Rhetorical Critique Of The Article 'Brain-Boosters'
613 Words3 Pages
Bailey Reeves
Dr. Lamon-Burney
ENG 101-116 Rhetorical Critique
13 November 2015
Growing Use of “Brain-Boosters” Margaret Talbot responds to the growing use of neuroenhancing drugs for non-medical purposes in her article “Brain Gain: The Underground World of ‘Neuroenhancing’ Drugs”. This article made its debut in The New Yorker in 2009. Talbot explains how society has played a role in the widespread use of neuroenhancing medications with people feeling as if they need to take these medications to keep up with the high demands of society. Talbot expresses the many problems associated with this issue, demonstrating the non-medical use, the negative side effects linked to these medications, and differentiating the users of these drugs from intellectuals. Talbot begins the article by focusing on non-medical uses for drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin for academic performance. She then explains how the substances work before focusing on how these drugs are being used and growing more popular among college students. She introduces Alex, a college student, who uses “brain-boosters” regularly to complete his assignments. Talbot offers a new perspective on the matter by asking other scholars about the use of these drugs; many feel as if these medications are a way to overcome their limitations and increase productivity. Not only…show more content… Talbot describes Alex as “skinny and bearded, and wearing faded hipster jeans, he looked like the lead singer in an indie band”(653). This description does not fit one of an esteemed Harvard graduate. This separates users from the intellectual community and informs the reader to disregard Alex’s opinions because of his appearance. There is ample research provided in the text showing the association of neuroenhancing dugs and other drug use. This creates the impression that there is a difference between users and