Rhetorical Analysis – "A Tragic Evil Among Us" by President Hinckley

WATCO: Pornography on people’s ability to lead fulfilling lives?

Claim: Pornography cripples people’s ability to lead fulfilling lives because storing up a memory of obscene images and ideas keeps people from feeling self-worth and real love towards those around them.

Audience: Boys and Men ages 12 and up

Implicit Assumption: Whatever keeps people from feeling self-worth and real love towards others also cripples their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

Pornography is all around us, which is probably why President Hinckley decided to give this talk during the priesthood session of General Conference. It has been three and a half years since he gave this talk and President Hinckley has since passed away, yet his counsel may be even more applicable today than it was at the time. His talk is persuasive on many different levels. First, nobody is more credible than the prophet when talking about what is beneficial to us and what will help us grow. President Hinckley used real life experiences, statistical evidence and personal testimony to make a case against pornography. The letter he received from an anonymous woman was very emotional, while the statistics he presented added logic and credibility. Many other church and civic leaders have spoken against pornography, so his talk was in line with other credible sources. I remember President Hinckley giving this talk. The love and concern he felt for all of us was evident, and his words hit home and made an impression with many who were listening.