The author Ian Johnson used strong words and imagery to explain the emotional distress the families being kicked off of their property were feeling. For example it says, "imagine government officials showing up at your house and ordering your family to move you don't get any say about where you go". Johnson helps paint a picture and connect how you would feel and with the families feelings. I think that by using "any" or "ordering" gives off a strong sense of stern or seriousness. Which emphasizes that the families are moved out of there will. I noticed that the author left out the side of the Chinese government. I think Johnson did this because he was on the side of the farming families and wanted to give the stronger claim to their side and make the governments side look weaker, while trying convincing the readers to agree with him. One way Johnson did this was by directly quoting more families then the government.
Although the article was obviously bias, the authors to convince me even more that the government side was wrong and that the families don't deserve any of the treatment they are receiving. But still think about how both sides were beneficial from this large change in China.
Really well written blog post Ajahee. I also read this same article and did a critical analysis on it. I agree with the point that you made that the Chinese government only cared about what they have to do you to increase the economy. I also agree that Ian Johnson used strong words and imagery to explain the emotional distress faced by those that are being forced out of their homes. He started the article with you imagining that your family was in the same situation as those being forced out of their homes. You also brought to my attention that he didn't directly include the point of view of the Chinese government. In this way the article is bias and I agree that being bias isn't always good but is definitely convincing to what Ian Johnson wanted us to see. Overall great blog post.
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