Rhetorical Strategies of Roosevelt in "The Proper Place for Sports" (CRR)

Recently in class we discussed Theodore Roosevelt's "The proper place for sports". The letter is a response to his son explaining that he is willing to allow him to partake in sports. However, Roosevelt cautions his son not to "sacrifice standing well" in his studies because academics are just as important as athletics.

Mainly in the first paragraph, Roosevelt uses pathos to get his point across. Roosevelt is trying to convey the message that there is more to life than athletics. In order to do this, Roosevelt expresses his concerns and later explains that his son, Ted, can be successful with his academics. When Roosevelt says that he doesn't want Ted "to run the risk of being laid up for the sake of playing in the second squad" he is building his pathos. Roosevelt is worried that Ted will get extremely hurt when he is second string, which could possibly hinder his ability to achieve other things or even his chance to become a part of first squad. This is effective because Roosevelt is voicing his concerns, as a father, for his sons well-being. Another example of pathos is when Roosevelt mentions that he "had consulted Mother and thought the matter over." By mentioning Ted's mother Roosevelt shows that he values his family ties. This also shows Ted that his parents are unified on the matter. In addition to mentioning Ted's mother, he also mentions Ted's brother Kermit when he says he has qualities "resembling Kermit's" rather than Ted's as well as mentioning the jumping performance of the family horse. These examples further enhance Roosevelt's pathos and showcase the importance he places on family. Finally, the pathos seen in Roosevelt's close family ties can also be seen when he strays away from the initial topic of football and states "By the way, I am working hard to get Renown accustomed to automobiles." This shift in topic shows a strong relationship between Roosevelt and Ted because he is taking advantage of this letter to talk with his son about personal details unrelated to the letters original topic.

Another major rhetorical device in this letter is Roosevelt's tone. Roosevelt's tone can be characterized as warm yet authoritative. Roosevelt grants Ted's wish to play football, but he also clearly states that he must not allow sports to distract himself from more important things such as academics and character. It is clear that Roosevelt has a tremendous respect for sports but believes that they may distract people from issues going on in their lives. This tone is effective because Roosevelt is speaking to his son as a father while also inserting authority when he warns his son not to allow sports to be his sole focus and consume his life.

Finally, Roosevelt effectively builds his ethos in this letter. This can be seen when Roosevelt offers the example of Plinty's letter to Trajan.  The letter "speaks of [it] being advisable to keep the Greeks absorbed in athletics, because it distracted their minds from all serious pursuits". In this case, Roosevelt argues that sports distracted the Greeks from important issues at the time, such as the Romans. Another example Roosevelt offers are the British officers and the Boer War. Roosevelt firmly believes that their "efficiency partly reduced because they have sacrificed their legitimate duties to an inordinate and ridiculous love of sports." This example also shows how an intense love of sports has distracted one from their other obligations. These examples are effective because they further prove Roosevelt's message that one should not solely focus on sports. Roosevelt appeals to ethos easily to Ted because he looks up to his father for advice. On top of that, Roosevelt is the president of the United States and has earned his fair share of credibility.

The three rhetorical strategies of pathos, tone and ethos are all effective in conveying Roosevelt's message. The three collaborate and work together to produce the message that one should not let athletics rule their life. By using pathos, Roosevelt is appealing to Ted in order to point him in the right direction and offer fatherly advice. By using a warm yet authoritative tone, he is showing that he cares and worries about Ted so the offers cautions for him to follow. Finally, by utilizing his ethos Roosevelt is proving to Ted that he is reliable and has his best interest at heart. Roosevelt is able to effectively work each of these devices into his letter to enhance his overall message.