Question

which statement primarily appeals to pathos, or emotion, to support the position that the american dream is no longer attainable for most people? for many people, life is an ongoing struggle simply to survive and pay the bills; for these people, to contend that the american dream is still possible is a slap in the face. with income inequality at its highest point since the great depression, achieving the classic american dream has become increasingly implausible for those with little means. economist thomas piketty would agree that the american dream is inherently limited by income inequality, and he maintains that we need significant government involvement in order to ameliorate the situation.

Explanation:

Pathos appeals to emotion. The first statement uses the emotional language "a slap in the face" to evoke an emotional response regarding the struggle of people just to survive and pay bills, which makes it difficult for them to believe in the American Dream. The second statement uses a fact (income inequality at its highest since the Great Depression) which is more of a logos (logic - using data) appeal. The third statement uses an expert (Economist Thomas Piketty) which is an ethos (credibility of the source) appeal.

Answer:

The first statement: "For many people, life is an ongoing struggle simply to survive and pay the bills; for these people, to contend that the American Dream is still possible is a slap in the face."