RA: Killer Culture

James Cone

Instructor Stacy Knapp

English 1A

May 10, 2013

     In "Killer Culture" written by David Kupelian, he attempts to sway the minds of parents in America and asks them to take head of the dangerous world that awaits out their childs front door. Kupelian is a man in his sixties who has written many books such as "How Evil Works", and "The Marketing of Evil". The tone of this text is pious and self righteous. He uses this aggressive style of writing to almost scare people into what he thinks they should do about this killer sub-culture. I would say that his main audience would be parents of traditional American Judeo-Christian beliefs. The audience that reads this and doesn't subscribe to Kupelians' opinion would probably see him as paranoid.

     In this text Kupelian uses lots of evidence to support his claim. He uses examples such as hip hop music and how it has cultivated what he calls a 'gangsta nation'. That this type of music has corrupted our children into adopting black inner-city mentalities. The language he uses is strong and grabs the reader. He states, "Today's culture is a child molestor". The use of this language is Kupelians way of persuading the audience into believing that this is a serious issue that needs attention. Using such terminology and examples is his attempt to warn the reader of the horrendous world that awaits the youth of today. That the music they listen to, the tv shows they watch, and the world about them is the promotion of sex, drugs, and violence. 

     Kupelian formats this text in a way that makes it easy for the reader to believe that if they do not shelter their children that they will be the next victim of 'killer culture'. It is very persuasive. His use of evidence and strong and bold language builds suspense for the reader. He does a good job in displaying his opinion and supporting it with thorough research and evidence. He then calmly provides the reader with a solution to the problem, in hopes to convert his reader. I believe that Kupelian really believes in what he is writing about, and I think that is his job. Therefore, I may not believe in his opinion to the extent he does, but I appreciate his ability to get me thinking about this topic.