Question

Read the excerpt from "How Not to Raise a Bully: The Early Roots of Empathy." When parents treat other people with compassion, selflessness and a lack of judgment, children copy those behaviors. "Empathy can't be taught, but it can be caught," says Gordon. What rhetorical features are employed in the excerpt? Select all that apply. How Not to Raise a Bully: The Early Roots of Empathy

Answer 1

The excerpt discusses how children model behaviors observed in their parents and the significant influence of prosocial role models in shaping socially acceptable behaviors. It highlights the importance of positive role modeling over the 'Do as I say, not as I do' approach.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt uses rhetorical features like pathos—appealing to the reader's emotions by narrating the positive influence of parents on children's behavior, specifically the development of empathy. Statements such as "Empathy can't be taught, but it can be caught," employ catchy phrases that make the message memorable. The research suggests that children observe and learn from the adults around them—positive behaviors (prosocial) model socially acceptable behaviors, while negative behaviors (antisocial) can perpetuate cycles of abuse. Public figures, like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, serve as prosocial models who inspire social change. Parents, therefore, have a significant impact through their actions, extending beyond direct instruction, emphasizing the importance of role models.