AOW #1- Hot Topic: Immature Parents

Hot Topic: Immature Parents
Written by Ginger Rue & edited by Leigh Belz of Teen Vogue Magazine (September 2011)
     I know this is a credible source because it is in a well-know, well-established magazine that already has a great reputation. The article features the names of both the author and the editor. It also contains quotes from skilled professionals who know are well-informed about the situation.
     This article was about how in today's generation there is an increasing number of parents who are not fulfilling their duties as a parent. More and more responsibility is being left on the children to take care of themselves and their siblings while parents experience somewhat of a second adolescence.
     The context of this piece is in a magazine that mainly teenage girls read. It is written at a time where this problem is rapidly increasing and even the media have started to portray this issue. The article is written to inform people of the situation and give advice to those going through it.
     The purpose of this piece is for teenagers who are going through this situation to know that they are not alone. It gives advice to these girls so that they can get help and improve their situations to live a better and happier life.
     The audience of this article is mainly teenage girls. Specifically, the article targets teenage girls who have parents who are not acting in their parental roles, or girls who are aware of this from the media. Also, it provides information about the situation to girls who don't even know the problem exists.
     Some rhetorical elements of this piece are a definite use of the appeal of pathos. The article definitely plays on emotions and makes the reader feel sympathetic towards the kids in this situation. It also uses appeals of both logos and ethos because it quotes professionals with real facts. It also uses real life examples sent in from readers.
     I think that the author absolutely accomplished her purpose because the article really made me realize what an issue this is nowadays. It made me think about people I know who may be in this situation and how I can help them. Also, I realized the connection to the television shows I watch that portray this. Since I took so much out of the article, the author definitely accomplished her purpose.