Rhetorical Analysis Of Edward O. Wilson's The Future Of Life

The unproductive nature of the discussion and arguments between the two groups of people that hold opposing views over environmentalism, is shown very clearly in the passages taken from scientist Edward O. Wilson’s book, “The Future of Life.” The author puts the satirical elements of the two debating sides on full display by calling attention to the ironic similarities of the passages, as well as the similar techniques, diction, and their appeals to emotion rather than a logistical or credible appeals used on each side. One of the most obvious points made by Wilson was the pathos appeal, used throughout each passage. Instead of basing these stereotypes on statistics, or other types of logical basis, the sides base their overview of the opposing side on emotional, temperamental evaluations. The temper mentalism that is used in each passage is shown most obviously in the name calling of each party. The environmentalists, being juvenile, continuously call the people-first advocates names like “sagebrush rebels, wise users, and brown-lashes.” In almost parallel with the environmentalists, the people-first advocates use the same style of childish name calling towards their opponents, calling them “environmental extremists, greens, and environmental wackos.” This style
The parallels of the opposing parties are shown in the way that the name calling is almost polar opposite, but the same level of child-like juvenileness and consistency. They also reflect each other in the ways of the words and tone they use. Each passage uses a condescending and accusing tone towards the other. This tone is most obvious by the uses of statements like, “conservation by these people always goes too far,” or “the anti-environmentalists would be laughed out of court if they weren’t tied so closely to the corporate power