Question

President Obama said Kaepernick was "exercising his constitutional right to make a statement. I think there’s a long history of sports figures doing so." [3] The San Francisco 49ers said in a statement, "In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem." [1] A letter signed by 35 US veterans stated that "Far from disrespecting our troops, there is no finer form of appreciation for our sacrifice than for Americans to enthusiastically exercise their freedom of speech." [12] Is it pathos, ethos, or logos?

a) Pathos
b) Ethos
c) Logos
d) None of the above

Answer 1

The statements regarding Colin Kaepernick's protest appeal to ethical principles, aligning with ethos as the form of persuasion used.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks whether statements about Colin Kaepernick's protest during the national anthem represent pathos, ethos, or logos. These are rhetorical strategies used to persuade an audience by appealing to their emotions, ethics, or logic, respectively. In this context, the statements appeal to ethical principles and patriotic values, aligning with the definition of ethos. Appeals are made to American principles such as freedom of religion and expression, as well as the respect for individuals to make a statement. Support from U.S. veterans stating that exercising freedom of speech is a form of appreciation for their sacrifice is a powerful ethical argument. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Ethos.