Analyzing Arguments in the Media

BP's failure to monitor their business resulted in a large scale disaster in the Gulf as everyone know. BP, being a global business power relies on the people and thus it must appeal to them through argument. A BP represenative can be seen walking through the video looking like shes running for president and she tries to apologize for the actions of her company and set things right.

The "Rogerrian Argument" was easy to point out. The basic idea of the Rogerrian Argument is to find common ground with the people their talking with.It was clear that she was trying to relate to people who would have suffered from the incident like fishermen. Clearly she believes that the image of her reaching out to the people who this has effected would results in the belief BP is doing its part to assist in the cleanup.

The "Arguments to Inform" appeared many times throughout the commercial. She states clear facts such as their financial commitment to the cleaup when noting that BP has donated 20 billion dollars. Contrary to the Rogerrian Argument, this attempt of an argument actually shows action rather then just the appearance of caring.

The "Invitational Argument" was a bit more difficult to point out but it was there. The phone number was listed in the commercial and while I don't see this as a direct "Invitational Argument", people are "invited to argue" while calling their designated phone number. The commercial didn't actually show her asking questions though.

The "Arguments about the Past, Present, and Future" was apparent as she pointed out their present actions supporting the oil spill such as the 20 billion mentioned earlier. The number was also given which indicates that in the future they anticipate receiving more phone calls regarding the situation.

The "Argument to Convince" could be said to have included the other 4 forms of argument. Each of these four arguments supports the "Argument to Convince" and BP wants to seem like they are actively fixing the situation. The statement "no oil flow has entered the gulf for weeks" further shows the overall message BP is trying to convey.