The Circus: Evaluative or Not?
The key features of evaluations (EA 268) are as:
a) An evaluative claim that makes a judgment about a person,idea, or object.
b) The criterion or criteria by which you’ll measure your subject.
c) Evidence that the particular subject meets or falls short of the stated criteria.
Considering these key features, i believe that my argument about animal cruelty in the circus would be considered an evaluative argument. First, my entire blog is arguing the fact that there is animal cruelty behind the curtains at the circus that much of society may not know or believe. This is a problem, many innocent animals are being abused, which has caused psycological damage as well as physical damage. This abuse has even caused death in the animals involved in the circus. Secondly my criteria was created by thinking about something common in america (the circus) and really thinking about how i could discuss this argument. Many many people believe this show is fun and family oriented and simply just an amazing show filled with tricks and stunts. My question was whether or not the animals used within these tricks and stunts are treated as they should be. Instead of just thinking about the circus i attempted to dig deeper and find an issue behind the scenes or curtains so to speak of the circus. Lastly, the evidence i have used about this argument are many articles, images of weapons used against the animals, as well as a video which allows viewers to clearly see for themselves the abuse to the elephants in action behind the scenes of a circus. An undercover PETA member was able to record and publicize the footage that was captured. Personally, considering my feelings towards animals, this video i found almost made me cry. Even telling my older sister, Lara, about this video that had shocked me made her tear up and eventually cry because she felt so bad about how the animals were being treated. (Can you tell my family likes animals?) It really changed how i personally viewed the circus and most definitely helped me to make the decision of whether or not to support the circus by paying money to go see the so-called “Greatest Show on Earth.”
Now, it is only up to you to see the evidence for yourself and to decide where you stand on this argument.
