In this article, Blake Ewing, an assistant district attorney
in Austin, provides insight as to how the popular show Breaking Bad, normalizes
the meth industry. Breaking Bad is a popular show that takes the viewer through
the life of a dying man, Walter White, and his decisions to cook meth to
provide for his family. Since this is such a popular show about a serious subject
like meth, Ewing argues that, although entertaining, it makes meth seem normal.
In reality, methamphetamine is one of the most serious, and dangerous drugs in
society, and through the show's popularity, meth seems less intimidating.
Ewing's audience is meant for all those who watch the show as to show them what
exactly it is doing to their minds. Since I am an avid viewer of the show (just
finished watching it) I found this article compelling, as a credit to his use
of rhetorical devices. Ewing initially makes himself seem approachable to the
reader (mostly Breaking Bad fanatics) by saying that he enjoys the show as
well. By opening himself up to the viewers of the show, the audience doesn't
automatically discredit him as a person who doesn't understand the true worth
of the show (it is amazing). Ewing again makes himself approachable by closing
his article saying that although meth is normalized by the show, he is still
going to watch it. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it makes his point easier
to grasp. For me, Ewing is simply trying to say that the show isn't a bad
influence as long as the viewer is cognizant of the effects of meth. Ewing also
uses hyperboles to appeal to the pathos of the reader. Humor used by Ewing such
as, "Does this mean that watching an episode of Breaking Bad will cause
responsible adults to run out and find a local meth dealer? Clearly not"
(Times) provide readers with a comic relief to his serious claim. This question
also appeals to the reader's sense of logos as it makes logical sense that
something that crazy would not happen. Another useful rhetorical device he uses
is that he clearly addresses both sides of the argument and then substantiates
why his point is better. This gives him more credibility as he acknowledges
that there are other sides to the argument. Overall, I think Ewing effectively
uses rhetorical devices to get his point across. From being a die-hard fan of
Breaking Bad I understand how sensitive we can be when people criticize the
show, however the way in which Ewing does it is brilliant. Not only does he get
his point across that the show is indeed making meth normal, he does it from
the perspective of a fan. After reading this article, I realize that what he
was saying is indeed true. Before watching the show, I never really thought
about the drug industry and meth, however after the show I think meth is more
common in everyday conversation. Although people are simply talking about the
show, meth is talked about and seems more normal. Overall, I think Ewing did a
great job making his point while not angering any die-hard fans.
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