Non-Fiction Critical Analysis!!!

Sometimes, we’re shown someone’s opinion without even realizing it. However, other times, it is clear what the author(s) are trying to say. In “Packaging Boyhood” by Lyn Mikel Brown, Sharon Lamb, and Mark Tappan, and “Packaging Girlhood” by Sharon Lamb and Lyn Mikel Brown, the authors get their points across very clearly. The authors use many techniques to get their points across.

First of all, the authors show statistics to clearly get their points across. Some statistics include: “These [inappropriate] tees account for 20 percent of T-Shirt Hell’s sales,” and “90 percent of sex education classes don’t cover [sex terms that kids soak in through the media],” and many others.  Based solely on these statistics, it’s clear to see that the authors are against the media and the stereotypes it produces. Statistics show that something was proven, and therefore their opinion has valid evidence. Statistics help the authors get their points across.

Second of all, persuasive language/loaded words help the authors get their points across. The authors use persuasive language such as: “questionable”, “phony”, and “unfair” to sway the readers’ opinions of the quotes or statistics towards their point of view. Words like “questionable” put us under the illusion that the source isn’t credible or doesn’t have truthful evidence. Words like “phony” and “unfair” just bluntly show us the authors’ opinions, which can still be an effective persuasion technique.

Lastly, the authors effectively use punctuation and text formatting (italicizing etc.) to their benefit. Examples of this include: “the way they choose contestants,” (“they” meaning the media) and “boys and girls are seen as “types” and often cruelly judged.” These techniques clearly show how the authors doubt or dislike the formatted/punctuated terms. They also let the reader in on the authors’ crafts, showing us their opinions. Punctuation and text formatting isolate key topics.

Overall, In “Packaging Boyhood” and “Packaging Girlhood,” the authors use many techniques to help get their points across. If we paid more attention to how we state our arguments, then maybe we’ll win our next disagreements!