The Supermarket: Prime Real Estate By Radley Balko

The tactics used in communications between people is more important than what is being said. Why is it some arguments that seem simple in concept can be so hard to win? Perhaps the opponent was more articulate, more capable of supporting their stance, or perhaps something was said in a way that upset the audience. Many tools for winning an argument can be utilized to defeat the opponent. An excellent example can be seen when comparing “What You Eat Is Your Business” by Radley Balko and “The Supermarket: Prime Real Estate” by Marion Nestle. Balko addresses personal responsibility, or maybe the lack of personal responsibility, in society today. He brings light to changes in legislation, the trends of minimal personal responsibility for dietary choices and the impacts on the lives of people based on others poor choices. Nestle makes similar points with a very technical introspective look into the
Radley Balko was far more effective in swaying the audience through his expert use of relatable facts and statistics, notable and public figures and masterful manipulation of the audience’s emotional state to align them with his views. He used strong relatable facts to convey his stance on his topic to the readers of his article. His public and notable figures referenced brought not only a familiarity to his article, it brought credibility. The reader knew the people Balko referenced. Readers could identify with these people and could trust information referencing them to be true. In regards to emotions, the reader was left fearful of others making decisions directly impacting their lives, diet and eating habits. The audience was left angry that someone would interject themselves into something so personal as eating habits, aligned with Radley Balko and receptive to his suggestions. Radley Balko won this argument, hands