Gonzalez 1

Diego Gonzalez

Pushpa Mirchandani

ENC1101

January 22nd, 2024

Unveiling Rhetorical Elements of "On the Streets": A Comprehensive Analysis

The documentary "On the Streets," created by journalist and filmmaker Lisa Biagiotti, on

behalf of the LA Times, and published on March 25th, 2016, serves as an impactful exploration

into the prevalent issue of homelessness in Los Angeles. This rhetorical analysis seeks to unravel

the documentary's communicative strategies, shedding light on how Biagiotti strategically shapes

her narrative to convey a powerful message.

The primary purpose of the documentary transcends traditional reporting. Lisa Biagiotti aims to

humanize the experience of homelessness and challenge prevalent stereotypes, positioning the

documentary as a catalyst for societal reflection and change. The contextual backdrop of the

California homeless crisis in 2015, with approximately “44,000 [homeless residents]” (On the

Streets, 0.01), adds urgency to the documentary's purpose. It attempts not only to inform but also

to provoke a reevaluation of societal perceptions.

The intended audience for "On the Streets" is intentionally broad and diverse. Biagiotti navigates

through various demographics and geographic locations within Los Angeles, ensuring the

documentary resonates across different societal levels. From Skid Row to college campuses and

suburban neighborhoods, the film engages with individuals from ranging social positions and

ages. This inclusivity fosters a universal understanding of homelessness, making it relevant and

relatable to a wide spectrum of viewers while encouraging empathy and awareness.

The personality and charisma of the reporter succeed in making a documentary about an issue
 Gonzalez 2

that is presumed to be monotonous, to be more understandable for the general public, who is

often misconceived and or prejudiced.

The contextual roots of "On the Streets" are deeply embedded in the geographical and social

landscape of Southern California, during the 2015 spike in the homeless crisis of L.A. Lisa

Biagiotti strategically selected locations that symbolize different facets of homelessness,

including the iconic Skid Row, the affluent Venice Boulevard, and the unconventional Slab City.

Each setting serves as a unique lens through which the audience can comprehend the

multifaceted nature of homelessness within the specific context of Los Angeles.

Biagiotti's meticulous choices throughout the documentary are of utmost significance. The use of

The Times' homeless data map as a visual anchor provides a structural and statistical foundation

for the exploration of homelessness, emphasizing the magnitude and distribution of the issue.

The intentional follow-up on real-life stories within the same geographic and social context

serves as a powerful rhetorical device, humanizing the statistics and adding a personal touch to

the broader problem.

Furthermore, the depiction of rhetorical strategies, specifically persuasive elements, arises when

unraveling the profound overall meaning of the documentary. This portrait draws a juncture

between Ethos, Pathos, and Logos; placed in a simple sentence: Painting human faces onto

numerical statistics. Which will be the topic of discussion ahead.

Painting human faces onto numerical statistics; Pathos.

An in-depth analysis of the documentary's rhetorical strategies reveals deliberate and

strategic choices made by Biagiotti. The incorporation of anomalies, such as Khalil's assertion

that "homelessness is a state of mind," challenges conventional perceptions and invites the

audience to reassess their understanding of the issue critically. These anomalies function as
 Gonzalez 3

rhetorical devices that prompt viewers to question common assumptions and engage more deeply

with the matter. Biagiotti perfectly balanced the documentary to be inclined by emotions, rather

than facts and statistics, which in this particular case does not contribute to the model or design

She uses.

Pathos is prevalent throughout the documentary, especially evident in the relationship between

the personal stories shared by the individuals experiencing homelessness, with the audience. The

struggles, aspirations, and challenges faced by these people are presented in such a humanitarian

way that inevitably impregnates viewers with strong feelings of realization, compassion, and or

sorrow.

For instance, we sense the struggle of basic needs, such as meals, shelter, and medical care in

characters like Wanda Gray, a middle-aged adult who works by collecting recyclables and

selling them while dealing with arthritis. This case exemplifies the harsh reality of homelessness

and the emotional toll it takes on individuals.

People often associate homelessness with drug abuse, further assuming that homeless people are

in a deplorable state and that their inadequate actions led them into their situation, but this

documentary proves the opposite. As previously mentioned, the author strategically selects these

individuals to promote the idea of de-generalizing the issue of homelessness.

For instance, Ray Ortiz, who lives with his partner and a child, has been “working for six

months”, he got a job with “medical, dental and vision care” but he has no home. He works 40

hours a day but it “isn’t enough” and doesn’t “know what to do”.

It also showcases different individuals like Louis Tse, a college student at UCLA currently

pursuing a Ph.D. Louis lives in his car, and he shows how a lot of other students are also
 Gonzalez 4

homeless. “56,00 college students identify themselves as homeless, 2013-2014 FAFSA Data.”

(On the Streets. 31:26)

Finally, there are also people like Phil Long, and Trek Thunder Kelly. Phil, who lives in Slab

City, doesn’t even consider himself homeless, although living in an RV. He states, “It’s the freest

part of the country” and that “nobody [in Slab City] is homeless” although they are. On the other

side, Trek Thunder Kelly lives in his minivan by choice and states: “I prefer to live in my car in

Venice than a mansion anywhere else.” This further adds to the empathy and realization idea of

the documentary.

Within the documentary, the exigence, or the driving force behind its creation, is

evidenced in the escalating homelessness crisis in Los Angeles. As the film was produced during

a period of crisis, the urgency to shed light on the issue and stimulate public discourse is evident.

The documentary presents homelessness not merely as a statistical problem but as a lived

experience, urging viewers to recognize the pressing need for understanding and action.

The constraints that Biagiotti grapples with include the multifaceted nature of

homelessness itself. The film confronts challenges like societal stereotypes, governmental

inadequacies, and the complexities of individual stories. By navigating through these constraints,

the documentary aims to reveal the interconnected factors contributing to homelessness while

acknowledging the limitations and difficulty of trying to address such a systematic and layered

issue.

Short and long-term impact

The short-term impact of "On the Streets" is evident through immediate viewer reactions,

media coverage, and public awareness. The documentary prompts emotional responses, shock,

and a potential shift in perspectives among its audience. Social media, like YouTube, serves as a
 Gonzalez 5

platform for free. worldwide available content, and public opinion, enabling discussions and

debates on the pressing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles.

YouTube becomes a crucial element in determining the short-term impact, as the documentary

gains attention, views, and comments. The film's ability to spark conversations and inner debates

all around the world reflects its effectiveness in drawing attention to the urgent matter at hand. It

is notable to mention that today the documentary has 7.4 million views on YouTube and 11,107

comments (1/27/2024), being released 7 years ago. We can further say that it is undoubtedly

viral and impactful.

The documentary's long-term impact extends beyond immediate reactions, diving into

behavioral changes, cultural shifts, policy alterations, educational impacts, and its legacy.

Behavioral changes are evident in the exploration of individuals like Odell Spencer, who

transitioned from homelessness to self-employment. The film showcases that with the right

opportunities, individuals can overcome homelessness, challenging the notion that it is an

insuperable state.

Cultural shifts are observed in the broader societal perceptions of homelessness. The

documentary contributes to changing the way people perceive and discuss the issue, potentially

influencing viewers to improve attitudes towards those experiencing homelessness.

Policy and legislative changes are critical for addressing the root causes of homelessness. While

the documentary may not directly influence or talk about policies, it contributes to a broader

societal conversation that may eventually lead to policy reforms that can attack the problem and

improve support systems for the homeless.

The educational impact is manifested in the portrayal of Louis Tse, the homeless UCLA doctoral

candidate. By bringing to light the struggles faced by homeless college students, the
 Gonzalez 6

documentary highlights the need for educational institutions to address this issue and prompts a

reevaluation of support systems for students facing homelessness.

The overall legacy of the documentary is reflected in its enduring impact on subsequent

discussions, documentaries, and research on homelessness. Due to the fame "On the Streets" has

received, surely has made it stand as a reference point or an incentive for further exploration of

homelessness-related issues, it solidifies its lasting influence on the genre of reporter

documentary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lisa Biagiotti's documentary "On the Streets" serves as a powerful

exploration of the complex issue of homelessness in Los Angeles. Through strategic rhetorical

choices, the film humanizes the experience of homelessness, challenges stereotypes, and prompts

societal reflection. Because it engages a diverse audience and presents real-life stories, the

documentary provokes a sense of empathy and awareness for any kind of viewer. Biagiotti's

meticulous selection of locations, statistical anchoring, and persuasive elements, particularly

Pathos, contribute to a broad and efficient understanding of homelessness.