Analysis

The rhetorical situation of the speech “We call BS” is that the speaker is X González (formerly known as Emma González), a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at the time of the speech. González’s audience is made up of the people attending the gun control rally where González is delivering the speech.

The speech has a fairly straightforward composition, which can be broken down into five main parts depending on the topics González addresses. The last part of the speech is the most memorable one which also gives the speech its title.

The style of language is informal and colloquial. The language González uses at several points throughout the speech can be considered to reflect their age.

The main rhetorical devices used in the speech are direct address and repetition. The repetition of the phrase “We call BS” is particularly notable and memorable.

Throughout the speech, González primarily appeals to pathos and logos to support their arguments and deliver their message. The blend between emotion and logic is an effective tool and makes the speech sound more convincing.

Further help

Do you want additional help with analysis of non-fiction? See our general guide to non-fiction analysis.

Excerpt from the study guide:

González also refers to other countries’ response to mass shootings to highlight the failure of the US to take action and prevent such tragedies from happening:

Australia had one mass shooting in 1999 in Port Arthur and after the massacre introduced gun safety, and it hasn’t had one since. Japan has never had a mass shooting. Canada has had three and the UK had one and they both introduced gun control and yet here we are.