Canada, Leading the Free World
Rhetorical Precis:
Kristof in the article, Leading The Free World, claims that Canada is more accepting of Muslims than America. Kristof supports his claim by first interviewing Muslims about their experience in Canada as they refer to it as "hospitable" (Kristof, paragraph 3). He then compares Canada's old "white" immigration policy, to its now diverse and accepting nature. Lastly, Kristof explains that refugee sponsorships play a major role in Canada's immigration policies. Kristof's purpose is to inform the United States how accepting Canada is to refugees in order to suggest that they should do the same. The author writes in a serious yet informative tone for the nation. This work is significant because with President Trumps ban on immigration, not all refugees have a place to go.
Rhetorical Analysis:
Many countries are slamming their doors shut, and just recently, President Trump has made some changes to the foreign policy. Kristof uses an informative yet serious tone and appeals to the nation through the use of ethos, logos, and pathos. Throughout the article, Kristof uses the modes of persuasion multiple times. Kristof uses statistics and states that the number of Syrian refugees allowed in America were “12,000” versus the “40,000” allowed in Canada (Kristof, paragraph 6). These specific numbers gives the audience a better idea of the foreign policy. Kristof is reasoning with the audience by stating facts so they have more knowledge on the gap of refugees in different countries. Kristof uses credible sources throughout the article as well. Kristof states direct quotes from the foreign minister herself, who is the product of an immigrant. Foreign minister Freeland discusses how accepting Canada is to immigrants. Who’s better to explain a foreign policy better than the foreign minister. This use of persuasion makes Kristof more trustworthy. President Trump’s new foreign policy is harsh on refugees and immigrants. Kristof was effectively able to convince the audience by using the modes of persuasion.