An argument can be presented in many different ways. As a result of the oil spill on the gulf coast, BP was forced to make an argument for its own credibility and trustworthiness. The company was blamed for the tragedy and took responsibility. BP was and is responsible for the clean up and reparations of the gulf. In an attempt to regain the respect of America, the company launched a campaign asking for forgiveness and support. In the commercial given, Iris Cross, in charge of BP community outreach, makes the argument that BP is doing anything and everything in its power to fix what has been broken.
The commercial makes an argument to inform and explore through the statistics it provides the listener. It states that $375,000,000 has gone to the community surrounding the gulf thus making the argument to inform us that BP is making an effort to make up for the loses the community has experienced. The commercial also makes the argument to persuade and make decisions that the audience should trust the company again because they will stay "until [they] make this right". Persuading the audience to take the action of trusting BP again and supporting their business. The commercial also makes the argument to convince and by establishing credibility. Iris Cross says that she was born in New Orleans and her family still lives there, making her seem more connected to the situation.
The commercial also addresses pathos, ethos, logos. The music and tone in the commercial appeals to the pathos. When Iris Cross says that she was born in New Orleans and her family still lives there, she appeals to ethos. And through the statistics and facts BP appeals to logos.
I completely agree with your statements about the arguments BP makes. I used many of the same examples that you used. I liked your use of Pathos, Logos , and Ethos in you blogs, as well. Your comment about the somber music and tone is interesting….obviously, BP wants to make it look as if they care, but do they really?
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