What to Say When You are Spectacularly Wrong: An Analysis of "How to Argue Effectively" by Dave Barry

       Dave Barry's sardonic overconfidence subtly criticizes aggressive, ignorant people who are quick to argue when they have no knowledge about the topic. He purposely uses fallacies throughout an article which claims to teach the audience how to argue, even though fallacies are to be avoided at all costs in an argument. Barry then inflates many of these baseless statements through hyperbole. He finally employs satire by infusing his article with a sarcastic humor. With a combination of wildly untrue statements and an obviously false cocky attitude, Barry disparages those who don't gather their thoughts before jumping into a confrontation.
       The author begins his list of tips with an entirely unjustifiable claim. He advises the reader to "drink several large martinis," and you'll discover you have a "wealth of information" about the "Peruvian economy." Any cognizant reader of this article will know that under the veil of alcohol, humans gain no knowledge but become less intelligent. This statement is automatically untrue, and the fallacy is easily realized by the reader. Barry then suggests that the reader should make the point that "Peruvians are underpaid," "based solely on the fact that you are underpaid." This second fallacy is also easily refuted, as the evidence does not support the claim. Barry purposely lists irrational points to convey the ignorance of those whose arguments are filled with alcohol-induced fallacies.
       Barry then exaggerates his ridiculous claims through hyperbole. He states that the addition of "Latin abbreviations" such as "e.g." and "i.e." to your vocabulary mean that you now "speak Latin." Most Americans are familiar with these abbreviations as they have been incorporated into the English language. Therefore, to imply that the knowledge of these phrases constitutes the knowledge of the entire Latin language is an extremely inflated claim. Barry later advises the reader to accuse their opponent that their words "sound suspiciously like something Adolf Hitler might say. In this article, the author is particularly describing arguments related to trivial matters or policital small talk at parties. Since it is difficult to sound as extreme as Hitler during a debate about issues much smaller than the extermination of the Jews, the reader can easily recognize this hyperbole, which is again use to criticize those who exaggerate their points.
      As is the standard for a Dave Barry article, satire is a key component. He encourages his students of argument to respond to their opponents with "the same tone of voice you would use to say, 'You left your soiled underwear in my bathroom.'" His crude humor pokes fun at the snobbery of the arrogant argumentative. By making such an obvious joke, he ensures that the reader understands that the article is not seriously suggesting such ridiculous tips. Barry finishes with a warning to his audience not to "pull any of this on people who generally carry weapons." He purposely ends the article with satire to reinforce the light, sardonic tone. He intends to make the reader laugh, as his work has become synonymous with humor.
     Throughout the article, Barry successfully juxtaposes supposedly serious advice with a satirically critical undertone. The employment or fallacy and hyperbole is used to chastise those whose arguments are filled with empty claims. He then pokes fun at the argumentative through blatant jokes. Although Barry seems to take on a serious advice column, he does not disappoint his loyal readers who have come to expect nothing less than hilarity.