Rhetoric Definition 2

Throughout English 1900, we have seen rhetoric in many ways from our rhetorical vocabulary list to rhetorical analyses in our blogs. However, my understanding of rhetoric has become much clearer and as Dr. Gideon Burton states it to be “a fundamental division between what is communicated through language and how this is communicated”. I now realize how important the word “fundamental” is in his definition as rhetoric is all around us and not simply in just vocabulary, strategies, and analyses.

The persuasive appeal of logos, pathos, and ethos is one key aspect that illustrates how fundamental rhetoric is. An individual subconsciously incorporates these elements into their daily life, as they are essential in appealing to reason, evoking emotion, and building credibility. These appeals allow for a strengthened argument as each appeal can adhere to different sets of audiences. Utilizing logos, pathos and ethos have been crucial in our writing throughout the semester and specifically in our advocacy papers. After determining our audiences for our proposals, we could then center our argument on the most effective appeal. In addition, it has been crucial in developing and strengthening our arguments as it persuades the audience into reasoning, sympathizing, and trusting the claims in our proposals. The three persuasive appeals demonstrate the importance of rhetoric in voicing an opinion or in convincing an audience. The appeals allow an individual to deepen their argument into a cohesive and strong proposal.

Another aspect that is in the root of rhetoric is of the cannons of rhetoric as according to Dr. Gideon Burton, they “have served both analytical and generative purposes”. In fact, “they provide a template for the criticism of discourse, and they give a pattern for rhetorical education” (Burton). This is important to consider, as rhetoric can be either incredibly complex or seemingly simplistic. The degree of depth comes from the invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. Thus, it indicates how an individual can incorporate rhetoric into a daily conversation as well as a formal analysis. We have seen this in our English 1900 class, as we had to persuade and argue within fight club discussions, but also had to develop a proposal aimed to change or inflict policies. Within both, we had to invent ideas, arrange a specific argument, style the tone and syntax, memorize, but more importantly link all claims, and finally deliver the argument using rhetorical strategies appeals. All five cannons of rhetoric contribute to the strength of the rhetoric and how fundamental is truly is in writing, speaking, and illustrating.

English 1900 has undeniably deepened my understanding of rhetoric whether it is within a discussion such as fight club, a rhetorical analysis such as the bad blood analysis on the blog, or utilizing rhetorical strategies in our proposals that we have been quizzed upon on Thursdays. All of these strategies have deepened my understanding of rhetoric further than any of my past English classes in high school. Rhetoric is truly fundamental to develop an effective argument within any given circumstance.  

Multimedia Project

Research Paper

The process of this research has helped me grow tremendously as a writer, as I was able to incorporate numerous ideas we learned throughout the semester into one cohesive paper. At first, this assignment seemed irrelevant and trivial as Prof. Strickland simply told us to write about a topic that connected to our hometown and major. However, this mere proposal developed into a well thought out and meticulously written research paper. The strength and growth of my paper would not be where it is at without the help of “They Say, I Say” paradigms, fight club discussions, and class tips from presentations or websites.         

                One assignment that I would have liked to work more on was the outline. I enjoyed finally putting together my claims and evidence and thought it to be extremely beneficial. In fact, I realized how crucial my outline was after writing such a lengthy and in depth paper. I found myself referring back to my outline numerous times in order to make sure my ideas flowed, and to avoid any repetitiveness. Organization and structure is crucial to a strong paper, which is why I believe it would have been beneficial to perhaps have two drafts of my outline as I solidified my main points and my evidence for my claims with research from my annotated bibliographies.

                Overall, I do believe the daily assignments such as fight club and analyzing paradigm from “They Say, I Say” were crucial as they indirectly helped us build strong arguments and recognize counter arguments. I do not believe that more short papers, or more in-class writing would be as beneficial as having multiple drafts/outlines/annotated bibliographies or having more guided editing tips in class. This research paper has allowed me to practice and build the knowledge I have learned throughout the semester into applicable strategies in my writing. 

Mizzou Protests

Pro - Should step down 

1. Many student organizations behind the president stepping down 
2. He should respect the decisions of the student body at Mizzou      
3. CNN stated "His decision, he said, "came out of love, not hate," and he urged the university to "focus on what we can change" in the future, not what's happened in the past", should step down as he is trying to help the university
4. Many students say New York times says the president is stiff and aloof, so he should step down in respect for his students 
5. Should step down because he has a bad reputation and could hurt the university 

Con - Should not Step Down 

1. Mob Mentality - should be resolved - but making the president resign doesn't fix the problem 
2. Many extremists involved- people with swastikas - so if he steps down he is just being passive in the problem
3. President is just running away from the problem 
4. A good leader would address the racial tensions, him stepping down showed weakness
5. Shouldn't because could effect many of the donors to the university 
6. Counter - Says he wants to focus on change, but with him leaving, he cannot make change 

Disparity among Women

Pro's - Actively make changes

1. 50% of world is made of women    
• Make up a variety of fields, but only 15% are executive officers 
• Underrepresented in office positions, something must be done    
2. In the past, always male dominated        
• Must make changes, women are progressing and broaden the opportunities for women 
• Deserve an equal and fair chance for these positions          
3. Needs to happen immediately     
• Study shows Began from our education-not teaching women on how to be leaders    
• Women who are CEO's show they had to be leaders at home, thus they developed leadership qualities 
4. Still should be performance based 
• But women have not had those opportunities, need to have an equal opportunity as mean to have CEO positions 
5. In politics we should have an equal representation of the society, but that cannot happen when everything is delegated to mean 

Con's - Let it work out on it's own          

1. Census Bureau, more women have more college degree's        
• When CEO's change or die out, women should be qualified so we should just wait 
• Studies show women are already increasing in the workforce        
2.  Gender equality doesn't come quickly       
•   America is very progressive, will happen naturally          
3. Schools are focusing on lack of leadership representation         
• Feminists are emerging and if they are more qualified they will eventually take these executive positions.                         

Continued Blog Post for 11/13

Elastic Heart – Analysis

September 18, 2015

The music video “Elastic Heart” by Sia portrays the inner struggles that society may face and the strength needed to overcome them. She does so by using many rhetorical techniques such as symbolism within her music video, exaggeration within the lyrics and intense imagery created by the dancers.

The music video opens by focusing on a large cage in an empty white warehouse. Both dancers are trapped inside the cage standing on opposite ends (:02). The cage is relatively large, but it confines both dancers. The cage is a symbol for the confinement both physically and mentally. At the beginning, they are unable to roam freely or escape in any way. Everyone has his or her own cage or something that limits him or her in some way. She also uses symbolism in the clothing of the two dancers. They are seen wearing dirty nude clothing, which shows the natural and pure side, but also how they are stained (:07, :13). The symbolism in this music video is extremely important as it gives the video a literal meaning as well as a more significant and interpretive meaning. The symbolic props help give the audience a background as to how the dancers are struggling internally.

As the video progresses, the lyrics become very impactful; she uses many rhetorical devices within such as rhetorical questions at the beginning and a hyperbole towards the middle. In fact, she states, “But why can I not conquer Love?”, this rhetorical question adds an emphasis to her lyrics without needing a specific answer in return (:24). The purpose is to bring the audience in and then have the audience ponder and apply the question to their own lives. Her lyrics continue to be impactful as she states, “I walked through fire to save my life” (1:59). This is a hyperbole, as she did not literally walk through fire. However, this sentence overemphasizes the inner struggles that she has had to overcome in order to be alive. The intention and purpose as BYU mentions is to catch the audience’s attention once again and stress how true and real these inner struggles are. The lyrics connect strongly with the video and relate to society as everyone struggles in some way.

Towards the last half of the music video, the imagery intensifies as both are longing to escape from the cage. The male figure hangs from the top of the cage about to escape, but does not as he sees the female character laying helplessly on the ground of the cage (1:52). Even though his desire to escape is so strong, he realizes he cannot exist without her. This entices him to drop down and provide her with comfort by lying next to her. This situation repeats itself later on when the female figure manages to escape while the male figure is trapped inside (3:03). Even though she taunts him at first, for some reason, she returns into the cage as she sees the male figure crumble to the ground. The interpretive dance from both figures provides unique imagery as their facial expressions and actions are so intense. This inflict the pathos appeal, which “invokes the audience’s emotion to gain acceptance and approval for the ideas expressed”. The purpose of imagery is to help connect with the audience. The emotions expressed may trigger feelings among the audience and connect with them on a personal level.

The “Elastic Heart” music video proves to be a very intense and emotional video as it utilizes many rhetorical devices such as symbolism, hyperbole's, rhetorical questioning, and imagery from the interpretive dancers. All these techniques help prove the power and effect of the inner struggles and how strong one must be in order to overcome them, which is reinforced by the rhetorical analysis techniques provided by BYU, Texas A&M and CDA. 

"University Writing Center - Rhetorical Analysis." University Writing Center - Rhetorical Analysis. Texas A&M University, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2015. <http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/Students/Handouts-Guides/Guides-(What-Are-You-Writing-)/Academic-Writing/Analysis/Rhetorical-Analysis>.

Sia - Elastic Heart feat. Shia LaBeouf & Maddie Ziegler (Official Video). YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=KWZGAExj-es>. 

Another rhetorical technique utilized by Sia in the music video “Elastic Heart” is of characterization and the meaning of using such contrasting characters. Sia chose to use Shia LaBeouf and a child dancer Maddie Ziegler commonly known from Dance Moms. Many deemed this music video as inappropriate because of the intense interpretive dancing and because of the age and gender difference of these two dancers. However, I believe it is important to analyze how they are portrayed in order to develop a deeper meaning to her music video.

Throughout the video Sia characterizes Shia Labeouf and Maddie Ziegler as opposing figures that represent her old self versus her new self. We see Shia as the rough, older, and thicker-skinned individual that represents Sia’s new self, while Maddie dances in a demonized way, which portrays Sia’s old self. Shia’s characterization is evident when he is hanging from the top of the cage showing his strength and power (1:45). He represents the new and improved Sia as he attempts to escape all his “inner struggles”. Sia portrays Shia through the lyrics as well when she states, “I’ve got thick skin and an elastic heart” (1:01, 1:05). In addition, he physically looks older and perhaps wiser as he has a beard and is physically fit. This all characterizes Shia as the new strong and strengthened Sia trying to escape any previous bad habits. On the other hand, Maddie is youthful, naïve, and adolescent and encompasses many of Sia’s bad habits in her past. This is prevalent when she is on the ground as Shia attempts to escape at (1:50). We can see a fragile and younger side of her. However, we can contrast this to when she was on the back of Shia, where she is seen as unstable and crazed, showing her past bad habits (1:21,1:28). In addition, Maddie is physically more petite and younger, but her interpretive dance shows her “inner struggles” from her past.

Overall, Shia was chosen to represent her new strong self trying to break away from past habits, while Maddie represents her old naïve self struggling with unhealthy behaviors. She connects them by showing how Shia is attempting to escape because he is aware of these bad habits, but is unable to as Maddie acts as the soul, which you can never escape. This characterization aids in accentuating the purpose and meaning behind the music video of “Elastic Heart”. 

Blog Post

Not long ago, my crew and I received letters in the mail entailing an opportunity to travel abroad for a semester to an unknown planet. We couldn’t (Contraction) reject this proposal as it seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity. It cost millions of dollars (Hyperbole), but thankfully, our scholarships covered a majority of it and we were able to reach our destination safely. First things first, life on this planet (which is 95% water)(Parenthesis) is like a box of chocolates (Simile). In others words, every day started with excitement, but with that came the unexpected and unknown. Normally, society sees (Generalization) unknown planets as dry, empty, and inhabitable areas (Stock Setting). However, this planet was unique and different as the discoverer named it The Great Catsby in admiration of The Great Gatsby (Epithet). This planet was an odd odorless ocean (Alliteration) that omitted a bright turquoise color and was abundant with new species of sea animals and many underwater plants (Setting).

All seemed swell, until we woke up clearly confused (Oxymoron) stranded on this new planet. The only humans left on this planet were Scott, Anna (I), Michael, Allison, Ryan, and Stephanie. Immediately, we decided to combine our initials and call ourselves S.A.M.A.R.S (Mnemonic Device) to aid in the memory of the first six brave souls who inhabited this unknown planet. We began creating a civilization by creating underwater homes so we could have a shelter away from danger (Denotation), but also so we had a place where we felt comfortable and content (Connotation).

Suddenly, we were confronted by a monster with a gnarly structure that looked like a eel with the mouth of a pelican. We learned about different sea monsters in college and were able to identify it as a Gulper Eel. This could prove to be a small problem (Understatement) as they are normally 6 feet long with abnormally enlarged jaws to hunt their prey. We were terrified (Simple Sentence). Occasionally, we would hear it circle our underwater home as it swiftly zoomed and swished (Onamatepeia) through the surrounding plants. We decided that we had to find a way to coexist peacefully with all these new creatures. Thus, we began researching and observing many of the new creatures in this unknown planet. Unfortunately, during this process, a sea monster kidnapped Scott, as he was too big-boned (Euphemism) to swim quickly and could not fit through the doorway of the emergency shelters we built. (Climax) However, we did manage to recover all his notes, which he was able to throw into an emergency shelter that contained a breakthrough. His notes included many details, but one crucial fact was that every half mile starting from our landing space and heading North there was a man made piece of coral that is 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide (Data).

Promptly, we ran over to these man made pieces of coral and realized that they opened into a mysterious tunnel. We put on our heavy duty oxygen masks and swam through until we strangely saw the surface of the water above us. We ended up in a parallel universe that mimicked our greatest hopes and dreams. Scott greeted us and recalled how the Gulper Eel led him to the coral emergency exit and how he was the one to place his notes in the emergency shelter. We were relieved. We were excited. We were amazed. (Anaphora). 

The End. 

Pro and Cons of GMO's

Pro: Anna Czelusniak
Con: Matt Gottsacker

Con Argument: 
-unknown what the health effects are because new technology
-Natural breeding is safer and more natural
-GM seeds are more expensive, when they are not actually worth the extra cost
-The process of modifying genes is imprecise and uncontrolled; manipulating one gene can have large effects on the rest of the organism
-rats fed certain GM crops developed organ damage

1. Increase use of pesticides and herbicides
2. Cross pollination--pollen from modified plants can spreads and will infect other plants, creating "superweeds" with insecticidal properties or herbicide-resistance.
3. GM crops have cost the United States an estimated $12 billion in farm subsidies, lost sales
4. Possible link to allergies
   “GE crops have been responsible for an increase of 383 million pounds of herbicide use in the US over the first 13 years of commercial use of GE crops (1996–2008). This dramatic increase in the volume of herbicides applied swamps the decrease in insecticide use attributable to GE corn and cotton, making the overall chemical footprint of today’s GE crops decidedly negative” -Dr. Charles BenBrook
   
   
   "They're just not worth it."

Pro Argument: 
Plants are able to live longer and with more ease. 
“Corn cannot reproduce without human aid” “Most important and widely grown in the United States” 
Positive Environmental Impacts 
-“Soil salinity has become a major problem in all agriculture especially in the San Joaquin Valley.” 
-resistance to insects requires less use of pesticides which can be harmful to humans & environment
-more efficient use of land
-especially important in countries where farming space is limited
-plants can be genetically engineered to provide health benefit
-combat malnutrition
-ex: iron and vitamin A supplemented rice are beneficial in populations with nutrient deficiencies → longer lives

1. Better resistance to stress: If crops can be made more resistant to pest outbreaks, it would reduce the danger of crop failure.
2. More nutritious staple foods: By inserting genes into crops such as rice and wheat, we can increase their food value.
3. More food from less land: Improved productivity from GMOs might mean that farmers in the next century won't have to bring so much marginal land into cultivation.
4. TO COUNTER THE ALLERGIES IDEA: molecular biology could also be used to characterize allergens and remove them
   
   
   Overall, crops grow with more ease and we are more efficient
   
   
   "We would be nowhere without corn."
   
   
   
   
   "If we aren't gonna use GMO's, how can we combat pests?"
   
   
   It is safe to use GMO's up to a point before it affects the soil. We should look into subsidizing organic pesticides ...
   
   
   But won't they build a tolerance?
   
   
   ....
   
   
   
   
   
   

Proposals

            The Fight Club strategies we have learned throughout the semester are crucial in developing our papers. We have learned many techniques from formatting our arguments, addressing counterarguments, to communicating our positions in effective mannerism by using paradigms and concepts from “They Say, I Say”. We can use these techniques in our papers, as we must find ways to argue our proposal despite opposing viewpoints.

Many times in Fight Club, we must argue something that we may disagree upon. I believe this will help us tremendously when finalizing our papers because we have learned how to play the devil’s advocate in most situations. Thus, we are able to address many counter arguments as they arise in our papers, therefore strengthening our proposals and allowing us to connect with the audience. However, Fight Club does not address formal writing strategies as well as it prepares us for voicing our opinions and anticipating counters. In Fight Club, one is preoccupied with ideas and counter parts instead of focusing on the conventional details that need to be present in papers that we turn in. In addition, in a verbal environment we are able to express our specific points clearly and explicitly, which can prove to be difficult in writing. However, through the paradigms and templates we have learned, I believe our proposals will be much stronger as we learn how to address counters, popular opinions, or our own viewpoints. Overall, I think Fight Club has been preparing us in recognizing the counters of our audience in our proposals, which is crucial in writing a strong proposal. 

FIGHT CLUB 10/29/15 Heavyweight champ Loftus versus Underdog Czelusniak, Who Wins?

Anna Czelusniak

Stance: "Don't flip the switch, 1 person lives 5 die", "let the majority die"

Points

• You don't know what that one person can offer. That person may be young and have a future versus older people who do not have as long to live
• It isn't moral to kill more people to save one life because that one life has equal value as the others
• You have to think about it from the perspective of the long-term, you have to consider their ages and health status
• If the 5 people were a family, none of the family would have to suffer from the loss of their other family members
• One person that you know versus if the other 5 people are strangers, the one person is more important because people die everyday that you don't know
• You don't know if the homeless people would amount to anything and they have the least to lose. 

Meghan Loftus

Stance: "Flip the switch, 1 dies 5 live", "Let the majority live"

Points

• Saving a higher number of people means statistically you're potentially saving somebody with more potential
• It is the morally right thing to do because you are saving more lives and is a selfless act that shows true dedication and compassion for others
• According to religion (the bible), God says it is the right thing to do
• If one man has three useful organs that three children need, along similar lines as stated above, it is moral and just because three lives would be saved that have a longer life to live
• Long-term "if the people aren't like, important, statistically they could live to have families that produce successful people."  
• Yet, if the family was to all die, the extended family would be left to mourn, the sorrow is unavoidable 
• That is a selfish way of looking at it because every life has value
• The person who dies would die an honorable and prideful death 
• If it were 5 homeless people with no job, no family, no house, etc., you should save them because this life-changing experience will motivate them to make something of their life because it is a gift that they would treasure forever. 

Naperville Flag

Roman Mars’ TED Talk addresses how a good flag design is crucial to any city, state, or country. He manages to scrutinize flags based on the 5 principles of design in a humorous light.

 I chose to redesign Naperville’s flag, as it does not follow all the principles for a good flag design. For example, it is somewhat simplistic, but the smaller buildings would not be clear from far away. It does manage to encompass meaningful symbolism to represent Naperville, use two colors, and is distinctive. However, it has Naperville written across the bottom, which is unnecessary.

This is the new flag I propose for the city of Naperville as it include many aspects of the previous flag, but in a more symbolic and simplistic manner.

The flag is very simple as a child would be able replicate the three leaves and two bottom lines.

The tree image in Naperville’s previous flag represents all the tree’s, parks, and green spaces within the city. In order to simplify this, I believe it can be represented by 3 leaves to show the nature of the city. However, I think the leaves can be interpreted on a deeper level.  For example, they symbolize growth. In fact, a leafs sole purpose is to provide energy for the tree. Thus, I believe the leaves can show how Naperville is always striving to grow and how we are rooted in our community. In addition, the two blue lines represent the water features in Naperville, but more specifically the DuPage River.

I only added the extra color of green to the original design of just blue and white, in order for the flag to remain simplistic.

I took off the lettering of Naperville off, as the flag should be able to stand on its own with the label of the city.

I believe the new flag to be very distinctive as not many flags feature leaves as the focal point, expect for Canada and perhaps a few others. Society would be able to recognize the flag with ease as it stands out against any other designs. 

Socrates on Self-Mastery

The article “Addicts, Mythmakers and Philosopher” by Alan Brody, encompasses the ability or lack thereof of turning away from temptation. I completely agree with the article as a whole, but the section that stood out to me is “Socrates on Self-Mastery”. According to Brody, Socrates thinks, “knowing how to discern the good leads to doing the good, despite temptation’s deceptions. It means having the right kind of ability to both choose and do what is best, and this is what having self-mastery means” (Brody). I agree that the ability to decipher between right and wrong is crucial, a point that needs emphasizing since I believe that an individual can do anything they set their mind to. (64). I believe this to be so crucial because if an individual knows what is right versus what is wrong, there would be no sane reason to choose the bad over the good.

Brody says that the reason that individuals give in to temptation is “because one doesn’t have the ability (the know-how) to see it as the better alternative (perhaps only momentarily)” (Brody). In other words, individuals’ thoughts deceive them into thinking the right is wrong and the wrong is right based upon short-term benefits rather than focusing on the long-term (135). My point is not that one’s long-term contentment is greater than their short term, but that in order to accomplish any long-term goals; one must sacrifice momentary happiness to achieve lifelong happiness (132). Thus, in order to accomplish this, they must focus on self-mastery to be able to determine what the right decision is based upon long and short-term benefits combined. If one does this, they will most likely realize that the temptation is not worth the repercussions and turn away from wrong, leading them to success throughout their life. This would prove to be extremely difficult for those with addictions, as they are physically and emotionally dependent, but self-mastery would be one of the first steps in facing that addiction. 

Brody also states how “the Socratic analysis of temptation goes beyond a simple ‘willingness’ model of choice”, which is that “yielding to temptation’ is not being unwillingly overpowered, but is the experience of being a willing participant choosing what is at that moment wrongly thought to be best”(Brody). This encompasses the main viewpoint of Socrates about willingness and temptation. Likewise, I agree that giving in to temptation is because of altered deceptions, and because of physical and emotionally dependencies (2).

Brody, Alan. "Addicts, Mythmakers, and Philosophers." Philosophy Now. Philosophy Now:     

           2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.

Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst. They Say I Say. New York: W.W. Norton

           & Company, Inc., 2015. Print.

What is Original? fight club

Pro: McManus
-lots of songs with "la dee da"
-Easier to get ideas digitally, people don't feel the need to be as creative
-top 40 songs aren't creative or original, just "catchy", have mass appeal
-short attention spans means a lot of material being pumped out, leads to copying songs because its much quicker to produce.
-"original" ideas are only made popular when they're marketed well i.e. Apple touchscreen
-some songs are made to be sampled, others are unique


Con: Dizon
-Fashion industry: no copyright, easy to get knockoffs, but originals get more credit because they are higher quality than copies
-Chanel and Versace copying each other
-"new" in fashion is synonymous with "weird"/ unusual
-everything is based off a copy with new ideas mixed into it
-more copying leads to innovation in art
-big artists' integrity come into question by copying- Beyonce's "Drunken Love" intro

The Coddling of The American Mind

The article “The Coddling of The American Mind” by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathon Haidt, comments on our education system and how college students are too easily offended by “words, ideas, and subjects that might cause discomfort or give offense” (Lukianoff, Haidt). In fact, in discussion of our education system, a controversial issue is whether college students are being overly sensitive to the material in their classes. While some argue that college students take concepts too literally, others contend that the material itself is too derogatory or offensive (XX). I personally agree with Lukianoff and Haidt as our generation has been more sheltered and because of this, college students may be more sensitive when faced with tough concepts, or ideas.

                One argument for and against the fact that college students are just being overly sensitive is that of microaggressions, which are defined as “small actions or word choices that seem on their face to have no malicious intent but that are thought of as a kind of violence nonetheless” (Lukianoff, Haidt). These microaggressions prove how college students may be over reacting to such simple questions. Though I concede that some microagression phrases can trigger specific emotions in some people, I still insist that most microagressions are being over thought and taken negatively when they should not be(65). The reason for over sensitivity among college students is that parents now are being stricter than in the past. Parents are more inclined to protect their children and are pressured into wanting to raise a “perfect” child. In response to this, Lukianoff and Haidt state, “dangerous play structures were removed from playground; peanut butter was banned from student lunches”. Thus showing how this was a widespread movement in protecting our children. However, this movement could make the children grow up being less open minded, as they would be sheltered from any disagreeing concepts. I personally cannot relate to this as my childhood encompasses much more “free range” than the childhoods of my parents. However, I do understand how students may be more sensitive and have hostile reactions to issues they have not been exposed to. These conclusions will have significant applications in how students are being overly sensitive as well as in the justification of being hostile to unknown and new issues (99).

                The idea of microagression phrases prove how students may be overly sensitive, but also provide valid reasons as to why they are more sensitive. My point is not that every idea, concept, or phrase we see is completely inoffensive, but that we must that take that offensive and stirring concept, recognize it, and learn from it (132). This article continues to point out solutions to solving this issue through banning the more offensive literature or encouraging students “to develop extra-thick skin just before [leaving] the cocoon of adult protection” (Lukianoff, Haidt). In addition to solutions, they point out why students may be more sensitive now than they were in the past. Lastly, they show the negative and positive attributes of exposing college students to material that may be more insensitive.

Lukianoff, Greg, and Jonathon Haidt. "The Coddling of the American Mind." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 10 Aug. 2015. Web. 10 Oct. 2015.

               

Bad Blood Analysis

Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” differs substantially from Ryan Adam’s cover as their tone, and purpose contrast each other in many ways. The main message that Taylor Swift is trying to communicate is about a relationship that has gone wrong. On the other hand, Ryan Adam seems to try to communicate how the relationship is wounded and focuses on the love they used to share.

The overall tone differs as Taylor Swift’s version seems to focus on the future and take on a revengeful and bitter tone while Ryan Adam focuses on the hurt past and takes on a somber and regretful tone. This is extremely evident in the chorus as she is almost yelling the lyrics in a very fierce and irritated manner. While Ryan Adams sings, “Now we got problems, And I don’t think we can solve them” in an upset and disappointed tone. Their different tones make one song seems completely unrelated to the other despite the same lyrics. Taylor Swift’s purpose of bad blood is to comment on a feuded relationship filled with vengeance that has no return. Ryan Adam does not seem to take that approach as he seems to take the lyric “You know it used to be mad love” to heart as his purpose is to comment on a hurt relationship that used to filled with love and may have potential to prosper once again. Taylor Swift sings this lyric in more of a satirical and loose manner as she does value the past relationship she had anymore. Their different purposes in singing these lyrics makes their meanings contrast significantly.

Although Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift portray the purpose and tone of the song “Bad Blood” differently, they both manage to get their point across effectively. Taylor Swift portrays her message confidently through a forceful and angry tone to show how the relationship is ruined. Ryan Adams portrays his message of the broken relationship through a slower and less aggressive manner to show how the relationship has ended. 

10/1 Fight Club (Should Everyone Go to College?)

Pros:

• Some majors don't need degrees, they need experience
• The more someone has to pay for college, the lower the net benefit of attending
• There is no way to value education- statistics
• There are a lot of non-monetary benefits of attending college
• You can get a Bachelor's degree, and the job outlook isn't good, so getting a job in that field is difficult
• Some colleges (not-competitve) are not worth the price

Cons:

• In the end there is still a net benefit of going to college, even if it's lower because school is expensive, there is still a net benefit
• There a lot of successful people that do go to college, and finish college
• FAFSA provides a lot of financial aid for those who need it
• There are a lot of jobs that require a Bachelor's degree, and just experience won't cut it
• Attending college is a smart investment  due to the positive format of the evolution of education (General Diffusion of Knowledge by Thomas Jefferson)
• Having a degree is a safety net/ financial security 

Argumentative Culture

Arguing may be somewhat foreign to me, but it is something that is prominent in our culture. People in our culture argue and discuss a lot as there are numerous amounts of subjects and numerous amounts of opinions. They argue with strangers, but also with loved ones; in fact, it is completely natural and normal to have disagreements with others. In fact, I think arguing is important in any relationship, it allows you to explore different perspectives and broaden your horizon. In my classes, argumentation is not necessarily encouraged or frowned upon. In classes such as Speech, English, and Theology, arguments appear more often as constructive criticism is offered and as new opinions surface. On the other hand, classes such as math and biz 1000, don’t offer a lot of space for argumentation as there is usually one sole answer. I think professors like and encourage healthy arguments when they surface, as they are adamant about sticking up for what you believe in and having firm values.

The most recent example in my life occurred today when one of my friends received a bad grade on a math test. He then asked some of my friends and I how to manage his time better. This then spurred into a conversation about school and education in general. One side of the argument was that your grades all depend upon the work that you put in, while the other side argued that grades reflect your pure intelligence. We also discussed how learning is a priority in our lives while schoolwork is not. We concluded that it all depends upon your major. For example, for a business major, your first few years are general education. Thus, since the material may not be as applicable as the concentration courses in future years, the schoolwork would not be as large as a priority when compared to those in the medical field. Those in the medical field are starting with classes such as chemistry and biology, which usually require a lot more work and studying in order to master the material. In general, this argument we had definitely benefited us, we were able to offer our opposing opinions to create one cohesive statement. It is natural for us to “agree to disagree” as we know that we all come from different backgrounds with different values. Arguing is important in our culture, it is a natural occurrence, and I believe it can offer many benefits if resolved and done in more of a discussion manner instead of an argumentative manner. 

Fight Club 9/24

Fight Club 9/24/15

Maddie Myers, Emmeline Dizon, Anna Czelusniak

Pros:

·             Food is such a minimal part of our lives. It is okay for him to not eat his grandma’s famous cooking (chicken and carrots)

o   Disrespectful to her

·             He stuck to his belief not to eat meat despite society’s views

·             More than 99% of the animals eaten in this country are produced by factory farms

·             “Free range”, “cage-free”, “natural”, “organic” are meaningless when it comes to animal welfare

o   How do you know that?

·             Factory farming has made agriculture the number 1 contributor to global warming

·             Every factory-farmed animal is treated in a way that would be considered illegal if it were a cat or a dog

o   But they aren’t cats or dog, they are being farmed for food

Cons:

·             Food to his Grandma is a main component of family history. He is being ignorant his grandma’s past and experiences with food (the Holocaust)

·             Him choosing to raise his children vegetarians causes them to lose hearing about their great- grandma’s history with food, and why she is the way she is about food

·             The grandma equates happiness to food, and she just wants what is best for her family. She really doesn’t want them to be starving the way that she was

·             Not-eating the factory-farmed animals is not going to save them

o   Still animal cruelty that he is not supporting