The Malmsbury Youth Justice System

In response to the recent riots at both Parkville Youth Detention Centre and Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre in Victoria, Rita Panahi contends that the justice system for juveniles is a system that is soft on criminals resulting in the riots and damage of property. Panahi’s article ‘We need more stick and less carrot in detention centres’ mocks the juvenile system by emphasizing its ineffective “softly softly” nature or carrot.The article is also accompanied by an image depicting two rowdy escaped juveniles. This article was also accompanied by an opposing point of view in the form of a comment from Steven, who in contrast suggests that harsher treatment that Panahi describes as the stick will only worsen the situation. Both Panahi and Steven
Like Rita, Steven also uses inclusive language assuming the position of readers, in contrast, however, Steven also asks “Is this really what the public wants from our youth justice system?” This rhetorical question is used by Steven to engage the audience in thought and revoke their reflection of the issue by highlighting readers as a key decision maker that can determine how the justice system is run. Readers of Rita’s piece are intentionally startled and purposefully included with the intention of positioning readers to oppose any converse arguments while Stevens readers are engaged through reflection and inclusive
Rita’s use of exaggeration such as when referring to the police is used to dramatically reinforce her supporting arguments, to further strengthen her points and gain further support from readers. Steven also uses exaggeration but instead describes Rita’s idea of harsher treatment as “the lock them up and throw away the key attitude” this paints the opposing perspective as inhumane and unemotional and is intended to sway readers from the opposing opinion. Both Rita and Steven emphasize significant points to further strengthen their arguments and attract readers