Rhetorical Analysiseses

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Rhetorical analysis essays are something that I'm sure we've all done (or atleast have done something very similar) in past English classes, especially in high school. I never liked most of the essays we've been forced to do in the past (and still don't) like deciphering a poem that we didn't even choose or trying to write about how some random book about animals in a farm is actually a statement on communism and other popular government forms. Obviously, I'm being cynical with my examples- the analysis of the deeper meanings of literature is an important skill. However, that doesn't make it any more fun...

Argumentative essays, on the other hand, were always the one kind of essay that I actually enjoyed; mostly because I was able to chose my topic and which side I argue for or against (FREEDOM!!). I also like them because they give you an excuse to look up the backgrounds and merits of opposing sides in a conflict, which let you have a more complete understanding of whatever it is you're writing about.

So about the only thing that matters in this post: the picture. I was thinking of writing my rhetorical analysis on different schools of thought relating to these pictures. I chose this pic because I thought that a lot of these gave bad advice or contradicted one another. Let me clarify- I'm certain that the creator of this pic had good intentions and only wanted to help people, but that doesn't mean it can't be scrutinized.

For example, the second picture- "don't compare yourself to others because you are not them". Taken at face value, obviously you aren't someone else. That doesn't mean you shouldn't compare yourself to others, though. Comparing yourself to others is a great way of setting goals and aspirations for yourself, whether its "I want to be as fit as him, so I'm going to start going to the gym" or "I don't want to be selfish like that slob, so I'm going to start thinking a little more about how I use my time and interact with others." By refusing to compare yourself with others you are ignoring obvious personal flaws and instead take the easy way out. Instead of being the "best version of yourself" you should push yourself to reach beyond your imagined boundaries. It's not a good thing to think "I'm fine just the way I am" "I'm not anything special, just like these other folks" or "I'm just going to let life happen to me."