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Rhetorical Analysis on “My Name is Not Those People”

Nicholas G. Brookins

Stark State, Akron

ENG 231: College Composition II

Nichols P. Decourville

September 11th, 2020

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Abstract

What is it really like being a single mother welfare-recipient? Julia Dismore attempts to

answer this question for readers and change assumptions they have. This rhetorical analysis

investigates her writing to better understand how it appeals to the target audience. Readers

find her piece easy to read, and she appeals strongly to the emotions of the reader with her

descriptions of what motherhood is to her. She utilizes poetic effects of contrast throughout

the piece to attempt to dispel negative beliefs held by the reader and broaden their

understanding. Humor makes short appearances which aid to the raw human aspect of her

poem. Repetition is also very strong which aids to the poem format and integrity conveyed

by the author. In these ways Dismore effectively reaches out to the audience to convince

them of her beliefs.

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Rhetorical Analysis on “My Name is Not Those People”

Reading "My Name is Not Those People" by Julia Dismore the reader is impressed

upon by the material in many ways. Her word choice is very casual and easy to read, but the

tone is solemn and straightforward with some exception. The topic of being a single mother

is clear, and extends to community and family as a whole. Right away in the very first line

the author attempts to appeal to the reader’s sense of Pathos by appealing to our emotions by

stating, "I am a loving woman, a mother in pain," (Dinsmore, J. 2011, May 19). The contrast

between being a loving woman, but a mother in pain is designed to evict a strong emotional

response. The very effective usage of Pathos throughout the poem continually contrasts even

as seen in the second to last line, "For I am not the problem, but the solution." (Dinsmore, J.

2011, May 19)

The piece is well organized and easy to follow, with each point followed by details or

examples and then flowing naturally to the next. The author makes a good use of humor in

the form of sarcasm which again reinforces her stark contrast throughout the piece, in two

instances which refer to budgeting, and where money is allocated by the government.

Making an effective usage throughout her writing of repetition, Dismore begins every stanza

with "My name is not..." (Dinsmore, J. 2011, May 19) and ends the poem as she started it, to

strong effect. A poem format aids to the effect of resonance the author aims to achieve in her

writing, the visual breaks and ellipsis translating to a more impactful reading. This gives it

more of a spoken word feel, or a few extra moments of a second to ponder over the strength

of the last statement here and there.

Using her writing to appeal to the reader’s logic when listing her income and

expenses, Dismore proves to the reader her capability to survive. Where her writing falls

short is that it does not consider any alternative viewpoints. Dismore has such a strong voice

that only her opinion can be heard in the piece of writing. The intended audience of
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Dismore's writing is those in the social service system and society as a whole that does not

understand the struggle of being a single mother on welfare. Of trying to be the sole

"emotional, social, spiritual and economic support" (Dinsmore, J. 2011, May 19) to a family.

The purpose of this piece is consistent and twofold, to attempt to simultaneously shock and

inform the reader. To open their eyes to situations they are unaware of, and to educate them

on the reality of those situations.

Julia Dismore's poem invokes strong emotions in the reader, opening eyes for a

glimpse into a world the target audience is unaware of. The poem format aids in the delivery

of her message adding to the effect of the last word read, as does her use of ellipsis give

moment for consideration. Using repetition throughout her writing to gain momentum she

communicates her opinion in a powerful manner. She uses contrast throughout the piece to

highlight the differences between audience perception and author perception to direct the

reader toward her belief and away from what she believes is the preconceived notion.
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Reference

Dinsmore, J. (2011, May 19). My Name Is Not "Those People". Retrieved September 11,

2020, from https://doorwayproject.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/my-name-is-not-those-people-

4/