Language Analysis - Feedback please

[bobovikisan]

The article - https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-too-many-rules-play-us-for-fools/news-story/75fdb54f578cc8b62fb3f3d62c253adc


Recently, there has been a debate on how Australian Laws are influencing how citizens live their lives. On the 1st of July 2015,  the opinion piece, Too Many Rules Play Us For Fools by Sue Wighton was published by The Courier Mail.  The title itself rhymes, “rules” and “fools” which immediately resonates with the reader. The article is also accompanied by an image captioning a statement about cold coffee being a different beverage and that because of rules being too strict can not serve the beverage of hot coffee. This ironic piece argues that Australia has far too many restrictions on the law which is limiting the everyday experiences of Australians. The opinion piece is written quite childishly but ironically her target audience are adults who already agree with her point of view.

After considering the context of the article it is evident that Wighton believes that rules are making everything seem harmful. The image accompanied by the article is an annoyed woman blocking her nose, preparing to drink the coffee that is not hot. This evokes the reader to view the ridiculousness of everyday items being health hazards and question Australia’s health and safety regulation. Wighton continues to sarcastically remark, “my heightened appreciation of health and safety,” to present her realisation that the government perceives everything to be a threat to the citizens of Australia. She contrasts common objects such as power sockets being “perfect repositories for bobby pins and scissor blades” which encourages audiences to feel “mollycoddled”, as if the government is treating their citizens like children, as it juxtaposes tone of writing by using sophisticated language, such as “repositories” to remind readers that she is an adult. 

Wighton presents an insight on how unreasonable lawful restrictions are limiting life experiences for Australians. The author appeals to the readers sense of patriotism by using the criticism from a Canadian journalist, Tyler Brule who speaks “of Australia’s global reputation as a nanny state.” Australian readers are likely to be offended by this remark as Australia is reputed for being a safe nation to live in. Most who would be reading this opinion piece would be  “law-abiding citizens” and would therefore find unfair that “the actions of a few wobbos” has dictated nonsensical laws. The word “wobbo” is Australian slang that is used to insult people for being selfish and uncultured.

It is implied by Wighton that society has come to a place where rules are limiting the enjoyment of life. The author uses another anecdote about going to a picnic where the rules state, “No bottles, No wine, No glasses, No umbrellas.” This is uses a repetition of the word “No” which connotates  negativity to the reader. The author also appeals to the emotions of the readers as she calls the picnic “a pathetic joke.” Even though this is insulting towards the people who organised the picnic, it does encourage the reader to think about her disapproval of a fun activity ruined because of a set of rules.

“Too Many Fools Play us for Fools” is a humorous opinion piece that reflects on the overprotectiveness of rules on peoples every day lives. The article reflected on how every thing nowadays is viewed as harmful, how rules limiting joy of life and its experiences. Whilst some readers might view the article to to be an exaggeration, other readers, such as politicians would be less obliged to agree with the article as they want to make the general population feel safe.


Thank you sooo much