https://www.dropbox.com/s/7lv8vshcny16lyv/LH26_3_Jennifer%20Fulwiler_Switching%20Sides_How%20I%20Came%20to%20Accept%20the%20Truth%20About%20Abortion.mp3?dl=0
Jennifer Fulwiler tells the story of her transition from pro choice to pro life. What is her argument? And be careful. You need to listen to the whole thing before you decide what you think her argument is. What rhetorical strategies does she use to make her argument? And is she successful or unsuccessful?
Be prepared to answer a few listening check questions on Monday.
Abortion has been a prominent issue in society for many years, and a lot of the controversies occur because people do not know what they are fighting for themselves. Jennifer Fulwiler told her conversion story from pro choice to pro life, and from atheism to Catholicism in a way relatable to both groups of people.
ReplyDeleteFulwiler's argument is that human sexuality is being taught wrong, giving people the wrong idea about sex in regards to all life. She said that the lady from the March for Life had all the rights in the world to be mad, she was just fighting the wrong enemy. While fighting for the freedom of women, sexuality got misconstrued in the eyes of society, making abortion seem like a way to free these women from having to deal with an enemy.
I loved many of the ways Jennifer Fulwiler argued her point. First, she came from the position of being an extreme atheist with an extremely atheist husband. This appealed to authority, giving her the respect of those pro choice listeners. She also used resources such as Planned Parenthood, court cases and law, and science with the gynecologist. The stated their ideas and rebutted them with those of the Catholic Church to show why they are wrong and why we are not. My favorite parts of her speech were her similes. The one said that scriptures were like a owners manual to the soul, but my favorite one was that pro choice people viewed life as something rare that happens when having sex like walking down the street and getting struck by lightning. This made me think very hard about what many people think about sex. They do not believe it is for life, but they think it is for the pleasure of the two people engaging in the activity, as she mentioned in her speech.
Even though Fulwiler delivered a wonderful speech with amazing points, she should be more careful when talking about such a controversial topic in order to satisfy more listeners and strengthen her argument. People get turned away when words such as "all," "everyone," or "nobody" are used. As Dr. Pam told us, they exclude the chance of there being any other exceptions. Jennifer said that all pro choice women believe the fetus becomes a baby sometime in the womb. She used an either or fallacy when stating there is either something wrong with women or conception because "the lists" no longer match up. These assumptions should try to be avoided when arguing about faith if they do not apply one hundred percent. Those were the weakest points in her argument, but other than that, she delivered a great speech.
I also really like Fulwiler's use of simile in this presentation. Personally, I love when people use similes to make connections between life and the church. I think it brings about whole new elements to consider. The connection she made between unplanned pregnancies and getting hit by lightening was very interesting. The truth of the matter is, sex was brought about for the creation of human life, and was not meant to be a selfish act for the two individuals involved. Babies are not simply a "side note" as Fulwiler mentioned.
DeleteGrace, I liked how you pointed out Fulwiler's strong language. Her use of "all," "everyone," and "nobody" are powerful words that force people into her specified idea. However, there are usually exceptions. Fulwiler probably uses these words on purpose in order to make her argument broader. I also liked how you pointed out how she used similes to her advantages. One that struck me was how she compared chainsaw massacres to abortion. She related how just because they both happen doesn't make them right.
DeleteI agree, Grace, that word choice did in fact hurt her argument, but she also had word choices that really strengthened her argument. One choice of words I distinctly remember from her speech is "decapitated baby heads." This really kind of made me feel nauseous because that is really a gruesome picture to paint.
DeleteIn her talk, Jennifer Fulwiler's makes a myriad of points regarding the truths of the pro-life and pro-choice movements, especially with regards to the Catholic church. She uses her conversion story and her quest for truth as the basis for her argument, which is that supporters of the pro-choice movement are simply "fighting the wrong enemy." While they believe that they are fighting for the freedom of women, they are actually fighting against it, and fighting against life as well.
ReplyDeleteFulwiler uses a great deal of rhetorical devices in her talk to strengthen her argument. One major rhetorical device utilized in this speech was that of anecdote. The majority of Fulwiler's talk is composed of relevant stories that seek to being strength and realization to her argument. Throughout the whole talk, Fulwiler continuously refers to back to her journey for truth and understanding with regards to sex and abortion. She discusses her experience at the March for Life, one in which she encountered a young girl for whom she prays often. Fulwiler explains that this girl appeared utterly disgusted by her blatant disregard for the rights of women. And she felt sorry for the girl, because she was simply misinformed. She had a right to be discontented with the situation, but she was on the wrong side of the battle. This is significant in that Fulwiler is making reference to the pro-choice movement as a whole, and she believed that this woman showed the misunderstanding and acceptance of falsehoods amid their search for truth. Another time Fulwiler uses the device of anecdote is when she tells the story of Linda, a woman she happened upon in an online question board. Linda was a young woman who had found herself trapped by the lies of the secular world. She sought freedom, like so many others, but failed to find it because while searching for the truth, she found only the lies of society. While Linda's story is tragic, it is effective in depicting society's inability to attain freedom, despite their best efforts. While so many believe that they will find freedom in contraception and abortion, so long as they continue the war against life, they will constantly be trapped by the discontent that comes with ending a human life.
Another device that is very prevalent in this talk is Fulwiler's appeals to ethos. From the very beginning, she appeals to authority with the hopes of gaining credibility with the audience. Firstly, Fulwiler introduces herself as a convert from atheism to Catholicism, and also from pro-choice to pro-life. This informs the audience that she is well informed on both ends of the spectrum, and is therefore qualified to speak on behalf of both. Additionally, Fulwiler brings in a variety of outside sources with great credibility to strengthen her speech. She refers frequently to her own research, and even takes to quoting exact passages to assure the audience that her claims are legitimate.
In the end, I would say that Jennifer Fulwiler is very successful in her argument. Being a convert from pro-choice to pro-life, Fulwiler holds a very unique perspective of the movement as a whole. She uses her own insight as well as those of others to pull together a very effective argument regarding abortion and a search for truth and freedom.
The anecdotes used throughout this speech do make it successful. It is hard to sit through a presentation when facts and information are just being handed to you. The argument becomes a lot more humane when personal stories are shared. Also, they were able to add some humor to a topic that should not be depressing. Sex should be happy and always about life.
DeleteInitially, I didn't think about the anecdotes but looking at the argument now, I am able to see how important they are. I think Fulwiler's argument is so successful because she uses so many different rhetorical strategies to make her point. The most effective thing she does is give personal stories about abortion in her life.
DeleteYou point out how the one counter protestor was misinformed. It seems that so many women today are misinformed. They think that by having abortion available to them, it makes them freer. But it really does not. Abortion is not the answer for unwanted pregnancies. Adoption is the much better alternative. And if someone didn't want to become pregnant, they probably should have thought about that before they had sex. Natural Family Planning is the only 100% effective program at preventing unwanted pregnancies.
DeleteFulwiler is able to look at both the points of pro life and pro choice, especially in regards to both the Church and her whole life. She is able to add merit to her argument by supporting it with her conversion story from pro choice to pro life. The story of her conversion is especially insightful because it shows how even those people that believe that pro choice is the correct view are able to change to see that life is precious. Fulwiler's argument throughout the piece is that sexuality is viewed wrong and this is what fuels abortions and the stigma that having an abortion is okay. In our society, sex is a self pleasing act. Instead of being viewed as the wonderful thing that it is, sex is used only for pleasure which is why there are so many unplanned pregnancies that occur. These pregnancies come as a result of sex that was intended not for love but for self pleasure, so naturally a woman is going to want to have an abortion because she does not see the value in sexuality and procreation. Also, instead of carrying the child and placing it for adoption, she would rather mercilessly kill the child to save herself some embarrassment. Fulwiler makes the argument that this outlook on sexuality and the was that society now teaches sexuality is the root of the abortion issue. Fulwiler also argues against the point that many people think that abortion is a way to free a woman from the responsibilities of a child when in reality having an abortion is a binding life decision that many people are never able to forgive themselves for.
ReplyDeleteFulwiler appealed to authority because she was able to look at things from a pro choice and atheist perspective and then chose to become a pro life supporter. By doing this she shows which is the knowledgeable and correct decision between being pro life and pro choice. She makes her argument by using situations that she has gone through in her life, showing her knowledge and experience when dealing with the abortion issue. Fulwiler also uses ethos in her speech, appealing to God and Scripture. By doing this she is able to show why pro life is morally right through the eyes of the Church. Fulfilled achieves her goal throughout the piece, conveying her ideas clearly and powerfully. The fact that she uses personal experiences and her own journey to God is especially powerful. This is something that more people should listen to because it shows how someone changed their views on this important issue and their reasoning behind it, a perspective we do not often hear from.
I really liked this article because it hit on many of the important points in the abortion issue. She talked about how sexuality is not properly being taught in our society today and how it influences teenagers in their decision making, a point that many people do not understand. The most important thing we can do in our fight against abortion is to educate people on the horrible reality of abortion. So many people believe that a women's right to choose is empowering them but in reality it is only weakening them. If we came educate people on the horrors of abortion then we truly have a better chance to end it.
I think one of the coolest things about this talk was that Fulwiler explained her own search for truth and understanding. So many times, we think that pro-choice individuals are simply hateful people. But in reality, they are just misinformed. They think that abortion is an issue of freedom and women's rights, when in reality, the terms "pro-life" and "pro-woman" go hand in hand. Hopefully the pro-life generation can bring about more wisdom and work to inform more people on the true horrors of abortion.
DeleteI feel horrible for these generations that do not understand the true beauty of sexuality. Throughout the entire cd, I kept thinking about the debate we had at Christendom about the graphic images used as an attempt to convert pro choicers. This speech would be a perfect argument in my case towards the end of these signs. The women do not need to be flashed these images, although they are true. Instead, they are searching for comfort where they can find it, which is why they flee to abortion clinics where everyone tells them they will be okay. They need to be informed about the backbone of the issue, sexuality, so they will understand the reason behind the pro life movement.
DeleteI think it is really sad that young couples today think of sex as nothing more than an act of pleasure. As you pointed out, in reality, it is so much more. Two people are literally making a baby. If that's not really cool and sacred, I don't know what is. The fact that that kind of gets pushed to being a secondary concern is extremely heart breaking. Then to top it off though, a woman would rather kill a baby in cold blood than actually deliver the baby and put it up for adoption. As you pointed out, today's youth need to be educated on what actually is going on.
DeleteJennifer Fulwiler delivered a great argument in her talk, Switching Sides: How I Came to Accept the Truth about Abortion. Through her use of many rhetorical strategies, Fulwiler was able to make an impact on people who consider themselves pro choice and those who are pro life. Her conversion from atheism to Catholicism creates the premise she uses to point out that women today are "fighting the wrong enemy," and need to take a stand against society's lies about sexuality.
ReplyDeleteIn order to give her argument an unbiased beginning, Fulwiler describes her roots as an atheist. She was very pro choice, and looked down on people who were pro life. She didn't know how some women could fight the freedom that she thought pro choice gave. She was taught to question assumptions and always seek truth. This declaration gives her argument depth. She is not a lifelong Catholic expounding on the virtues of the pro life movement, she once was against the movement. This gives her credit among anyone who is pro choice.
Fulwiler also cites numerous experts in order to give credit to her argument. She talks about the thoughts of doctors and gynecologists, and even references a court case. These references help reinforce her new disgust for abortion. These experts were finding better ways to kill babies, so that the mothers wouldn't be inconvenienced. She says that she realized that anyone who shared a Nazi's view was probably doing something wrong.
The major rhetorical device Fulwiler uses is anecdote. Her argument is framed as the story she would tell to a young woman with sad eyes and blonde hair if they ever sat down for a cup of coffee. This allows her to explain and develop her argument before she delivers her thesis. By creating sympathy and agreement in her readers before delivering this critical statement, she ensures that they are open to her idea, and understand why she believes it. Fulwiler also uses several anecdotes within the body of her argument. These stories create a sense of realism and truth. This argument is not something that is purely intellectual, but a way of thinking that is applicable to women in their everyday life.
The crux of Fulwiler's argument is that women are fighting the wrong battle. In order to finalize the battle over abortion, women need to fight society's lie about sexuality. Society says that sex is independent from the ability to create life. Contraception has separated these two ideas. However, in the past, these two ideas were irrevocably intertwined. If someone had sex, they had to be open to having a baby. Now, this does not have to be the case. Once women realize that sex and babies go hand in hand, they will find out just how awful a concept that abortion is.
For 43 years now (give or take a few days), the murder of innocent babies has been legal in the great nation of the United States of America. CSNNews estimates that approximately 50 million babies have been aborted since Roe v Wade. It seems really strange to think that in a society as advanced as ours, we would condone the murder of a baby just because the mother doesn’t want it. As Mrs. Fulwiler points out, people who are pro-choice believe it is a matter of freedom. After all, it seems like it would be torture to force a woman to haul around a baby for nine months and then give birth to the very child she does not actually want. But this idea of freedom is sadly twisted. Pro-choicers want others to believe that their methods are 100% effective and that the Catholic Church is just living in the dark ages where women are oppressed. This has women fighting the wrong enemy.
ReplyDeleteAnecdotes are used heavily throughout Mrs. Fulwiler’s talk. She actually tells two stories of how she goes from living in the darkness to being blinded by the light of truth. In telling these stories, she establishes creditability with the listener because of the fact that she once was an Antheist and Pro-Choice. It becomes tiring to hear the same exact message from Bible nuts, so hearing it from someone who was on the other side of the debate was refreshing. Her first story is how she converts from Atheism to Catholicism. She recants how all of her friends were Atheists and they never talked about religion at all. But that all changed when she second-guessed her devotion to Atheism. Together with her husband, she decided to search for truth. That search for truth led her to the thing she had rejected long ago. She was happy with all of the consistency in the Church’s teachings, and decided that the Catholic Church might onto something with this Jesus and God business.
Even though she was starting to accept some of the Church’s teachings, she still could not accept the Church’s teachings on abortion. It just seemed so terrible to force unwanted pregnancies on women. But that all changed when her husband pointed out that being pro-life was being pro-human. Her main argument in favor of legal abortion was that fetuses were being removed, babies were not being murdered. But who or what exactly determines when a fetus is a baby? It seems like a tough thing to put a time and date on. You would not want to be wrong and accidently kill a baby. The only really good answer is that it was a baby the whole time.
So the ultimate question is whether or not this speech was exactly successful in convincing people that abortion is wrong. I personally believe that, yes, it was very successful in getting the point across to the listener. It also helped prove that the points the pro-choice movement makes are wrong, easily refutable, or misleading. As a side note, it seems that whenever men try to get involved in the debate, we are shunned because this is a women’s issue and we need to have no opinion or else we are all just terrible misogynists. 100 years ago, politics was a men’s issue and women just needed to shut up and support whoever their husband supported. As a male, I think it is wrong to just block out the opinions and thoughts of 50% of the nation. Anyway, those are my thoughts on everything.
Giz, I like the statistic you have at the beginning. The other day I saw a post on Facebook that compared the number of babies killed compared to the casualties of all American wars. The number of casualties from wars was hardly able to be seen in the pie chart because of the number of abortions that have occurred in the United States. This is a sad reality in our country that so many people do not know about.
DeleteGiz, I like how you pointed out that this is not just a women's issue, but a men's issue as well. Men are affected by abortion. Many fathers are affected by the death of their child, but cannot speak out because it is the woman's choice. Men have a right to express their views, and sidlining them because of their gender is wrong.
DeleteI agree, it is difficult to decide between when the fetus becomes a baby. I remember my good friend's sister having a complicated pregnancy and it turned out that she miscarried the baby at about twenty five weeks. I remember looking at the pictures of her baby and I thought "wow that's a baby, not some nonhuman embryo." People fail to realize a baby is a baby, no matter how small or formed.
DeleteJennifer Fulwiler is able to appeal to both pro life and pro choice listeners because her tone does not hold any harsh judgment or belittle the opposite side. In fact, she is effective because she used to identify as being one of the other side. This allows her to relate to her listeners by giving her whole back story on why she believed abortion was not only justified, but also part of freedom.
ReplyDeleteFulwiler appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos in her talk. She appeals to ethos when she gives her story on why she was pro choice. This gives her authority to speak on why people believe it is right because she was one of those people. She appeals to pathos when she speaks about the freedom of women and how scared and inconvenient some women find pregnancies. Many women take their freedom very seriously so her ability to speak on how abortion is often wrongly categorized with freedom was able to connect with the audience. Fulwiler appeals to logos when she references court cases to touch on how brutal it is, the abilities of babies throughout their time in the mother’s stomach, and when she references the gynecologists who speak on abortions. This shows she has in fact done her research and is not speaking solely from her new Catholic identity. She is speaking from research she has conducted herself free of the church. She also uses analogies to shoot down the message given by the gynecologists who justified the certain procedure was okay because it was not common when Fulwiler said, “Chainsaw massacres are rare. It does not mean it is okay to support them.”
Although abortion is a key element in Fulwiler’s story, her main argument comes from the first step to a baby. Sex. Fulwiler speaks to the audience about how sex is now commonly taught as a mere mean of pleasure instead of the sacred, life-creating act it is. She claims this pushes contraception on people who then “need” abortions because they cannot properly care for the child they created. She speaks of a woman named Linda who used contraception while on a medicine that would cause serious birth defects. Instead of abstaining or using natural family planning, she took contraception and believed it would prevent a baby. Contraception is being taught wrong too because it is taught as a necessity and people do not really talk about the chances of getting pregnant with it. Abortion can be greatly reduced if not ended with the proper teaching and use of sex. Sex being taught as not means of bonding or pleasure, but sex as means of producing children.
Well, it is for both. It is not just for procreation, it is actually important for many reasons. God made it pleasurable and made couples feel more bonded because it is sacred.
ReplyDelete