TOW #3 "Over Spain's Objections, Catalonia Plans Referendum On Independence"

          The world watched as Scotland, in a display of democratic peacefulness, voted to see if it should succeed or remain part of the United Kingdom.  Even though the Scottish people eventually decided to remain British, some parts of the world decided that they want to emulate Scotland.  The article Over Spain's Objections, Catalonia Plans Referendum on Independence by Lauren Frayer talks about Catalonia attempting to travel down the same path that Scotland did by succeeding from Spain

Spain with Catalonia

The people of Catalonia have been wanting to form their own country for a while now, and by mimicking Scotland by voting on independence, the people figured that they might have a chance to be independent.  The Spanish government, however, is not as happy about the idea of independence.  In fact, they seem determined to make sure that the vote never happens.  The purpose of this article seemed to be about more than just this corner of Spain.  It’s showing how many areas in Europe may start striving for independence.  It reminded me of the Arab Spring, with people rising up and speaking their mind.  Hopefully, this will not turn violent.  Fingers-crossed!
              Lauren Frayer is an NPR writer who constantly covers news involving Spain and Catalonia.  Her audience is most likely supporters of Catalonian independence.  The article glorifies the idea of Catalonia splitting from Spain, as shown when Frayer writes “Spain's northeast region of Catalonia… has long sought autonomy from Spain. Emboldened by Scotland, the region is planning its own independence vote in November” (Frayer 1).  By using the words “emboldened”, Frayer explains that before the Catalans were either timid or afraid.  Now, the Catalonian are ready to speak out to gain independence.  Who is making these people scared and timid though?  Frayer immediately attacks the Spanish government by writing “the Spanish government says that's illegal, and vows to block it at all costs” (Frayer 1).  By blocking a people’s right to vote, it makes the Spanish government look evil, controlling, and unwilling to listen to its citizens.  Frayer may be biased, but she really knows how to name drop.  She builds up some major ethos by quoting the Catalan president and the words of pro-independence groups to build up credibility.  She also uses logos, by including polls on Catalonian separation, to also build up her ethos as an expert on the subject.  Even though I totally agree with Catalonia’s right to vote on its future, it troubles me to think about where is this going to led.  Will it emulate the Arab Spring and cause bloody civil wars and let rise to terrorist groups?  Will it be shot down and stopped in Catalonia?  Or will Catalonia succeed, opening the doors for many other countries to be formed?  Only time will tell.

                                                                                                                       

For those who wish to read the article:

http://www.npr.org/2014/09/20/349904266/over-spains-objections-catalonia-plans-referendum-on-independence