The National Anthem is something dear and true to many Americans, but as of lately has been receiving much controversy. Is it time for a new National Anthem? Or should we leave it as is? But most importantly is the why? And why is it important now? The discussion started after the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick chose to sit out during the National Anthem stating that “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color… There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” Today I will be comparing the rhetorical devices between two articles on the Colin Kaepernick topic. …show more content…
His perspective may have been affected by the fact he owned slaves himself” (2). Since ethos is meant to convince someone of the character or credibility of the persuader, this quote assesses the credibility of Francis Scott Key. America is supposed to be the land of the free, and represent equality among all people, yet, the creator of our National Anthem was a slave owner himself. By owning slaves, it is clear to see how Key felt toward African Americans, thus, make sense to conclude that the National Anthem itself is racist toward people of …show more content…
In Schwarz’s article, the most effective of his appeals was when he uses pathos and said “Almost no one seems to be aware that even if the U.S. were a perfect country today, it would be bizarre to expect African-American players to stand for “The Star-Spangled Banner...few people know this because we only ever sing the first verse. But read the end of the third verse and you’ll see why “The Star Spangled Banner” is not just a musical atrocity it’s an intellectual and a moral one,too” (Schwarz 1). To me this is the most effective of the appeals because it gives the reader something to relate to. Considering the police brutality and the Black Lives Matter Movement, I think Schwarz was effective in saying that it would be awkward to expect African Americans to sing a racist outdated national anthem. He is giving the reader the opportunity to critically think as well as reflect on why this is relevant not only to themselves, but why it is relevant