For my public argument essay I have chosen to take a completely different direction from my rhetorical analysis.  I came across a book, We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch.  It speaks about the horrors of the Rwandan genocide, the causes and effects, and overall shares the stories from people’s lives.  I decided to do more research on this topic and I found it insanely interesting.  Most people just know about the Holocaust, the most famous genocide in history, which the Rwandan Genocide is compared too.  I feel that more people should be educated on this serious issue and be exposed to more facts and stories.  I have an idea of what my research question could be.  “Was the Rwandan Genocide an immoral event?” or “Were the killings of people justified?”  I am unsure if these will be suitable; therefore, during my meeting, I could like to speak about this.  I know I can prove my credibility through my 4 sources.  I have already examines many primary sources and Philip Gourevitch’s novel will be of great use to me.  I will also include many statistics, like the total number of deaths.  I feel that the audience that I will be trying to reach out to will be students, like myself.  Honestly, students who are eager to learn more about this topic or even some that may already be passionate about it, can learn so much from this paper and see how victims’ lives have been affected.  My audience needs to hear my opinion on the Rwandan Genocide so 1) they could form their own opinion based on my research question and 2) they could see how people in third world countries have lived and are now living and essentially compare and contrast their lives to it, possibly gaining greater value for their lives in the United States and for everything they have.

I am in the process of writing my paper.  I completely changed my topic from the rhetorical analysis.  Originally, I was writing about domestic violence against women and how they were affected by it.  However, now I am focusing on the Rwandan genocide.  I have recently began reading, “We wish to Inform you that  Tomorrow we will be killed with our Families :Stories from Rwanda” by Philip Gourevitch.  This sparked my interest on the terrible events that occurred in 1994.  Currently, I have two annotated bibliographies on my topic.  They reflect the occurrences that happened, how the people were and now are currently affected, and what people are doing to help.  I understand that I need to narrow my topic down; therefore, with the help of my peers and Lisa, I’m sure I can write a successful, intriguing, and great piece!

Part 4: Précis
James Estrin’s purpose is to expose the Rwandan Genocide and educate his audience on this event. He builds up his credibility by interviewing James Estrin, someone who actually went to Rwanda and witnessed the terrible events. Estrin wants readers to fully understand what is happening in this third world country. He is educating society on how some people may not necessarily have the same morals or beliefs as you; nevertheless, making the world a scary place to live. Rwandan refugees needed to hide out and live every day in fear, hoping they wouldn’t be taking their last breath that day. In the interview with David Turnley, Estrin proposes questions like, “What did you see and what did you do?” In return, Turnley responds with detailed answers like, “The attacks were being conducted with farm tools and machetes, and everywhere you looked you encountered people who had lost hands, feet, arms, legs, and had been severely cut all over their bodies.” Readers can now fully understand the horrific acts that took place during the genocide and are essentially becoming more aware of their surroundings.

New Summary

In “Witness to History, Searching for Dignity”, James Estrin educates his audience on the Rwandan Genocide and exposes horrific details and outcomes.  He utilizes an interview with photographer, David Turnley, to provide useful information on actual occurrences.  The vivid descriptions like, “The attacks were being conducted with farm tools and machetes, and everywhere you looked you encountered people who had lost hands, feet, arms, legs, and had been severely cut all over their bodies.” (Estrin 1)  As the interview continues, Estrin and Trunley speak about the actual experience.  Turnley mentions how it is something out of the ordinary and hoe it can scar you for life.  People will live with these memories forever, even himself.  The article concludes with a heart warming story, showing readers how a devastated community can come together at the hardest times.  The audience can comprehend how a tragedy can sometimes be a goo thing for a community.   Illnesses, sorrows, and deaths make people think twice about their lives and truly value what they have.

This assignment can help me create a better summary; nevertheless, understanding the author’s point and purpose much better.