World Trade - The Final Frontier? This is the question posed by Star Trek fan and liberal author Johan Norberg. His continuing mission: To seek out new evidences to promote his theories; to boldly go where no Swede has gone before. Just as Norberg would, in his own words, "...never miss a [Star Trek Fan Club] meeting" he also doesn't miss his mark when addressing the issue of world trade. Through a balanced approach of statistics, logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and vivid imagery, just to name a few, he presents a valid argument; His voice on the matter is heard and opinions are swayed.
I must admit that the first time through his article "We Need Sincere Free Trade", I felt as though this Trekkie-Utopian was just blowing hot air. I've never really believed any issue could be a world-wide cure all. While my feelings on Utopian society have not changed, the voice of Norberg has swayed my opinions on this matter of world trade through his persuasive argument; just as you through this analysis of his argument may be swayed.
What I noticed first about Norberg's writing was his tone. In his writing, Norberg displays the remarkable ability to present his arguement in a very matter-of-fact tone and still manage to lace it with emotional appeal. In the sentence, "Western politicians have come to understand that high marginal taxes are bad for their economies; when will they realize the same goes for developing countries?" the author makes a sound argument in a pleading way; yet he doesn't sound desperate. This is a tone that many people, his target audience included, can appreciate because it provides them with information and logic laced with emotional appeal that doesn't sound overly preachy or whiny.
The author's diction is just as note-worthy. He knows his target audience are the middle-class average citizen as well as the politician. So instead of using large and unnecessary language, he states things clearly and intelligently without sounding demeaning or condescending. "The EU's protectionism isn't unique; most rich countries have similar systems." was how the author chose to word his sentence. It communicates his thoughts and intents logically ad properly, yet uses words more familiar to those without an over-extensive vocabulary. This is another win for targeting his audience. The people begin to trust him while still avoiding politicians who use misleading and deceptive language.
The author also makes powerful use of allusions in this article. When he compares the Cold War "Iron Curtain" to the modern day customs "curtain" between the North and South, it provides a powerful image to his target audience; they remember exactly what it was like when the wall was up. He stirs a powerful emotional response in his readers that sympathize them to his cause.
