( C ) The chat room is a good resource to use inside and outside of the classroom. Chat rooms are very effective resources because they even allow me to converse with me to converse with toher members of my Biology class to discuss lectures and labs. A lot of classes around campus have the chat rooms set up privately for only the students registered in that class. This is a security device that makes sure people who do not belong to a particular class do not gain entrance to the room.
( D ) Dogs are a more suitable and effective alternative for weapons. Dogs served as the preffered alternative to excessive force around housing developments off campus for students attending the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).Although suspects have claimed to be badly bitten, these cases are extremely rare compared to the many documented good deeds and rescues involving human lives performed by police canines.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Cohesion
Looks Versus Life
"
*Two advertisements present the same product, an automobile, but intend to capture very different audiences. One, an [@ advertisement] for a 3-door Hyundai intends to attract the consumers who prefer a good looking and inexpensive car, or as Hyundai put it, “a car that’s as easy on the eye as it is on the wallet.” (NEED COMMA TO CONNECT TWO SENTENCES) While the advertisement for a Ford automobile is intended to sell to those whose main concern is safety. In these two particular car advertisements, the colors, images, styles, and texts are all aspects proving the differences in the two company’s intended audiences, whether mostly concerned with [@ safety or with price and aesthetics.]
*The [@ aesthetics] of the actual advertisements themselves have many similarities and only few differences. The Hyundai commercial is in color, showing an image of a red shining car in front of a muted yellow background, while the Ford commercial is in black and white and showing an image of a car’s plain, black dashboard with a large white airbag that has already been deployed. [@ Although the colors may be different], the layout of the advertisements are similar. Both [@ (NEED: “of their layouts”)] contain one sentence in large bolded text immediately catching any reader’s eye, regardless of the targeted audience. [@ In addition to large bolded text], both ads have text in a small, simple font at the bottom of the advertisement, underneath all other, larger components. [@ (NEED: “In addition,”)] Both contain one equally large image of an automobile, whether interior or exterior, making it obvious, without reading the text, that the advertisement is about cars. "
This exercise definitely seemed pointless at the beginning, however, as i went along, i realized it was useful becuase i did identify errors that needed changing in order to make these two paragraphs more cohesive.
"
*Two advertisements present the same product, an automobile, but intend to capture very different audiences. One, an [@ advertisement] for a 3-door Hyundai intends to attract the consumers who prefer a good looking and inexpensive car, or as Hyundai put it, “a car that’s as easy on the eye as it is on the wallet.” (NEED COMMA TO CONNECT TWO SENTENCES) While the advertisement for a Ford automobile is intended to sell to those whose main concern is safety. In these two particular car advertisements, the colors, images, styles, and texts are all aspects proving the differences in the two company’s intended audiences, whether mostly concerned with [@ safety or with price and aesthetics.]
*The [@ aesthetics] of the actual advertisements themselves have many similarities and only few differences. The Hyundai commercial is in color, showing an image of a red shining car in front of a muted yellow background, while the Ford commercial is in black and white and showing an image of a car’s plain, black dashboard with a large white airbag that has already been deployed. [@ Although the colors may be different], the layout of the advertisements are similar. Both [@ (NEED: “of their layouts”)] contain one sentence in large bolded text immediately catching any reader’s eye, regardless of the targeted audience. [@ In addition to large bolded text], both ads have text in a small, simple font at the bottom of the advertisement, underneath all other, larger components. [@ (NEED: “In addition,”)] Both contain one equally large image of an automobile, whether interior or exterior, making it obvious, without reading the text, that the advertisement is about cars. "
This exercise definitely seemed pointless at the beginning, however, as i went along, i realized it was useful becuase i did identify errors that needed changing in order to make these two paragraphs more cohesive.
Tiger Tear Down
I think that the change in policy, if even for this year, is absolutely appropriate and neccessary. Niether the fellow students nor the family's of the fire victims want to be reminded of such a tragedy. I have never heard of such a tradition, but since it exists, it must be changed if even for this year only.
Hybrids and Nuclear Energy
Both Carolina Reader essays explore the negative and positive aspects of two different topics both concerned with lowering pollutants. One, an article by Jamie Lincoln Kitman discusses hybrid cars and adresses that most are not helping the environment at all while costing the consumer more money. The second, an article by Patrick Moore, explores the facts and myths about nuclear energy and claims that it is the best way to generate energy without polluting as much as its alternatives. Both authors not only support their strong sides of the argument but also adress the opposing sides as well. Kitman says that Hybrids are thought to "reduce gasoline consumption" and "dependence on foreign oil" by running on battery, however, in truth, it depends on the hybrid and also how/where you drive it. He says that while they are technologically advanced and ,therefore, intriguing, he says that hybrid vehivle assure "extra weight, extra complexity and extra expense." He suggests that the use of hybrid taxis and buses are realistic and will definitely reduce pollutants and get the city's money's worth. On, the other hand, Patrick Moore also explores rebuttal perspectives while strongly arguing his claim that nuclear energy should be further explored and employed as the main use of energy. He states that although he "doesn't want to underestimate the very real dangers of nuclear technology in the hands of rogue states, we cannot ban every technology that is dangerous." He explores the other alternatives to power such as wind power, solar power, coal, hydroelectric power, natural gas, and fossil fuel and states why nuclear energy is the best choice since it is "the only viable substitute for coal." Another effective aspect about Moore's article was his true/false section that stated the myths about nuclear energy and why they are myths as opposed to facts. And since Moore is the co-founder of Greenpeace, his argument is even more convincing by displaying that nuclear power may actually be in the best interest of the earth. While Kitman is a bureau cheif af an automobile magazine, he doesn't establish as much credibility as a proclaimed expert would, although his job does entail his full knowledge of vehicles and their markets.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Global Warming
Although both of these Carolina Reader essays are based on the subject of global warming they actually discuss two different things. Richard Lindzen's essay does not claim that some action should be taken in order to prevent or reduce global warming, but instead, claims that the way global warming is discussed, substantiated, and percieved should be different. He's demanding a new way to inform by gaining credibility for climate alarms, not a new way to emit less toxins or use less gas. The essay by Jeffrey Kluger gives evidence of exactly what Lindzen says he is trying to rid: an alarmist view with little to no credibility that, in the end, has more impact than a professional climatologists opinion. Kluger's dramatic and extensive examples such as, "pump enough CO2 into the sky, and that last part per million of greenhouse gas behaves like the 212th degree Farenheit that turns a pot of water into a plume of billowing steam," can fool the audience into believing that Co2 is killing the earth and the people on it. But Kluger seems to be hiding unstable support behind alot of dramatic words.
Policy or Proposal?
Since so many things in the environment would need changing, controlling, and monitoring, it would be clearer to write a policy paper and describe the harmful effects of obesity and how we may consider solving them. My main claim in this policy paper with be that obesity is a harmful disease, describe its effects, and suggest ways of improving our health personally and collectively. Although i have some research for the harmful effects of obesity i will need to further research how they correllate to our environment and behaviors. In addition, i suspect i will need more sources on specific, negative side-effects of obesity as opposed to global, economic side-effects.
Point IV from 11/08
My exploratory essay explained only the negative perspectives of obesity since no resources support obesity. However, i stated three of the main causes of obesity including genetics, medications, and environmental factors and described them in detail. The dominant perspective was definitely the environmental factors such as fast food and family behaviors. Since genetics and perscription medications due influence weight gain they are only small contributors. Therefore, the increase in obesity can only be an effect of American's lifestyle change over recent years. I can only support the dominant research showing that environmental changes are influencing obesity the most, since genetics cannot transform so quickly and since medications are only a small factor. The most prevelent factor, the environment, needs to be dominant because it is the only factor that americans can control. The most difficult aspect, is enforcing healthy behavior amongst such an unhealthy environment.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
USC Policy Revision
Like i said in the quiz last class, the parking "system" on the USC campus is in URGENT need of revision. I call it a "system" because it really isn't a reliable system at all. I propose that there be more parking spaces, whether free or via meter, but regardless, there be semester-round parking passes that can be purchased through the CITY of Columbia rather than the school, so that once you have paid a certain amount for the semester, you have access to unlimited parking at ANY meter in the city and on campus. If this change were implemented it would be less difficult for students to get correct change, harder to get tickets and also profit the city. Since this proposition would ultimately profit the city, even after the costs of developing a system to make the passes, which is both the city's and school's motivation. The parking "system" is the way it is because it makes money. Most people don't have enough change or quarters, which causes them to get tickets. If the price of a pass were resonable for both the city and the students (approx. 200$), in the end, everyone would benefit. Anyways, it would be worth it not to be so frustrated EVERYDAY!
The [F-ing] Carolina Reader Essays!
In the two Carolina Reader essays, both topics focus on the meaning and usage of the word "fuck." I don't think that they are arguing opposing views because they both believe that the f-word is increasing in usage and is also loosing it's meaning. However, Reilly is less instistant upon making an active initiative to stop swearing, while Achenbach is stressing that the usage of these profanities is causing a serious problem in the world. For instance, Achenbach supports his claim by using evidence from a serious lawsuit over profanity on the radio while Reilly is less serious and suggests people should use other words like "you son of a biscuit," to reprsent these vulgarities.
Free Write
When i was little, i had basically no ties to the military. None of my family was active duty or even a retired veteran, besides my grandfather who NEVER talked about it. And at that time, if i were to take a position, it would probably have been that the military is scary and bad! Only until the last 4 or 5 years, have begun to comtemplate whether the military is really beneficial for an individual (male or female) and whether it is really difficult, fun, rewarding, etc. When i met my boyfirend of three years,who has been in the military, basically his entire life, and now serves in the Air Force, i was thrown into a whole new world of military life and everything that goes with it. I couldn't help but form opinions about my new lifelstyle, both very good and bad. Ultimately, i see the military as a great oportunity, though sometimes very difficult for both the duty member and his/her partner, and in some cases, a chance to save your life.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
SWA # 9
An excerpt from a book entitled “The Fat Girl’s Guide to Life,” by Wendy Shanker, establishes a strong ethos towards how Americans view body image, especially larger bodies. As an overweight individual, Shanker describes how she struggled with body acceptance not only because of negative views from other people and society, but because of the negative outlook she imposed upon herself. Her evidence is mostly personal anecdotes or experiences which allows her ethos in this excerpt to be powerful and effective by applying to most situations of people’s denial of themselves. Whether it is body image or stereotypes, her first-hand experience with self-acceptance or lack thereof, is a model for everyone unhappy with their bodies or their lives. Since the topic of self-acceptance is so universal, the audience is almost endless, for it is rare to find a person content with every aspect of their lives.
In an article by Eleanor Randolph called “The Big, Fat American Kid Crisis…And 10 Things We Should Do About It, “Randolph poses the claim that American kids are fat, and getting fatter, because of unhealthy food enterprise. She formulates a proposal detailing how to stop, or at least greatly decrease, this “Big Food” presence in everyday American children’s life. She is extremely effective by proposing small, and therefore possible, strides that ten aspects of society could implement to stop obesity in children. By encompassing almost every important aspect and cause of obesity including banning junk food in schools, ceasing unhealthy food advertisements targeted at children, labeling nutritious facts at restaurants, and increasing proper health education for both children and adults, her proposal would likely succeed.
In an article by Eleanor Randolph called “The Big, Fat American Kid Crisis…And 10 Things We Should Do About It, “Randolph poses the claim that American kids are fat, and getting fatter, because of unhealthy food enterprise. She formulates a proposal detailing how to stop, or at least greatly decrease, this “Big Food” presence in everyday American children’s life. She is extremely effective by proposing small, and therefore possible, strides that ten aspects of society could implement to stop obesity in children. By encompassing almost every important aspect and cause of obesity including banning junk food in schools, ceasing unhealthy food advertisements targeted at children, labeling nutritious facts at restaurants, and increasing proper health education for both children and adults, her proposal would likely succeed.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Questions for the Reviewer
I am pretty confident about my first draft exploratory essay. However, while I was actually writing the essay i changed the thesis from focusing on both the causes and effects of obesity to only stressing the causes of obesity. my question is:
- Would adding two more paragraphs of the effects of obesity (one-medical effects, the other-economic effects) enhance or distract from my essay of the main causes of obesity?
Plane ticket prices
plane tickets are absurdly expensive, however, that isn't the most frustrating aspect about them. The thing about plane ticket prices is that they can increase exponentially in just a couple of hours. say for instance i wanted to go home to texas for the holidays and, on a monday, save a hypothetical itinerary on a website. Well on tuesday night the fare could have gone up by 200 $ or more! How is this drastic change so sudden? And since you are basically required to book months in advance in order to get a realiistically priced fare, why are refundable tickets so much more expensive? It's like oil prices, one day to the next. I just don't get it!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Body Image response to CR
Body image is not only perception of ourselves but perception of others compared to ourselves. If you don't feel accepted you probably wont have good self esteem which more that likely will translate into poor body-image and, on the other hand, if you are socially accepted you may have better body image. Obesity is such a wide-spread and common disease that it is becoming not only socially acceptable but also something to be proud of. The terms "fat and happy" or "large and in charge" are both things that reflect this attitude towards overweight people. On page 223 of Carolina Reader, Rosenwald quotes that his "girth also puts me [him] in familiar company, with about two-thirds of the U.S. population now considered overweight," which suggests that he is probably less motivated to loose weight when two of three people are over weight as well. Another reason society almost embraces obesity is because, due to our environment and lifestyle in America, it is an inevitable effect. With high fat foods, in large quantities, for low costs, it is viewed that we almost can't help weight gain so why eat a little bit of bad tasting, expensive food? In Rosenwald's essay, "Why America Has to Be Fat" he says that Tomas J. Philipson, an economic professor says that, "The obesity problem is really a side effect of things that are good for the economy." On the other hand, people are rebellious to the skin and bones body image that is evident in magazines, television commercials, and many other medias. If that is supposed to be the exampleof American body image it is almost impossible to accomplish without a lack of nutrition on the other side of the spectrum such as eating disorders. there is no clear line between the two, as long as you are happy with your personal body-image.
Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
Collins, Anne. "Causes of Obesity." Anne Collins. 13 Oct. 2007 http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/causes-of-obesity.htm.This website was created by a woman named Anne Collins who directs obesity reduction programs. This personal website, though not very credible, contains information that Collins has observed directly among obese customers such as trends in foods they ate while growing up and what food they feed to their children as well as the correllation between inactivity and obesity. I have a lack of trust with this online source due to its informal nature and almost advertisement appearance. Though it is important to have a resource that has delt directly with "250,000 people" who are actually overweight, or so she claims. However, Collins valuable, observable information is good evidence to support a few different causes, or at least contributions, to gaining weight.
Cullen, Lisa T. "Not Too Rich or Too Thin: is a Healthy Diet Hard on the Wallet?" Time 1 Nov. 2007: 1.
In this article, Lisa Cullen links low prices with being over normal weight, or in other words, links high prices with being under normal weight. She says that in order to have a healthy, "quality" diet it costs a lot more money than it does to have large quantities of poor quality food which, she suggests, correllates to where these people live. Besides location increasing an unhealthy diet, Cullen says that schools are also adding to the problem by making junk food and soda available to children who ultimately learn bad eating habits. Lisa gives various reasons as to why children and adults alike aren't getting the proper nutrition they need whether it be school, location, or salary and how they are adding to already high percentages in the American obesity statistics.
"Economic Impact of Obesity." Obesity in America. The Endocrine Society. 13 Oct. 2007
This website (obesityinamerica.org) was created by The Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation in order to inform the American public of the facts, causes, effects, and treatments of obesity. This specific page describes a few of the economic effects of obesity and obesity related health problems and also gives astonishing statistics concerning annual monetary expenditures for obesity and its related effects. The importance of this page is to support how impactfull the effects of this disease truly are, not only on the body and health but also on the wallet.
"Geographic Breakdown." Obesity in America. The Endocrine Society. 13 Oct. 2007 http://www.obesityinamerics.org/geographic.html.
This website (obesityinamerica.org) was created by The Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation in order to inform the American public of the facts, causes, effects, and treatments of obesity. The "Geographic Breakdown" section of this website gives specific information regarding the trends of obesity rates in North America and the states where obesity is most prevelent. This page also gives data of obese people globally and, for example, how North America's obesity levels differ from other country's obesity levels. This page gives various statistics ranging from 1991 to 2001 to prove how obesity in America is relevent and is increasing over time. This page discourages obesity, not by using persuasive language but by simply stating the geographic facts of obesity in certain locations. And since my essay is based on the negative factors of obesity it will be very useful information when dicsussing the geographic trends in America and how they compare to other countries and, unfortunately, the obvious increase in obese people in the United States.
Lemonick, Michael D. "How We Grew So Big." Time 07 June 2004: 1-4.
This particular article from Time Magazine describes how genetic factors of surving and living in the paleolithic era are the same factors that are causing the public to gain weight today. This weight gain is due to the obvious differences between the 21st century and 50,000 years ago such as environment, eating habits, and lifetyles. Michael Lemonick describes in painstaking detail how we used to live compared to our health habits today and how that has caused an excessive weight gain in America. Though he deeply describes human's eating habit 50,ooo years ago, it is relevent today because it suggests genetic influence over weight gain in addition to eating, excersicing, and the readibility of food (fast food)at low costs, all of which, he suggests, are causes of obesity in America.
Murphy, Jenny. "The Super-Sizing of America: are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's Obesity?" Speakout. 15 June 2000. 13 Oct. 2007
This article by Jenny Murphy is a personal response to obesity in America in the year 2000. Murphy focuses on fast food chains as the main reason for the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and says the reason is becuase fast food chains have such abnormally large portions compared to the recommended amount. She also provides statistics from the Washington Post, Guest Choice Network, The Nation, and Time magazine in order to support her peronal claim through credible sources. Although, Murphy's personal response was posted on an online opinion research companycalled, "Speakout," and doesn't exactly hold the best credibility, she was still writing about a problem that was relevent and noticable even in the year 2000. And seven years later the problem is only getting worse, which is evidence that two causes of obesity are fast food and portion size.
United States. National Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of Health and Human Services. Obesity and Genetics: a Public Health Perspective. 24 Oct. 2007
http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/training/perspectives/files/obesedit.htm.
This article is based on the genetic factors contributing to obesity. It develops the idea that obesity is not caused only by genes but suggests that genetics do play a role in being overweight. Considering this article was published on a public health website by the Department of Health and Human Services, it is scientific information provided for the general public in a non-biased manner. Due to these reasons, it is a credible source in understanding the scientific definition of obesity and how it is measured. This article also says that the same genes that we as humans once used to avoid starvation may be the same genes that are making us obese. This article also suggests that under the same environmental factors, different people are effected in different ways, which also indicates genetic effects on obesity. This source provides credible scientific support for the theory that genetics are influencing the obesity epidemic.
"Why are Some People Obese? - Trends in Obesity Research." Obesity in America. The Endocrine Society. 13 Oct. 2007 http://www.obesityinamerica.org/whyobesity.html.
This website (obesityinamerica.org) was created by The Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation in order to inform the American public of the facts, causes, effects, and treatments of obesity. This specific page describes different factors in the environment that reasearch has shown, contribute to higher liklihood of being obese. Some of these factors include, medications, portion size, fat intake, high fructose corn syrup, low levels of activity, and quiting smoking cigarettes. Because these are studied, credible contributions to obesity they will provide further evidence to some of the causes of obesity.
SWA #7
Three essays in Carolina Reader discuss some recent changes in the college population concerning religion, politics, and social class. Each article poses a casual argument that a specific aspect of college students is changing over time and each provide various reasons influencing these specific changes.
The first article, “Matters of Faith Find a New Prominence on Campus,” by Alan Finder was published in 2007 and argues that the number of college students involved in “active religious life,” as professor Gomes from Harvard University words it, is much higher than that of past numbers. Finder suggests that the religious based issues in politics such as abortion and war leave students asking questions and actively seeking answers. Another reason, he says, is the attacks of September 11th and how that had an “influence of religion on world affairs.” Another reason, he says, is that young people have grown up so nurtured and protected by their family and their environment that once they enter college life they don’t have the “resources” to handle traumatic events such as a suicide and some eventually turn to religious exploration. Finder, finally, suggests that an increase in community service and social activism has led to and increase in faith on campus.
An increase in social activism may influence not only religion on campus but politics as well. The second piece, “Schools of Thought: The Liberal-Conservative Divide on College Campuses,” by Richard Just was published in 2003 and argues that active political conservatism among college students is not only increasing but becoming more evident. Just claims that students, especially conservative ones, are noticing an overwhelming liberal bias not only among the majority of students but also among faculty and staff. He reasons that the old generation of liberals who battled oppressive issues such as “freer sexuality, affirmative action, greater curricular and cultural diversity,” now occupy many positions on the faculty and impose their political views, intentionally or not, upon their students. Just suggests that the outweighing number of democrats to republicans is bringing more attention to the conservative presence on campuses and due to this spotlight, the funding for right party projects such as newspapers and speakers greatly overshadows that of the common liberals.
Lastly, an article entitled, “The College Dropout Boom,” by David Leonhardt was written in 2005 and argues that the number of college dropouts is increasing and is mostly due to the vast gaps between lower, middle, and upper class. Leonhardt says that various factors now contribute to young adults not only getting accepted to colleges but staying enrolled all four years. He suggests that high schools can take some of the blame for failing to prepare students well enough for college and, therefore, after a few semesters of not succeeding, end up dropping out. Another reason, he says, is that “tuition bills scare some students from even applying and leave others with years of debt.” Which, according to Leonhardt, the lower-income students receive no admissions preference and, if they are accepted, cannot afford to remain enrolled for four to five years, scholarship or not. He also states that many low-income students don’t have family members or examples in everyday life that have gone to college which also decreases the likelihood that they would attend or apply.
Though these writers claim that there is an increase in attitude toward religion, politics, and class from the past, as a college student it isn’t exactly evident that these changes are occurring on campus, but then again I don’t have experience to compare them with past attitudes. But if these increases are truly happening, luckily some of us are observing, writing, and monitoring this supposed progress of change.
The first article, “Matters of Faith Find a New Prominence on Campus,” by Alan Finder was published in 2007 and argues that the number of college students involved in “active religious life,” as professor Gomes from Harvard University words it, is much higher than that of past numbers. Finder suggests that the religious based issues in politics such as abortion and war leave students asking questions and actively seeking answers. Another reason, he says, is the attacks of September 11th and how that had an “influence of religion on world affairs.” Another reason, he says, is that young people have grown up so nurtured and protected by their family and their environment that once they enter college life they don’t have the “resources” to handle traumatic events such as a suicide and some eventually turn to religious exploration. Finder, finally, suggests that an increase in community service and social activism has led to and increase in faith on campus.
An increase in social activism may influence not only religion on campus but politics as well. The second piece, “Schools of Thought: The Liberal-Conservative Divide on College Campuses,” by Richard Just was published in 2003 and argues that active political conservatism among college students is not only increasing but becoming more evident. Just claims that students, especially conservative ones, are noticing an overwhelming liberal bias not only among the majority of students but also among faculty and staff. He reasons that the old generation of liberals who battled oppressive issues such as “freer sexuality, affirmative action, greater curricular and cultural diversity,” now occupy many positions on the faculty and impose their political views, intentionally or not, upon their students. Just suggests that the outweighing number of democrats to republicans is bringing more attention to the conservative presence on campuses and due to this spotlight, the funding for right party projects such as newspapers and speakers greatly overshadows that of the common liberals.
Lastly, an article entitled, “The College Dropout Boom,” by David Leonhardt was written in 2005 and argues that the number of college dropouts is increasing and is mostly due to the vast gaps between lower, middle, and upper class. Leonhardt says that various factors now contribute to young adults not only getting accepted to colleges but staying enrolled all four years. He suggests that high schools can take some of the blame for failing to prepare students well enough for college and, therefore, after a few semesters of not succeeding, end up dropping out. Another reason, he says, is that “tuition bills scare some students from even applying and leave others with years of debt.” Which, according to Leonhardt, the lower-income students receive no admissions preference and, if they are accepted, cannot afford to remain enrolled for four to five years, scholarship or not. He also states that many low-income students don’t have family members or examples in everyday life that have gone to college which also decreases the likelihood that they would attend or apply.
Though these writers claim that there is an increase in attitude toward religion, politics, and class from the past, as a college student it isn’t exactly evident that these changes are occurring on campus, but then again I don’t have experience to compare them with past attitudes. But if these increases are truly happening, luckily some of us are observing, writing, and monitoring this supposed progress of change.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
SWA#8 Topic Proposal
Gaining weight is simply caused by intaking more calories than you expend, however, for many people it is much more complicated. Various factors contribute to the cause of weight gain and, especially in America, overall weight gain is continually increasing. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI), percentage of body fat relative to height and weight, of 40 or more. And, unfortunately, the population's "BMI" is ceasing to decrease. So what is causing this excess of fat?
In my exploratory essay I will discuss various causes of obesity in America such as the Fast Food industry, the environment and its examples, the replacement of physical labor with technology, and the trends in portion size in America and how they differ from other countries. Iwill also discuss the effects of obesity on health and well-being as well as the impact that the obesity epidemic has on the U.S. economy. I will give support from magazine articles, obesity organizations, medical associations, and Internet websites to provide evidence that the obesity epidemic not only exists but is getting worse. It is important that Americans understand that we have a weight problem, for whatever reason, and must makes personal and nation-wide strides to understand the causes and effects of obesity and how to make better decisions to decrease BMI. For if we fail to understand and we fail to act, obesity will continue to increase.
In my exploratory essay I will discuss various causes of obesity in America such as the Fast Food industry, the environment and its examples, the replacement of physical labor with technology, and the trends in portion size in America and how they differ from other countries. Iwill also discuss the effects of obesity on health and well-being as well as the impact that the obesity epidemic has on the U.S. economy. I will give support from magazine articles, obesity organizations, medical associations, and Internet websites to provide evidence that the obesity epidemic not only exists but is getting worse. It is important that Americans understand that we have a weight problem, for whatever reason, and must makes personal and nation-wide strides to understand the causes and effects of obesity and how to make better decisions to decrease BMI. For if we fail to understand and we fail to act, obesity will continue to increase.
Monday, October 15, 2007
SWA#8 Sources
Works Cited
Collins, Anne. "Causes of Obesity." Anne Collins. 13 Oct. 2007
http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/causes-of-obesity.htm.
Cullen, Lisa T. "Not Too Rich or Too Thin." Time 07 June 2004: 1.
Lemonick, Michael D. "How We Grew So Big." Time 01 Nov. 2004: 1-4.
Murphy, Jenny. "The Super-Sizing of America: are Fast Food Chains to Blame for the Nation's
Obesity?" Speakout. 15 June 2000. 13 Oct. 2007
http://www.speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1333b-1.html.
"The Obesity Crisis: What's It All About?" Obesity in America. Org. The Endocrine Society.13
Oct. 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Smoking Bans
- effects of smoking on health
- children's effect when not smoking but around smoke
2. second hand smoke, mainstream smoke (different types of smoke from cigarette, cigar)
3. history of smoking
- when did tobacco become a popular trading tool
- how was smoking viewed throughout time (50's=cool ; 2000=unhealthy)
- who smoked throughout time (men? women? poor? rich?)
My Post Secret
In my post secret I claimed that I would, "give up all expectations in order to become a famous flying trapeze artist". In my "secret" I used a picture of a flamboyant and stereotypical trapeze artist in a flashy costume to portray how absurd the idea of being a circus performer is to the normal, everyday person and even how absurd it is to me to have such a far-fetched dream. From what i observed, the class understood how my "secret" was valid due to the fact that being a trapeze artist isn't neccessarily a revered career and how i could be ashamed of such a dream.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Post Secret Analysis
The post Secret I chose is the one with stars in the background that reads, "I cried for Anakin Sky Walker in Star Wars Episode III, but not for the tsunami victims."
He/she explicitly claims that Star Wars brought him/her to tears but she didn't cry for the tsunami victims. Since the nature of the cards often present claims of fact it isn't a refutable argument. The warrant is that he/she is more emotionally effected by a movie than a natural disaster and because they are not proud of this, they consider it a secret.
The author, whether male or female is obviously interested in Star Wars therefore developing a relationship with the movie as opposed to the victims of the tsunami with which he/she probably has no identification due to the distant location of the tragedy and the lack of effect it had on his/her life.
The audience is basically universal. The few people who don't know what Star Wars is or never knew about the tsunami are the only exclusions to the "targeted" audience.
The aesthetics of this card are not very effective due to the sheer simplicity, though the simplicity of the background also allows the reader to focus on the text or the "secret". And because it is a secret, it automatically adds an element of emotion or pathos to the text because it is sacred to someone even though that someone is anonymous.
He/she explicitly claims that Star Wars brought him/her to tears but she didn't cry for the tsunami victims. Since the nature of the cards often present claims of fact it isn't a refutable argument. The warrant is that he/she is more emotionally effected by a movie than a natural disaster and because they are not proud of this, they consider it a secret.
The author, whether male or female is obviously interested in Star Wars therefore developing a relationship with the movie as opposed to the victims of the tsunami with which he/she probably has no identification due to the distant location of the tragedy and the lack of effect it had on his/her life.
The audience is basically universal. The few people who don't know what Star Wars is or never knew about the tsunami are the only exclusions to the "targeted" audience.
The aesthetics of this card are not very effective due to the sheer simplicity, though the simplicity of the background also allows the reader to focus on the text or the "secret". And because it is a secret, it automatically adds an element of emotion or pathos to the text because it is sacred to someone even though that someone is anonymous.
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
His Claim VS. My Claim
Essay: “Antarctic Story: Why Human Beings Like ‘March of the Penguins’”
Central Claim: "main appeal [of movie], by both men and women, was due to what he calls “sexual politics,” or, in other words, the stereotypical motives and ideals of both males and females.
My Claim: "Though specifically focused towards child rearing, a serious issue, he utilizes a humorous and almost sarcastic tone to pose a delightfully casual yet effective argument. "
My Revised Claim: Queenan develops an effective argument, even though he may use a humorous and sarcastic tone, through his text, reader, constraints, and purpose of the article, "Antarctic Sroty: Why Human Beings Like 'March of the Penguins.'"
Conclusion: "Queenan is not concerned with persuading fathers who appreciate responsibilities for their children to think the opposite or to wish themselves a penguin in the next life. He is simply stating another theory why “Human Beings Like ‘March of the Penguins,’” or in other words, that women tend to like movies with selfless and attractive men and men prefer a 'no strings attached relationship' versus a long-term commitment."
Central Claim: "main appeal [of movie], by both men and women, was due to what he calls “sexual politics,” or, in other words, the stereotypical motives and ideals of both males and females.
My Claim: "Though specifically focused towards child rearing, a serious issue, he utilizes a humorous and almost sarcastic tone to pose a delightfully casual yet effective argument. "
My Revised Claim: Queenan develops an effective argument, even though he may use a humorous and sarcastic tone, through his text, reader, constraints, and purpose of the article, "Antarctic Sroty: Why Human Beings Like 'March of the Penguins.'"
Conclusion: "Queenan is not concerned with persuading fathers who appreciate responsibilities for their children to think the opposite or to wish themselves a penguin in the next life. He is simply stating another theory why “Human Beings Like ‘March of the Penguins,’” or in other words, that women tend to like movies with selfless and attractive men and men prefer a 'no strings attached relationship' versus a long-term commitment."
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Response #2 to CR Essays
In an article entitled, "Ugly, The American," James Poniewozik states a claim of definition by defining that "America's attitudes towards foreigners is more complex than the build-a-fencers would make it." James, however, shifts the essay towards a claim of value at the end by stating "that what makes Betty ugly is, in the long run, what makes us America the beautiful." In other words, "Ugly Betty," a television show James uses to represent immigrants in the United States, is ultimately good for America.
Poniewozik gives evidence through examples of other popular television shows with foreign characters such as "Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell, East European and Latin hoofers on Dancing with the Stars, Mexican boxers on the Contender and a Siberian drag queen on America's Got Talent." All of which are icons and immigrants.
The author also includes a rebuttal for his argument by stating the negative stereotypes of foreigners such as, "taking our kids' spots in college!". He warrants that we, as stereotypical Americans, need to cease connotating immigration with such negativity and see the positive addition that they do and will bring to "America the beautiful."
Poniewozik gives evidence through examples of other popular television shows with foreign characters such as "Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell, East European and Latin hoofers on Dancing with the Stars, Mexican boxers on the Contender and a Siberian drag queen on America's Got Talent." All of which are icons and immigrants.
The author also includes a rebuttal for his argument by stating the negative stereotypes of foreigners such as, "taking our kids' spots in college!". He warrants that we, as stereotypical Americans, need to cease connotating immigration with such negativity and see the positive addition that they do and will bring to "America the beautiful."
Monday, September 24, 2007
Response #1 to CR Essays
In an essay entitled, "Gen Y's Ego Trip Takes a Bad Turn," Larry Gordon and Louis Sahagun claim that today's college students, "Generation Y," are more narcissistics than any previous generations. The causes, they say, are internet websites like MySpace and YouTube that are only meant to promote yourself as an impressive individual, therefore influencing narcissism.
The Author's provide various samples of support for their claim including quotes, surveys, and novels. One piece of evidence is a "study led by a San Diego State University psychologist," proving that it's not only a petty concern of two individuals but a concern that is generating alot of attention, and even that of Acedemic institutes. Another piece of support, a novel, by Jean Twenge, is entitled,"Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled-and Mor Miserable Than Ever," suggests that Gordon and Sahagun have not only entered into a subject of many followers but a subject that has been followered for many years.
The authors of this essay are concerned for this generation and their behavioral outcome but also resent their current tendencies, behaviors, and instigators. They hint that if it weren't for certain t.v. programs, websites, medias etc., they wouln't have such narcissistic and self loathing personalities that the authors find so bothersome.
The Author's provide various samples of support for their claim including quotes, surveys, and novels. One piece of evidence is a "study led by a San Diego State University psychologist," proving that it's not only a petty concern of two individuals but a concern that is generating alot of attention, and even that of Acedemic institutes. Another piece of support, a novel, by Jean Twenge, is entitled,"Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled-and Mor Miserable Than Ever," suggests that Gordon and Sahagun have not only entered into a subject of many followers but a subject that has been followered for many years.
The authors of this essay are concerned for this generation and their behavioral outcome but also resent their current tendencies, behaviors, and instigators. They hint that if it weren't for certain t.v. programs, websites, medias etc., they wouln't have such narcissistic and self loathing personalities that the authors find so bothersome.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Chosen Essay and Outline
Antarctic Story: Why Human Beings Like "March of the Penguins" by Joe Queenan (Page 372)
I finally chose this essay not only because I have seen the movie and was part of his targeted audience but also because I dissagreed with his theory. Though I may have had more personal connections and examples to the other essays I was considering, I thought my disagreement towards his theory would spark a better motivation to write an analysis over this topic instead of the others.
outline:
P:1
Introduction:
P:2
Type of Text:
I finally chose this essay not only because I have seen the movie and was part of his targeted audience but also because I dissagreed with his theory. Though I may have had more personal connections and examples to the other essays I was considering, I thought my disagreement towards his theory would spark a better motivation to write an analysis over this topic instead of the others.
outline:
P:1
Introduction:
- Title and author of article
- How effective Rhetorical analysis is defined by T.R.A.C.E.
P:2
Type of Text:
- Article in "Weekly Standard"
- Short essay with many examples of different theories about movie's success
- Humorous and sarcastic tone (Ex: Men's hair at thirty / Reincarnation as penguin)
- Informal and delightfully casual text about delightful and casual movie
P:3
Type of Reader:
- Most adults, young and old, (who more than likely escorted their kids who wanted to see movie initially) who saw movie and can recall its overall plot and elements
- Especially males and females who have a family and appreciate common stereotypes of both men and women ( Ex: Grant, Peck, Grant= female / Beckham's short skirts=male )
P:4
Type of Author:
- Male (father) with two children in college who is able to identify with theory of sexual politics of male intrique to movie vs. female intrique.
- Proud of new and humorous theory
- Writing for the stereotypes as opposed to his true beliefs toward child rearing (Ex: sarcasm / Lack of pathos)
P:5
Type of Constraints:
- Only can be directed toward people who have actually seen the movie
- Even if they have seen the movie, do they care enough about why other people liked it, especially if they didn't.
P:6
Type of Exigence:
- Author not concerned with any type of proactive responses
- Hopes to have either an agreement or dissagreement to his personal theory about popularity of movie
P:7
Personal Response:
- Personal disagreement to author's theory about men and women's views about child rearing ( theory is based soley on stereotypes and cliches of males and females / Outlook on child rearing is completely circumstantial to parent's situation )
Sunday, September 16, 2007
SUGGESTION!!!
Something happened with the color of my text in my last post (Articles Why/Why not), but if you highlight the text you will be able to read it. SORRY!!!
3 Articles and Why or Why Not??
"Ugly, The American" by James Poniewozik (2006) (page 154)
Scanning through the Table of Contents in the Carolina Reader Inoticed this essay first because of the quirky title of the essay. After reading it, I concluded that it would be a relatively fitting selection because I am not only familiar with the show "Ugly Betty," which he eludes to as an American icon and an icon to immigrants in America, but also because I have a good friend whose family is from Mexico but all reside in The United States as legal immigrants.
"Long-Term Love" by Julie Hanus (2006) (Page 210)
I also chose to read this essay because of the title as it also relates to my interest in personal commitments to and of people. I am a child of divorced parents and a sentimental when it comes to family securities and traditions. I am a dedicated "significant other" to an active military member and due to the following, "Long-Term Love" is a struggle and a joy that I encounter on an everyday basis.
"Antarctic Story: Why Human Beings Like "March of the Penguins" by Joe Queenan (2005) (Page 372)
This prticular essay interested me because Ialways have wondered why the "March of the Penguins" was such a huge box office hit. It was interesting to hear Queenan's theory of male and female intrigue towards the movie and how these two intrigues were on directly opposite sides of the ethical spectrum. However, Ithought it was too cut-and-dry as an explanation and, in conclusion, resented his idea that males ultimately don't want obligations toward their children. It negates the "Long-Term Love" idea in which Iso desperately believe.
Scanning through the Table of Contents in the Carolina Reader Inoticed this essay first because of the quirky title of the essay. After reading it, I concluded that it would be a relatively fitting selection because I am not only familiar with the show "Ugly Betty," which he eludes to as an American icon and an icon to immigrants in America, but also because I have a good friend whose family is from Mexico but all reside in The United States as legal immigrants.
"Long-Term Love" by Julie Hanus (2006) (Page 210)
I also chose to read this essay because of the title as it also relates to my interest in personal commitments to and of people. I am a child of divorced parents and a sentimental when it comes to family securities and traditions. I am a dedicated "significant other" to an active military member and due to the following, "Long-Term Love" is a struggle and a joy that I encounter on an everyday basis.
"Antarctic Story: Why Human Beings Like "March of the Penguins" by Joe Queenan (2005) (Page 372)
This prticular essay interested me because Ialways have wondered why the "March of the Penguins" was such a huge box office hit. It was interesting to hear Queenan's theory of male and female intrigue towards the movie and how these two intrigues were on directly opposite sides of the ethical spectrum. However, Ithought it was too cut-and-dry as an explanation and, in conclusion, resented his idea that males ultimately don't want obligations toward their children. It negates the "Long-Term Love" idea in which Iso desperately believe.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
SWA #5
Virginia Tech
In an article by Adam Gopnik entitled, “Shootings,” he discussed the emotionally disturbing school shooting at Virginia Tech and suggested how to prevent another brutal massacre. Since his article was published in the New Yorker Magazine, he gave many Americans the opportunity to rethink their stand on gun policies.
Gopnik wrote this piece for all audiences, and rightfully did so. Though a horrific tragedy, everyone should be aware of the effects on society and on safety that the shooting at Virginia Tech caused and continues to cause. Not only were the students and the loved ones of the victims distraught, but everyone who attended an average college in the United States was also affected. Although Gopnik may not have known any of the victims personally or had any experience handling or purchasing a gun, he was sensitive and very passionate about the subject in his text. His logos was reasonable and clear when he stated that the number of guns that are killing people must be reduced in order to “reduce the number of people killed by guns.” Writing this text, Gopnik was neither exceedingly forceful nor overly passive, but was proactively persuasive of stricter gun ownership in America and, in addition, sensitive to his constraints.
Since it is such an emotionally traumatic subject that provokes strong emotions from and for all people, whether directly involved or not, the constraints on this rhetorical situation were obvious. Especially because it was posted in the New Yorker Magazine the vocabulary of the article had to be delicate. Due to its renown nature, everyone including friends and families of the victims were likely to read it. And details of the crime were thankfully omitted since they are so brutally graphic. He was , therefore, compelled to focus more toward the agenda of gun control in hopes to direct the anger and frustration of Americans towards a greater goal of limiting and eliminating guns to the American public.
The exigency here was and still is unmistakable. Unless something is done to limit or eliminate guns, especially semiautomatic weapons whose only purpose is to use in combat against other humans, guns will continue to kill. Due to the reoccurring trend of brutal school shootings in America the necessity for change is urgent. How many will die next time and will it be me?
In an article by Adam Gopnik entitled, “Shootings,” he discussed the emotionally disturbing school shooting at Virginia Tech and suggested how to prevent another brutal massacre. Since his article was published in the New Yorker Magazine, he gave many Americans the opportunity to rethink their stand on gun policies.
Gopnik wrote this piece for all audiences, and rightfully did so. Though a horrific tragedy, everyone should be aware of the effects on society and on safety that the shooting at Virginia Tech caused and continues to cause. Not only were the students and the loved ones of the victims distraught, but everyone who attended an average college in the United States was also affected. Although Gopnik may not have known any of the victims personally or had any experience handling or purchasing a gun, he was sensitive and very passionate about the subject in his text. His logos was reasonable and clear when he stated that the number of guns that are killing people must be reduced in order to “reduce the number of people killed by guns.” Writing this text, Gopnik was neither exceedingly forceful nor overly passive, but was proactively persuasive of stricter gun ownership in America and, in addition, sensitive to his constraints.
Since it is such an emotionally traumatic subject that provokes strong emotions from and for all people, whether directly involved or not, the constraints on this rhetorical situation were obvious. Especially because it was posted in the New Yorker Magazine the vocabulary of the article had to be delicate. Due to its renown nature, everyone including friends and families of the victims were likely to read it. And details of the crime were thankfully omitted since they are so brutally graphic. He was , therefore, compelled to focus more toward the agenda of gun control in hopes to direct the anger and frustration of Americans towards a greater goal of limiting and eliminating guns to the American public.
The exigency here was and still is unmistakable. Unless something is done to limit or eliminate guns, especially semiautomatic weapons whose only purpose is to use in combat against other humans, guns will continue to kill. Due to the reoccurring trend of brutal school shootings in America the necessity for change is urgent. How many will die next time and will it be me?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
SWA #4
TRACE
The rhetorical situations in two types of texts pose both differences and similarities in the contexts and subjects of which and to whom they are written. An online blog by academic economists and law school teacher, David Friedman, predominantly differs, yet still contains a few similarities, from an online “place for friends” as the slogan for Myspace states.
David Friedman’s blog is a sophisticated yet understated forum in which he poses relatively non-biased and random topics in order to generate various responses. Though a Myspace member may also post random questions on their board in hopes to receive an answer or response, these questions tend to be of a more trivial and sometimes more personal nature such as: “Can anybody tell me where tom’s party is and what booze I need to bring?” and “My boyfriend and I are going to Europe this summer and don’t know what to pack, any suggestions?” Though the texts in both forums contain questions and topics worthy of a reply, depending on what you consider worthy, David Friedman’s blog is an intelligent presentation of ideas with simple aesthetics that don’t detract from what you’re actually reading. Whereas a Myspace account has a bright and distracting background accompanied by music and videos that are automatically playing in the background while you’re trying to read the new favorite bands your friend just posted.
Both created on the internet, these online forums must technically have a universal audience because both profiles are available to anyone with internet access, unless, of course, a Myspace member has set their profile as private. Although their audience may be unknown, it is likely that a friend or relative of a Myspace member will be viewing their profile as opposed to a stranger who was coincidentally searching Myspace for someone with the same name. In addition, it is also likely that a person who searches online for “Low Cost Cooling”, the title of the most current topic posed on Friedman’s blog, will have the option of reading and posting a response rather than someone who searches for a question-asking Blogspot member in need of an opinion. On the other hand, since these coincidences do occur, the true question is, “ do I care enough to read and pay attention?” as Lloyd Bitzer states in a document entitled, The Rhetorical Situation. Anyone is subject to actually reading and commenting on Friedman’s blog topics or actually viewing and participating in the social networking of a Myspace member. As part of the audience, it’s all just a matter of selection in a rhetorical situation.
The rhetorical situations in two types of texts pose both differences and similarities in the contexts and subjects of which and to whom they are written. An online blog by academic economists and law school teacher, David Friedman, predominantly differs, yet still contains a few similarities, from an online “place for friends” as the slogan for Myspace states.
David Friedman’s blog is a sophisticated yet understated forum in which he poses relatively non-biased and random topics in order to generate various responses. Though a Myspace member may also post random questions on their board in hopes to receive an answer or response, these questions tend to be of a more trivial and sometimes more personal nature such as: “Can anybody tell me where tom’s party is and what booze I need to bring?” and “My boyfriend and I are going to Europe this summer and don’t know what to pack, any suggestions?” Though the texts in both forums contain questions and topics worthy of a reply, depending on what you consider worthy, David Friedman’s blog is an intelligent presentation of ideas with simple aesthetics that don’t detract from what you’re actually reading. Whereas a Myspace account has a bright and distracting background accompanied by music and videos that are automatically playing in the background while you’re trying to read the new favorite bands your friend just posted.
Both created on the internet, these online forums must technically have a universal audience because both profiles are available to anyone with internet access, unless, of course, a Myspace member has set their profile as private. Although their audience may be unknown, it is likely that a friend or relative of a Myspace member will be viewing their profile as opposed to a stranger who was coincidentally searching Myspace for someone with the same name. In addition, it is also likely that a person who searches online for “Low Cost Cooling”, the title of the most current topic posed on Friedman’s blog, will have the option of reading and posting a response rather than someone who searches for a question-asking Blogspot member in need of an opinion. On the other hand, since these coincidences do occur, the true question is, “ do I care enough to read and pay attention?” as Lloyd Bitzer states in a document entitled, The Rhetorical Situation. Anyone is subject to actually reading and commenting on Friedman’s blog topics or actually viewing and participating in the social networking of a Myspace member. As part of the audience, it’s all just a matter of selection in a rhetorical situation.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
SWA#3
Consensual
I would definitely consider myself to have a consensual writing style as I prefer to argue in a rather passive or non-aggressive way. Just as my mother would, I tend to avoid confrontation, be both logical and emotional in an argument, and strive for a compromise or negotiation at the end of one. I cannot envision myself becoming a lawyer or politician, seeing as there is nothing worse than a fight.
Whether I was born with an innate sense of passivity, learned the trait from my mother, or simply rebelled from the adversarial nature of my father, I have always cowered from disagreement. For example, when I was six years old my father and mother were having an argument over a subject of which I cannot recall, however their tone and aggressive nature I will never forget. This argument was so upsetting that I opened the door of the vehicle and told them I was going to walk home. After hopping out of the car, luckily at a very slow speed, I proceeded to cross my arms in front of my body and march alongside of a vacant highway in Waco, Texas. Only after they insisted they would stop arguing, I climbed reluctantly back into the car and was then a passenger of the quietest car in Texas.
SWA#2
In an essay entitled, “Is Persuasion Dead?,” Matt Miller questions if persuasion is a “lost art,” an obsolete tool necessary to shape peoples beliefs. He recognizes the obvious lack of ability and desire to persuade and be persuaded by many people, even by politicians whose main purpose is to gain support.
Miller uses the imagery of political debate and mass medias as examples of trying to “win” as opposed to trying to persuade and inform. Although they may fail to receive the necessary amount of time to develop their arguments, as he states in the text, they are also utilizing their limited time allotted to skew the objective. Politicians tend to combat their opponents and gain notoriety through personality traits rather than through their meaningful ideals. Politics are essentially becoming a popularity contest instead of numerous supporters sharing a common opinion.
Although Miller focuses on politicians and political debates as examples of unsuccessful attempts to deliver arguments or convince an audience, the general public is not likely to seek a new opinion and/or reject an existing one whether successfully presented or not. A commonality developing throughout the young public suggests that strongly supporting certain beliefs is, in turn, promoting yourself. The more whom share the same beliefs, the more comfortable it becomes to possess those beliefs, even though they may all hold an ironic and disappointing tendency to never fully understand what substantiates their beliefs in the first place. The more comfortable someone is, the less likely they are to change.
Miller stresses that without change in attitude, persuasion will soon be forgotten. Strive to broaden the mind, let go of popular opinions and be comfortable with forming new ones. Without the struggle to gain new knowledge, information, and opinion, life will soon become one big popularity contest.
SWA #1
Journalism professor Michael Skube argues that students, whether at a high school or college level, simply do not read. He poses that students are neither willingly nor forcibly reading a sufficient amount or any amount at all. Whether self inflicted or a failure of educators, this lack of reading has barely left students with any necessary literary knowledge or, in Skube’s words, “pocket change”.
Though Skube predominantly places the blame on students for their lack of initiation, concern, or curiosity in seeking works and readings, some academic institutions are also to blame for their inability to nurture and demand the obligatory reading of various types of works, therefore, depriving students of an influential yet essential art and stimuli. I, for example, am both a culprit and a victim of my unfamiliarity to many authors, subjects and vocabulary words due, not only, to my lack of dedication, but also the disconcert and failure of my educators.
A present educator, Todd Hagstette, presents another facet to Skube’s argument stating that even students read for educational purposes, if they fail to read “aggressively” they fail to retain any valued information through such passive attempt. By exceeding a student’s comfort level or, as Skube declares “afflicting the comfortable,” aggressive reading stimulates questions, rebuttals, and criticisms essential for the understanding and retention of any text.
Yes, reading may be fleeting but both students and schools alike are to blame for the lack of essential literary knowledge from famous novels and stories to vocabulary and articulation. By simply reading and reading “aggressively” this concerning “pocket change” or sub sufficient knowledge easily produces profitable results.
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