The Story Of A Snitch: the unwillingness of the ‘Civilian’ to testify
Thesis: In Baltimore and in surrounding suburbs, it has become increasingly difficult for authorities to unfold crimes and persecute suspects due to an unwillingness of the community to come forward as witnesses. Jeremy Kahn, the author of “The Story Of A Snitch”, connects this enigma to witness intimidation and perceived danger. Through his detailed analysis of prominent cases, interviews of Baltimore residents, and the perspective of the trials and tribulations of John Dowery Jr., Kahn is able to bring the issue to the public’s view and suggest an issue of ethics in the response of the public to violent crime in their neighborhood. The author specifically uses pertinent colloquialisms, detailed narration and lavish descriptions, and a seemingly neutral presentation of evidence to convince the reader of the significance of the issue.
I. Word choice always plays an important role in appealing to a perceived audience. In this article, the author includes terms and phrases that are commonly used on “the street” to appeal to the audience’s pathos.
a. Specific words used
b. “Snitches and rats” / underground DVD
II. “Only the skilled hands of the surgeons at Johns Hopkins spared his life” (56).
a. The use of narration to appeal to peak the interest of the audience
b. Phrases Kahn uses that are instrumental in delivering the argument
i. i.e. “climate of fear,” “culture of silence,” “double standard,” etc.
III. The author uses a more neutral perspective to relay his argument to the audience. Instead of taking a strong biased position, he effectively uses evidence to convince the reader.
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