Rhetorical Analysis of "Why Women Aren't Welcome on the Internet"

Amanda Hess, the author of “Why Women Aren’t Welcome on the Internet” has a very strong and concerning reason to be writing this article.  The exigence, or drive to write, for this article is quite clearly the threats which Hess has received from various and anonymous internet users.  She lists and describes these appalling threats to make it clear what her exact purpose is, in writing the article.  The vulgar threats are listed, strategically, to appeal to the reader’s sense of fear.  Hess is sure to mention the great effects that the threats have on her life.  The reader would not want to receive any threats similar to what Hess received, therefore, Hess is able to put the reader in her shoes.  It is important to note that the author consistently mentions her and her colleague’s jobs to establish a sense of authority and credibility.  If any random person was receiving these threats, it is unlikely that the reader would be too incredibly concerned, but since the threats are affecting people’s jobs and livelihoods, the reader feels the need to react with some level of concern.  Even though Hess is able to create a sense of authority, she still makes it clear that she needs help.  In a way, she is begging for other people to make a difference, realizing that her attempts are futile.  Her begging and pleading is clear in her voice.  She ends the article mentioning that her files are neatly organized, but her anxieties are not.  This shows that she believe she has done everything possible.  Now, she believes, it is someone else’s turn to take action.  Although the article specifically mentions these threats being against women, it is clear that Hess is trying to get her message out to everyone.  In fact, it is likely that men are her primary audience because she is relying on them to make changes and allow women to have a greater voice in the resulting actions or punishments following these threats.  Hess lists many statistics showing, among other things, how rarely men receive threatening messages, in comparison to women.  This is another good example of the author establishing herself and backing up her points with solid statistics and reason.  Overall, Hess does a good job presenting the argument, but ultimately she leaves the reader with a problem and few solutions for the problem.