America’s Reluctance: The Root Cause of Political Apathy

In William F. Buckley’s Why Don’t We Complain, the American people are identified with apathy; their refusal to complain is connected to an increased sense of helplessness in a society that dominates their citizens. The author’s use of relatable scenarios that act as firsthand experience, formation of a common ground and knowledge from another source increases the effectiveness of the essay.

            The series of events that allude to people’s refusal to stand up for their rights, such as the scorching train car, the movie theater, and the airplane form a bond with the audience—ordinary occurrences invoke a sense of familiarity in the reader. A picture of the sweltering train car is depicted, and vivid images are used to transport the reader to the scene: “Inside the railroad car, the temperature must have been about 85 degrees. I took off my overcoat, and a few minutes later, my jacket and noticed that the car was flecked with the white shirts of passengers”(76). This illustration allows the reader to feel the heat of the car, which invokes a sense of empathy towards the speaker.

The speaker’s uncomfortable moments instill embarrassment and pity in the reader, as well as introduce an opportunity to identify with him once again. This is apparent during the ski shop incident: “Work stopped and everyone turned his eyes on me; and I experienced the mortification I always feel when I am the center of centripetal shafts of curiosity, resentment, perplexity” (80). The author also uses personification to stress the mortification of the exchange: “I looked up manfully—into a score of man-eating eyes. (80)” the “man-eating eyes” are effective in illustrating the emotions of the speaker, which can stir some response in the reader. Additionally, the author takes advantage of the reader’s empathy to emphasize the root cause of America’s reluctance to speak up, and states that it: “is related to our increased sense of helplessness in an age of technology and centralized political and economic power” (80). With these external factors, the average American feels less inclined to take control of their lives.

The author establishes a common ground with the audience by decreasing his status—by becoming an equal rather than an authoritative figure. This can be noted when he describes the rare moments in which he loses his temper: “When that happens, I get quite carried away. My blood gets hot, my brow wet, I become unbearable and unconscionably sarcastic and bellicose: I am girded for a total showdown” (78). This description of seething rage reminds the reader that the author is human—he has emotions and is capable of reacting to dramatic events. This makes it easier to empathize with the author and connect with his argument.

Another rhetorical method that Buckley uses is the testimonial of the magazine editor. The editor’s statements are used as an outside source to support his argument: “So few people complain, or make their voices heard” (81) this refers to the decrease of complaint letters over the past decade, which complements Buckley’s opinion. This asserts the author’s credibility and justifies his arguments.

Buckley’s use of personal experience, audience relations and an outside source strengthen his argument, and overall, create an effective essay. He writes that the indifference of the American people correlates with the level of political apathy, giving them less power over their future, and results in dependence on others.