Behind the Illegal Alien Label Rhetorical Analysis

Behind the Illegal Alien Label Rhetorical Analysis

For my rhetorical analysis I chose to write about Marcos Brenton’s “Behind the ‘Illegal Alien’ Label: Real Kids With A Lot to Contribute”. In the writing Brenton passionately tries to make his readers understand why it is inappropriate for all non-American citizens to be referred to as ‘illegal aliens’.  Through the use of many rhetorical devices, such as personification and rhetorical questioning, he captivates the audiences’ attention and forces them to think critically about the argument he is trying to make. 

At times his argument may turn off his readers because he criticizes them strongly but he brings them back by forming questions to make them realize his point. Brenton’s main audience is American people.  In one instance he states, “ I dare some of you to take a ride up to the Yuba City area in July when it’s good and hot so you can pick melons all stooped over and moving as fast as you can to keep up with the real workers. Good luck.” Brenton’s sarcastic tone gives could annoy some readers because he is wanting to make them see his side but is not being overly sensitive to their side either. His statement is insinuating that American are not hard working when it comes to manual labor and therefore we have to use the aid of immigrants to help in keeping some aspects of our country going. 

Though in my opinion he does an adequate job of convincing the audience that not all non-American citizens are criminals and should not be deemed the title ‘illegal alien’, he doesn’t convince the audience that immigrants should be given the same opportunity in our work force as American citizens. I believe that non-American citizens should be allowed to gain an education in the U.S. but be pushed toward to returning to their home country and using their education to uplift their home. All in all I feel that the audience could be divided on what side of the idea they stand based on their personal beliefs prior to reading this essay. I feel Brenton was unable to persuade the audience toward his side because of the criticism he placed on American citizens.