Logos, ethos, and pathos

In the speech “We call BS”, X González (formerly known as Emma González) mainly appeals to pathos and logos.

Pathos

Throughout the speech, González appeals to pathos when using words with strong negative connotations such as “tragedies”, “suffering PTSD”, and “panic attacks” to show the devastating effects of the shooting. Words with negative connotations are also used in connection with the shooter. González describes the shooter using words such as “mentally disturbed”, “bad and erratic behavior”, and “homicidal tendencies”. The use of such words highlights the idea that the shooter displayed problematic behavior which should have been taken into consideration when he was allowed to buy and use guns. 

González also refers to personal experience with the shooter for a similar effect, when saying: “Since he was in middle school, it was no surprise to anyone who knew him to hear that he was the...