Emotional Appeals
What it is:
How it functions:
Examples from the film:
A style of argument that is designed to elicit an emotional response
Word Choice
Interviewing people that were affected
Focus on emotions more than facts
Lost Hill interview examples
Sacrifices that are being made
Careful balance
Comparing the importance of water to the importance of big agribusiness
"Misery Index": who will bear the impact of the water shortage?
"The water tastes like garbage"
"Can't raise a family in these conditions"
“Came here to live the American Dream but it’s a nightmare."
Rowland Couple: Have lived off this land for years
Pathos: a quality that evokes pity or sadness
The goal of emotional appeals is to evoke emotion
Water and Power: A California Heist
Purpose: Inform about water crisis, persuade audience to stand against big agribusinesses
Audience: Californians, Americans, big businesses, rural farmers
Authority: National Geographic (Credible)
Relevance: Current issue in California right now
Adam Keats: environmental lawyer
Mark Arax: author and journalist
