Rick Reilly's Article: Nothing But Nets By Rick Reilly

From Money to Nets to Lives Humans often take their own lives for granted; never thinking too much of those who may be less fortunate. We go about our daily lives worried about celebrities, or sports; rather than food or uncontrolled diseases in our country. Many others do not get that luxury. Rick Reilly writes his article, “Nothing But Nets,” on the back page of popular sports magazine, Sports Illustrated, to request money from his audience, so that mosquito nets may be purchased for African countries. Reilly’s appeals to ethos help persuade the reader to listen and believe him. Reilly’s first statement of his article persuades the reader to trust him when he asks the reader, “I’ve never asked for anything before, right?” (Reilly). He instantly …show more content…
Reilly directly addresses his audience in his article, and keeps an informal style with his rhetorical questions like “Or would you rather have the new Beastie Boys CD?” (Reilly). Reilly includes the audience in an almost conversational style; rather than an article of just straight facts and statistics. This decision considers his audience as readers of Sports Illustrated; who would likely become bored by a more scholarly article about the dangers faced by African countries. Reilly’s multitude of tearable puns (get it—TEARable, because they are on paper which you can TEAR) keep the dark subject from getting too upsetting to the reader. The numerous puns keep the article light-hearted and informal; despite dealing with the potential death of thousands of kids per day. By keeping it cheerful, the reader is more likely to read the entire thing and realize they can help prevent deaths. Within Reilly’s conversational style he even pokes fun at the audience stating, “way more fun than your fantasy bowling league, dude” (Reilly). He uses a similar style as the audience would use with each other; a joking and informal manner. This causes the reader to connect with Reilly more; establishing ethos and helping hold the reader’s attention. Reilly speaks to his audience as they would speak to each other: in an unofficial, relaxed, and joking manner, so that they will be more inclined to read the …show more content…
He begins his article by addressing the type of net necessary to prevent death, “Not hoop nets, soccer nets, or lacrosse nets. Not New Jersey Nets or dot-nets or clarinets. Mosquito nets” (Reilly). Reilly lists the typical nets that come to mind as a reader of Sports Illustrated. He then draws a stark contrast to mosquito nets. This type of introduction causes the reader to wonder what Reilly is talking about with mosquito nets. Which engages the reader to listen for what he has to say. This comparison also causes the reader consider about the type of nets that they think they need, and then the type of nets that others may truly need. It helps to put the reader’s life into perspective, and raises awareness for the problems that others may be facing. Reilly continues with the sports comparisons later on in the article; stating, “My God think of all the nets that are taken for granted in sports! Ping-Pong nets. Batting cage nets…” (Reilly). Again, Reilly lists all of the nets that we use; that we generally do not even consider. He even uses the phrase “taken for granted” which describes exactly what most Americans do; take their lives and successes for granted. By subtly suggesting that we, as Americans, take our lives for granted, the reader becomes more likely to want help those less fortunate. Appealing to pathos; because it causes the reader to consider the