The social stratification of groups into rival subgroups remains one of the most potent ideas in Social Identity Theory today.This sounds quite zoomed out and disconnected from the text. Stay rooted in the Jacobs. By dividing groups into different camps, members of both camps develop a strong “us vs. them” mentality, which, when utilized effectively, is one of the most powerful persuasive techniques. In Jane Jacobs’ The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jacobs explores microcosms of cities to argue what succeeds and fails in city planning. Moreover, she challenges contemporary city planners, who she contends rely on idealistic, superficial principles. Jacobs differentiates herself from conventional city planners through her elevated,
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Ironically, Jacobs argues against city planning, which is a social science based on data, with rhetorical devices. Instead of basing her argument on concrete facts, she offers complex analogies to Biblical events not directly applicable to her greater argument. For example, Jacobs offers provocative examples such as describing the wealthy sinners as “conspir[ing] to oppress the poor” (5). As a result, the effectiveness of Jacobs’ argument rests in her ethos. Though Jacobs does not believe city planners work together to exploit the poor, she includes the language from Job to outrage the reader and build rapport–the primary elements in her argumentation. However, Jacobs correctly avoids grounding her ideas in statistics: the goal of her introductory chapter is merely to introduce her novel views. Additionally, readability matters. Jacobs’ intended audience includes non-architects interested in improving their cities. Her emotional calling is understandable and applicable to whoever chooses to read her …show more content…
Although critics of Jacobs might argue that her bold claims lack statistical underpinnings, her book is not meant to be published in an academic journal. Instead, Jacobs seeks to appeal to a diverse public in hopes of inspiring change. Her dramatic language and rhetorical strategies emphasize the shortcomings of city planners, and her allusion to the Bible further instill frustration in the reader. By understanding Jacobs’ emotional language in this short passage, the rest of the novel becomes clearer as well. For instance, Jacobs’ example of the successes of Northend juxtaposes her dislike of city planning with what she views as a success to highlight how her ideas of city planning actually work in reality. Jacobs’ argumentative strategy of incorporating emotional language proves to be a forcible and innovative way to resoundingly illustrate her
Ironically, Jacobs argues against city planning, which is a social science based on data, with rhetorical devices. Instead of basing her argument on concrete facts, she offers complex analogies to Biblical events not directly applicable to her greater argument. For example, Jacobs offers provocative examples such as describing the wealthy sinners as “conspir[ing] to oppress the poor” (5). As a result, the effectiveness of Jacobs’ argument rests in her ethos. Though Jacobs does not believe city planners work together to exploit the poor, she includes the language from Job to outrage the reader and build rapport–the primary elements in her argumentation. However, Jacobs correctly avoids grounding her ideas in statistics: the goal of her introductory chapter is merely to introduce her novel views. Additionally, readability matters. Jacobs’ intended audience includes non-architects interested in improving their cities. Her emotional calling is understandable and applicable to whoever chooses to read her …show more content…
Although critics of Jacobs might argue that her bold claims lack statistical underpinnings, her book is not meant to be published in an academic journal. Instead, Jacobs seeks to appeal to a diverse public in hopes of inspiring change. Her dramatic language and rhetorical strategies emphasize the shortcomings of city planners, and her allusion to the Bible further instill frustration in the reader. By understanding Jacobs’ emotional language in this short passage, the rest of the novel becomes clearer as well. For instance, Jacobs’ example of the successes of Northend juxtaposes her dislike of city planning with what she views as a success to highlight how her ideas of city planning actually work in reality. Jacobs’ argumentative strategy of incorporating emotional language proves to be a forcible and innovative way to resoundingly illustrate her