Mistakenly Classified

For my Rhetorical Analysis I chose the article “Behind the ‘Illegal Alien’ Label, Real Kids With A Lot to Contribute” by Marcos Brenton. In this article Brenton talks about the negative connotations that the phrase “illegal alien” invokes. It is a broad term that does not flatter all those who carry it. Brenton argues that individuals that use the term “illegal alien” and are unaware of the ideas it carries should change their ways. He does this effectively by using rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, juxtaposing ideas, and […].

Brenton uses juxtaposing ideas of possible jobs to contrast what careers the “illegal aliens” can have. He says, “But there is a big difference between a drug dealer and a day laborer. There is a big difference between a rapist and an honor student” (Brenton 28). Often when the term “illegal alien” is used we are quick to think drug dealer or rapist, but its forgotten that there are productive immigrants as well. As Brenton places the contrasting jobs next to each other the reader is able to see the broad spectrum of types of immigrants there are. There are still some that are in the country for the wrong reasons, but they should not stop those who are contributing to our society. The author’s use of juxtaposing ideas was effective because the reader is now more open minded and more likely to listen to the claims Brenton makes.

The writer assumes that the audience does not know a lot about immigrants. This article was written for the Sacramento Bee. Macros Brenton knows that immigration is a big issue in California. I do think that Brenton is effective in his argument. He brings up multiple points that open the eyes of the people who were using the term “illegal alien” loosely. Points such as, not all immigrants are drug dealers and rapists; they are honor students and day laborers too. The immigrants are not stealing jobs; they are simply doing the jobs that Americans do not want to do. There are teenagers that are considered “illegal aliens” because their parents are immigrants, they have no control of the situation they were born into. These claims effectively persuade the reader who uses “illegal alien” and does not understand what they are saying to change their ways. Readers will now be more cautious in their word choice when the topic of immigration comes into play.