Change is Needed

In the post Emmy-winning actress Patricia Clarkson contributed to The Huffington Post, she calls for the restoration of the Gulf coast and the implementation of stricter drilling measures to prevent an accident such as the BP oil spill from happening again. Titled, “Returning to the Gulf after BP Destroyed It,” her post is directed to all Americans in an (arguably very successful) attempt to convince them of the urgency and importance of rectifying this unacceptable situation. She wields her credibility as a celebrity, having starred in a great variety of films and TV shows, and more importantly, as a former resident of New Orleans, in her tirade against BP. Her post is undoubtedly only one of many regarding the disastrous oil spill, but Patricia Clarkson provides an original take on the issue. Her argument is threefold:

1) BP’s actions are unforgivable and we most hold them accountable for the horrible oil spill.

2) Safety regulations must be put in place in order to prevent any future accidents yielding such disastrous effects.

3) Americans need to continue to fight for the restoration of the once beautiful Gulf in order for success. It is essential that we do not allow this issue to fade.In fact, her post is extremely effective in captivating our attention and convincing us to support her cause. This is for a variety of reasons. First, the harmful effects of the BP oil spill cannot be denied. Evidence can be seen everywhere. Patricia Clarkson wisely cites numerous incidences revealing the many consequences of the oil spill: how wildlife has been harmed; how many future jobs have been destroyed; how the P& J Oyster Company, which endured the Great Depression and numerous wars, could not survive the oil spill. In using these examples, Clarkson calls primarily upon pathos, causing us to emphasize and sympathize with those negatively affected by the spill. Her vivid descriptions of the current appearance of the Gulf successfully convince us of the horrible damage. She then proceeds to detail how ineffective current measures are—“I was shocked to see the booms they are using to try to block the oil. They're like band aids on gunshot wounds. They are incapable of protecting the marshes.” Words meant to outrage readers like us. The language she uses deliberately provokes a reaction, one that condemns BP and hopes for immediate improvements. By providing a very personal take on the oil spill, she successfully makes her commentary more “one-on-one”, “person-to-person” rather than “celebrity-to-average person.” We can relate to the pain she feels upon witnessing the effects of the BP oil spills. Her words make us fight for change.All in all, Patricia Clarkson provides a solid argument criticizing BP and calling for the immediate restoration of the Gulf. Her passionate words, her heart-breaking examples, and her faultless logic are all-convincing in what makes a successful commentary on this disastrous oil spill.