In the article, "Why You should Fear Your Toaster More Than Nuclear Power" author Taylor Pearson addresses the fear over nuclear energy and explains how it is much needed due to it being safe, clean and efficient. Starting with the recent nuclear disaster in Japan, evident in headlines such as "Japan Nuclear Disaster Tops Scale" Pearson immediately acknowledges his opponents. Stating that these claims have only reignited fear of nuclear energy and that it is nothing more than "media sensationalism" Pearson quickly dismisses his opponents and moves into his own argument. By using multiple opinions from experts in their field as well as renown organizations, the author was able to develop his credibility and strengthen his claim. For instance, Pearson quotes the World Heath Organization, the U.S. Department of Labor, officials from Tokyo Electric Power Company, a Professor at Stanford University and more; all of which creates his ethos. Additionally, by directly addressing the fears of the people over nuclear energy such as the death toll, radiation, and waste, Pearson was able to successfully defend his claim. To demonstrate, Pearson uses statistics such as "...in the United States, there have been zero deaths caused by nuclear power accidents" he compares this to oil drilling which is "responsible for approximately 125 deaths every year in the United States". By doing so, Pearson shifts the attention elsewhere and causes people to question other means of energy production. Similarly, the author also compares nuclear energy to common household appliances such as the toaster, which he claims is more damaging than nuclear energy as it kills more people. Essentially, this leaves an argument that everything could potentially be dangerous and thus, it is imperative to choose the best option that will benefit the most overall, in this case it is nuclear energy.
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