Bringing It All Together

The start of a revolution began, in its smallest of measures, at the 1968 Ms. America pageant. From here, it grew to astronomical proportions, and truly became one of the greatest steps forward for women. In the article, “Its Ms. America to You,” written by Barbara Kantrowitz, one would find that these revolutionizing events were not only stated in Newsweek for the simple knowledge of history, but rather for an even bigger aim and purpose. By using the concepts from Kinneavy’s article and applying it to this sample of work, the reader would realize that it is not just referential, but expressive, literary, and persuasive as well. When a small sample of all of these is placed into one article, the effects of success are transparent; even if, at first glance, the reader is drawn in and focused on the informative approach.
It is quite obvious to most that this article falls under the referential informative category because it is a news article reporting on the events of the past. To witness this, observe the opening sentence which states, “In a tumultuous year, a demonstration by 100 women on the boardwalk in Atlantic City seemed relatively tame.” By mentioning facts, such as how many women were involved, what occurred on that day, and where the event took place, the author sets up a story, or an explanation if you will, allowing the reader to know from the very start that this is a recollection of events. By focusing on the informative, the author brings in the “reality,” as Kinneavy would say, of the situation. It is also interesting to note that Kantrowitz also clearly explains in her article what did not happen on this day as well. She uses the word “myth” in the beginning to lay to rest any misconceptions about what occurred on this day. This also helps to reinforce the factual and truthful information that makes a report or news article credible. The article also goes on to state dates, names, and events that took place to help further the point of informing the reader of the facts.
Though this article may seem to have a clear cut purpose that lies under the referential category, one may also note that it could also fall under the expressive category as well. This article is about the struggle of women’s rights, and at this time in 1968, women were not necessarily a minority, but they did experience many of the hardships that minorities faced. Being given the right to choose how to act and how to portray one’s self, without the stereotypes of what men thought women should live up to, was an incredible step towards “freedom” for women. This idea of socially expressing one’s self is not as obvious as just stating the facts, but it does help to add more of a purpose to this article. This particular area is where the writer highlights the advancements that women have made in our country since 1968.
Also, the idea of literary composition can also be found in this article. This too, is not completely obvious to the reader; however, it plays a very important role. In the article, Kantrowitz talks about Robin Morgan, a woman who played a huge role in the liberation movement. Her story is briefly portrayed here and explained to the reader because it helps the reader understand what was going on in the minds of the women at this time. Why here at the Ms. America pageant? Why now? What caused these women to perform in such an act? These questions are going through the reader’s mind because the reader wants to know why and where the women of the liberation movement were coming from. By telling Morgan’s story, the reader gets a better idea as to why this event occurred.
Finally, this article appeals to the reader through a persuasive technique. The fact that these women were fighting for rights is a very political topic that concerns all women. Kantrowitz adds the quote from the Ms. America winner of 1968 saying, “’I think the feminist movement has done a lot for women…We wouldn’t be where we are if it hadn’t started out that way.’” By using this quote, the reader begins to recall how far women have actually come, and this sense of pride and accomplishment is quite overwhelming. Kantrowitz also adds “Crowned or uncrowned, sisterhood is powerful.” This particular statement adds to the emotions of the reader, especially women, because we realize that we could make a difference as well if we just come together and fight for what we believe in. The passion that Kantrowitz leaves us with is awe-inspiring; and this just makes the article even more successful in its aim.
It is only after observing these different segments in the article that the reader can realize just how effective and successful this article is as a whole. The point that Kinneavy was trying to portray was that it is the combination of the communications triangle that makes a piece of writing more effective to the readers because it appeals to a broader range of audience. Though the intended audience of this article is to all the readers of Newsweek, the implied audience is to all women. By using the referential aspect, Kantrowitz appeals to anyone who is reading the article because she is stating news and facts that anyone would be interested in; however, by using expressive, literary, and persuasive, Kantrowitz can make an extra appeal to women as well. This article is a great example of Kinneavy’s aims and principle divisions because it draws in the writer, the audience, the text, and the reality of the situation to help complete the triangle and help to bring the article together in an extremely effective manner that helps to fulfill the aim that Kantrowitz was trying to depict.