Week 4, Column 4 - "The Terms of Our Surrender"
SPEAKER - Written by Ross Douthat
- Christian
- Against same-sex marriage
OCCASION - Arizona bill on "religious freedom" vetoed
AUDIENCE - Americans against same-sex marriage
- Americans for same-sex marriage
PURPOSE - To explain his idea of what the future in America(in terms of gay marriage) might look like
SUBJECT - Same-sex marriage in America
TONE - negative/judgemental towards liberals (as usual), maybe a bit pessimistic when talking about the future
In modern society, same-sex marriage has become a hot-button issue. There is a pretty clear line between the two sides in this daily debate; you're either all for it or completely against it. In his article The Terms of Our Surrender, journalist Ross Douthat covers a huge topic within this issue. Recently, Arizona governor Jan Brewer vetoed a bill allowing discrimination against gays. Conservatives, however, may address it as "a bill that was designed to clarify whether existing religious freedom protections can be invoked" (words of Ross Douthat himself). Douthat might've chosen this topic because of his opinion on the topic. Throughout this piece, he throws in small details (quotes around liberal words, sympathizing with other Christians, belitting liberals) to show he is against gay marriage. His strong position on the issue might make him feel his opinion must be heard. However, this piece focuses more on his "surrender" on the topic. Douthat mentions his recognition of same-sex marriage being legalized in the near future. This recognition, while a personal issue rather than a global one, may have also pushed him to write this article. Also, of course, as a journalist, it is Ross Douthat's job to cover the most controversial topics.
LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/opinion/sunday/the-terms-of-our-surrender.html?ref=rossdouthat&_r=0
- Christian
- Against same-sex marriage
OCCASION - Arizona bill on "religious freedom" vetoed
AUDIENCE - Americans against same-sex marriage
- Americans for same-sex marriage
PURPOSE - To explain his idea of what the future in America(in terms of gay marriage) might look like
SUBJECT - Same-sex marriage in America
TONE - negative/judgemental towards liberals (as usual), maybe a bit pessimistic when talking about the future
In modern society, same-sex marriage has become a hot-button issue. There is a pretty clear line between the two sides in this daily debate; you're either all for it or completely against it. In his article The Terms of Our Surrender, journalist Ross Douthat covers a huge topic within this issue. Recently, Arizona governor Jan Brewer vetoed a bill allowing discrimination against gays. Conservatives, however, may address it as "a bill that was designed to clarify whether existing religious freedom protections can be invoked" (words of Ross Douthat himself). Douthat might've chosen this topic because of his opinion on the topic. Throughout this piece, he throws in small details (quotes around liberal words, sympathizing with other Christians, belitting liberals) to show he is against gay marriage. His strong position on the issue might make him feel his opinion must be heard. However, this piece focuses more on his "surrender" on the topic. Douthat mentions his recognition of same-sex marriage being legalized in the near future. This recognition, while a personal issue rather than a global one, may have also pushed him to write this article. Also, of course, as a journalist, it is Ross Douthat's job to cover the most controversial topics.
LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/opinion/sunday/the-terms-of-our-surrender.html?ref=rossdouthat&_r=0