Marian Wright is a renowned human right activist in United States of America. Wright has tirelessly fought for the rights of the voiceless in America. Particularly, she has instituted various institutions and fostered the establishment of groups that aim at supporting the vulnerable in society (Misiroglu 79). Her effort to fights for the rights of the poor, disabled children, and minority has gained reinforcement by the introduction of Children Defense Fund (CDF) and other organizations that advocate for the rights of the poor Americans. In her essay, Still Hungry in America, the author explores the food challenges among Americans. The article examines the importance of the existing food programs and the most effective means of strengthening the existing food policies. Robert Kennedy supports her argument on food shortage in America. The knowledge of the food situation in American and significance of the existing food programs is vital in facilitating the adoption of the most effective mechanism for dealing with this threatening scenario that challenges poor Americans.
Wright’s effort of exploring the food situation in America has earned her recognition in the global community. The author values the need of facing the challenge of food shortage head on since it has the potential of weakening the welfare of Americans if the effective policies for curbing the menace are not adopted. The writing by Wright is directed to the American policy makers and government bodies and agencies. The purpose of this essay is to inform her American readership of the problems of hunger in America. The article also aims at informing American on the importance of the existing food programs especially in improving the welfare of poor Americans. Furthermore, the article highlights that, despite the current economic progress in America, the country still faces serious challenges in respect to food security.
Wright uses the rhetorical techniques of pathos, logos and ethos effectively in her essay. In terms of pathos, she uses emotional arguments effectively and compassionately to demonstrate the need for a solution to the hunger problem. Describing the “quiet pangs of hunger” of rural Mississippians, and the terrible plight of NYC high schooler Jane Solternik, allows the audience to recognize the pain and anguish that the hungry go through (Wright).
Wright’s ethos is also effectively demonstrated; her essay starts with a personal story about her own experiences testifying before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment, Manpower and Poverty, discussing the very issue she talks about in her essay. By discussing her experience with local community leaders as well, she demonstrates that she has done the research and has the experience to speak informatively on this pressing issue. Her constant work talking with legislators like Senator Kennedy and social activists like Martin Luther King, Jr. solidify her as an important and influential activist figure in her own right.
Logos is used effectively as well in the essay; many of her actions have a clear cause and effect, and hunger is demonstrably shown to be a bad thing. The Poor People’s Campaign is defended, despite its outward failure, with effective arguments: “I differ and believe it made hunger a national issue and set into motion a number of positive steps that led to major expansions of the federal food safety net programs so many depend on today” (Wright). Her argument is that legislation is the key to solving national hunger, as laws and groups dedicated to the issue of retaining the food stamp program are what is needed. She then finishes the essay by arguing that “You and I need to make sure our leaders hear this message [of keeping food stamps alive] loudly and clearly,” implicating us in the call to action. Wright clearly links hunger to poverty in a vicious cycle, as the aforementioned Jane was hungry not because of laziness, but because of the lack of jobs that led to her poverty; this does not help the country, Wright tells us in a clear argument.
The rhetorical appeal in this article is that despite being one of the most developed countries in the world, some America citizens are still undergoing a challenge of getting basic requirements for food. United States is one of the most well-renowned countries in terms of offering humanitarian support to other less developed and developing countries in the world. American is admired for presenting high degree of maturity in its political, economic and social organization. However, it is ironic to learn that some American sstill suffer from inadequate food supply and lack of a balanced diet. The article is structured in a strategic manner having the capability of presenting the food situation among American disadvantaged population. The author has presented her study findings that demonstrate the reality regarding food situation in America. To support her argument onthe food situation in America, Wright has presented argument from other scholars and activist including Kennedy’s view on the plight of America poor people. The impacts of the existing food programs among poor Americans have also proved to be instrumental in analyzing the disturbing food situation in America. The article has further clarified on the importance of establishing realistic measures to counter the emerging food situation in America.
As opposed to the government idea of abolishing food program in America, Wright is of the opinion that the American government ought to strengthen its programs in order to meet the demands and needs of all Americans. Her arguments are incredibly effective, as they play to her audience in a compassionate and informed way. Wright cements herself as an authority figure on the subject, uses passionate appeals to show the need for action to save lives destroyed by hunger, and tells us the logical way to do it – keep the food stamp program alive and flourishing. In these respects, Wright’s essay is a prime example of an effective argument.
Work Cited
Marian Wright. Still Hungry in America. New York, NY: CENGAGE Publisher. 2013. Print.
Misiroglu, Gina R. Girls Like Us: 40 Extraordinary Women Celebrate Girlhood in Story, Poetry, and Song. Novato,Calif: New World Library, 1999. Print.
