TOW #6: Article (London Can't Become Home Only to the Rich)

Unfortunately, this article on The Guardian's editorials website does not have a cited author, which damages its credibility. Fortunately, this is the only flaw I can find in the piece. Its overall purpose is to persuade readers that London is being overrun by billionaires investing in property and driving the lower classes out.  It begins with a list of past Londoners' achievements. The author writes, "Hiram Maxim perfected his machine gun there; Sebastian de Ferranti his dynamos and Guglielmo Marconi his electric telegraph. Clerkenwell's people were cabinet makers, brass workers and glass shade and globe makers." This list evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment surrounding the city. The author then explains how London is being changed by the congregation of the wealthy and eviction of the poor. The article states, "Already some senior business leaders have voiced fears that the capital is likely to lose out to cities such as Berlin in the race to become Europe's major digital hub since London is simply unaffordable for many young enterprising tech workers." By contrasting London's successful past with its grim future, the author demonstrates the kind of economic and cultural center that England is at risk of losing due to limited diversity. The article also utilizes numerous statistics and numbers that add credibility to its argument.

I began reading the article knowing only that London is an expensive city, but I now agree with the author that the rich need to stop investing in London property if the city has any hope of flourishing. Although I am not a typical reader of The Guardian's editorials (and am neither British nor an adult), the author's success in persuading me probably indicates that his or her purpose was achieved among the target audience, as well. The article was well-written and seemingly accurate, making it an effective persuasive essay.

Earl's Terrace, Kensington

The most expensive street in England and Wales, according to the article.

Kensington is a district of west London, according to Wikipedia.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/20/observer-editorial-london-preserve-rich