Discussion on Modes of Arguments - Research Paper Example

Discussion on Modes of Arguments The article “The worker next Door” is written by Barry R. Chiswick. In the article, it seems that initially the author is arguing over the American reliance on the potential low skilled emigrated workers. He gives it a good start by questioning rhetorically, if business activities would halt without ‘illegal aliens’, ‘immigrants’ or ‘guest workers’. The starting paragraph has somehow explained to the reader that the author is not in favor of immigrants working in the American economy. He seems to be of the opinion that Native Americans deserve the positions and American economy would survive and even improve without immigrants. But when we read the topic further, it seems something different from where it was started. He seems arguing over low wage rate in his writing. He argued that since the Americans after graduating do not indulge themselves in learning technical skills, they are not able to contribute in the technical fields. They are also not able to earn high for that very reason. The argument seems too vaguely discussed that one may relate his assertions to the America’s incapability of taking on management and technical roles. Does the author argue on having immigrants at higher level managerial roles then? Certainly not! Te author seems to support America’s capability of providing low skilled labor in sufficient supply to meet the demands. The argument posed a bit negative and was not formulated carefully. Chiswick supports his claim for the eradication of immigrants by referring to students, housewives and retired population of America, who would gladly take on the roles requiring low-skills to meet their needs. The author intentionally pointed towards housewives and students to rise up an emotional appeal for the rights and needs of these weak, sensitive and apparently dependent groups. This is an excellent example of ‘pathos’ element of writing used in the content under discussion. He further states that, there is a concentration of low-skilled workers in America due to legal and illegal immigrations. The supply of low-skilled labor is more than its demand which results in lowering of the wage rates. He used the case of a farmer to evidence the needlessness of immigrants. He uses the logos element by reasoning that using machines and latest technologies, the costs can be reduced and efficiency improved in almost every field. The apparently logical and practical reason, however, seems flawed as the machinery, latest technologies and its use require much more capital investment than could be afforded by farmers, small-scale businesses and sole- proprietors etc. In the last paragraph, the author seems to persuade the American nation by putting forward emotional arguments. He uses ethos to some extent by using proper tone, developing a sense of unity and motivating the Americans by identifying their strengths. In my opinion the author has not developed a sound case. This writing starts from one direction and ends on another making the topic and discussion confusing. The writer is not able to maintain harmony throughout his writing. The absurdity of his reasoning is apparent in the last few paragraphs where he offers the reduction in changing of sheets and towels. American economy does not need low-skilled workers for changing sheets and towels only. Reducing consumption or changing patterns would not only reduce the quality of services provided by hotels, restaurants and other businesses but would also threaten the existence of many businesses. There are many businesses, especially service industry, which base their success on the availability of labor, like salespersons, telecommunication experts, call centre agents and so on. The concept of globalization, in itself, is a reason to incorporate the emigrant population within the economy of every country. I strongly oppose the viewpoint of the writer. He is confused in using the techniques of persuasion and argument. He is also unable to use the details, sources and evidences. Like while discussing about low-skilled workers he took example of census 2000 in which he discussed about overall employment in America rather than discussing the low skilled workers in particular. It is obvious that increase in demand of labor can result in high wage rate. At one point he is discussing the poor economic impact of increased low-skilled workers on the wage rate due to abundant legal and illegal immigrants in America. On other point, he is discussing the increase in supply of low-skilled American labor due to high wage rates. Hence, the question on the net effect of making low skilled immigrants redundant is questionable on the economic grounds. Abundance of low skilled immigrants demanding low pay rates is of less benefit to the author economically, but paying higher wages to American low-skilled labor is justified on the economic grounds. These contradicting and biased views do not clarify the argument of the author but rather create a sense of confusion and alarms the American entrepreneurs for not having enough labor to perform the tasks. I strongly oppose the whole argument of reducing or eradicating the emigrants as American economy is benefiting from them. With the increase of low skilled workers the competition in the labor market increases urging the labor to improve their performance and experience levels. This competition is of immense importance from the producers’ point of view because these low-skilled workers are easy to hire at low wage rate. Due to low wage rate the cost of production will be eventually lowered down. Low-skilled workers can be trained to work on special projects which need specialization, therefore, if we view this increase in low skilled labor from another perspective it is considered to be beneficial. Though we need people who are highly qualified and who have analytical skills, yet the low skilled labor cannot be removed from the posts. As the writer discussed that people who graduate from high school lack the mentioned skills; I argue that they can be trained, over time and through repetition, for specialized tasks. These people can, then, be hired at supervisor and managerial levels in their relevant fields. In my view, the article could deliver its message in a better manner if arguments from both sides could be included. The article sounded biased and improperly presented due to vaguely developed arguments and higher attention of the writer towards opposing immigrant workers on all grounds. Read More