October Pundit 2
Ross Douthat
"The Age of American Despair"
The New York Times
Sept. 7, 2019
Ross Douthat opens this column by comparing climate change-related deaths to suicides. He expresses that since TV networks set aside a nice chunk of time to interview the Democratic presidential candidates about climate change, they should do the same regarding the ever-rising suicide levels in the United States. Douthat swiftly appeals to logic in the beginning of his piece by mentioning that an estimated 4,000-10,000 heat-related deaths are estimated to occur by the end of the century, while if suicides had stayed at 2000s-era levels, about 70,000 fewer people would have died this year. Douthat also jumps to appeal to his reader's sense of authority by citing prestigious sources like the Senate's Joint Economic Committee and the National Climate Assessment.
Douthat gives his piece a unique touch by writing imaginary dialogue for how a debate on this issue might go. He mentions Bernie Sanders likely arguing that increasing the minimum wage will resolve this problem, and Marianne Williamson claiming that this issue is the result of a "spiritual void" in America. This feature breathes life into this column and helps the reader understand how different politicians likely view the problem of suicide. However, it may have been more effective for Douthat to just interview these people himself, because assuming he knows these candidate's feelings on a particularly touchy issue might be viewed as stereotypical. Douthat concludes his piece by claiming that a mix of all of the things the democratic candidates fictionally argued regarding suicide will yield a working solution, because such a complex issue with so many causes and factors requires an equally complex solution.
"The Age of American Despair"
The New York Times
Sept. 7, 2019
Ross Douthat opens this column by comparing climate change-related deaths to suicides. He expresses that since TV networks set aside a nice chunk of time to interview the Democratic presidential candidates about climate change, they should do the same regarding the ever-rising suicide levels in the United States. Douthat swiftly appeals to logic in the beginning of his piece by mentioning that an estimated 4,000-10,000 heat-related deaths are estimated to occur by the end of the century, while if suicides had stayed at 2000s-era levels, about 70,000 fewer people would have died this year. Douthat also jumps to appeal to his reader's sense of authority by citing prestigious sources like the Senate's Joint Economic Committee and the National Climate Assessment.
Douthat gives his piece a unique touch by writing imaginary dialogue for how a debate on this issue might go. He mentions Bernie Sanders likely arguing that increasing the minimum wage will resolve this problem, and Marianne Williamson claiming that this issue is the result of a "spiritual void" in America. This feature breathes life into this column and helps the reader understand how different politicians likely view the problem of suicide. However, it may have been more effective for Douthat to just interview these people himself, because assuming he knows these candidate's feelings on a particularly touchy issue might be viewed as stereotypical. Douthat concludes his piece by claiming that a mix of all of the things the democratic candidates fictionally argued regarding suicide will yield a working solution, because such a complex issue with so many causes and factors requires an equally complex solution.
Mr. Douthat,
ReplyDeleteYour use of appeals in this piece is impressive. You gain the reader's trust by appealing to their sense of authority and logic. I was wondering if it wasn't possible for you to actually interview the candidates about their views on the rising suicide rate, because although your imaginary debate feature was an interesting twist, you may have had a more effective argument by having solid quotes.
After reading both articles, I've learned a lot about the moral values Douthat shares. Although he claims he's a firm believer in solving climate change, he argues that America should first focus on the problems we're facing now with mass suicide. Towards the end of the paragraph, where the author imagines the responses of some of the Democratic political leaders, he also gives examples of who the Republican targets for his demonstration would be, expanding his audience. Although these interpreted responses were unique, many readers might get offended, as you said above, so interviewing the political leaders would have been a much better choice.
ReplyDeleteThere is an unusual connection made in this article. I think exploring this possible correlation can go a lot of ways. It is good that your author was careful with his words and was able to get his point across.
ReplyDeleteI find it unique as Douthat includes this dialogue, and it shows alot about what he believes in. Though it mainly focuses on the responses of the Democrats in the debate, Douthat uses input from both parties, to one, come off unbiased, and two, appeal to larger, broader audience of both parties. Of course there are always people who will disagree, but I just found this part interesting.
ReplyDelete