The reason why people find Food Inc. persuasive is it provides solid facts and statistics that simply can’t be argued against. Not only is each statistic from a reputable source, but they are surprising and eye opening. People viewing the film for the first time learn so much about where the food they eat really comes from, the problems surrounding the industrialization of the food industry, and the dark side behind the FDA and big food corporations. By showing facts, graphs, statistics, and numbers, Food Inc. is able to logically persuade viewers.
Also, by being produced by qualified filmmakers and having testimonies from real experts on the food industry, Food Inc. is able to be even more persuasive. This documentary isn’t some flick some college students made for a film class. This film is professional and legitimate, having a budget big enough to use helicopters for camera shots, and allow the crew to visit multiple sites to capture images from all over the U.S., including multiple feed lots and farms. People are actually able to see with their own two eyes what really is going on with their food at these farms and feed lots, so that visual makes it easy for people to believe what is being said by Food Inc. Each person being interviewed, from the farmers to the journalists, is credible enough to believe. They are not running for election, or trying to gain anything by appearing in the film. They are just trying to reveal the truth about the food industry. That cause persuades people to listen to what they are saying, and generally agree or empathize with them.
I was persuaded by the film because of the statistics and visuals used, especially the ones used to show the chicken houses and feed lots. I think the impact the documentary varies for different people. Some people will watch the film and not think anything of it, while others may completely change their lifestyle. It really depends on the individual viewer, if they are appalled from what they see, or if they even have the means to afford a lifestyle change. However, he film definitely makes people more aware and educated about the food industry and what they consume.
Compared to other acts of persuasion, a film outdoes them all because of the capabilities. A lecture can be boring and uninteresting depending on the speaker, lots of people do not like to read news editorials, and speeches can be mundane. Films made by professionals with a decent budget can explore much more about the topic, and jam more information in a more entertaining way. Films can visit multiple locations, show multiple images, and stress multiple times in a flashier way. Just compare the theater and books to the film industry: more people are watching movies than going to plays or reading. Films can appeal to more people (especially ones with short attention spans). For this reason they are the most persuasive than other acts.
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