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Writing Project 1: Rhetorical Analysis

BriyaMarie Contreras

Arizona State University

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The words expressed in this mural are ones that have resonated with me for as long as I

can remember. “Si se puede” were the words my grandmother always told me the second I began

to lose my motivation or became discouraged. When I heard these words, specifically from her,

lacking faith I had for myself was quickly restored. The moment I first laid eyes on this mural,

my eyes brightened as I began to reminisce on these beautiful moments of my past. The various

moments that helped shape me into the driven and ambitious woman that I am today.

When I took my first glance at this mural, it was the vibrant colors, used to portray the

Virgen de Guadalupe, that caught and kept my attention. The colors selected and used by the

artist to depict her well-known image made sure she had the spotlight in this work of art. Above

her is portraits of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez. These portraits have a bold red background

that could represent the passion they had when fighting for a cause they whole-heartedly

believed in. The combination of both loud and vibrant colors used, create a feeling of

encouragement and strength. The different hues of blue that surround the flowers and Virgen de

Guadalupe highlight their existence in the mural. Highlighting these figures allows the viewer to

recognize these symbolic features if they hadn’t already on their own. Along with colors, it

should be noted that the sizes of the Virgen de Guadalupe, Dolores Huerta, and Cesar Chavez is

greater than all other component of the mural. The artist used these techniques to ensure they

were the focal points of the mural. The artist utilized both straight lines and a great deal of

spirals. These spirals seem to resemble those of hypnosis which could be the artist way of

positively altering the viewers mindset as they read the words of reassurance.
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The text of this mural is presented in bold and bright letters ensuring that they cannot be

missed. The artist chose to display the words “si se puede... yes we can”. These words are

intended to uplift and bring together the viewers who may happen to stumble upon this piece. An

article written by Teresita Perez, further explains the importance of this saying, specifically to

those within the hispanic heritage. In the article she explains that the saying “Sí se puede” was

adopted by Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez when they were trying to organize farm workers to

demand fair wages and better working conditions. This mantra was meant to excite the workers

to take action for the greater good. According to Phoenix New Times, “​Painting the mural was

timed to coincide with the 2015 Netroots Nation conference”. ​Netroots Nation is known to host

the largest annual conference for progressives, with their attendees consisting of online

organizers, grassroots activists and professionals who work at advocacy organizations,

progressive companies or labor unions. Presenting the mural at this time made it much more

impactful. It also ensured it would be recognized and appreciated by individuals who understood

its deeper meanings. .

The use of both ethos and pathos was observed in this mural. Ethos ​represents credibility,

or an ethical appeal, which involves ​persuasion​ by the character involved, in this case it would be

choosing to paint historical figures that were admired by many. Pathos is relating to the

audiences emotions. An example of pathos being used is the way the artist used many colors that

make us feel various positive emotions. ​These techniques are effective in this instance because

they help persuade the audience to agree with the artist purposes. This mural seems to serve

many purposes, one being to remind us of the moments in history made here in Phoenix,

Arizona. It also serves as a reminder of the tremendous amounts of growth Dolores Huerta,
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Cesar Chavez, and all their supporters had made in the 1970’s. Having this reminder should

inspire its viewers to continue to fight for equality which is not yet present. This mural is

powerful enough to reignite the fire within it’s viewers when it seems to have burnt out.

This view is well worth at least a minute of your time. It’s more than just another piece of

art found on the streets in Downtown Phoenix. It is a visual representation of the justice that was

achieved in our city. This piece is a remarkable one that should be enjoyed by those capable of

viewing it. When admiring this mural, you’ll feel fuel and motivated to seize the day.
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Work Cited

About. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2019, from https://www.netrootsnation.org/about/

Ethos - Examples and Definition of Ethos. (2018, November 01). Retrieved January 22, 2019,

from https://literarydevices.net/ethos/

Hedding, J. (n.d.). Walk This Way! Explore Downtown Phoenix Art, History and Culture.

Retrieved January 22, 2019, from

https://www.tripsavvy.com/downtown-phoenix-walking-tour-4135892

Perez, T. (2008, September 22). "Sí Se Puede." A Phrase with a Rich History. Retrieved January

22, 2019, from

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/news/2008/09/22/4950/si-se-puede/