Product Placement: Facing Yet Another Dark Art Essay Example

to readers, including Logos or logical structure of argument, further enhance the persuasiveness of his article. In fact, McPherson uses a simile in the title to establish the use of Logos from the beginning, likening product placement to a dark art.

After giving examples of product placement, McPherson reintroduces his argument by emphasizing its significance: "Product placement is important, as are the actions that we choose to take against such deceptive advertising." His argument is structured in a way that allows readers to fully comprehend the subject matter once he explains it. To support his examples and clarify product placement, McPherson references various visual images, enabling readers to better understand his message. By presenting tangible evidence, McPherson's credibility, or ethos, is effectively strengthened as readers can witness what he has observed.

By providing a variety of examples from field research, McPherson bolsters the credibility of his argument and enhances the emotional appeal, also known as pathos, to the audience. One such example includes referencing the movie E. T.

From video games to music videos, the movie E.T. can evoke nostalgia for some, while appealing to a broader audience. Moreover, the title of the argument, "Product Placement: The Dark Art," contributes to its pathos by creating a negative association with product placement.

In his article, McPherson skillfully employs the three appeals to readers, making his arguments and evidence highly persuasive. He uses key rhetorical techniques to encourage viewers to embrace his ideas. For instance, McPherson employs narration at the beginning of his article to engage readers, urging them to imagine themselves taking part in a hypothetical event. This helps all readers feel connected to the scenario being narrated.

Throughout the article,

McPherson employs several rhetorical strategies to explain product placement, its methods, and how to avoid being controlled by it. One such strategy is the use of description, where McPherson defines product placement as paid exposure of products in visual and auditory content such as TV shows, films, and video games. Another strategy employed is comparison, where McPherson contrasts overt commercials with covert product placement to highlight critical differences. Furthermore, McPherson uses cause-and-effect analysis to suggest exercises that teacher-librarians can perform with their students to combat product placement messages. These exercises help students understand how they might react to different messages and what other activities they should undertake as a result.

Keith McPherson utilizes various writing strategies in his article "Product Placement: Facing Yet Another Dark Art". These strategies include the use of specific examples, the three appeals to readers, and major rhetorical strategies. The effects of these exercises provide readers with a better understanding of McPherson's goals and enhance his argument, making his article appear more genuine. Ultimately, McPherson's use of all rhetorical strategies transforms students into active masters rather than passive servants.

Despite the omission of the negative impacts of not learning to identify, judge, and act on product placement messages, McPherson's article presents a convincing argument backed by evidence and analysis. His writing is praiseworthy overall.