When asked to use a social movement as a topic of focus for my paper, the first thing my mind went to was the Black Lives Matter movement. This is a currently relevant movement that has a lot of interesting material to work with. Specifically the rhetorical aspect of it. This paper would be informational with accurate background knowledge and proper analysis of rhetoric within the movement. By using examples of BLM movement images, I was able to further analyze the use of fear appeal as the use of speaker, message, and audience. The latter is used in almost every political rhetorical analysis because when trying to make a point or send a message, one naturally uses these four elements.

For my specific examples, I analyzed the image of a BLM American flag, as well as a Time Magazine cover. Both are significant on the speaker aspect for different reasons. The man holding the BLM American flag is completely covered, meaning you are unable to see his skin tone. In my paper, I state, “You do not have to be black, or even a person of color to fight for justice and equality for those who are oppressed. However, the reason for his gloves and mask may have also been the mace that is known to be thrown during these protests and demonstrations. This is specifically done by the police who are called to detain any protestors and cease the protest, leading the people to be prepared.” in regards to the man who is covered up from head to toe. A part of my writing that I specifically liked was where I state, “The man is speaking out against discrimination, while the message is the effect of discrimination, and the audience is the discriminator or the discriminated. In a way, they are all a product of discrimination, linking them together.” I believe I did a good job connecting all the aspects of this rhetoric message together here.

I also touch on the speaker element being used for the Time Magazine example, since this specific magazine is very popular and respected as well. The sheer status Time hold as a company is enough to bring attention to whatever is on its cover. This is even more apparent when such a controversial topic is spoken about. Fear appeal is also seen to be used in the Time magazine cover, in which a baby is completely removed from a picture of a mother. When I mention that, “It is a way to show the severity of the situation and show mothers and family’s that their kids can be impacted by the discrimination and oppression of black people. In a way, it scares them into making a stand.” I am explaining the use of fear appeal and how it impacts the audience. Again, this idea of the speaker, message, and audience is used.

When focusing on the writing process of this paper, I would say it is not as successful as my other papers. Given that it is a short 3-4 page response, there is a limited amount to which you can say. In addition to this, there were no drafts to this paper, meaning it was not revised or edited to its full extent. The result of this paper reflected this. Although it addresses the prompt, there is no second or third look over with a fresh set of eyes, which I personally feel, heeds its true potential.