JCS Assessment #2
23 April 2013
1252B English 12
JCS Assessment #2
Throughout many classic novels, storylines and articles, authors have used different “tools” of the English language, such as sarcasm for example, that play on the readers’ emotional or logical conclusions. Furthermore, by appealing to a reader’s emotional or logical assumptions, the author can influence their ideas and thoughts on a certain issue. In the article “If We’re Gonna Have Guns, Let’s Get ‘em Out in the Open-or Else!” authored my Mike Royko, is a prime example of how an author can influence a reader’s perception on a topic, while using sarcasm to put a twist within the article to keep the reader fully engaged. Royko uses sarcasm in a somewhat obvious way to express his view on gun control, indicating that it’s not an answer to have everyone get a gun in an attempt to wipe out crime or that everyone should reveal a gun so that anyone could stop or prevent crime; he uses examples that could personally connect to the reader, whether it be a scary situation at home or some “petty” crime they could be victims of.
Within his article, Royko uses his blatant sarcasm to help provide the reader insight into his true position regarding gun control, while at the same time connecting to the reader with scenarios that they can relate to. “I’ve been in favor of strict handgun controls, but my views on this subject have changed. It’s obvious we aren’t going to have a nationwide ban on all private gun ownership and registration. My approach goes this way. All present gun control laws should be abolished so that people can buy guns as easily as they buy ball-point pens and carry them wherever they go, concealed or unconcealed” (Royko). As represented in this quote, Royko’s true position on gun control is for it to be strongly regulated and restricted; however, he understands that it would probably be impossible. Therefore, Royko uses sarcasm in his revised “views” on gun control to help provoke the reader to rethink
1252B English 12
JCS Assessment #2
Throughout many classic novels, storylines and articles, authors have used different “tools” of the English language, such as sarcasm for example, that play on the readers’ emotional or logical conclusions. Furthermore, by appealing to a reader’s emotional or logical assumptions, the author can influence their ideas and thoughts on a certain issue. In the article “If We’re Gonna Have Guns, Let’s Get ‘em Out in the Open-or Else!” authored my Mike Royko, is a prime example of how an author can influence a reader’s perception on a topic, while using sarcasm to put a twist within the article to keep the reader fully engaged. Royko uses sarcasm in a somewhat obvious way to express his view on gun control, indicating that it’s not an answer to have everyone get a gun in an attempt to wipe out crime or that everyone should reveal a gun so that anyone could stop or prevent crime; he uses examples that could personally connect to the reader, whether it be a scary situation at home or some “petty” crime they could be victims of.
Within his article, Royko uses his blatant sarcasm to help provide the reader insight into his true position regarding gun control, while at the same time connecting to the reader with scenarios that they can relate to. “I’ve been in favor of strict handgun controls, but my views on this subject have changed. It’s obvious we aren’t going to have a nationwide ban on all private gun ownership and registration. My approach goes this way. All present gun control laws should be abolished so that people can buy guns as easily as they buy ball-point pens and carry them wherever they go, concealed or unconcealed” (Royko). As represented in this quote, Royko’s true position on gun control is for it to be strongly regulated and restricted; however, he understands that it would probably be impossible. Therefore, Royko uses sarcasm in his revised “views” on gun control to help provoke the reader to rethink