Bullying Article Analysis

The Age has recently released forums in an attempt to expose the public’s thoughts of the serious issue of bullying in the Australian schools. Among all the other editorials, Henrietta Cook wrote her opinionated piece publish on the 22nd May 2016. In her editorial Cook presents Melissa Anderson ’s views about kids who get bullied at school and the responses of individuals. She states with a cold-hearted and attacking tone that its about time for children who are bullied to “stop playing the victim”. In her article she doesn't make clear if she agrees with Anderson but she uses many language devices throughout her article, to make the reader think and make the final decision without getting influenced based on her views.

Cook uses a fair amount of experts in her article which invite the readers themselves regarding the particular topic she brings up. Bully Zero Foundation chief executive Oscar Yildiz states that “the victim is not the problem”. He supports, its very important to focus on changing the behaviour of perpetrators who are often unaware that they are the bullies. “The person demonstrating that poor behaviour is the problem, not the victim”. The author establishes this language device in her editorial as it creates a strong and exasperated sense of guilt and shame directed at the bullies. This particular device would result in the audience being receptive as they are forced to examine the effects of use of experts bases on this situation in regards to Cook’s contention. The device is presented in a serious and bitter tone. When the readers come across this device, they feel as thought their own contention may be changed to the author’s argument as the tone and language may have turned their point of view.

Furthermore, a very strong language visual device is being displayed on the authors article. With the use of this language device the author hopes to attach the readers emotions and try to make them feel like they are the ones in the photo. This...