Introduction
The ability of face masks to reduce infection is a matter of great concern during this pandemic period. The goal of Gray’s (2020) article is to teach people the importance of wearing a face mask in public. Thus, the reason for wearing a mask is the argument presented by the author. The appeals used for convincing readers in literature are pathos, ethos, and logos (Stucki & Sager, 2018). This paper is an analysis of rhetoric strategies applied by Gray in the editorial to support his case.
The author uses a didactic tone to create a sense of credibility and superiority for the reader. The choice of words in this editorial portrays formal diction because scientific knowledge and terms such as Sars-CoV-2 virus instead of corona have been used. Additionally, irony has been used to refute the claims of vocal prominent people who refused to wear masks. This was done by comparing the outcome of disease spread in Asia, which was low, and that of America. The choice of words and style used was effective in passing the message appropriately and accurately.
In the article statistic data has been employed by the writer. The phrases “recent polling has suggested around a third of Americans venture out into public without wearing a mask” and “The UK has one of the lowest adoption rates, with just 36% of people saying they wear a mask” (Gray, 2020, para. 3) provides a proof to show that most people are either ignorant or unaware of mask-wearing importance. Thus, the information appeals to the reader because it is evidenced.
A logical appeal has been used to explain why a mask plays a significant role in reducing the spread of Covid-19. The author explains how the virus is transmitted through aerosol after it replicates and multiplies in the body of a person. It is a fact that about 3000 droplets with the virus can be released into the air during coughing to cause infection evokes fears in the readers (Gray, 2020, para. 9). For this reason, people should be wearing a mask to prevent further spread and flatten the curve.
Logos
The author argues that face mask has helped in reducing the spread of covid-19. He provides evidence from a study conducted by Chris Kenyon, who examined the role of face masks in limiting the virus spread. According to Kenyon as cited in Gray, (2020, para. 6), countries, which used facemasks in public have been able to flatten the infection curve. This researcher heads the sexually transmitted diseases unit at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. Mentioning it in the argument is a perfect use of logos, the facts from scientific research undertaken by a leader in a senior position make the article more trustworthy. Thus, it is evident that the mask is important.
In this article, the explanation of the efficacy of different types of the mask is a logos, it effectively persuades the reader to consider using a mask in the fight against COVID -19. The author has compared the effectiveness of N95 respirator masks, surgical masks, and masks made using cotton, allergy-reducing air conditioning filters, woolen, and silk materials. This shows that the writer has a clear understanding of the mask used.
Ethos
The author utilizes information from multiple sources to appeal to the readers. Additionally, proven facts from different experimental research studies with links for confirmation establish credibility and authority. For example, the phrase “vicinity through airborne aerosol droplets” (Gray 2020, para. 14) used in the document links the audience to a full journal paper. The element used by the writer in providing reliable information and access to further information on the topic is ethos (Stucki & Sager 2018). The technique used provides a reason why people should wear a mask during this pandemic period.
Pathos
People are wearing masks during this coronavirus pandemic period in the streets. The phrase “face masks are a symbol of the pandemic era” (Gray, 2020, para.1) used by the writer evokes fear and interest in a reader. According to the writer (Gray, 2020, para.1), a mask signifies the presence of a lethal novel covid-19 virus, which is causing deaths in the continent. The content of the article has utilized pathos to elicit a reaction of wearing a mask to lower susceptibility to the disease. Currently, people are scared of visiting public places. Thus, the information provided is appealing to the emotions of the audience. Wearing a mask has been portrayed as a solution to living a safer life amongst people with the coronavirus.
The argument that cessation of social distancing is likely to cause a new wave of corona epidemic is pathos. Governments are easing lockdowns restrictions to allow free movements of citizens. This implies that the covid-19 virus spread may increase since the intermingling of people will take place again. Social distancing may not be achieved in the public area due to limited space in the streets, pavements, and confined areas in public transport such as buses and trains. In these challenges, there is a need for every individual to help in lowering infection rates. This can be achieved through the wearing of a face mask when outdoors.
Conclusion
The mechanism of spread, etiology, factors involved in the spread, and ways of preventing an epidemic from breaking out have been discussed in the article. Several works and statements cited by the writer provide a clear answer to the rhetoric question that formed the basis of this argument. Additionally, bringing on board the results of research activities done by renowned scientists to ascertain the efficacy of different masks types provided evidence for convincing people. Therefore, the underlying message, which is, mask controls the spread of coronavirus was effectively passed to the readers.
References
Grey, R. (2020). With some countries already emerging from lockdown, can wearing face masks in public help to keep coronavirus infection rates from rising again? BBC Future. Web.
Stucki, I., & Sager, F. (2018). Aristotelian framing: Logos, ethos, pathos and the use of evidence in policy frames. Policy Sciences, 51(3), 373-385.