Are companies people? Most people would say no. Most companies would say nothing, because, unlike most people, companies do not have the power of speech. But there is a legal idea, called “corporate personhood”, that some human rights are extended to corporations by the 14th amendment. Corporate personhood has been in the news lately due to Citizens United VS the FEC, but another controversial case, Nike vs Kasky, stirred furor over the issue in the early 2000’s. These cases were vary different, one gave companies the right to pour infinite amounts of money into influencing elections, while the other established companies’ right to free speech (even untrue speech). Even though the cases were disssimiler, the arguments surrounding both cases were very similar. One of these cartoons was drawn in response to Kasky vs Nike, while the other was drawn after the Citizens United ruling. Though these cartoons address very different court cases, they make similar arguments against corporate personhood, using a lot of the same rhetorical elements, such as commonplaces, logos, and kairos.
You have a very strong hook that sets the tone for the rest of the intro beautifully. If I were to make a suggestion, I would say that you might want to go in depth a little more when explaining cooperate personhood and its consequences. You do explain the basic premise of cooperate personhood, but I would like to hear a little more about the negative consequences that come with it, therefore helping to explain why such outrage often goes along with the idea. Maybe you could tie it back to the cases and explain the connection between the rulings and the cooperate personhood ideology.
Perfect hook.
Better introduction of the artifacts.
Great explanation of the artifacts.
Clear and concise thesis.
Really well-done introduction!!!
You have a very strong hook that captures the audience’s attention. You have a good balance between your voice as an author and the factual background you give on your topic.