In his paper, David Brooks touches upon the significant problem that becomes especially topical nowadays. He tries to outline the perspectives that await modern college graduates and attracts peoples attention to the obvious problem that exists in this sphere by comparing the past and coherent environments. Considering the theme of the article, it is possible to state that the intended audience is rather broad. The ideas presented in the essay might be interesting both to adolescents who have their own children and could think about their future; for graduates who will face the described problems and try to overcome them; and even for some authorities who are able to impact the situation and make some steps to improve it. In this regard, the topicality of the issue preconditions the interest of various social groups to it.
To sound more convincing, the author uses several rhetorical appeals. He obviously wants to make the paper more emotional and touches upon the issues that could not but interest people and evoke a response. For instance, when speaking about students and stating that “they are sent off into this world with the whole baby-boomer theology ringing in their ears” (Brooks par. 6), he appeals to the emotional sphere and wants people to sympathize with young people who are doomed to face the cruel world not being prepared for it. The given approach might be considered rather efficient as it makes the paper more emotionally colored and attracts peoples attention.
Additionally, Brooks also explores ethical appeals by saying that the ideals and values peculiar to the past generations could hardly remain appropriate for the modern one: “most of them will not quickly get married, buy a home and have kids, as previous generations did” (Brooks par. 4). For a certain period of time family had been considered the core value, but it became replaced with other ones. This shift of priorities poses a significant threat to society as it undermines the basic principles of its functioning and results in the decreased importance of the family institution which is the basis of any community. For this reason, the author manages to appeal to one of the basic peoples feelings.
Furthermore, the paper also provides a reader with a historical perspective on the evolution of goals and priorities of the youth. Brooks compares the values and goals of past generation with these of the modern one, admitting the fact that they are absolutely different. The author also emphasizes the fact that the sophistication of social relations and increased complexity of the modern world make young people spend at least a decade moving from one job to another and trying to find the appropriate vacancy.
The given essay could be considered the authors attempt to attract peoples attention to the problems of the modern youth. Brooks wants to show readers that young people raised in the structured environment will confront diverse job markets, complicated job search, and other social landscapes that might be rather challenging for them. That is why there is a great need for the reconsideration of the approach to the modern educational system as it fails to prepare individuals to the problems they should face after their study. Altogether, the author manages to achieve his goal and make people think about the perspectives awaiting graduates.
Works Cited
Brooks, David. “Its Not About You.”The New York Times. 2011. Web.