The Myths of Manhood is an article which attempts to demystify some of the things which young men are taught about manhood. Using a casual tone, the author debunks the myth that a man has to be mean in order to stamp his authority. The author also puts across the point that men can as well be gentle without having to put a fake brave face. Although readers of both genders can read the article, it is specifically addressed to men because the writer intends to demystify some things which men have a misconception about. To persuade the reader, the author uses a variety of rhetorical techniques to make the message clear and understandable. Above all, this article does an excellent job of convincing the reader because it conveys a clear message using rhetorical techniques such as exemplification, description, narration, comparison and contrast to catch the reader’s attention.
Every man owes it to himself and those he loves to be gentle. This is the message the author conveys in his article. The author argues that there is no need to give a false impression of strength; life is more than that. In order to persuade the reader, the author gives an example of his grandfather, whom he says was brutal and uncompromising but quite jovial at times. From his grandfather, and his father’s experience, he learnt that the only way a man could be appreciated in the society was to be brawn. The only way a man could be appreciated in the society was “by working for ten hours or more in a day, without complaining later, the man would settle the scores with a twelve pack and a foul mouth.” In an attempt to make this message clearer, the author contrasts these myths with the life he came to live later. By the end of the article, it is clear that the author tried to follow the myths without a success; he only came to realize the joy of living as man after the birth of his daughter.
For many years, the author tried to live like the men before him –his father and grandfather. He walked around with a chip on his shoulder, believing that grit alone could be sufficient as a disposition for living. He also worked on several jobs that left his hands callused- something he felt that authenticated himself as a true loyal son. However, he did not realize the joy of living this kind of life. The contrast he uses makes it clear that his life only changed after his girlfriend got pregnant and gave birth to their daughter. Although, at first, he did not have the courage to face the situation due to his own insecurities –he did not think he could make a good dad- his life changed for the better. On seeing that his girlfriend was determined to have the baby with or without his support, he decided to give himself a chance. This momentous event taught him a life-changing lesson in life. Seeing his daughter grow to more than ten years, the author learnt that a man is not judged by his meanness, but by the ability to stand by those he loves and be gentle to them. Was it not for this vivid description and contrast, who would have understood the author’s life metamorphosis? Well, this exemplifies the good use of rhetorical techniques in the article to capture the reader’s attention.
It is essential to note that the author has employed several rhetorical strategies and techniques in order to shape his ideas. For example the use of exemplification features prominently in the article. The author uses several cases in point aimed at making his message understandable. For instance, he gives an example of his grandfather, and the lessons he learnt from the old man. He also gives an example of his attachment to his daughter to express how he feels a man should behave. The use of examples not only helps to drive the message home, but also makes it easy for the reader to easily identify with the situation. Apart from the use of examples, the author also employs other rhetoric strategies.
Description is another rhetorical technique which features prominently in the author’s essay. For example, the writer describes how he felt when his girlfriend confided in him that she was pregnant. The writer states “Recognizing that this was a situation I would not be able to muscle my way through, I immediately felt the blood leave my face. It seemed I was standing on unfamiliar ground.” The use of description is meant to lend emotion to the essay, and drive the author’s message at the same time. The use of vivid description blends well with other rhetorical techniques to persuade the reader.
Narration is another rhetorical technique employed by the writer in order to put his point across. The author recounts events as they happened. The narration about his grandfather, what he took from his grandfather, and how he came to change his views about manhood gives a clear picture of how the author’s life metamorphosed. Narration is a powerful tool for catching the attention of the reader, and the author of the article successfully employs this technique to achieve the same. The use of comparison and contrast is also another technique the author successfully employs in order to explore the subject he talks about. The writer establishes the contrast between the way he thought of life when growing up, and the way life turned to be after the birth of his daughter. This contrast forms the basis of the story, and the change of ideas discussed in the article.
The use of personal reflection is another important technique which the author employs to make story credible. Personal reflection is a powerful tool in making a case for or against something. It helps the readers assimilate the events in the author’s life, and empathize with his situation. Through the use of personal reflection, the author intends to convince men to shake off the fake sense of pride hidden behind their self-esteem. He intends to make men believe that their strength is not determined by the false stories passed down many generations. The real true measure of man is the ability to be gentle to himself, and all those he loves. This is the only thing which can give him true satisfaction. Anything else apart form this is like chasing a mirage; it will not be attained. It will only leave them to continue chasing something unachievable.
Lastly, the author employs argumentation to convince reader about his line of thought. For instance, the writer tries to explain the aspects of manhood that men should adopt through argumentation. Moreover, the article is an argument, which is meant to convince the reader to follow the author’s advice. The choice of rhetorical techniques is not arbitrary. The writer adopts each of the techniques for some specific reasons. For instance, the use of contrast in the essay juxtaposes two conditions: the writer’s thinking when growing up, and the reality-check after the girlfriend gets pregnant. The use of contrast also helps the people to assimilate the two situations, and understand where the author is coming from. It also helps to explain why the author makes the remarks that he makes about manhood.
The use of description in the essay is not accidental. The writer describes the feeling after receiving the news that his girlfriend is pregnant. He says “Recognizing that this was a situation I would not be able to muscle my way through, I immediately felt the blood leave my face. It seemed I was standing on unfamiliar ground.. At that moment, I told myself I could never be a good father, and so it would probably be best if I didn’t even try.” This description explains why the writer changed his ideas bout manhood. It assists the writer to articulate the change in his ideas; it helps to persuade the reader. Apart from description, the author uses narration to systematically describe the series of events that took place before changing his mind.
For example, the writer begins “I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a region known for its harsh winters and profound isolation.” Another example is at the beginning of the third paragraph when the writer states “In the summer of 2000, my girlfriend informed me that.” The use of narration helps the readers to follow the events in the writer’s life, and the important transitions in his life. This would not have been possible without the narration technique. Narration technique blends well with the use of exemplification, which is rife within the essay.
The writer uses several examples to argue out his points. For example, he uses his grandfather who he says “On first impression, you’d never know that he was an uncompromising and often brutal sort” He also the feeling he had with his daughter to change people’s thoughts. He says “my daughter has taught me that these hands are more than capable of the softest touch—and only within this capacity do they reveal their actual strength.” The use of real-life examples as well as personal reflection helps the reader to empathize with the reader. However, the author does not quote other sources apart from his personal experience. The author assumes that people will support his argument without using another external reference. It is vital to make use of similar situations to make the writer’s case. Again, it is not clear how the writer deals with counterevidence in the essay. Although the writer narrates the events that led him to change his mind, he fails to make an attempt to show doubts about his new conviction. Therefore, we can only assume that the author’s resolve is final. Despite these flaws, the article is well-written and the author uses lots of rhetorical techniques to persuade the reader.
Works Cited
Riutta, Andrew. The Myths of Manhood. June 2012. http://thisibelieve.org/essay/24307/. 12 April 2013. Web.
