http://www.declineoftheempire.com/2012/08/mean-and-stupid-politics-as-usual.html
Politics are riddled with opinions - emotions run high, tempers flair, and arguments get personal. What better way to find something with voice than a political commentary? Through diction, and syntax, the author or "Mean and Stupid Politics As Usual" makes their opinion on Republican political campaign policies very clear.
"Mean and Stupid Politics As Usual" opens with syntax, the author pulls many quotes directly from published
editorials, placing their own personal comments directly below each one.
For example:
"One of the more sobering aspects of our nation’s crippling
polarization is that issues on which Americans found consensus in the
past have become fodder for political partisanship.
Fodder, indeed — these well-stocked politicians are tampering with programs that keep poor families from going hungry."
Furthering their point powerful choice of diction. "Today I am going to hold my nose and look at politics as usual from the Republican side." Right the bat, the author has conveyed their disparaging tone through an insulting phrase. "Today I am going to hold my nose..." expresses the opinion that Republican policies, quite literally, stink. The criticism is carried through into the next sentence with "Their tried and true strategy - attack/blame the poor - is still as popular as ever..."As an obvious jab at the Republican party, the author really doesn't agree with their views. Sarcasm is utilized in the next paragraph "I think it would be exceedingly generous to say we have reverted back to some vicious version of high school here because these assholes never left." This comparison of politics to mean people in high school further proves their point. The fact that the author has italicized certain parts of the text also draws attention to their exaggerated adjectives.
By elaborating on one specific word used in the article and expanding on its point with a cynical sarcasm provides a contemptuous view of the article's comment. Through diction, by using words such as "exactly", "never", and "always" the author shows that they are 100% sure about their opinions. This makes even more of an impact because when arguing a point most people try to at least acknowledge the other side of an issue. This author just barrels forward, only elaborating on their perspective, leaving no room for doubt. Phrases such as "gross inequities" and "deplorable facts" only further that prospect. Ending the article with "But now the stench is getting too strong for me
to bear, and I am unable to hold my nose any longer," the author ties
their opinions together by referencing their opening metaphor.
Wow, was this article insanely biased! You brought up a really good point with how "the author ties their opinions together by referencing their opening metaphor." It really did help the article come full circle. Just go back and fix your organization. I'm not sure which paragraph is supposed to be on syntax, and "powerful language" and "diction" are the same thing. Plus, isn't this supposed to be examining DIDLS? I'm not sure you can write about tone. Also, you might want to explain quickly what the article is about in your introduction, and then get in to examining how the use of DIDLS creates meaning.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job of responding to the diction of the piece. You have many great examples and ideas to describe it. However, that is all I am noticing in your response. What about imagery, syntax, details, or language? Without adding another technique or two, it seems incomplete to me. If one of your paragraphs is about one of the other elements, it is not clear which one. From what I understand about the diction, you made a point about the strong voice in the article.
ReplyDeleteI think you chose a very good article because it seems more than just a little opinionated. I think you took really good examples from the article like when the author says "today Im going to hold my nose" your examples of diction were really good and I like how you also pointed out the sarcasm in the essay. One other thing you said that I liked was your statement on politics and hows its riddled with opinions and emotions run high. This couldn't be more correct! I do however agree with everyone that you should have said something about imagery, syntax, details, and language. These techniques are what make a persuasive piece!
ReplyDeleteIn September, your peer reviewers suggested that you needed a clear thesis (rather that just giving a "tour" of the blog), more evidence (and from at least 3 of the 5 DIDLS categories) and warrants tying your evidence clearly to an overall point about the author's purpose. You do have a clear thesis here, so that's a step in the right direction. You aren't responding to the need for evidence from 3 of the 5 categories, though--this is a requirement of the assignment. For next month, make sure that your thesis takes a stand about the author's tone and then use evidence from 3 of the 5 DIDLS categories to support this thesis.
ReplyDelete