Analyzing Message in The Case Against Circumcision

In the following post, I will be analyzing the message and purpose of my article, utilizing the Student's Guide textbook.

ClkerFreeVectorImages. "Envelope letter" 10/2/2012 via pixabay. CC0 Public Domain License. 

Message and Purpose 

Bullets most relevant to the goal of my text's author:

Respond to a particular occasion or text

       The author is responding to the continued practice of circumcision in neonatal males. In other words, he is responding to the occasion of circumcision in society. 

Inform the reader about a topic that is often misunderstood

       The author argues against circumcision by pointing out that parents are generally uninformed about the possible risks and disadvantages of circumcisions, because they have been led to believe there are only advantages. After pointing out this misconception, he provides detailed information about said risks. 

Advocate for a change
       The author's purpose is clearly advocating for a change. He doesn't accuse society of ignorance to hurt their feelings. He does so to urge people to inform themselves so they can intelligently decide for or against circumcision. This bullet is most relevant to my article, as its purpose as a whole is to advocate for a change.

Bullets least relevant to the goal of my text's author:

Analyze, synthesize, or interpret

       The goal of this text was far from analytical. The author presented his argument in a less-than-formal way that synthesizing would imply. His tone approaches condescending as he expresses his blatant disapproval of society's ignorance. 

 Reflect on a topic

       The author is not reflecting about the topic of circumcision, he is rallying against it. Reflecting, in my opinion, implies a more rounded view of a topic (meaning you're looking at both the pros and cons). This article does not support circumcision in the slightest.

Nuances and Layers

I honestly don't think there's anything too complex about my article. The author has a very strong opinion against a controversial topic, and makes that opinion known in the article. He is very confident in all of his assertions and doesn't express any nuances in his argument. His intentions are clear.