The Onion uses the public’s desire to see the downfall of successful people to create a hoax in the article “Goodwill Executives Arrested After Years of Skimming Donated Goods Off Top.” For example, most people rooted for David when he went against Goliath. The article appeals to the pathos of the audience. The language of the article also reflects that of a reporter, which allows the audience to place their trust in the author. The credibility of the author is confirmed through the tone of the article: “In what authorities are calling one of the most wide-reaching and deplorable cases of embezzlement in recent history, seven executives at Goodwill Industries International were arrested Thursday for allegedly skimming used clothing, old furniture, small appliances, and thousands of other donated items from the charitable group.” However, the subject of top executives of the nonprofit stealing Jane Fonda workout videos, costume jewelry, promotional umbrellas from auto insurance companies, and more junk seems too unrealistic. In this article, there is no logos and most of the audience, after reading a few paragraphs, will see that it is written as a hoax.
http://www.theonion.com/article/goodwill-executives-arrested-after-years-skimming–51247
Selina–nice work pointing to instances of pathos, logos, and ethos in this piece. But how would it change your analysis to consider how this works as a humorous piece of satire rather than an earnest attempt at a hoax?
Also, make sure you get these posts in before the 8am deadline!