Table of contentsIntroductionThe 13th film SummaryRhetorical analysis of the 13th documentaryEthosLogosPathosConclusionWorks citedIntroductionIn today's society, the United States presents itself as a nation of contradictions. It is home to five percent of the world's population, but it is also home to 25 percent of the planet's prisoners. This harsh reality raises troubling questions about freedom and justice. Ava DuVernay's documentary, "13TH," delves deep into the complex web of the American prison system and its profound role in perpetuating racial inequality. With a focus on the history of racial injustice in the United States, particularly the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, DuVernay employs a range of rhetorical strategies to highlight the systemic biases that persist. This essay looks at documentary's use of ethos, logos, and pathos to craft 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 Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe 13th Movie Summary “13th” is a thought-provoking documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay, released in 2016. The film delves into the complex and deeply rooted problems of racial inequality and mass incarceration in the United States. Lasting 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 13th Amendment in the United States. State Constitution, which abolished slavery in 1865. However, it also included a clause allowing involuntary servitude of individuals as punishment for crime. DuVernay explores how this flaw 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 moves to the late 20th century and examines the "war on drugs" and "tough on crime" policies, which disproportionately targeted and incarcerated black communities. Through interviews with scholars, activists and politicians, “13” exposes how policy decisions and media narratives have contributed to the demonization of Black people and the creation of a racist criminal justice system. The film places particular emphasis on the role of 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 affecting black people and women. minority communities. It also examines prison privatization, highlighting the financial incentives behind mass incarceration. “13th” weaves 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 re-examination of policies and attitudes that perpetuate racial injustice. Rhetorical analysis of the 13th documentaryAva DuVernay masterfully constructs achronology of crucial events that have shaped our contemporary reality. . His intention was to create a documentary that would resonate with a wide audience, blending multiple arguments and diverse film themes. A significant theme revolves around the depiction of African Americans as criminals, a troubling pattern that dates back to DW Griffith's 1915 film, "Birth of a Nation." This insidious portrayal has led many to unconsciously associate black individuals with criminality, thereby perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Another theme explores how mass incarceration became a modern substitute for slavery. Despite the Thirteenth Amendment, countless prisoners are subjected to forced labor without compensation, a practice reminiscent of the days 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. Additionally, the documentary highlights the influence of corporate interests on the prison population. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is involved in introducing federal policies that appear to prioritize profit over justice, leading to overrepresentation of African Americans and immigrants behind bars. Finally, “13TH” highlights the dehumanization of African Americans, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that black lives matter and recognizing how America has both consciously and unconsciously dehumanized its black population. These themes, woven throughout the documentary, provide a rich backdrop for exploring the use of ethos, logos and pathos in crafting his persuasive argument. EthosDuVernay effectively employs the rhetorical strategy of ethos by using credible sources to persuade his target audience. She 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, grounding it in the words of those who have endured the struggles of being a minority in America. Angela Davis, for example, poignantly states: "That's why when someone asks me about violence, I find it unbelievable, because it means that the person asking the question has absolutely no idea of what black people have endured, of what black people have endured. that we have lived in the United States since the time the first black man was kidnapped from the shores of Africa." These recognizable characters resonate with audiences, fostering trust in their accounts of the minority experience. Additionally, DuVernay incorporates legal experts, such as attorneys, whose perspectives add depth and credibility to the documentary's examination of the issues addressed. Speaking of ALEC, the director ensures that. the audience knows that it is a powerful company that influences legislators, thereby enhancing the credibility of its sources. Throughout the documentary, the use of ethos reinforces its credibility by both presenting information. and trusted voices. The central focus of the documentary "13TH" revolves around the 13th Amendment and serves as a cornerstone of the logical argument within the film. , the document governing each individual in the nation, gives it undeniable credibility. This Constitution contains a disturbing truth: a deep-rooted injustice, which further underscores the film's message of discrimination against minorities. While the United States only represents 6%.