Either Straw Man or Nothin’
By George Albert and Nyatasha Jackowicz
Opposing a Straw Man
This logical fallacy is common in political debates and advertisements as well as in
everyday arguments between average Joes. It takes an insignificant point in the
opposition’s argument and speaks as if it is the principle reason for their arguing. This
point should be easily contestable and makes it easy to refute the opponent’s case.
Layman’s terms: Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack.
Example of a straw man fallacy
This video is an excellent example of a straw man fallacy. In fact, the character in
the movie practically explains it, and its power and use, for us.
https://youtu.be/DrnZdFFovBE?t=52s
The man is able to explain the fallacy to his son using a simple, understandable
example. His example is a template of the method used by many politicians today.
Another one
There are actually two straw man arguments in this
cartoon. From our knowledge of the government of North
Korea, we know that Kim Jong Il fabricated the idea that
the country’s people prefered not to have elections because
they are “pesky” and “annoying.” He says this to quell unrest
due to leadership simply being handed over to an heir
without public consent.
The second straw man fallacy is seen on the right side of the
cartoon. The donkey dressed in the blue suit, which is
representative of the Democratic party in the United States,
is seen as admiring the power handoff. It is not accurate,
however, to say that the entirety of the democratic party is
supportive of such a situation.
Either-Or Arguments
The Either/or fallacy, also known as a false dilemma, is a false claim that attempts
to simplify issues by offering only two options. This can make a situation seem more
serious than what it really is and it also ignores all other possibilities in an argument.
This often occurs in public forms, when a politician wants to press an agenda, as well
as in popular culture, in advertisements when a company gives the audience two
options.
Layman’s terms: It pressures the audience to chose between two choices that
disregard more important options.
Even the President uses Logical Fallacies
This example is an excerpt from September 20th, 2001 when President George W.
Bush addressed the America. This speech was given at a time of heightened fear, from
9/11, and the president said,
“Every nation in every region now has a decision to make: Either you are
with us or you are with the terrorists.”
This powerful statement is an either/or fallacy because it ignores the option of
nonparticipation of other nations in American affairs as well as other diplomatic plans.
Also, this quote made the terrorist situation more powerful and it assisted the
president in getting support for his agenda to fight against Al Qaeda.
Sad with Social Media or Happy with Coca Cola
This commercial from Coca Cola is an example of a false dilemma by offering
only two options. People will either be upset by social media or happy on social media
with the power of Coca Cola. This commercial clearly emphasizes the emotions that
people feel when they are consuming Coca Cola’s soda and it ignores any other
possible thing that would make people happy on social media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibgvkXm9Qkc
Bibliography
McDurmon, Joel. "Politics and False Dilemmas." The American Vision. American
Vision, 20 Aug. 2009. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.
Transcript of President Bush's Address." CNN. Cable News Network, 21 Sept. 2001.
Web. 03 Dec. 2015.
Warren, William. "North Korean Power Handoff." NetRightDaily. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Dec.
2015.