Author Nancy Mairs, in her essay “On Being a Cripple,” makes a compelling argument about the use of the word “cripple” and how it has shaped her identity and her perception of herself. . Mairs, herself disabled due to multiple sclerosis, uses various rhetorical strategies to convey her message and challenge societal norms surrounding disability. By analyzing the rhetorical devices employed in Mairs' essay, we can better understand his argument and the impact it has on the reader.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Mairs' essay is filled with anecdotes and personal experiences, which serve as the basis for his argument. She opens the essay with a bold statement: “I am a cripple,” immediately grabbing the reader's attention and setting the tone for the rest of the essay. Mairs deliberately chooses to use the word “crippled” rather than the more politically correct term “disabled” or “challenged” to emphasize her point. By using this provocative language, she challenges the reader to confront their own discomfort with the word and the stigma attached to it. Throughout the essay, Mairs uses pathos to elicit an emotional response from the reader. By sharing her personal struggles and the impact of her disability on her daily life, she inspires empathy and understanding. For example, Mairs describes the physical limitations imposed by her illness, such as the inability to walk long distances or perform simple tasks. This arouses a feeling of sympathy in the reader and forces them to confront the harsh realities of life with a disability. Additionally, Mairs uses ethos to establish credibility as a writer and a disabled person. She talks about her academic background and professional achievements, demonstrating that her disability in no way diminishes her intelligence or abilities. By presenting herself as a capable and accomplished person, Mairs challenges the stereotype of people with disabilities as helpless or incompetent. This strengthens his argument and gives weight to his point of view. Additionally, Mairs uses logos to appeal to the reader's sense of logic and reason. She presents a clear and logical argument for reclaiming the word “cripple” and rejecting euphemistic language. Mairs argues that by using euphemisms, society perpetuates the idea that disability is something to be ashamed of or hidden. Instead, she advocates accepting the reality of disability and challenging societal norms that marginalize people with disabilities. This logical appeal encourages the reader to critically examine their own attitudes toward disability and language. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Overall, Mairs' use of rhetorical strategies effectively conveys her argument and challenges the reader to reconsider their preconceived notions about disability. By combining personal anecdotes, emotional appeals, and logical reasoning, she creates a compelling and thought-provoking essay that leaves a lasting impact. Through “On Being a Cripple,” Mairs invites the reader to confront their own biases and engage in meaningful dialogue about disability and language..