Rhetorical essay sample, Papers of English Literature

Download Rhetorical essay sample and more Papers English Literature in PDF only on Docsity! Tyra Middleton Dr. Hromadka English 1001 03/02/2024 Starstruck: Exploring the Blurred Lines of Celebrity Obsession and Media Mistreatment Memoirs Publication Date: April 2024 In the world where celebrity culture reigns supreme, the media's treatment of female icons has often sparked controversy. From Britney Spears and Paris Hilton to Pamela Anderson, these women have endured public observation, sensationalized narratives, and relentless magazine coverage. However, a new trend is emerging - media mistreatment memoirs. "Starstruck" by Emmeline Clein delves into the phenomenon of media mistreatment memoirs and their impact on celebrities. The article aims to shed light on the power dynamics that shape our fascination with female icons, exploring the intricate relationship between celebrity obsession and media mistreatment. The authors argue that the portrayal of these women in the media is often sensationalized, exploitative, and harmful. By sharing their personal experiences through memoirs, these celebrities reclaim their narratives and challenge the harmful portrayals set out by the media. The article seeks to encourage readers to critically examine their own complicity in perpetuating the mistreatment of these women and to consider the broader impact of celebrity obsession on our society. "Starstruck" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the blurred lines between fascination and exploitation in celebrity culture, inviting readers to reflect on the power dynamics at play and to question the impact of media mistreatment on the lives of female icons. The article begins by describing a scene where two blondes and a brunette, identified as Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan, stumble out of a club in the City of Angels. They get into a Two Seated Benza and are surrounded by men screaming their names. The next morning, a paparazzi shot of the trio is on the front page of the New York Post with the headline “Bimbo summit.” The article reflects on the media and public’s fascination with these women and their lives, noting that their memoirs are a response to the mistreatment they have faced. Later, the article mentions a broader reconsideration by the press, acknowledging its past misogyny. It questions whether the media has truly changed, as coverage of those memoirs still fixates on sensational aspects leveled at the women. The article concludes by reflecting on the nature of attention and the impact it has on the women in question. Throughout the article, the author uses many appeals to ethos such as, “ As a seasoned journalist with years of experience covering celebrity culture, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of media mistreatment on female celebrities.” Also, sources that strengthen her credibility and appeal to ethos, as well as build her argument. One of these sources include, “Scholar Sharon Marcus, in her 2019 book, The Drama of Celebrity, uses Bernhardt to reveal an under-discussed facet of celebrity culture” p.50. Using these sources and appeals helped the author establish better authority on the subject matter by presenting themselves as knowledgeable and experienced. Though the author didn’t use personal examples, the quotes rely on the author’s expertise, historical evidence, academic references, and examples from well-known celebrities. Adding to the authors' appeals, they use strong appeals to logos such as asking the readers to “consider actress Sarah Bernhardt. Called ‘the most famous woman in France’ in the 1880’s” she was mercilessly mocked- some of her contemporaries deemed her work “childishly egotistical " and the woman herself ‘cold, false, and affected.’ In 1907, Bernhardt published My Double Life to correct the record. She explains that “gossip with its thistle-down wings took flight in all directions’ and promises to replace the “turpitudes which were written about me.” The author effectively employs appeals to pathos in both the beginning and mid sections of the article. In the beginning, the author employs emotional language and vivid descriptions to evoke a sense of empathy and connection with the readers. Also, quotes that illustrate them such as “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson Mandela. This quote appeals to the emotions of perseverance and resilience, evoking a sense of admiration and inspiration. By tapping into readers emotions, the author creates a strong emotional response and engagement. The author then continues to appeal to pathos by sharing