Rhetorical Analysis 

The article “I Don’t Want a Black Ariel.” — Why We Shouldn’t Be Satisfied With Race Switching | The Final Cutback” and ” Brandy’s Black Cinderella Made The Impossible Possible In Hollywood” both share a similar message on proper African American representation in the media and film. However, the differences between both articles highlight why Black representation is such a controversial, but necessary topic that requires a more in-depth analysis. This message is conveyed through ethos, logos, and pathos, as used at different points in both readings.

In the article “I Don’t Want a Black Ariel.” — Why We Shouldn’t Be Satisfied With Race Switching | The Final Cutback,” the author makes a strong use of Logos. The anonymous individual who speaks about why the new Little Mermaid is a “Cheap” representation of African Americans in film is backed up by his personal opinion that Disney should have created something new, instead of recycling an old film. For instance, “Representation is not something that should just be visual [..] it should be through diverse stories, characters, settings as well as the casting” (The Final Cutback). This reflects the emotions from the author which conveys a need for true work and effort to put into a topic as sensitive as this one. There shouldn’t be any shortcuts or exceptions. I also feel like the fact of the writer’s identity being left out is to keep bias to a minimum and focus on only the opinion itself. They most likely want to focus on the topic above anything else and maintain the focus on appealing to their audience. Additionally, the site that this was published in also makes a difference because it is not certain if many people will view your writing, but it is also a good place to voice your opinion. Additionally, the intended audience of this article plays a role in where it was uploaded as you don’t have to state who you are, and there is no way of knowing if people will even read your article. I also feel like the author uses logos to appeal to a logical emphasis toward his opinion of not wanting “another black Ariel” as not being forged from any deep-rooted hatred or bias toward the actress herself. But from a desire to experience proper representation in this industry by the quality and effort put into creating a good story, with an original black character.

In the article “Brandy’s Black Cinderella Made The Impossible Possible In Hollywood” By Vicky Mochama, an African American writer, editor, and journalist based in Canada, she uses ethos and pathos to portray her personal experience with loving the brand Cinderella and portray a common belief of it depicting a true sense of African American representation and appreciation. As Well as incorporating the beliefs of other African Americans who share the same feelings as her on the internet and elsewhere. For instance, “Maybe Disney just wanted to profit off some old intellectual property or fulfill a regular demand from Black Twitter in which Black folks ask for cultural touchstones to be made available on streaming platforms,” this writer feels as though this movie has so much power and influence toward the black community that it has to have been acknowledged in some way for it to be added back. Furthermore, there is also a sense of nostalgia for this story as it is one of the best-representing stories that she has seen supporting the African American community in the romantic fairytale genre. She mentions that this story is one for the future and for its time (the 90s) it is incredibly progressive and hopefully to the future. Furthermore, this story has also paved the way for representation in the future such as “The Princess and the Frog” which also shared a common ground with the brandy story as it beautifully represented black culture. Also, “Black Cinderella laid the groundwork for the return of the live musical event on television.When we spoke, Zadan and Meron had just completed the NBC live airing of The Wiz! That, too, was an iconic story retconned with Black characters as a celebration of Black music.” Overall, the author’s use of emotion through Pathos, and cultural significance through ethos demonstrates her passion for the story and pure sense of pride in the representation that it has led to in the future since its release.