Topic > Rhetorical Analysis of the Dangers of Indifference

People choose to ignore injustice and tragedy, but Elie Wiesel takes a stand to give a speech highlighting how people look the other way. Giving a speech to people trying to convince them to take action against inhumane events can be difficult; Elie Wiesel uses emotional appeals to gain the audience's trust and convince them to care about these injustices. Elie Wiesel wants people to act for the good of people and Humanity. Elie Wiesel gives this speech to an audience of political leaders and people who follow these political leaders. The speech was given before Bill and Hillary Clinton, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and other politicians. Wiesel, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and political activist, spoke about his view on how people are indifferent and explained how indifference has affected the nation. The “Perils of Indifference” have successfully used ethos and pathos to inform, persuade and motivate the public to take action against injustices. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Elie uses pathos with his experience of being free from the inhumane acts of World War II. By using this memory the audience feels connected to his upbringing and gets his attention. “There was no joy in his heart.” This quote gives dignity to the fact that he would not have been the man he was then without the tragedy, but he has gained strength in a way. Elie then goes on to compliment Bill Clinton "Commander and leader of the Army that liberated me, and tens of thousands of others" and Mrs. Clinton is thanked for her efforts to help (Wiesel).". However, Elie then goes on and puts the government point of view on the spot (so basically calls them out) for their indifference during the Second World War Saying: “We believe that Auschwitz and Treblinka were closely guarded secrets… but we have learned that…” (Wiesel). Elie is saying that even when the United States discovered the existence of the camps they did nothing. Causing the public to feel guilty but equal because he uses the word “we”. indifference to which we have not objected. The way we choose to ignore the misery of others simply proves that the problem of indifference will never end. The horrible injustices Wiesel faced as a child inspired him not only to educate people about. indifference, but also to show them the dangerous anguish and desperation of indifference. "Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger or hatred. (Wiesel)" This quote is significant to Wiesel using ethics because he is credited with his personal experience due to being targeted personally because of hatred and anger. This quote also builds its meaning of indifference because it uses words like “hate” to make its audience feel hurt in a way because no one likes to be a target. Wiesel approached it by asking rhetorical questions and building these allusions to make his argument relatable to every individual in his audience, making his speech understandable, reliable, and most importantly, he made his speech enjoyable for everyone, putting the audience in his shoes and in the shoes of others who have suffered due to indifference. Elie Wiesel has a history of tragic events. And knowing that his audience is educated on this gives him a form of credibility because it is his personal experience. Many people don't listen to what others have to say unless they know the person is educated about it