what is poverty?

Why “What is Poverty?” Makes the Reader Uncomfortable
What does it mean to be poor? Jo Goodwin Parker’s article, “What is Poverty?”, summarizes her ideas of the true definition of poverty. The article is harsh and direct and can actually make the reader uncomfortable while reading it. Parker’s stern and caustic tone throughout the article makes her seem angry at the reader. Parker’s content is extremely graphic and too personal for the reader. Though her ethical appeal and logical appeal are extremely weak, her emotional appeal is excessively strong. Parker directs this article at the reader and attacks the reader’s emotions through her harsh tone, graphic content, and lack of rhetorical appeal.
Parker’s tone throughout the article causes the reader to feel many different emotions. She begins the article with a stern, harsh tone by demanding, “You ask me what is poverty? Listen to me”(467). The tone is too direct to the reader, causing the reader to ...