Climate change is characterised by heartfelt screams. It is clear which scenario will be remembered in history. Malcolm Gladwell makes this argument in “Small Change”: Why the Revolution Won’t Be Tweeted. To convince readers that social media cannot bring about progress, Gladwell uses a unique writing style, logos, ethos and an intellectual persona. He convinces readers to believe that social media is not able to provide the change in society which has always been needed.
Gladwell’s use of facts and examples from the real world allows him to support his argument. The best example is his two-page summary on the 1960 Greensboro Sit-in. Gladwell’s spiel has captured the attention of his readers and put them in the scene. His statement “”…it happened without e mail, texting or Facebook” (314) is powerful and enough to explain the situation without needing any further explanation. The same is true for Gladwell’s opinions. He never expresses them without a solid real-world instance to back up his reasoning. He cites the fall of Al-Qaeda, the Palestinian Liberation Organization as examples of how networks are inadequate to affect any sort of social order. These well known examples lend him credibility and also help to attract his audience. Gladwell was not alone in using logos to support his argument. The reader is able to feel and hear the tension of the 1960 Greensboro sit-in by being shown visuals. Gladwell uses this tactic to convince the reader that his viewpoint is correct. Gladwell then explains why he believes social media is not playing a significant role in today’s activism. In his explanation, Gladwell uses Facebook and Twitter as examples to compare social activism from the 1960s to today. He gives the reader new insight into the “socalled Twitter Revolution” that took place in Moldova or Iran. In the end, he concludes his argument and then continues with the next paragraph about the protest. He keeps doing this throughout the essay, showing that social media has no place in a social revolution. This strategy is important because it keeps the audience engaged. Gladwell’s writing strategies were not limited to this.
Gladwell’s essay was written in a tone that was intellectual and humble. His choice of words and syntax created an impression that he was educated. This identity helps establish credibility and allows Gladwell to convince readers of his viewpoint. Take his claim that social media allows people to be heard: “…the traditionally established relationship between the political authorities and the public will has been shattered, making collaboration, coordination, and giving voice to concerns easier for those without power” (314). This quote shows the scholarly nature of his personality. It also reveals him as an informed, balanced observer.
Gladwell is able to make a convincing argument that social media have not improved social norms. But I don’t agree with his positive interpretation of uprisings, revolutions and other social movements. Gladwell focuses on the failure of social media to bring about social change. However, he ignores that in the history of physical rebellions, they caused more damage and chaos than aiding populations who needed reform. Gladwell also neglects the fact that while social media may be good for spreading information, it is not always enough to bring about meaningful social change.
Malcolm Gladwell is very efficient in his argument to show the inefficiency of social media for social reform. His intellect, along with his unique style of writing and use logos, ethics, and other elements, helped him attract readers. His readers were able to understand his point of view and hopefully take action. Gladwell has a valid perspective on the subject of social networks’ insignificance to changing social agendas. The alternative, including violent attacks and large crowds, may undermine reformers’ goals. This is a mistake that weakens him, because rebellions can create even more chaos, which prevents society from moving forward.
Works Cited
No changes need to be made.
Gladwell, Malcom. “Small change: Why revolution will not be tweeted.” They say/I : The moves that are important in academic writing. 2nd Edition. Graff, Gerald, Cathy
Birkenstein & Russell Durst. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. 312-327 Print.
