Rhetorical devices

Humor

The text “Co-parents, but not romantic partners” by Makda Ghebreslassie begins on a humorous note. The voiceover talks about a traditional family, yet the text describes a more modern type of relationship: “An attractive woman meets a handsome man. Two years later, a beautiful baby boy. The epitome of a traditional family” (ll. 1-2). The introduction plays with the viewers’ expectations and hints that co-parenting arrangements might not be that different from traditional families in certain areas. 

The video also relies on humor. In the beginning of the video, Busic, Schulz, and their baby are shown in black and white, and their life is presented using cinema music and voiceover. This captures the viewers’ attention and contributes to the humorous feel, especially when it is revealed that Busic and Schulz are not part of a traditional family, as viewers would ...