Society is Dead: We have Retreated into the iWorld

Andrew Sullivan colorfully displays his views on the new technology such as the iPod, iPad, iPhone, etc.  He argues that by using and iPod, you are essentially creating your own bubble and do not recognize the social behavior that is expected of you like a polite hello when you catch someone’s eye.  Sullivan ends his analysis with a very definitive opinion.  Obviously, iPods are bad for you socially.

Sullivan demonstrates awareness of his audience very clearly and accurately when he “talks.”  He refers to the reader as “you” like he is speaking to him directly, which in fact he is.  He chose to speak directly to the reader because he knew that his article would have power over almost everyone.  Almost everyone has an iPod now and even if they did not, they have an opinion on it.  In order to not offend anyone, Sullivan constructs his argument very carefully.  He does not begin by stating his reasons why iPods are bad, but instead captures the reader’s attention with New York City.  By easing into his topic and stating his observations first, he makes the reader open his mind to the possibility that iPods could be potentially hurtful to the quality of society.

Sullivan also creates an effective argument by citing his own experiences.  He shows the reader that he is a credible source.  He is not someone who just wants to get rid of all the new technology because he personally does not like it, but he is someone who truly loves his iPod and can understand the bad qualities it possesses.  Once he opened up to the outside world he found that he could connect more with the people around him.  Everyone else should too.