Rhetorical Analysis Of No Fireman At Ground Zero

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Rhetorical Analysis Michael Burke, brother and son of firefighters, fought for the rights of first responders to be honored at Ground Zero on 9/11. On September 7, 2011- two days before the ten year anniversary of 9/11- Burke published “No Fireman at Ground Zero This 9/11?” to the Wall Street Journal due to the Mayor’s decision of including politicians to the event instead of first responders. The wealthy, influential readers of the article become persuaded that denying first responders the right to attend Ground Zero is atrocious by the arrangement and Aristotle appeals. Initially, Burke arranged his argument in a very unique way. He started the piece with a thirteen paragraph narrative. In it, he used vivid descriptions of the horrendous …show more content…
In the narration, he repeats, “And still they went in,” (3). This is strictly pathos. Since the Wall Street readers were there at the tragedy on 9/11, Burke is forcing them to remember what they did during the disaster; while they ran away, the firefighters went in. He is making the audience realize that the first responders risked their own lives to save the people; they were the heroes. The audience will reminisce on how brave the firefighters were, and how worthy they are of this honor at Ground Zero. Additionally, towards the end of the narration, Burke adds a few statistics. “Three hundred and...Center,” (12). Burke uses logos here to prove how gallant the firefighters were. It is just a story until you put numbers in it; then it becomes a reality. Also, in the second and third to last paragraphs Burke uses ethos. Burke includes the statement, “I showed him a photo of my brother, FDNY Capt. Billy Burke, Engine Co. 21, who perished in the North Tower after refusing to leave the side of Ed Beyea…” (15). Burke’s brother was one of the many courageous firefighters that died trying to save others. The audience will see the passion through Burke’s words now that they know his brother was involved. Also, Burke confronted President Obama about the issue. President Obama agreed. Informing the audience that the President, a highly respected man, is on his side makes him seem extremely credible. Once they see him as credible, they will believe everything he is saying. Summarily, Burke uses all of the Aristotle appeals to persuade his

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