Documentary Rhetorical Analysis I

Craigslist Joe

With nothing but a backpack, a lap top, and a toothbrush, twenty-nine year old Joseph Garner set out on a journey. His one goal: to survive for a month solely by the goodwill of strangers from Craigslist. In today's growing environment of technology and rapid industrialization, Garner took note of a disheartening sense of isolation. He believed that the idea of 'community' was slowly receding in modern America, and this social experiment put that theory to the test. His hope being that kind individuals willing to help their fellow man still existed. In the technological age it only made sense to conduct this test using a vast online community such as Craigslist. For those that are not familiar with the site, it offers a myriad of advertisements offering just about anything and everything-- from used cars, to dinner dates in Vegas. Each day Joe would publish an ad stating something along the lines of requesting food/shelter in exchange for labor or other services. 

On the first day Joe struggled to even eat. His fears about this lack of community were becoming extremely real and he questioned whether or not the experiment was even going to be a success. Throughout this difficulty, the documentary shows time stamped periods at the bottom of the screen. This explains to the viewer that hours have passed and Joe still isn't making any progress. It's especially effective as the day is winding down and the viewer can think back to how early in the morning he began this journey, and yet still hasn't really encountered the kind individual he's searching for. However, the tension and frustration one feels as the hours tick by breaks when a man finally does offer Joe a place to sleep and what food he can provide. It's almost more relieving this way because viewers honestly could understand him giving up at this point. Therefore, these time stamps create an overall mood of anticipation and establish pathos, or Joe's emotional tie, with the audience.

In addition to this consistent time-stamping, the language of the film has an overall effect on its feel and message. A lot of jargon is used and the tone throughout is generally informal. It never once sounds scripted. This gives viewers a very genuine feel of the experience through Joe's eyes. He just seems like a normal guy trying to prove that there's still good in the world, but he could be any normal guy. He could be your brother, or your accountant, or the bag boy at your grocery store. His story just seems so real and pleading. He wants to find the good in the world so badly, and he goes about it in a way that's extremely doable. His diction, as well as that of other individuals in the film, makes viewers feel as though they know him and his journey in a very personal way. Additionally, this is somewhat of a persuasive tool because it motivates viewers to go on similar personal journeys. After watching the film it's very tempting to seek out the kindness of strangers, something that's been said to have disappeared long ago. Craigslist Joe illustrates that it's not gone, you just have to do a little digging.