Documentary Rhetorical Analysis 3

1. In Bully, Hirsch draws a clear connection between bullying and suicide. Using the two deaths of Ty and Tyler, Hirsch makes a claim that death is a common result of bullying. At first, the tearful interviews from the parents and testimonies of their peers had me in agreement with Hirsch. His outstanding utilization of pathos made his claim very legitimate and credible. However, upon further research, Hirsch's claim was a little skewed. The documentary made it clear that the only reason for Tyler's suicide was bullying. Students said that his head was smashed into lockers, his food was spit on, and he was called terrible names. However, after police officers re-watched one of the 42 video cameras located around the school, the one that was near Tyler's locker, there was no head smashing. In addition, Hirsch left out a major detail about Tyler; he was diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and Asperger's. This major omission skews the details to make it seem as though bullying was the only factor of Tyler's suicide. However, research shows that both Asperger's and bipolar disorder have a strong link to suicide. This information must be taken into account in figuring out the motives behind Tyler's suicide. Yes, Tyler may have not been treated kindly at school, but his victimization is not the only factor in his suicide. Hirsch's claim that Tyler's suicide was solely because of bullying makes it much more powerful to the audience. However, relevant details should also be included. Tyler's bullying was probably a large factor in his suicide, but, other major pieces of information, such as his mental instability, should be taken into consideration. 

2. Modern modes of communication, such as films and documentaries, have been positively received by the community. They are utilized as ways to share information. In this case, the rising issue of bullying in schools was shared. It shares to the audience the often unseen reality of bullying. This mode of communication has been positively received, as seen through Bully's awards and many screenings at high schools. This documentary was used as a modern mode of communication to raise awareness of and gain supporters to stop bullying. 

Bully took on the challenge of portraying one of the biggest issues in society today, bullying. This hour and a half documentary, filled with testimonies, interviews, and actual scenes of bullying reflect the rising concern of this issue in society today. This documentary is a reflection of society as it takes and targets a hot and widely concerned issue in our present society.