Oprah Winfrey Rhetorical Analysis

Assignment 2
Naree L. Greenland
Argument and Exposition 2152

Aristotle uses ethos to refer to the speaker's character as it appears to the audience. We are more inclined to accept arguments from speakers we trust. Ethos is gained, in part, through identification with one’s audience and era (42). The three main elements of ethos are credibility/trustworthiness, authority and unselfish or clear motives.
Oprah Winfrey is arguably one of the most powerful woman in television, a cultural Icon whose philanthropic and altruistic character is well known. Oprah's revelation of her horrific childhood rape propelled her as an unofficial advocate for sexual abuse. Organizations such as RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) would

He commands Authority, trustworthiness and is well respected and liked. Powell demonstrated unselfish motives when he endorsed Barack Obama for the 2008 presidential candidate, over his Republican colleague and friend, John McCain. Barack Obama’s initiative My Brothers Keepers would benefit greatly from his endorsement.
Sarah Palin's seemingly erratic and incoherent behaviour seems inconsistent with the bold and heroic Alaskan governor. She has failed to appeal to an ethos of credibility, she seems more inclined to remain famous, than building on her political career. She has been reduced somewhat to a sad caricature of her former Alaskan glory much to the amusement of the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL). As a known gun enthusiast, The National Rifle Association would be a suitable cause for endorsement.
Dave Chapelle's brand of comedy is witty, sarcastic and profanely vulgar. This has Ironically propelled him to superstardom and a pop culture comedic legend. His unassuming personality establishes his ethos as credible with the motive of humorously shedding light on race and discrimination. Adidas design wear would benefit from Chappelle's