Write a paragraph identifying how the language choices in this article position the reader to respond to this situation. Try to include a mention of cultural assumptions.
The article positions the reader to initially emphasize with the young girl, Tiffany Eunick so that the reader can more easily accept the sympathetic tone Lionel’s situation is alluded with towards the end. This is apparent through the first quote incorporated within the article that explains the nature of Lionel’s injustices, ‘cold, cruel and indescribably’. Such figurative language is also later used to describe the physical act and therefore further positioning the reader to become more opposed against the actions of Lionel Tate, ‘[his actions imitated] swinging a limp object like a rag doll, into a stair rail’. In between these two quotes is a brief acknowledgement for the absence of a parent at the scene. This information lessens the disgust the reader may feel towards the 12-year old boy and rather assumes it was the mothers’ fault for not committing to her babysitting responsibilities. The reader is now positioned to consider the influences behind this child’s violent behaviour and consider the oblivious nature of children. The article concludes by shifting a portion of the reader’s empathy towards the harsh punishment of the boy, ‘Prosecutor Padowitz said he would join in asking…to reduce the sentence’. This statement leaves the reader in a position to regard children as irresponsible in their actions by nature and therefore can’t be blamed.
