TOW #17- Is Humanity Getting Better? by Leif Wenar

      In a time where racism seems like the worlds biggest problem, hate being everywhere, and rich ruling over the poor, it is sometimes important to take a step back and appreciate what we do have. “Is Humanity Getting Better?” by Leif Wenar, a writer for the New York Times, shows us what we should really appreciate. Ever since the turn of the century humanity has gotten better. Wars have lessen, death by disease has lessened, starvation has lessoned. All of these are great feats that humanity has achieved over time and they are under appreciated. That’s exactly what Leif Wenar’s purpose is: to express to people who complain about the way people have turned out that there is a lot of good in society and also that we need to grow and learn as a people more quickly or everything is going to catch up with us.

            One of the greatest ways the author helps to express this opinion is by little narratives throughout the article. When describing the death from the plague in London, Wenar writes, “Now spared from their predators, the rats spread the affliction even more fiercely. The medical advice from London’s College of Physicians — to press a hen hard on the swellings until the hen died — did not slow the disease. In the end, the Plague of 1665 is thought to have killed almost 20 percent of London’s population” (Wenar 1). These narratives not only include facts and statistics in order to appeal to logos, they also use imagery and depiction in order to appeal to pathos as well. This excellent use of narrative throughout the article enhances the readers experience and helps them to understand and connect to the point being made.

            This article brings up a lot of good points about the future and the direction we are heading. It was a very good piece.