Pathos

Pathos is a technique used to appeal to people’s emotions or an appeal to the heart. Pathos can be extremely effective in persuading the pubic, especially when used in addition to sound facts and reasoning. Techniques used to express these emotional appeals are often stark images or descriptive language, such as simile, metaphor, or figurative language, that can paint a picture in the reader or listeners mind. It is a very powerful tool that can be used to influence how others think and believe. When using emotional appeals you want your audience to make a connection with you or make them feel they owe something to others. Using this technique, it is possible to rally more support for your cause that logic and facts alone.

For my argument, the North Carolina Film Incentive, a big reason the incentive is important is because it will provide jobs for many people. Unemployment is a subject that is relatable because, in the current recession, it is not uncommon. Anecdotes are always a useful way to connect with people and make them feel they owe something to others. I could tell a story about how people will lose their jobs and be forced to move to big cities like L.A. or New York where the cost of living is much higher than here in North Carolina. I’m sure that I could find someone local who would greatly appreciate the extra work the incentive would provide because it would mean they wouldn’t have to move and they could finally pay the bills on time.

There are also many stories about filmmakers within North Carolina whose projects have failed because they were unable to fund them with such a low incentive. They had their dreams crushed because North Carolina did not provide and environment suitable for young, aspiring cinematographers. Everyone has a dream and everyone knows what it is like to be let down or experience failure. People feel pity for those who are so close but just cannot catch a break that a higher incentive would give.

On the other side, a higher film incentive would require a slight raise in taxes. No one likes it when taxes are increased. This can be used by the other side. Getting people angry is a good tool. Usually anger causes action. If people know that their taxes will go up because of an industry that is not essential to the state, they will become upset. Most residents of North Carolina do not participate in the film industry. Therefore they will not feel obligated to help those who do. Film can be seen as a shallow business that is only in it for the money, if it is portrayed that way. The opposing side could play this up and ask the question, Why should we help those who are already making millions?

Until Next Time.
Maggie