Bella Voglino

Fielding

WRTC 103

2/26/18

The image being analyzed is a self created public service announcement that

strives to generate awareness about the growing epidemic that is sexual assault on

college campus. Its main claim is stated clearly in black and white: See Something, Say

Something. This argument is derived from Baraba Mantel’s scholarly article, “Campus

Sexual Assault: Do Colleges Handle Allegations Fairly?” In her article, Mantel explains

why sexual violence has become such a prevalent force on campuses, and discusses

the many strategies students, faculty, and parents can do use to combat this growing

issue. Although Mantel offers various ways to put an end to this epidemic, real change
will only happen when the student body starts standing up to each other, and for each

other.

This campaign will be effective among collegiate communities for its relatable

aspects. As it is geared largely towards college students, the “screenshotted” text

messages already peaks their interests. It also grasps their attention as they are

intrigued to read the conversation, although it is fictional, it provides a storyline they can

follow and perhaps relate to. They might find themselves thinking back to a similar

conversation or situation. The texts have an opposite reaction on the adults in this

equation. Professors and parents will find the messages more disturbing rather than

relatable. It it will signal an emotional response in adults and a need for action. Other

important factors in this public service announcement would include the slogan: See

Something, Say Something. This catchy phrase, is nothing new. People have been

using it for years to raise awareness for numerous issues, but it really strikes a cord in

regards to sexual violence. Emphasizing the subliminal message displayed in the text

messages, the slogan urges students to be a voice when others are not able to defend

themselves. Every aspect of this campaign relates back to Mantels main argument, as it

reinforces the message that this is a growing problem that will not change without action

from every party involved. The overall feeling of this PSA is strong and urgent because

it concerns the social behaviors of college students and the growing epidemic of rape

culture.

Some elements of this public service announcement may be very obvious to the

general viewer, but this campaign also uses rhetorical devices to persuade the viewers

that are overt. Take for example the image of the screenshotted text messages. It was
already mentioned that the messages displayed strike an emotional cord with students

and adults. That emotional response is triggered by the rhetorical element: pathos. By

using pathos, the campaign is able to capture the attention of a much larger audience

and ensure a greater possibility for change. The rhetorical device of logos is also

displayed through the slogan as it demonstrates logical thinking and the fact as it states:

Sexual Assault is NOT a part of the college experience. This is a fact by nature as rape

should never be an element in the “college experience. Lastly, ethos, is illustrated

plainly by the inclusion of a nonprofit organization that strives to combat this issue. By

adding this last element, the entire argument of the PSA is supported because it

provides credibility. The design of this campaign is ultimately effective because it

appeals to every audience targeted, it is visually appealing, and supports its main claim:

stop rape on college campuses.

Works Cited:

Mantel, Barbara. "Campus Sexual Assault." CQ Researcher, 31 Oct. 2014, pp. 913-36,

library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2014103100.

http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2014103100

Image by Bella Voglino