Blumenfeld and Raymond successfully use the rhetorical strategy of description to show how homosexuals are often faced with a high level of conflict when society discovers their sexual identity. Blumenfeld states, “Direct violence against lesbians and gays is a nationwide phenomenon.” This statement clearly supports the thesis by showing the level that this violence has risen to in the past few years. It has now become a nationwide phenomenon, and deserves to be addressed. Blumenfeld goes on to say, “Direct violence is simply the most vi

In today’s society, we see an increasing number in the amount of homophobic views. This increase leads to violent crimes against homosexuals. Warren J. Blumenfeld and Diane Raymond reach out to a youthful audience in their essay, “Homophobia and Heterosexism,” to help prevent negative views concerning homosexuals in the future. Blumenfeld and Raymond support their thesis that heterosexism has led to an increase number of homophobic members of society through the use of description, allusion, and anecdotes.

ws the level of hatred that exists in people due to their heterosexual ideals. Another example of Blumenfeld’s use of anecdotes is when he includes an Oprah Winfrey discussion, where she interviews a homophobic guest. This interview clearly shows the level of ignorance that certain people hold. The guest in this episode expresses his homophobic views in a very mild mannered tone. This interview helps support the thesis by giving allowing the reader to hear the comments that a homophobic person makes. Blumenfeld’s use of anecdotes successfully illustrates the level of ignorance and hatred that a majority of our society holds concerning homosexuals.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

sible means by which homophobia is expressed.” The use of description in this statement lets the reader know that homophobic

Some common words found in the essay are:
Blumenfeld Raymond, Raymond Blumenfeld, Henley Pincus, Oprah Winfrey, Gregory Herek, Diane Raymond, Charlie Howard”, Today’s World, United Blumenfeld’s, supports thesis, negative attitudes, rhetorical strategy, homophobic views, blumenfeld raymond, support thesis, people hold, blumenfeld goes, Warren Blumenfeld, blumenfeld diane raymond, allusion anecdotes, description allusion, surrounds homosexual community, supports thesis heterosexual, warren blumenfeld diane, description allusion anecdotes,
Approximate Word count = 950
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)