how can readers distinguish between prejudicial and nonprejudicial use of rhetorical devices?

Question

for english paper

Answer 1

A prejudicial use of rhetoric will often have little backing, or use faulty evidence such as gross generalizations, circular logic, and stereotyping.

By nature, a prejudiced usage will show as having been made based on previous thoughts, evidences, etc. without looking at the facts currently at hand. So look for things that prove this point.

Answer 2

First, you must read objectively and without bias. Your own biases may distort what you regard as prejudicial or not.

Second, you determine if the rhetorical device is intended to direct the reader toward a conclusion, rather than aid in in analysis of the situation or question. Or if it disparages a person holding an opinion not to the liking of the speaker/writer. If you listen to any of the "conservative" radio talk shows or read almost any "conservative" columnist, you will quickly see that ad hominem devices are the preferred response to challenges. "Unpatriotic" or "does not support our troops" are frequently used.

The President uses this trope to defend his war: "We must not let these brave men and women have died in vain." So once the President creates a situation in which one soldier has died for his cause, no one can go against his cause until "victory" is achieved. Victory being defined exclusively by the President, of course.