Running Head: LEGALIZATION

Legalization of Marijuana
Roman Herrera
University of Texas at El Paso
Instructor: Jennifer Falcon
English 1312: Research and Critical Writing

Running Head: LEGALIZATION

Legalization of Marijuana
Little issues are brought up as frequently in the United States as the legalization of marijuana. Even though few states have legalized recreational and medical uses of marijuana, it is
still illegal according to the federal government. Those who oppose the legalization have arguments different from those who are fighting for reform. It is a common and current issue, so there
is an abundance of printed and digital works that present all sides of the argument. One such
genre is an illustration by a University of Texas at Tyler student, MK Northum, that is attached to
a post regarding the topic on the universitys website, published February 11, 2014. A second
genre is a magazine article published in 2014 titled The Anti-pot Lobbys Big Bankroll by investigative journalist Lee Fang. These genres are a representation of the populations views on this
ongoing struggle. An analysis of these genres allows for a deeper understanding of such views.
Audience and Purpose
The audience that may come across the illustration is anyone interested in the subject
enough to image-search the topic. Because it was attached to an article on a University of Texas
at Tyler student news site, the picture was intentionally aimed at the students of this particular
university and the readers of said universitys news site. This image could be presented to a large
audience with differences in knowledge on the subject. However, the image does give some information on the topic which the audience can use to get a basic understanding of the issue it is
addressing; that message being that the population is divided on the issue, with each side having
core arguments for their position. Because the topic is so common, it is possible that most of the
audience would already have some knowledge on the issue. The article The Anti-pot Lobbys Big
Bankroll by Lee Fang is intended to reach the readers of The Nation magazine, who, based on

Running Head: LEGALIZATION

the stories they cover, tend to be informed liberals. Its likely that these readers would have previous knowledge on the subject and would want to know how government lobbying is affecting
the legalization of marijuana.
The time spent on the image would be minimal. It is easy to absorb and presents the message it is meant to deliver fast and effectively. Such is the nature of images. The article on the
other hand, take longer to obtain the full message that it is conveying. It is six pages long and
may vary in time depending on the reader.
The purpose of the image would most likely fall under the category of entertainment with
some hints of informative because it is meant to compliment the article in which it was posted
with. Since it displays both opposing sides to the topic, it leaves little room for persuasion. It
presents the fact that there are two main sides to the issue, each with their own beliefs and reasons. The Articles purpose is to inform and it also seems to try and persuade the audience that
certain groups in opposition to marijuana reform and legalization might have other, either unfair
or unethical, reasons for their position.
The picture contains few words, NO and YES, but is complimented with symbols such
as a syringe and dollar signs. These symbols, dont specifically depict crime, drugs, money, and
medicine, but have been known to be associated . The article also includes images but is very
wordy with a vocabulary present in both political and medical realms. However, it also uses the
slang term pot when referring to marijuana throughout the article. This shows how these two
very different genres can cover the same topic effectively through the use of different methods.
Rhetorical Issues: Ethos, Logos and Pathos
The first genre is credible in that it is posted to a university website. Although it is not the Uni-

Running Head: LEGALIZATION

versitys main site, it is still representing the parties associated with an institution of higher learning. The genre evokes emotions that strengthen ones position on the subject. It seems to display
the arguments of both sides equally without favoring one over another. The two sides of the argument are represented by two talking heads in debate, separated by a large, green marijuana
leaf. The large leaf attracts attention by being in the center of the image as well as being the only
colored object. Within each of the heads are the symbols previously mentioned, displaying the
common arguments presented by both sides. Depending on how one views and interprets the image, it can range from serious to satirical. An example is how the words are leaving the mouths
of the talking heads. The way the words leave the NO head are in a speech bubble similar to
those seen in comics and other illustrations. The way the words leave the YES head seem to
flow out as if in a smooth cloud of marijuana smoke. Those who side with the NO head can use
this image to argue that the positions taken by the other side lack proper judgment because they
are influenced by the use of marijuana. There is little evidence to support this genre aside from
claims that are known to be made from both parties.
The article establishes its credibility with the audience by being presented in a credible,
nationally recognized magazine. The author is also an investigative and political journalist with
years of experience writing for recognized political magazines and websites. The information
given to support the claims are true, as are the testimonials from professionals and affected parties alike within the article. The article seeks to evoke an emotional response from the audience
just as it means to inform. It does not seem to evoke anger or any other serious emotion, but it
can make the audience feels uncomfortable with the current state of the situation and whats being done. It does so by anecdotes of police corruption and comparing the situation to one similar

Running Head: LEGALIZATION

that that during the time of Prohibition in the United States. The nation, during a time of great
gang-related crime and corruption, was relieved of such crime when Prohibition was reformed.
The article uses the example to demonstrate why marijuana reform has its opponents and conveys to the audience how current situations can be improved.
Structure and Delivery
The information in the picture is organized clearly by separating both sides, each with
their own beliefs, ideas, and positions on the issue. The picture is limited in such that if it were to
try and include more information, words, or symbols, it would take longer for the audience to
absorb the information. The way it was made was so it could be read quickly and effectively. The
genre itself is very effective in expressing the message.
The article is organized such that it has the main story along with anecdotes and quotes
complimenting each part of the message. Inclusion of pictures in the article also contribute to the
effectiveness of it. The article is not limited like the picture because there is room to elaborate on
the points being made. A magazine article can go into as much detail as necessary, space permitting. The drawback is that there are less people willing to read through a lengthy article than a
shorter one that is more to the point.
Conclusion
Comparing the two genres, the one that is most effective in reinforcing its message is the
magazine article because it is not limited in ways that the illustration is. However, thats not saying that the illustration isnt effective. Genres of all types have their own specific advantages
over another according to the situation in which it is used. The reader, the topic, and the mood all
shape the way genres are made and used.

Running Head: LEGALIZATION

References
FANG, L. (2014). THE ANTI-POT LOBBYS BIG BANKROLL. (Cover story). Nation,
299(3/4), 12-18.
NORTHUM, MK (2014). Retrieved from http://www.patriottalon.com/opinion/
article_1b9a7816-928a-11e3-86ac-001a4bcf6878.html