IndexIntroductionThe 13th film SummaryRhetorical analysis of the 13th documentaryEthosLogoPathosConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionIn today's society, the United States represents a nation of contradictions. It boasts 5% of the world's population, but also holds a staggering 25% of the world's prisoners. This stark reality raises disturbing questions about freedom and justice. Ava DuVernay's documentary, "13TH," delves into the intricate web of the American prison system and its profound role in perpetuating racial inequality. With a particular focus on the history of racial injustice in the United States, particularly the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, DuVernay employs a variety of rhetorical strategies to shed light on the systemic biases that persist. This essay delves into the documentary's use of ethos, logos, and pathos to create a compelling argument and educate audiences about the struggles of minorities in the United States. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original EssayThe 13th Film Summary"13th" is a thought-provoking documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay, released in 2016. The film delves into the complex and deeply rooted issues of racial inequality and mass incarceration in the United States. Over the course of 100 minutes, "13th" takes viewers on a historical journey through the American justice system, tracing the evolution of racial discrimination from the days of slavery to the present day. The film's title, "13th", refers to the United States' 13th Amendment. State Constitution, which abolished slavery in 1865. However, it also included a clause that allowed for involuntary servitude of individuals as punishment for a crime. DuVernay explores how this loophole has been exploited throughout history to perpetuate systemic racism. The documentary meticulously chronicles the post-Civil War era, the rise of Jim Crow laws, and the civil rights movement, highlighting the ways in which African Americans were systematically marginalized and oppressed. It then turns to the late 20th century and examines “war on drugs” and “tough on crime” policies, which disproportionately targeted and incarcerated black communities. Through interviews with scholars, activists and politicians, “13th” exposes how policy decisions and media narratives have contributed to the demonization of Black people and the creation of a racially biased criminal justice system. The film particularly highlights the role of multinational corporations and lobby groups in influencing policies that prioritize profit over rehabilitation and justice. One of the film's central arguments is that the United States has effectively replaced the chains of slavery with prison bars, disproportionately impacting black and brown people. minority communities. It also examines the privatization of prisons, highlighting the financial incentives behind mass incarceration. “13th” weaves together a compelling narrative of historical events and contemporary issues, leaving viewers with a deep understanding of the pervasive nature of racial discrimination in the American criminal justice system. . The documentary challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation's past and present, ultimately calling for a reexamination of the policies and attitudes that perpetuate racial injustice. Rhetorical Analysis of the 13th DocumentaryAva DuVernay masterfully constructs a chronological timeline of crucial events that have shaped our contemporary reality. Histhe intention was to create a documentary that could reach a wide audience, intertwining multiple different cinematic topics and themes. A major theme revolves around the portrayal of African Americans as criminals, a disturbing pattern that dates back to D.W. Griffith's 1915 film, "Birth of a Nation." This insidious portrayal has led many to unconsciously associate Black individuals with criminality, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Another theme explores how mass incarceration has become a modern substitute for slavery. Despite the Thirteenth Amendment, countless prisoners are subjected to forced labor without compensation, a practice reminiscent of the era of slavery. Politicians have implemented policies that disproportionately affect African Americans, effectively funneling them into a system where they can be exploited as free labor. Furthermore, the documentary highlights the influence of corporate interests in shaping the prison population. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is implicated in introducing federal policies that appear to prioritize profit over justice, leading to the overrepresentation of African Americans and immigrants behind bars. Finally, “13TH” highlights the dehumanization of African Americans, highlighting the importance of recognizing that black lives matter and acknowledging how America has consciously and unconsciously dehumanized its black population. These themes, woven throughout the documentary, provide a rich backdrop to explore the use of ethos, logos, and pathos in crafting his persuasive argument. EthosDuVernay employs the rhetorical strategy of ethics effectively by using credible sources to persuade its target audience. It draws inspiration from historical figures, including presidential speeches, to establish credibility and authenticity. Icons such as Martin Luther King, Fred Hampton and Angela Davis lend their voices to the documentary, rooting it in the words of those who have endured the hardships of being a minority in America. Angela Davis, for example, poignantly states: "That's why when someone asks me about violence, I find it incredible because that means the person asking that question has absolutely no idea what black people have been through, what black people have been through. blacks we have experienced in these United States since the first black person was kidnapped from the coast of Africa." These recognizable figures resonate with audiences, fostering trust in their accounts of the minority experience. Additionally, DuVernay incorporates legal experts, such as lawyers, whose perspectives add depth and credibility to the documentary's examination of the issues at hand. When she talks about ALEC, the director makes sure the audience knows that it is a powerful corporation that influences lawmakers, solidifying the credibility of her sources. Throughout the documentary, the use of ethics increases its credibility by presenting both information and trusted voices. Logos The central focus of the documentary “13TH” revolves around the 13th Amendment and serves as the cornerstone of the logical argument within the film. The fact that this amendment is enshrined in the United States Constitution, the document that governs every individual in the nation, gives it undeniable credibility. Within this Constitution lies a disturbing truth: entrenched injustice, which further highlights the film's message about discrimination against minorities. Although the United States represents only 6% of the world's population, it holds a staggering quarter of the global prison population. This stark statistic, coupled with the disheartening reality that one in three Black men are at risk of finding themselves incarcerated.