TOW #2 - Spork or Weapon?

It’s a Fork, It’s a Spoon, It’s a ... Weapon? discusses school rules on weapons and how the strict rules have led to unfair suspensions of young and innocent children. This article was written by Ian Urbina. He is an investigative reported for the New York Times that received a Pulitzer, a Polk, and other awards for journalism. He is very credible in his writing as he cites multiple sources and uses many quotes from his interviews. In his article he explains that The increase in security of schools was, “Spurred in part by the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings” (14), and as more shootings are occurring the security is increasing. Although the audience is general as anyone can view the article and be more informed about the incidents. A more specific audience includes those who write the policies on weapons as it opens their eyes to the effects of strict rules. Urbina hopes to inform the audience of the harshness of school rules on weapons and the need for change in those rules. He uses logos for his arguments. He explains that, “In Baltimore, around 10,000 students, about 12 percent of the city’s enrollment, were suspended during the 2006-7 school year, mostly for disruption and insubordination, according to a report by the Open Society Institute-Baltimore” (19). He uses many statistics and quotes from his interviews to back up his reasoning. This is impactful to his purpose as it helps readers understand the severity of the problem and how it isn’t just one rare case of suspension. Along with logos Urbina uses pathos to make a compelling argument. Zachary said, “I just think the other kids may tease me for being in trouble” (30). This quote is in the conclusion of the essay, ultimately being a strong point to use the emotional side of the readers to agree with Urbina. I think that Ian Urbina accomplished his purpose very well. He made it very clear that to the students who were suspended, but did not have intent to harm, should be allowed to go back to school.