Illegal Immagrints

‘Our minds locked in over plight of detainees’
By Hugh Mackay

The column ‘Our minds locked in over plight of detainees’ by Hugh Mackay uses many stylistic devices to convince the readers to agree with his opinions on the issue of detainees. Manipulating the structure, language, imagery and tone of the article are the primary methods used by Mackay which cause the readers to reconsider their views about asylum seekers.

Hugh Mackay addresses the controversial issue of detainees in Australia. He writes about the public’s mindsets as well as the Government’s stance on the detainees. The article is written in an opinionative and controversial way as Mackay brings to light his point of view. It becomes obvious that Mackay is opposed to the Government’s treatment of detainees as he endeavours to persuade the public to take his stance and put pressure on the government. He comments ‘still, we must presume the government is not evil’. He subtly makes his point of view ...