Summary Of If Looks Could Kill

Security is not the same as it was 20 years ago. As they advance and become used more frequently, people begin to have different perspectives on them. In her article “Trading Liberty for Illusions”, published in Free Inquiry, Wendy Kaminer discusses to the American citizens how their privacy and freedom has been invaded through the use of surveillance systems. In contrast, the article “If Looks Could Kill”, written by The Economist group asserts that monitoring actions can be a difficult and tedious work as a human, but at the same time advanced surveillance cameras have not been accurate. Both authors emphasize their ideas using the help of specific strategies. Three strategies that can be found throughout the articles are tone, ethos and
pathos. The first persuasive strategy both articles use is tone.
In her article, Kaminer (2002) uses a formal, persuasive tone. This can be seen in her last paragraph where Kaminer (2002) asks her readers a question and also includes them in the problem. She does that by using the terms “we” and “I”, which causes the reader to think deeply about the issue and how it affects them (Kaminer, 2002,p. 399). The reader will feel like their freedom is also affected by the faux security measures. In contrast, The Economist (2008) a more casual, informative tone. An example of this, is when The Economist (2008) talks about how some surveillance systems are able to detect suspicions behavior like loitering in stairwells (p.401). They warn impatient lovers that hang around in the stairwell, claiming that it may seem suspicious (The Economist, 2008, p.401). The authors creates a more friendly atmosphere which helps the reader understand how these intelligent surveillance systems work. It also helps gain trust between the reader and the author because the reader feels like he can connect with what the author is saying, especially impatient lovers. Both authors use the strategy of tone effectively but The Economist utilizes it more. They advise people with what not to do in order for them to not seem suspicious. This helps the reader be more aware of there surroundings and might even get them out of trouble. On the other hand, Kaminer tries to connect with the reader but assumes that the reader is well rounded and understand the subject
clearly. Another strategy both authors utilize is ethos, which is credibility. To begin with Kaminer’s occupation builds her credibility already, but her use of historical examples and quoting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also helps with building credibility. In her first paragraph, Kaminer (2002) feeds the reader with historical information on past presidents (pp.397-398). These facts are about how liberty was invaded since the birth of America. Providing these facts prove to the reader that Kaminer knows what she's talking about and has done her research. Kaminer also build her credibility when she quotes the ACLU. She quotes their report about how the facial recognition systems where not accurately detecting face and getting mixed up between males and females (Kaminer, 2002, p.397). The ACLU protects the right of the citizens and in quoting them it shows that the issue is widely spread and something should be done. Similarly, The Economist uses multiple experts to support their points. When using the experts, The Economist states their occupation and the place of occupation and this creates a trustworthy base from the beginning. We can see overtime they mention experts like Baryy Steinhardt, Judee Burgoon, Paul Ekman and many more experts used in their article (The Economist, 2008, pp.401-402). Giving information about the experts strengthens the argument and causes the reader to trust the authors in whatever is stated. Although both articles use ethos as a strategy, The Economist is more effective in its use. The final strategy utilized by both authors is the appeals to emotion, also known as pathos. Through out her essay, Kaminer (2002) brings up the attack of 9/11 (p.397). The September 11 attack was a huge devastation and tragedy to all Americans. It has changed the way people live drastically. What is also changed was the security that was placed. Bringing up an incident like this causes the reader to rethink about how they lived their lives before and after the attacks. This will also make the reader think if the security measures taken during that time were necessary or were they a bit overboard. On the other hand, The Economist appeals to the readers humoristic side. In the article, The Economist (2008) mentions lovers and how they express their love in the stairwell (pp.401-402). Using words like “smooching” creates humor in their statement, this helps with making a important topic easy to understand (The Economist, 2008, p. 402). Also, it helps with introducing the topic of surveillance systems from a different angle. This makes the article more well rounded and applicable to more readers. Some people might support the idea of surveillance cameras and other might be against it. Kaminer (2002) claims that with security we sacrifice our liberty due to false promises, and The Economist believes that advancement of surveillance systems can have both positive and negative effects. Both Kaminer and The Economist use tone, ethos and pathos as strategies to present their claims. Although The Economist creates a friendly atmosphere, Kaminer uses a more persuasive tone and appeals to ones deep emotion as a whole.