Rhetorical situation

Speaker

The speaker of the TED Talk “The Issues of Youth Censorship” is Olivia Orlewicz, a Canadian school student. In her TED Talk, Orlewicz shares her personal experience of censorship in school and advocates for open discussion and the importance of allowing different perspectives to be heard.

Orlewicz mentions being in grade six and having a final assignment in her English class to create a TED Talk. Orlewicz chose to discuss veganism, as she had recently transitioned to a vegan lifestyle and wanted to educate her classmates about it. Orlewicz also describes herself as “passionate” about veganism, something that her classmates already knew. Therefore, Orlewicz comes across as someone who is ready to argue for her opinions and who encourages open discussions on relevant issues. 

Orlewicz discusses censorship in the context of parental concerns and educators' attempts to shape children's beliefs, highlighting the potential negative consequences of limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints. She believes that censorship can limit personal growth, exploration, and the development of independent ideas. In the talk, it is clear that Orlewicz is a young advocate for freedom of expression, critical thinking, and open dialogue.

Circumstances

The text discusses the idea of censorship in schools, which is a topical issue that affects educators and students alike. Censorship in schools implies controlling access to certain materials, top...