Idea: Ms Johnson opposes the council’s proposed expansion of their CCTV network. (She disapproves of the council’s decision to install more CCTV cameras.)
Most important basis for her view/argument strategy: In this problem-solution style of argument, Ms Johnson refers to the high cost of installation of cameras and believes that there are better solutions.
Quotes:
- “spate of muggings” (problem) (making us afraid)
- “cost of $100,000” (hip pocket nerve)
- “someone is watching us” ; (generalisation) fear; reference to constant surveillance; criticism of government and council policies
- “convenient cop-out” (attack; alliteration; questioning strategies; the government’s motives)
- “what about …” and “at what cost”; repetition of rhetorical questions – highlight solutions that may be more practical ; reassuring us ; calming /assuaging our fears; (criticism of a government that fails to implement practical and cheaper solutions)
Metalanguage:
- problem-solution style of argument ; “muggings” are a problem; solution – reduce alcohol and improve lighting at intersections
- appealing to hip-pocket nerve concerns, and ensuring
- attack; discredits/opposes, condemns, decries the council’s proposal;
- to question (“at what cost”/”convenient cop-out” etc); to impugn, to cast aspersions upon the government’s motives (convenient cop-out); she doubts the usefulness of such equipment; she encourages members of the public to think about the effect/consequences of such equipment;
- fear: (using generalisations), she arouses people’s anxieties, stimulates a sense of paranoia, taps into a sense of frustration; at the extent of council and government surveillance strategies
- reassuring tactics (opposite of fear); she offers alternative solutions in order to reassure/assuage our fears; stem our anxieties; dampen any paranoid feelings that people might have because of the government’s focus on criminal activities:
- Return to Techniques: Extension Program
- Or Return to Better Essays Exercise Program