Obesity Lawsuits by Nancy Hall Essay -- Analysis, Nancy Hall

In Nancy Hall's "Obesity Lawsuits" (2004) essay, Hall is determined to address the problem constantly growing and silently taking lives in America every day, obesity. The author goes on to argue that people should not be suing "fast food companies" (Hall, 2004, p. 113), but rather look at themselves to blame for becoming obese. Americans need to think about their own decisions routinely, exercise to keep the extra weight off and choose meals that are healthier (Hall, 2004). The authors thesis states: "Listening to the subtle nuance emerging from legal debate, we can hear a discernable message that clearly spells out the desperate need for further study, public awareness, and education on obesity in America" (Hall, 2004, p.114). Even though Nancy Hall is not educated on obesity nor holds a degree in Health Sciences, the article is still persuasive because of the emotion placed into words pursued by direct and solid facts laid out on paper (Hall, 2004). Throughout the article, Hall (2004) uses facts and data to show readers how big of a growing concern obesity is becoming in America. However, Johnson-Sheehan & Paine (2010, p. 172) state that "...logos involves more than using logic to prove a point. Logos also involves appealing to someone else's common sense and using examples to demonstrate a point". In the beginning of the paper Hall, uses logos to impact the reader right away and capture their attention . One the author gathers facts from different sources, who have education dealing with obesity and other health fields (Hall, 2004). For instance, Hall quotes "Lisa Harnack and Simone French, associate professors in the Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health at the Rhetorical Analysis 3 University of ... ...ence, but the author gathered data from those who are educated in those areas of study. Digging deep in past research, the writer finds experts from areas of study, relating to obesity and other health fields. Since the researchers are experts in those areas, this makes their data solid and reliable to use in her argument (Hall, 2004). Rhetorical Analysis 6 In conclusion, Nancy Hall's "Obesity Lawsuits" (2004), implies solid facts, uses an emotional appeal, and valid points to support her standing on this topic. Overall, Hall's argument is good because of all the techniques used to convey her point and sway the readers' opinion. Hall thinks that the lawsuits will cover up the growing problem in America and not resolve anything. Hall's strong argument will turn the focus from the courts to city streets, in an effort to stop obesity (Hall, 2004).