"New DNA Age"

Through the usage of Amy Harmon’s vivid imagery, I found myself immersed in the DNA stories from the first article. She adeptly starts the article off with a straightforward statement, “The test, the counselor said, had come back positive.” This succinct statement pulls the reader right into the story. The vagueness surrounding the beginning of the article stimulated me to keep reading to find out what exactly this test was about. Additionally, the usage of dialogue between Ms. Moser and the counselor makes the writing alive, engaging my mind to an exciting story.

This was exceptionally beneficial as Harmon is writing about a serious, complex topic that the average American isn’t well-educated on. But instead of confusing the reader, she puts everything in simple language, and most importantly, makes the story interesting. Her first article greatly utilized the usage of pathos, creating a mixture of moods in the reader. Through the usage of strong word choice, as in “possessed” and “ravaged,” she creates a serious tone that displays the tense debates surrounding the DNA testing debate.

Her writing is rich with extensive research, as presented through the numerous interviews. The research makes her writing credible, and most significantly, she is not biased. She leaves the reader to decide what he/she may think about DNA testing. For example, she describes the genetic evolution, citing the ability of scientists to discern which areas certain diseases are stemming from, and at the same time offer that this same phenomena is raising eyebrows among many as people fear that it may give rise to prejudice and discrimination.Harmon’s audience is not limited to one specific group of people. In fact, throughout the series of articles, she reaches out to all kinds of people—people who may have been diagnosed with some sort of deadly disease, such as Huntington’s disease, people who may have some sort of genetic disorders running in the family, and also average Americans who simply need to be informed about DNA.

The purpose of her writing the series of articles on DNA is to inform readers of the controversial topic of DNA testing and how far technological advances have led scientists to learn so much more about the remarkable DNA. Her first article definitely targets families who have struggled through a deadly disease, such as Huntington’s, and she provides insight on how DNA testing is perceived by different kinds of people. She presents both sides of the argument—Ms. Moser who wanted to utilize DNA testing, and the mother who was completely averse to finding out about the gene that she may be carrying.

The occasion for her writing the series is revealed through the purpose of the articles—as the advent of technological tools enables scientists to learn more about the mysterious DNA, more controversies are arising as some people do not wish to find out all that science is making possible. Lastly, she simply wishes to explain the paramount significance of DNA—stories about exactly where Columbus came from and how DNA is continually being used to determine his past.