Appeals to Emotion

When making an argument, or any statement for that matter, it is not uncommon for emotions to enter the picture. It is important to share your emotions with others, however it is also important to not expect everyone to have the same response to an issue. Sometimes, when arguments are made, emotions can drive our opinions one way or another. This is called appealing to emotion. A good example of those who appeal to emotion are protestors or advocates for certain projects or policies. They have certain agendas and beliefs, and hold up signs, hand out flyers, and/or get signatures in order to get their message out to people. However, based on their personal emotions, they argue something should be done, therefore appealing to emotion.

There are several types of appeals in arguments that relate to emotions: appeal to pity, appeal to fear, appeal to spite, and appeal to vanity. Appeal to pity is present when one argues on behalf of the less fortunate, advocating to help those in need. Appeal to fear is present when someone argues a point by making the viewer fearful of a problem. Appeal to spite is present when one argues opposite to another based on previous attitudes towards the other person. Appeal to vanity is present when one argues something to make you feel better about your appearance. This one is the one that "strikes" me best, because it is seen everywhere, especially in advertisements. For example, the recent AXE Style Gel commercials suggest that if guys use it, chicks will go ga-ga over their hair. Personally, I use that style gel, and I have yet to have some model run her fingers through my hair.