I have always been more comfortable communicating with those who are older than
I am rather than those my own age. I find that they are more interesting and open, as well
as less judgmental and more forgiving. They will listen to what I have to say with a bit of
respect when considering my age, they realize that I am young but am working to figure my
life out. This understanding makes it easier for me to express myself. I feel less self- '
conscious and am therefore able to speak more freely. In 'Advice To Graduates' George
Saunders encourages the former students in front of him to grow in kindness. He asks them
to recognize that there are people outside of themselves and that they deserve
acknowledgement. Clearly, if both he and I see a hardness in the youth than there must be a
foundation for it. I see that the younger generations have a certain lack of kindness to them
and I see that older generations have out grown their distains and their blindness.
Obviously, I agree with the argument presented to me but what made it so effective?
George Saunders presented his argument with the use of rhetorical concepts such as stasis
theory and kairos. They work together to target his listeners and shed light on something
they may have been blind to.

It is common for a person to feel a sense of conscience; to worry about whether or
not you are conducting yourself in the best way possible. Saunders's argument is critical of
his audience and how well they are following this conscience. His criticism is most effective
because innately we realize that even if we don't feel as though our generation is hard
hearted we recognize that nothing in our lives could be diminished from being more kind.
This makes his counter argument unnecessary. To oppose his argument would be to argue
for cruelty or solitude, and this is something socially recognized as wrong. Without
showing an opposing side, his audience is likely to yield to his persuasions more willingly.
If they only hear one argument, they will only remember one argument. This lack of a
counter argument also shows that Saunders is aware of his audience and how perceptive
they are. Additionally, Saunders begins his speech with a question, 'what do I regret?',
while this question was directed toward himself it allowed personal
reflection within the lives of his audience as well. As they questioned what it was they
regretted most from their primarily unlived lives, the lack of kindness that would be
Saunders's conclusion probably was the furthest thought in all of their minds. This humbles
the audience; making a group of accomplished, and maybe a bit cocky, young people
question themselves and wind up with the wrong answer, would work well to hurt their
pride a little. This would make them feel vulnerable and then they would be more
susceptible to listen to what was being said. These effective tactics represent an
understanding of Stasis theory when attempting to persuade an audience.

Additionally, Saunders uses Kairos within his argument. He adds relevance to his
argument by telling his audience to 'start right now', this adds a sense of
urgency making his audience feel pressured to not live another day in their usual habits.
Also, he mentions in his speech that he has a time constraint due to the schedule of the
program, his own desire to keep schedule adds and additional sense of pressure and
urgency to his audience. His decision to address a graduating class with this matter is
incredibly convenient as they are eager to learn and ready themselves for the next phase in
their lives, and therefore would be more apt to heed his advice. Addressing this issue to a
graduating class also shows how he is aware of and takes advantage of his venue; he is
speaking to young minds that give him the rare opportunity to help influence their, still
malleable, characters. There is a certain finality that accompanies a college graduation,
with that finality comes a bit of fear for the future. These young adults have spent most of
their lives being students and suddenly are expected not to be. Having a man who has lived
as something more than a student give them advise would be very influential. What else is
so beneficial to Saunders is that the subject, kindness, will always be relevant and timely.
Kindness as a basic moral foundation will never expire or fade. He even argues that it will
swell within us as we age and eventually consume us until we are 'gradually replaced by
LOVE'. This implies that when we gain experience we come to realize that
kindness is the easier option, it limits conflict and allows for a better sense of respect. Once
we decide to stop taking ourselves so seriously we can exist in kindness rather than self- '
importance.

While Saunders uses many forms of rhetoric well within his argument, in my
opinion one aspect of kairos is used more heavily and acts as the main force of influence.
What makes this argument so effective is the humanity present. He presents a sense of how
we actually conduct ourselves versus how we should conduct ourselves. He presents both
sides of morality and insists that are living on the wrong side. This is highlighting his
awareness of his audience by forming a connection with them personally. His argument is
consistent with the moral life lessons younger generations have been hearing from older
generations for centuries. He paints a picture of a sad young girl being bullied by her
classmates and calls to the 'protect the innocent' instinct that exists in all of us. This image
touches his audience and gives them a sense of obligation to rise to the call to action. His
argument rests on the point of his audience realizing their faulty ways and maybe mending
the holes in their character.

His argument is made better by the existing kindness and that's what is so clever. He
makes his audience feel as though they lack a certain level of kindness by playing on the
guilt that arises from their kindness. And maybe that's what determines their true
maturity. If they are to grow in kindness then maybe the level of guilt he mustered during
this speech is the level of maturity they have achieved through their period of education.
The only real way to tell the effectiveness of this argument is to measure its consequences,
how many of the graduating students will leave the ceremony and make a true effort to be
more kind. Treating others well is not something that should be overlooked in a society,
even if its something small, like holding the door for someone else or smiling when you
pass them on the street. The whole idea behind using rhetorical devices to form an
argument is to make it persuasive and effective, so that maybe it will cause a change in
someone's ideas or values. For centuries younger generations have been listening to the
advice of older generations, and for centuries that advice has been ignored. Maybe this
speech will serve as one of the very few that will be followed.

