhaas and investigative journalist George Packer attempt this in their arguments about the booming megacity of Lagos, Nigeria. Both the documentary Koolhaas appears in and the article Packer writes present strong arguments, but Packer’s article is more effective because he is knowledgeable as an author, both in skill and subject matter; its text uses logos, pathos, and ethos to prove its point; and its purpose is clear …show more content…
Koolhaas, however, presents his in an ineffective fashion. His voice over intentionally juxtaposes the images that flash across the viewers screen; throughout the film, he argues that, although it may appear to be a hectic and chaotic mess at first glance, Lagos is a highly organized, functioning, and thriving society. While in theory this works, in practice, it is ineffective to many western viewers, who simply cannot overcome the gridlocked traffic and the mountains of trash. Koolhaas’ argument is not inherently flawed, but the way it is presented in the documentary does not reach viewers the way it is intended to. Packer, on the other hand, clearly establishes his argument in the article. He states that megacities like Lagos are hyper-romanticized in the western world, and that in reality, life in Lagos neither glamorous nor prosperous. Packer develops his argument gradually and thoroughly through the course of his writing. As he does so, he is able to strengthen his article as a whole. He supports this argument with appropriate and varied evidence, making his position and purpose clear to the reader. Ultimately, this leads to a more powerful and effective