Editorial Analysis: 2/27

Have You Driven a Smart Phone Lately? written February 26, 2011

This editorial article was written by Maureen Dowd for the New York Times.  She begins her article by telling a story about her experiences with technology while driving.  This use of a personal experience is an excellent way to add imagery into an editorial.  The reader feels like they are there, in the car with her, feeling her fear as she looks up for a 2-second check of text messages to find herself inches from a truck.  This is an effective way to get the audience emotionally involved in her point of view, and bolsters her argument.

From the title to the meat of the editorial, Dowd utilizes humor in language to add to her article:

"Ford, Chrysler, Chevy and other car companies are betting on the proposition that, as long as your eyes don’t stray from the road for more than a moment, your other senses can enjoy a cornucopia of diversions on your dashboard."

She especially uses sarcasm to make the topic of safety while driving engaging.  Humor is perhaps the easiest way to interest the population most affected by the issue of distractions while driving - teenagers.  They will be attracted to this strategy of argument and therefore her editorial will be more successful.

As an AP Essay, this piece would be very successful.  First, it establishes a clear, unique voice which captures the reader while managing to make successful points.  Also, Dowd adds a counter-argument.  She recognizes that some say that because people will be using technology while driving anyway, car manufacturers should make it as safe for them to do so as possible.  She nicely addresses this by stating that it would be better to "curb the addiction, rather than indulging it".