Introduction
The article “The New Measles,” written by Adrienne LaFrance and published in The Atlantic in 2015, explores the measles outbreak in the United States and its implications for public health. This article aims to inform and persuade readers about the importance of vaccination and the risks associated with not vaccinating. This rhetorical analysis essay will examine how LaFrance employs ethos, pathos, and logos to appeal to her intended audience and convey her emotions regarding the issue.
Context and Target Audience
The setting for LaFrance’s thesis is the 2015 measles epidemic in the United States. The epidemic was the greatest in the country since the measles injection was introduced in 1963, and it was driven mainly by a burgeoning anti-vaccine movement (LaFrance). The broader public is most likely LaFrance’s target audience, particularly parents who are hesitant or opposed to vaccinating their children. The essay is written in a style that appeals to individuals who lack a solid scientific or public health background but are concerned about their own health and the health of their children.
Tone of Voice
LaFrance communicates with her target audience by using simple language and sharing personal experiences. She recounts a family in California, for example, who elected not to vaccinate their children and finally lost their youngest son to measles (LaFrance). This tale illustrates the potential repercussions of not vaccinating and may be especially appealing to parents who are afraid to vaccinate their children. The author’s tone is one of worry and agitation, effectively conveying the seriousness of the situation.
LaFrance is enthusiastic about the subject and uses emotionally charged words to convey the dangers of not vaccinating. “The strongest protection against a disease like measles is collective immunity, but collective immunity depends on a critical mass of vaccinated individuals” (LaFrance). This phrase effectively highlights the importance of vaccination while also emphasizing the risks associated with vaccine refusal.
Appeal to Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
LaFrance uses ethos to support her ideas by quoting classic sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She mentions the CDC’s advice that all children take two doses of the measles vaccination to be wholly protected (LaFrance). This reliance on expert sources contributes to the author’s credibility and strengthens her arguments.
LaFrance employs emotionally charged language and stories to evoke a strong emotional response from readers. “Measles is a horrible condition that can bring pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death,” she says of the agony and suffering caused by the sickness (LaFrance). The phrase is effective because it triggers a powerful emotional reaction in readers, making it particularly persuasive for parents worried about their children’s well-being.
LaFrance uses numbers and facts to support her views, which appeals to the principle of logic, or logos. She provides research demonstrating that the measles vaccination is safe and effective, with a 97% efficacy rate after two doses (LaFrance). Her use of statistics bolsters her arguments and appeals to more rational readers. LaFrance’s approach to the matter is concerned and urgent. She considers the anti-vaccination movement a severe threat to public health and feels that more should be done to educate the public about the necessity of vaccination (LaFrance).
She also thinks the media must report on the topic honestly and objectively. LaFrance accepts the opposing viewpoints of the anti-vaccine movement but ultimately argues against them. “There is no evidence to support the assumption that vaccinations are connected to autism,” she says, “and scientific research refutes the alleged relationship repeatedly” (LaFrance). LaFrance enhances her case and fosters trust with readers by engaging with and debunking opposing viewpoints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adrienne LaFrance’s piece, “The New Measles,” skillfully appeals to a wide readership concerned about public health and their children’s safety. She employs ethos, pathos, and logos to establish her credibility, elicit an emotional reaction from readers, and provide facts and expert sources to support her points. Overall, LaFrance’s work is convincing and thorough, effectively expressing the necessity of vaccination in public health protection.
Work Cited
LaFrance, Adrienne. “The New Measles.” The Atlantic, 2015.