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Alexis Cooper

ENGW 103

Professor Noone

Due 4/16/18

Editorial Analysis

Article: Shaw: Black Lives Matter should get the same support that March for Our Lives does

http://daily-iowan.com/2018/03/29/shaw-black-lives-matter-should-get-the-same-support-that-

march-for-our-lives-does/

Author: Nicole Shaw

Publisher: The Daily Iowan

Questions

1. Who is the author of the piece? What can you find out about the author using a quick

Google or Internet search? Does that information explain anything about the editorial?

- The author is Nicole Shaw. Nicole Shaw is a current freshman at the University of

Iowa. She’s from Naperville, Illinois. African-American.

I would say her being black influenced her to write this editorial.

2. What publication does the editorial appear in? Does the publication seem to have a bias?

Provide an MLA citation. (See Chapter 17 in Writing Arguments for proper citation

form.)

- Appears in The Daily Iowan, an independent daily student newspaper that serves

Iowa City and the University of Iowa community.

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Citation: Shaw, Nicole. "Shaw: Black Lives Matter Should Get The Same Support That March
For Our Lives Does". The Daily Iowan, 2018, http://daily-iowan.com/2018/03/29/shaw-black-
lives-matter-should-get-the-same-support-that-march-for-our-lives-does/. Accessed 14 Apr 2018.

3. What is the topic of the editorial? What is the writer’s thesis about the topic? (The two

are different.) What is the motivating occasion for this argument? (Kairos in the book.)

What do you think caused the writer to put in the work needed to research, write, and

publish?

- Topic: BLM & MfOL should receive the same support

Thesis: “The contrasting support between Black Lives Matter and March for Our

Lives needs to be addressed and overcome to truly become united in the fight for

stricter gun laws and ending gun violence in the United States.”

March for Our Lives happened after the Parkland shooting.

Feb 14, 2018 Douglas H.S. in Parkland, Florida. 17 people were killed and 17

were wounded. Several students from the school have been the figures behind

March for Our Lives.

I think that the writer did this editorial, because it is very apparent that March for

Our Lives is receiving more support than BLM ever did. “Hands Up Don’t Shoot”

is being supported now but wasn’t when Ferguson protestors were saying this

phrase.

4. How would you describe the writer’s ethos? What is the writer’s voice like? Friendly?

Angry? Neutral? Provide some proof. Why do you think the writer adopts this voice?

(See Ch. 6 in Writing Arguments if you want more information about ethos.)
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- Writer uses references and statistics to help her opinion. Her voice was friendly.

She doesn’t bash other platforms or movements.

When Shaw says “I believe it is March for Our Lives’ inherent duty to support

Black Lives Matter, to rise together in the fight to end gun violence through their

voices and their votes. Consequently, I feel it is every March for Our Lives

supporter’s duty to also support Black Lives Matter. This partnership and

continuous support can only result in more unity and a strong front against NRA

lobbyists.” I believe in this paragraph she is suggesting that both activist groups

unite together and create a strong and successful outcome.

5. Who is the intended audience? Why do you think this?

- I think the intended audience is the general public, especially those who are

interested in the topic of gun laws. She is trying get readers to see the difference

between the support the two groups have received, in order to maybe persuade

people to support BLM just as much as March for Our Lives.

6. How does the writer try to engage the audience? How does the writer try to use values

that the intended audience may appreciate? (See Chapter 6 in Writing Arguments if you

want more information about pathos and “bridge-building” to an audience.)

- The writer engages the audience by talking about current topics. Shaw talks about

movements that a lot of Americans would not agree with. Those who agree with

the movements may appreciate her opinion and could possibly agree with her.
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7. Is there evidence in the editorial? What type? What claims are offered that lack proof? Is

there enough evidence to prove the writer’s claim? (See Chapter 4 in Writing

Arguments if you want more information about logos and Chapter 5 if you want more

information about types of evidence.)

- The author uses statistics. I believe the statistics is enough evidence.

8. Does the writer include the opposing view? The voices on the other side of his/her thesis?

What is the opposing view? If it was not included, what do you think the opposing view

would be?

- Author does include opposing view.

She brings up that people view Black Lives Matter as a controversial movement.

9. How does the writer counter the opposing view (offer a refutation)? If it was not

included, how would you counter the opposing view?

- Shaw mentions statistics, and brings up the idea that both of the groups should

support and work with each other.

She also mentions Naomi Wadler, an 11 year old gun control activist, who

brought attention to black lives. (“She pointed out that Black Lives Matter has

been championing the same goals and was ignored in the media, even though

black lives have been put at risk more disproportionately than any other race in

America.”) Naomi Wadler was also taunted and bullied online by adults because

she’s Black and Jewish.

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10. What is the introduction technique? How does the writer try to draw readers in? What is

the conclusion technique? How did the writer attempt to offer closure? Did the

techniques work for you or not? What is the title? Why do you think it was selected?

- Shaw begins the editorial by bringing up the media and March for Our Lives.

She ends the editorial with saying everyone needs to be heard.

The techniques really didn’t do much for me, I just agree with her in some aspect.

The title was simple, not interesting.