In the article “Say Hi or Die” by Josh Freed, the author uses irony to describe the frightening experience of living in Los Angeles and its security problems. He mentions that Los Angeles “is always sunny but to enjoy the weather it’s wise to stay off the street”（4）. In sarcastic way, the scene shows as a dangerous situation in Los Angeles. He goes on to discuss how the Los Angeles police warns the tourists, “Do not come to Los Angeles . . . it is not safe” (6). The police statement shows in a sarcastic way that the Los Angeles is a frightening place. In addition, when the author wanders into a gun shop called “Gun Heaven”, he finds “there weren’t many hunting rifle to be seen, only weapons for hunting people” (9). When Josh asks how to get the gun, the clerk tells him that he only needs a driver’s license. It indicates that the gun is too easy to obtain, and also it implies why Los Angeles is a place filled with violence and crimes. Finally, the definition of “valet parking” has a entirely different meaning in Los Angeles. Normally, the valet parking is a special service in upper-class restaurants, but here in Los Angeles “ it is a polite way of saying: PARKING YOURSELF MAY REDUCE LIFE EXPECTANCY” (24). Overall, the author uses the irony to describe his own terrifying experience in Los Angeles and also exposes the dark side of the city.
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