Being French means…
Rhetorical Strategies in Reuters’
“ ‘Your Ancestors Were Gauls,’ France’s Sarkozy Tells Migrants”
(Post 2)
To be American you must speak English:
Sadly, we have heard is a way of thinking before, but now it’s being heard throughout France. One such author, Reuters, wrote “’Your Ancestor Were Gauls,’ France’s Sarkozy Tells Migrants,” published on September 20, 2016, in the NY Times, and they claim the Prime Minister candidate Nicolas Sarkozy for 2017 is using an old fashion way of thinking to draw in more voters.
Reuters begins by stating a quote said by the Sarkozy and finish that sentence with “a pitch to woo voters away from the far right National Front” (1). They later go on to give more information about the former president serving from 2007- 2012 has alienated votes by stating to the immigrants if they want to stay in France the must “live like the French” (1). Reuters go into further detail by stating Sarkozy topics of choice of “security, immigration and national identity” (1). The article goes on to explain in Sarkozy words that his father is indeed Hungarian; however, during school, he had to learn the French history and not Hungarian history. In other words, if he did it so can the immigrants. Sarkozy’s statements are drawing attention from “right-winged rivals and Socialist opponents” (1). Even though the article may seem to point out fingers to the former President, Sarkozy; Reuters also point out other sources.
With the use of other Sources
Another former Prime Minister, Alain Juppe and Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem thoughts of Nicolas Sarkozy. Both agreeing to the fact that France is diverse with its citizens and should, in fact, embrace it. Lastly, the Reuters give facts that 230 people were killed by Islamic militias since the beginning of 2015, “straining relations with France’s Muslim population”, and even more brought about by the burkini ban; subsequently, bring to light France distrust for the expression of religion in public areas.
The use of Logos, Ethos, & Pathos
In the article, the Reuters, effectively begins building their credibly by the use of primary source quotes, loaded word choice, and stating the oppose side of the argument; however, by only focusing Sarkozy ideas they made more of they say argument. Reuters use of primary source quotes establishes facts. This makes it clear to the audience that is adding to the conversation.
Using logic and emotion towards your audience
The Reuters, use of logos and pathos is astounding. The title of the article shows by using quotes not only, bring the readers in, but also establishing a base in which, they are not making this up, but this is what Sarkozy stated. Thus setting the trustworthy tone of the article. Which can also be seen when they state that Sarkozy is using “a pitch to woo voters away from the far right National Front”(1). In the next paragraph, the Reuters stated that Sarkozy is using hard themes of “security, immigration and national identity in campaigning at a time France reels from a wave of Islamist militant and attacks and Europe struggles to find a coherent response to the ongoing migrant crisis”. (1)
In other words, Sarkozy is using the people’s fear from the recent wake of terrorist attacks. In the next several paraphrases continue adding to the conversation by establishing that the candidates are not the only one to think immigrants should “’live like the French’ if they wish to stay in France” (1) as stated by the former president of France. The article consequently establishes credibility with credible reliable sources.
The New York Times article, established credibility with leading figures, but also showing the other side of the arguments. As the quote of Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem on iTele was used. He stated that Sarkozy was correct to a fault, there are Gauls amongst the French people’s ancestor, however, they also include “Romans, Normans, Celts, Nicois, Corsicans, Arabs, Italians, Spanish. That’s France” (1) Vallaud-Belkacem is pointing out the flaws in Mr. Sarkozy statement, hence giving representation to the other side of the spectrum establishing ethos.
To inform your readers
The argument of the text is rather to inform the audience on what is happing in France towards the view of what it means to be French. Also what the prime minister candidates have to say about it, specifically Nicolas Sarkozy once former president. The audience is anyone who is willing to listen and genuinely curious about the topic. Mostly an audience who wants to be informed. The author of the article is an international news agency Reuters. Reuters has a well know editorial policy that they are “committed to reporting the facts and in all situations avoid the use of emotive terms. The only exception is when” they “are quoting someone directly or in indirect speech”. The purpose of the text is to express the thoughts and words of the Prime Minister’s candidates and past candidates. There thoughts of the issue of what it means to be French and understanding what it means. This article points out the current issue going on in France’s secularism brought out by the burkini ban. The article quotes both sides of the spectrum.
