Language Analysis Michael Carr-Greggs

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Language Analysis – Yossi Balbin In Recent years there has been an increase in the number of teenagers getting body piercings. In the opinion article “Scrap metal faces can be dangerous”, published in the Herald and Weekly Times, Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg voices his opinion on the issue. In an authoritative tone, Carr-Gregg contends that the body piercing is a form of risk taking behaviour that may lead to other dangerous behaviours and therefore parents should be required to provide consent for children under eighteen wanting a body piercing. In his article, Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg asserts his sense of authority by using a generalisation. He states “Experiences suggest that most Australian teenagers take risks.” By using an authoritative tone, Carr-Gregg reassures the reader that the evidence is credible and he influences the reader to respond positively and agree with his expert opinion. The generalisation he uses, suggests that all teenagers…show more content…
He claims that”…Eyebrows…could sever a nerve, causing facial paralysis.” Simply severing nerve is not enough to cause facial paralysis. This overstatement positions the reader to reject this certain viewpoint. Furthermore, Carr-Gregg evokes a sense of fear and caution by appealing to the reader’s emotions. He says, “…Eyebrow jewellery can…slice…through the skin.” The word “Slice,” connotes a painful and malicious cut, which provokes an emotional response, disregarding any reason or logic that is in this part of the text. In Conclusion. Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg influences the readers to take a more reproachful look on body piercings for under eighteen year-olds. In “Scrap metal faces can be dangerous,” the use of exaggeration, emotional appeals, assertion of authority and appeal to common sense positions the reader to respond emotionally but to possibly change the way the reader perceives body

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