The article I have selected to rhetorically analyze is
titled, “How to Get Doping Out of Sports.”
The author, Jonathan Vaughters, proves to be a prime candidate to
address such a topic as a former professional cyclist. Recently, efforts have been increased and
enhanced to test for performance enhancing drugs which has exposed super-star
athletes of their dishonest secret to success.
Fellow cyclist Lance Armstrong has faced much scrutiny recently when his
record-breaking performances proved to be fraudulent when leaked information
proved him guilty of using steroids.
Once caught in this whirlwind himself, Vaughters uses his personal
experience with steroids to convincingly admonish athletes to steer clear of
these drugs. To this effect, his purpose
is accomplished in this article.
Additionally, he seeks to solve
this pressing issue by offering general solutions. Although there is no fix-all, Vaughters
offers clear insight and perspective on the path he once walked. He says, “Future generations must begin by
making the right choice realistic . . . winning isn’t possible if anti-doping
regulations aren’t enforced.” To authenticate
this claim, he outlines the vision of ambitious athletes, and the dedication
required to fulfill their dreams. He
addresses the pressure to succeed that weighs heavily upon the minds of anyone
who has ever suited up for a big game.
He suggests that in order to be competitive, you first have to keep
up. In order to keep up, you have to go
the extra two percent- that two percent oftentimes requires more than mere
mortal strength. He strongly believes
that the only reason athletes dope is to “level the playing field” in order to
compete with others around them. He desires
to help athletes “live their dreams without compromising their morals.”
Vaughters has unquestionable validation
with the issue, which adds to the ethos of his article. The rhetorical purpose
in his writing also includes the emotions of pathos, wherein he draws upon his personal
experience. To add to his claims, he is
able to use logic and reason by stressing the unethical implications of
performance enhancing drugs. By
referring to them as “a bad mistake” and by using connotations such as lying
and cheating when referring to the practice, he degrades the immoral behavior
and attempts to dismiss the curiosity in any athlete’s mind. In these efforts, I believe that the author
effectively conveys a message of hope to athletes with aspirations to excel in
their respective sport- the right, ethical, and honest way.
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