RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF A WEBSITE

Rhetorical Analysis of a Website

Alejandra Molina Baca
University of Texas at El Paso

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF A WEBSITE

Abstract
The goal of this essay was to rhetorically analyze the website Latino Decisions by using each
part of the rhetorical triangle and prove if the website could be a credible source useful for
research in future assignments involving the semester topic. The analysis was broken down into
three parts that constitute the rhetorical triangle: first part analyzed ethos through the writings
formal tone, credible sources, information about the authors in charge of the website, and their
policy about unbiased opinions. Pathos was analyzed through the topics and how they make the
audience feel angry, sad and disappointed, and the opinions Latinos give in the websites
research. Logos is analyzed in the way the website is organized, as well as the poll methodology
and the significance of the colors red and blue used for the website. Conclusions on the analysis
determined the website was a good example of a balanced use of the rhetorical triangle, and
therefore it is a reliable source.

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF A WEBSITE

Rhetorical Analysis of a Website

Websites often tend to be great resources of information, but to be a reliable and useful
source when it comes to researching, it should contain a balanced use of the rhetorical triangle,
which is composed of ethos, pathos and logos. The purpose of this essay is to analyze how
latinodecisions.com illustrates Latinos current status on political decisions in the US, as well as
some issues in the community, by using reliable citations and having a team of trustworthy
authors, by adding emotion into their narrative utilizing Latinos opinions and in the way their
research is conducted as well as the way the website is organized.
The use of ethos is presented on this website in several forms. First of all, the formal tone
in their writing assures the reader that what the website is trying to communicate is important
and serious, and this helps build trust into the reader while they continue exploring the website.
The second important thing to note is their use of news media citations, in which they use
content from prestigious websites involving Latino politics, such as The New York Times, ABC
News, NBC News, CNN and several others. The use of these citations gives the website the
credibility it needs to be legit. Another reason that adds to the ethos category is the background
of its authors. The website was founded by Matt A. Barreto and Gary M. Segura, both professors
of political sciences with a Ph.D., with the purpose to inform the public about topics related to
issues within the Latino community. It also has two more principals in charge, as well as seven
researchers, most of them have a Ph.D. The experience of the people who are collaborating on
the website as well as their high level of studies reassures the reader that these are trustworthy
people, and it adds to the credibility of the website. They also added a contact number and email
in case one of the visitors of the website has any questions or suggestions. On the about us tab,
they specify that the public can trust Latino decisions for sharp, independent and clear analysis

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF A WEBSITE

of Latino public opinion, meaning that they have an unbiased opinion and it does not influence
the results of their research conducted at all. Also posting the complete results of their research is
an ethic thing to do, because that way if the reader doubts the conclusions given, they can always
take a look at the polls and citations so they can reassure themselves that the content presented in
the final result is legit.
Pathos is used on this website because of how the narrative is coordinated to appeal to its
readers. The topic by itself causes an emotional reaction in Latino people, even when the author
of the articles does not take a stance, because it shows the reality of how Latinos are negatively
stereotyped. The website shows its results without any bias, it is portrayed more professionally,
but still the content might be sensitive to the readers who identify as Latinos, and they might tend
to show anger, sadness, disappointment and impotence as a response. Also another way the
website portrays emotions is by using opinions of Latino people in their research conducted. The
website is constantly running polls on some polemic topics, an example of them being the
current presidential elections in the USA, and they ask Latinos on their opinion. Some of them
express disagreement with any topic that tends to show signs of racism or contempt towards
them. The information posted in this website has the purpose of helping registered voting Latinos
make informed decisions when it comes to voting or any other similar actions.
Logos is expressed in the way their research is conducted, because it is a methodical and
organized process. They are known to conduct several polls and surveys to help their research, in
which they start by giving a little bit of background information into the topic that is being
researched. On the website they state that sound methodology and appropriate protocols are
essential to a surveys validity meaning that this is the reason why they follow a certain
protocol, which is to interview registered Latinos to conduct their research so they have more

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF A WEBSITE

accurate results, and they find these people by using resources, such as the most recent list of
registered voters or a Census Bureau list. These polls portray statistics, which contain numbers,
and they appeal to the logical side. Another way they portray logic on their website is by their
use of colors red and blue, which automatically is associated with the colors of the flag, and
therefore it gets associated with politics, which is one of the major topics the website is about.
Also they appeal to logic in the way the website is organized, because it is divided into tabs,
which makes it easier to navigate, as well as their information is simplified, which lets the reader
find their information quickly. They also have a search tab, letting the reader type in keywords
about a certain topic so they can find the information they require easily.
In conclusion, this analysis states that the website has a good use of the rhetorical
triangle, and it is shown in the way the writings tone is formal, how they use prestigious sources,
and how the authors in charge of the website are well-prepared and informed. It also lets the
readers feel emotions through their topics as well as using Latinos own opinions for their
research conducted. Along with these two, it also appeals to logic in the methodology of their
research as well as the websites organization and simplicity, making this website a reliable and
complete source to use in any kind of research related to political topics involving Latinos, as
well as to stay informed on any other issue regarding this community. After this analysis, I could
determine that this website will indeed help me for future assignments involving the semester
topic thanks to some of their research conducted and articles posted involving the representation
of Latinos in the media.

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF A WEBSITE

6
References

Latino Decisions. (September, 2012). How media stereotypes about Latinos fuel negative
attitudes towards Latinos. Retrieved from Latino Decisions.
http://www.latinodecisions.com/blog/2012/09/18/how-media-stereotypes-about-latinosfuel-negative-attitudes-towards-latinos/