Source: http://townhall.com/political-cartoons/2013/12/06/114023
This cartoon is alluding to the suspected fact that the NSA has begun monitoring personal electronic communications, which is seen by most as a breach of privacy. In her cartoon, Lisa Benson uses satire and a cultural connection with her audience to criticize the NSA for its invasive procedures.
The words in the quote bubble, "The NSA has a jingle?" are used by Benson as a form of satirical humor to criticize the NSA. The words have a rather sarcastic ring to them, and are clearly used to mock/ridicule the NSA. The use of satirical humor tells the audience in no uncertain terms that Benson does not condone the NSA's methods, and in fact is opposed to them.
Benson uses the holiday of Christmas, and namely, the classic song Santa Clause is Coming to Town to establish a cultural connection with her audience and make her cartoon both humorous and effective. The Christmas theme of the cartoon fits in with the time of its publication/the time of year it was released on the Townhall website. Benson creates a parody of a short section of the song Santa Clause is Coming to Town to tie it into her mockery of the NSA's breach of personal privacy via electronic communications. The parody itself lists some of the things the NSA is able to know about one's personal life, namely, "when you're texting...when you're online...if you've been bad or good." Paired with the satirical thought bubble, the words Benson uses in her cartoon create a humorous, mocking text.
Benson's cartoon gain an immediate appeal to the ethos of its audience due to the fact that it is published on a renowned, well-respected website, Townhall.com, that is known for its political theme. Her immediate audience is the people of the United States and their government, while her extended audience is anyone in the world who can read English, has an internet, and has access to the website. The fact that her cartoon is published on a public website and not in a newspaper means that it is accessible/view-able to anyone.
I believe Benson did an excellent job in creating a striking, thought-provoking cartoon that criticizes the methods of the NSA/its violation of the privacy of the people of the United States. Her use of a holiday theme and a parody of a well-known song enables her to connect more with her audience, and elicit a laugh or agreement with her.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
TOW #12: IRB rhetorical analysis-Moran
How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran is a fresh, 20th century, down-to-earth tutorial on being a feminist, and being a woman. The book is filled with anecdotes from Moran's personal experiences, as well as things she has observed in the world with regards to how women are treated compared to men. She discusses topics ranging from puberty to sexism in the workplace to pornography to abortion. The entire text is written in a humorous, direct, no-nonsense, albeit raunchy manner. Moran uses language and references that may not be considered "appropriate" in polite company or for regular discussion, but her use of such language makes her book more believable/true. She captures the true essence of feminism and sexism, not dressing it up in the slightest; she shows the reader the bare-boned, naked truth. The book provides viewpoints and advice on most of the key points of being a woman and being a "strident feminist" (one of Moran's favorite terms) boldly, provocatively, and humorously.
Throughout the text, Moran offers continuous anecdotes and references that firmly establish her ethos on the subject. She tells of her time working at a music paper, interviewing stars such as Lady Gaga, encountering sexism in the workplace, and raising children. These all represent her as fully qualified to be speaking as a woman and a feminist on important matters as well as trivial ones (fashion or abortion). Moran's appeal to logos is her fresh, raunchy, provocative attitude which translates into the words she writes. She wastes no time "classing up" what she says, choosing instead to tell the simple, bare truth, no matter how inappropriate or shocking it may seem. Her appeal to pathos is mainly her appeal to all women reading her book. She discusses the issues/problems facing almost every woman, almost always accompanying each one with a story of her own personal experience with the subject. This allows her to become more relate-able, and, at the end of each discussion of an issue, the advice she provides is more likely to be followed.
Caitlan Moran uses her book to urge women to "...stand on a chair and shout 'I AM A FEMINIST'" (p. 68). Her goal is for women to become less obsessed with society's view of them, for society to not place such an emphasis on the looks of women, and for women to establish themselves as the equals of men. According to Moran, a woman's independence and freedom ranges from being able to wear whatever she wants without fear of being criticized, to having an abortion without being stigmatized by the rest of society. One the controversial subject of abortion, she says, "...ending a pregnancy 12 weeks into gestation is incalculably more moral than bringing an unwanted child into this world" (p. 269). Her view on the abortion issue is quite clear, and she is resolved to stand by all her beliefs, on every subject, no matter the social repercussions.
I believe Moran did a superb job on crafting the equivalent of a tutorial on how to be a woman/feminist in the 21st century. I found myself relating to some of the problems she describes that women are facing, and agreeing with many of her ideas/points. The book was entertaining as well as interesting, providing new viewpoints on some issues and strengthening my beliefs on others. I would highly recommend this book for any young woman who is not sensitive to coarse language, and who believes herself to be a feminist. According to Moran...you are a feminist if you "a. have a [female-specific body part] and b. want to be in charge of it."
*Apologies for any inappropriateness of that last quote, however, I believed it relevant to my analysis of this text*
Throughout the text, Moran offers continuous anecdotes and references that firmly establish her ethos on the subject. She tells of her time working at a music paper, interviewing stars such as Lady Gaga, encountering sexism in the workplace, and raising children. These all represent her as fully qualified to be speaking as a woman and a feminist on important matters as well as trivial ones (fashion or abortion). Moran's appeal to logos is her fresh, raunchy, provocative attitude which translates into the words she writes. She wastes no time "classing up" what she says, choosing instead to tell the simple, bare truth, no matter how inappropriate or shocking it may seem. Her appeal to pathos is mainly her appeal to all women reading her book. She discusses the issues/problems facing almost every woman, almost always accompanying each one with a story of her own personal experience with the subject. This allows her to become more relate-able, and, at the end of each discussion of an issue, the advice she provides is more likely to be followed.
Caitlan Moran uses her book to urge women to "...stand on a chair and shout 'I AM A FEMINIST'" (p. 68). Her goal is for women to become less obsessed with society's view of them, for society to not place such an emphasis on the looks of women, and for women to establish themselves as the equals of men. According to Moran, a woman's independence and freedom ranges from being able to wear whatever she wants without fear of being criticized, to having an abortion without being stigmatized by the rest of society. One the controversial subject of abortion, she says, "...ending a pregnancy 12 weeks into gestation is incalculably more moral than bringing an unwanted child into this world" (p. 269). Her view on the abortion issue is quite clear, and she is resolved to stand by all her beliefs, on every subject, no matter the social repercussions.
I believe Moran did a superb job on crafting the equivalent of a tutorial on how to be a woman/feminist in the 21st century. I found myself relating to some of the problems she describes that women are facing, and agreeing with many of her ideas/points. The book was entertaining as well as interesting, providing new viewpoints on some issues and strengthening my beliefs on others. I would highly recommend this book for any young woman who is not sensitive to coarse language, and who believes herself to be a feminist. According to Moran...you are a feminist if you "a. have a [female-specific body part] and b. want to be in charge of it."
*Apologies for any inappropriateness of that last quote, however, I believed it relevant to my analysis of this text*
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
TOW #11-Teen texting
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katie-d-anderson/teen-texting-the-ruin-of-romance_b_3763576.html
This article by Katie D. Anderson describes how the incessant texting between teens has a negative effect upon teenage relationships. Anderson tells of how, since both parties are constantly in communication with one another and knows precisely what the other is doing, there is no excitement, longing, or surprises left in relationships. She says, "This needless incessant phone-to-phone contact is ruining relationships and not just romantic ones." When teens are engrossed in texting their friends/partners, they tend to shut out family members. The relationship between friends also becomes increasingly more remote, carried out exclusively through text, with hardly any more face-to-face conversation and bonding.
In this article, Anderson uses personal anecdotes and direct address to her audience in order to show the negative effects of incessant teen texting, and urge people to put down their phones for a while and initiate human contact/sociality.
Throughtout the text, Anderson uses the anecdote of her own daughter and her daughter's boyfriend to illustrate the perils of endless teen texting. She uses addresses the advice she gives her daughter to the rest of her audience, namely, to stop texting for a while and give the other person space so he/she can begin to miss you and rekindle longing for your company. She tells her daughter, 'Think about it. You're TOO available. He doesn't have time to miss you or wonder what you're doing or wish he could be with you because he already IS with you. You live in his pocket for Pete's sake. This constant texting has burned out the relationship. Killed the allure. Why would he want to come to your house and watch a movie or hang out after school when he feels like he's 'with you' all the time?' This illustrates how the endless texting between the two has left no room for imagination or longing, and it can be inferred that if you put your phone down for a while, your partner will begin to appreciate how much he/she enjoys your company.
Anderson also addresses her audience directly, in attempt to get through to them more. She says, "Wake up, people," to emphasize that she is speaking directly to those reading her article, and encouraging them to "wake up" from the daze of anti-sociality that text-only communication creates. She also addresses the following questions to her audience: "Our children need a break. But what should we do? And how do we convince them of the dangers of something that has become so central to their existence?" These questions are meant to make the audience, especially parents reading this article, realize that something needs to be done about the teen infatuation with text messaging. When all you do is text, you begin to shun direct human contact and interaction in favor of electronic means.
I believe that Anderson effectively accomplished her purpose, and the use of personal anecdotes was a nice touch in making her point(s) relatable to real-life situations.
This article by Katie D. Anderson describes how the incessant texting between teens has a negative effect upon teenage relationships. Anderson tells of how, since both parties are constantly in communication with one another and knows precisely what the other is doing, there is no excitement, longing, or surprises left in relationships. She says, "This needless incessant phone-to-phone contact is ruining relationships and not just romantic ones." When teens are engrossed in texting their friends/partners, they tend to shut out family members. The relationship between friends also becomes increasingly more remote, carried out exclusively through text, with hardly any more face-to-face conversation and bonding.
In this article, Anderson uses personal anecdotes and direct address to her audience in order to show the negative effects of incessant teen texting, and urge people to put down their phones for a while and initiate human contact/sociality.
Throughtout the text, Anderson uses the anecdote of her own daughter and her daughter's boyfriend to illustrate the perils of endless teen texting. She uses addresses the advice she gives her daughter to the rest of her audience, namely, to stop texting for a while and give the other person space so he/she can begin to miss you and rekindle longing for your company. She tells her daughter, 'Think about it. You're TOO available. He doesn't have time to miss you or wonder what you're doing or wish he could be with you because he already IS with you. You live in his pocket for Pete's sake. This constant texting has burned out the relationship. Killed the allure. Why would he want to come to your house and watch a movie or hang out after school when he feels like he's 'with you' all the time?' This illustrates how the endless texting between the two has left no room for imagination or longing, and it can be inferred that if you put your phone down for a while, your partner will begin to appreciate how much he/she enjoys your company.
Anderson also addresses her audience directly, in attempt to get through to them more. She says, "Wake up, people," to emphasize that she is speaking directly to those reading her article, and encouraging them to "wake up" from the daze of anti-sociality that text-only communication creates. She also addresses the following questions to her audience: "Our children need a break. But what should we do? And how do we convince them of the dangers of something that has become so central to their existence?" These questions are meant to make the audience, especially parents reading this article, realize that something needs to be done about the teen infatuation with text messaging. When all you do is text, you begin to shun direct human contact and interaction in favor of electronic means.
I believe that Anderson effectively accomplished her purpose, and the use of personal anecdotes was a nice touch in making her point(s) relatable to real-life situations.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Tow #10: Holiday shopping-discounts
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/27/us-usa-holidays-store-tours-idUSBRE9AQ05Y20131127
This article discusses the change(s) to be expected, or already in place, in the discounts retail stores are offering during the holiday season. Since people are beginning to be more careful aout their money, retail stores will be obliged to offer higher/more sales than previous years to attract customers. Another factor that is making retail stores have to change their methods this year is the availability of electronics and online shopping to consumers. The article also goes on to examine two up-and-coming trends that are expected to feature prominently in this year's holiday shopping: "ugly sweaters" and X-Box, Playstation, and other electronics.
In this article, Kevork Djansezian uses analysis of current and past conditions to explain to his audience how prices/discounts are expected to fluctuate during this holiday season, and why.
The article begins with Djansezian explaining factors of why this looks to feature, "for many retailers, even uglier discounts." According to him, there is online competition, weak consumer confidence in retail stores, and no to-die-fashion items that all force retailers to introduce more discounts in order to attract consumers. He also gives reasons why consumers are being more careful with their money, namely because, "...taxes have risen, unemployment has remained stubbornly high, and confidence has taken a hit from the recent government shutdown and uncertainty over the introduction of President Barack Obama's healthcare reforms." These analysis of causes and contributing factors help Djansezian explain why retail stores will be forced to lower prices this holiday season more than in previous years.
The article then moves to analying two key trends expected to play a large part in consumers' shopping this season: "...trendy sweaters featuring cutesy animals, phrases such as 'totes amaze' (slang for totally amazing) in curly cursive, and 'fair isle' patterns," and, "New must-have gadgets such as Sony Corp's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Corp's Xbox One gaming consoles and Apple Inc's latest iPhones and iPads..." These two items are expected to feature prominently among the items that consumers purchase. These items will be especially popular among teens, and for that reason, it is expected that teen-geared retail stores will be offering bigger deals than before closer to Christmas. After this analyzation, the article discusses different retail stores/companies, and how they are responding to the changing consumer attitude.
All the different explanations/analyzations Djansezian uses contribute to his overall purpose of providing an answer to the "why" for why retail stores can be expected to make less profits this year, and consumers can be expected to make bigger savings. I believe he achieved his purpose as well as making the article clear and concise for the reader, making it very effective.
This article discusses the change(s) to be expected, or already in place, in the discounts retail stores are offering during the holiday season. Since people are beginning to be more careful aout their money, retail stores will be obliged to offer higher/more sales than previous years to attract customers. Another factor that is making retail stores have to change their methods this year is the availability of electronics and online shopping to consumers. The article also goes on to examine two up-and-coming trends that are expected to feature prominently in this year's holiday shopping: "ugly sweaters" and X-Box, Playstation, and other electronics.
In this article, Kevork Djansezian uses analysis of current and past conditions to explain to his audience how prices/discounts are expected to fluctuate during this holiday season, and why.
The article begins with Djansezian explaining factors of why this looks to feature, "for many retailers, even uglier discounts." According to him, there is online competition, weak consumer confidence in retail stores, and no to-die-fashion items that all force retailers to introduce more discounts in order to attract consumers. He also gives reasons why consumers are being more careful with their money, namely because, "...taxes have risen, unemployment has remained stubbornly high, and confidence has taken a hit from the recent government shutdown and uncertainty over the introduction of President Barack Obama's healthcare reforms." These analysis of causes and contributing factors help Djansezian explain why retail stores will be forced to lower prices this holiday season more than in previous years.
The article then moves to analying two key trends expected to play a large part in consumers' shopping this season: "...trendy sweaters featuring cutesy animals, phrases such as 'totes amaze' (slang for totally amazing) in curly cursive, and 'fair isle' patterns," and, "New must-have gadgets such as Sony Corp's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Corp's Xbox One gaming consoles and Apple Inc's latest iPhones and iPads..." These two items are expected to feature prominently among the items that consumers purchase. These items will be especially popular among teens, and for that reason, it is expected that teen-geared retail stores will be offering bigger deals than before closer to Christmas. After this analyzation, the article discusses different retail stores/companies, and how they are responding to the changing consumer attitude.
All the different explanations/analyzations Djansezian uses contribute to his overall purpose of providing an answer to the "why" for why retail stores can be expected to make less profits this year, and consumers can be expected to make bigger savings. I believe he achieved his purpose as well as making the article clear and concise for the reader, making it very effective.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Intro to IRB #2-Caitlin Moran
My second IRB selections is How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran. In this book, Moran addresses some of the issues and uncertainties facing women today, and answers/analyzes questions pertaining to women. The book, "...lays bare the reasons why female rights and empowerment are essential issues not only for women today but for society itself." (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-be-a-woman-caitlin-moran/1106580269?ean=9780062124296#product-commentaries-1)
Monday, November 4, 2013
TOW #9-Visual/Video-"I Was Engaged When I Was Five"
Source: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/culture-places-news/kakenya-ntaiya-vin/
This video addresses the recent conditions of young girls in Kenya. They would be engaged at a very young age, and married a few years later. From the time they could walk, they performed tasks such as making food, gathering water, taking care of other sibling, and generally everything that would prepare them for motherhood. Most girls would be married by the age of 15. In Kenya, if a girl did not go through the ritual of physical mutilation, she and her family would face a "stigma" in society. This is a problem in many third-world, and even more-advanced nations: the arranged marriages, virtual-slavery of the girls, and the physical "mutilation" that girls have to go through in certain cultures.
The primary speaker is Kakenya Ntaiya, who was selected to be a child bride herself. She relates the story of conditions for girls in Kenya, using personal recollections and visual aids to bring attention to the harsh conditions for women in her native country.
Ntaiya's personal recollections in the video establish her appeal to ethos. By showing that she herself knows the reality of things in Kenya, she is recognized as a primary source/reliable source of information. The video itself gains an appeal to ethos in being released in on a distinguished website known by many: National Geographic. Her personal recollections also help her to gain sympathy from the viewers, and by extent, for the girls in Kenya (her appeal to the pathos of her audience). The wording Ntaiya uses in her recollections hit the viewer hard with what Kenyan girls have to go through.
The visuals selected for use in this video are chosen to show the normal, everyday occurrences in a Kenyan village. They give the viewers a sense of reality when watching the video. The viewers can almost imagine themselves as one of the girls depicted in the visuals, and perhaps gain a better understanding of the harshness of their lives. Since the girls in the video are so young, most viewers would immediately get a sense of protectiveness, and be outraged at some of the things they hear are being done to these little girls. Shocking news, like mutilations being done to little girls, gains the attention of the world very quickly.
The speaker very effectively achieved her purpose in bringing attention to the plight of girls in Kenya. Her own voice, coupled with the scenes of everyday life in the country, create a fuller picture of what those girls have to go through. The shock of hearing what girls as young as 5 have to go through, no doubt grabs the attention of many viewers.
This video addresses the recent conditions of young girls in Kenya. They would be engaged at a very young age, and married a few years later. From the time they could walk, they performed tasks such as making food, gathering water, taking care of other sibling, and generally everything that would prepare them for motherhood. Most girls would be married by the age of 15. In Kenya, if a girl did not go through the ritual of physical mutilation, she and her family would face a "stigma" in society. This is a problem in many third-world, and even more-advanced nations: the arranged marriages, virtual-slavery of the girls, and the physical "mutilation" that girls have to go through in certain cultures.
The primary speaker is Kakenya Ntaiya, who was selected to be a child bride herself. She relates the story of conditions for girls in Kenya, using personal recollections and visual aids to bring attention to the harsh conditions for women in her native country.
Ntaiya's personal recollections in the video establish her appeal to ethos. By showing that she herself knows the reality of things in Kenya, she is recognized as a primary source/reliable source of information. The video itself gains an appeal to ethos in being released in on a distinguished website known by many: National Geographic. Her personal recollections also help her to gain sympathy from the viewers, and by extent, for the girls in Kenya (her appeal to the pathos of her audience). The wording Ntaiya uses in her recollections hit the viewer hard with what Kenyan girls have to go through.
The visuals selected for use in this video are chosen to show the normal, everyday occurrences in a Kenyan village. They give the viewers a sense of reality when watching the video. The viewers can almost imagine themselves as one of the girls depicted in the visuals, and perhaps gain a better understanding of the harshness of their lives. Since the girls in the video are so young, most viewers would immediately get a sense of protectiveness, and be outraged at some of the things they hear are being done to these little girls. Shocking news, like mutilations being done to little girls, gains the attention of the world very quickly.
The speaker very effectively achieved her purpose in bringing attention to the plight of girls in Kenya. Her own voice, coupled with the scenes of everyday life in the country, create a fuller picture of what those girls have to go through. The shock of hearing what girls as young as 5 have to go through, no doubt grabs the attention of many viewers.
TOW #8-Global Warming
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/11/03/report-says-global-warming-likely-to-make-starvation-poverty-and-other-problems/
This article is solidly based upon a "leaked draft of an international scientific report" for its information. It uses the report to illustrate the possible harmful effects of global warming upon the world. In the article, the Associated Press uses repetition, listing of facts, and numerous quotations to show people the highly possible harmful effects of global warming.
The article uses the phrase, "the report says" many times to relate the reader back to the original source of the facts presented. This reminds the audience that the article is based on a credible source. This particular repetition, partnered with the author(s) of the text, the Associated Press, and the place of the article's publication, the Fox News website, gives the article its credibility and appeal to ethos. Repetition also makes sure that the idea that is being repeated is solidly embedded into the reader's mind, and stays with him/her as she/he reads the text.
In the middle of the article is a list of "certain 'key risks'" of global warming on the world. This listing of facts presents solid proof of the thesis of the article, namely that global warming will have ill effects on the entire world. Some of these effects include famine, failing infrastructures, and dangerous/deadly heat waves. The simple listing of provides readers with a clear understanding of the consequences of global warming on an easily comprehensible scale, and shows them the possible results of global warming.
Throughout the text are sprinkled quotes from the leaked report. These quotes represent evidence on the article's claim, and support that claim. They also show that the article is not based on the author's personal speculations, but on an actual scientific, researched report. The quotes give the article its academic tone, making the text a fact-based, intellectual work with little in the realm of an appeal to pathos, besides the feelings of worry and perhaps even alarm in readers as they survey the possible consequences of global warming.
The article did a good job of completing its task, namely to make readers aware of the various possible outcomes of global warming. Perhaps its most effective rhetorical device it uses is the list of "'key risks'" which simplify the hazards of global warming to be easily understood and comprehended.
This article is solidly based upon a "leaked draft of an international scientific report" for its information. It uses the report to illustrate the possible harmful effects of global warming upon the world. In the article, the Associated Press uses repetition, listing of facts, and numerous quotations to show people the highly possible harmful effects of global warming.
The article uses the phrase, "the report says" many times to relate the reader back to the original source of the facts presented. This reminds the audience that the article is based on a credible source. This particular repetition, partnered with the author(s) of the text, the Associated Press, and the place of the article's publication, the Fox News website, gives the article its credibility and appeal to ethos. Repetition also makes sure that the idea that is being repeated is solidly embedded into the reader's mind, and stays with him/her as she/he reads the text.
In the middle of the article is a list of "certain 'key risks'" of global warming on the world. This listing of facts presents solid proof of the thesis of the article, namely that global warming will have ill effects on the entire world. Some of these effects include famine, failing infrastructures, and dangerous/deadly heat waves. The simple listing of provides readers with a clear understanding of the consequences of global warming on an easily comprehensible scale, and shows them the possible results of global warming.
Throughout the text are sprinkled quotes from the leaked report. These quotes represent evidence on the article's claim, and support that claim. They also show that the article is not based on the author's personal speculations, but on an actual scientific, researched report. The quotes give the article its academic tone, making the text a fact-based, intellectual work with little in the realm of an appeal to pathos, besides the feelings of worry and perhaps even alarm in readers as they survey the possible consequences of global warming.
The article did a good job of completing its task, namely to make readers aware of the various possible outcomes of global warming. Perhaps its most effective rhetorical device it uses is the list of "'key risks'" which simplify the hazards of global warming to be easily understood and comprehended.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
TOW #7-It's Not Rocket Science
source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marian-wright-edelman/its-not-rocket-science_b_4164950.html
In her article, Marian Wright Edelman uses references to a credible source and proven statistics to stress her point that scientific research can help decrease the number of gun-related deaths, and that funding should continue to be provided for such research.
Much of Edelman's article features quotes/references from Dr. Mark L. Rosenberg. She lists his qualifications in order to identify him as a credible source. The use of a credible source to support her position gives weight to her point, making it more viable. Several of the quotes from Dr. Rosenberg that she chooses clearly agree with her own position. She gives his gives his statement that, “We can apply the same science to firearm injuries and deaths of children, and it’s not rocket science," to support her point that scientific research can help reduce gun-related deaths. The "same science" refers to the scientific research that reduced deaths caused by automobile deaths.
Edelman also uses proven statistics in her essay to give proof that there has been a decrease in the funding for gun violence prevention research, and that this was a mistake. She says that, "...funding for gun violence prevention research...fell from an average of $2.5 million per year in 1993-1996 to half that in 1997-2000. She also gives statistics listed by Dr. Rosenberg herself to support the fact that scientific research into gun violence has made important discoveries, namely that, "not only did having a gun in your home not protect you, but increased the risk thatsomeone in your own home would be killed by a gun...[by a] 300% increase." These statistics give solid proof of the benefits of research, and volleys for an increase in funding for the research.
This article appeals to the ethos of its readers by the very place of its publication: the Huffington Post website. It also appeals to ethos by the author's referencing of a a credible source, Dr. Rosenberg, and the listing of his qualifications. The article's audience is anyone who has access to a computer and wifi, but the article is directed at those who have decreased the funding for research into gun prevention. It is an appeal to those people to continue and even increase the funding. The tone of the article is appealing as well as analytical.
The article is effective in completing its purpose of showing how scientific research ought to be promoted in gun violence prevention. The use of references to a highly qualified person, Dr. Rosenberg, is especially effective in giving weight and authority to the article and its message.
In her article, Marian Wright Edelman uses references to a credible source and proven statistics to stress her point that scientific research can help decrease the number of gun-related deaths, and that funding should continue to be provided for such research.
Much of Edelman's article features quotes/references from Dr. Mark L. Rosenberg. She lists his qualifications in order to identify him as a credible source. The use of a credible source to support her position gives weight to her point, making it more viable. Several of the quotes from Dr. Rosenberg that she chooses clearly agree with her own position. She gives his gives his statement that, “We can apply the same science to firearm injuries and deaths of children, and it’s not rocket science," to support her point that scientific research can help reduce gun-related deaths. The "same science" refers to the scientific research that reduced deaths caused by automobile deaths.
Edelman also uses proven statistics in her essay to give proof that there has been a decrease in the funding for gun violence prevention research, and that this was a mistake. She says that, "...funding for gun violence prevention research...fell from an average of $2.5 million per year in 1993-1996 to half that in 1997-2000. She also gives statistics listed by Dr. Rosenberg herself to support the fact that scientific research into gun violence has made important discoveries, namely that, "not only did having a gun in your home not protect you, but increased the risk thatsomeone in your own home would be killed by a gun...[by a] 300% increase." These statistics give solid proof of the benefits of research, and volleys for an increase in funding for the research.
This article appeals to the ethos of its readers by the very place of its publication: the Huffington Post website. It also appeals to ethos by the author's referencing of a a credible source, Dr. Rosenberg, and the listing of his qualifications. The article's audience is anyone who has access to a computer and wifi, but the article is directed at those who have decreased the funding for research into gun prevention. It is an appeal to those people to continue and even increase the funding. The tone of the article is appealing as well as analytical.
The article is effective in completing its purpose of showing how scientific research ought to be promoted in gun violence prevention. The use of references to a highly qualified person, Dr. Rosenberg, is especially effective in giving weight and authority to the article and its message.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
TOW #6-Google
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/benkepes/2013/10/20/google-shoots-itself-in-the-foot-again/?ss=future-tech
This article by Ben Kepes berates Google for its "flippant attitude to many parts of what you do hampers your ability to execute on that opportunity." This article discusses particularly the mess-up of Google CIO Ben Fried in an interview he gave about the risks to Google of using third-party cloud products. Seeing that Fried was one of the original creators, and the fact that Google uses the products to sell their apps, renders Fried's interview comments as rather contradictory and foolish.
In this article, Ben Kepes uses abundant sarcasm, direct address, and examples to draw attention to Google's mistake, berate the company, and mock the company.
Kepes' article is ripe with sarcastic comments. He mocks Google, and particularly Mr. Fried, in order to provoke Google to do better, and to show the people the foolishness of the companies' mistake. This sarcasm plays into his appeal to logos, and a mocking, scolding tone to Google. He uses phrases such as "I kid you not," and "facepalm anyone?" In his last paragraph, he directly addresses the Google company itself, saying, "Once and for all Google, please sit up and listen....you are...." This shows that his article is not meant only for the general public, but a direct message to Google itself.
He also gives examples of the mistakes Google has made. Besides the Fried story, Kepes mentioned, "A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the epic fail of one Google spokesperson who singlehandedly cast doubt about Google’s commitment to its cloud platform." He mentioned this to show that Fried was not Google's only mistake, and to help establish his ethos as someone who had written news article before. Kepes is also given ethos by the paragraph written in italics at the end of the article which lists his various accomplishments/qualifications. The article itself generates an appeal to ethos by being published in Forbes, a well-known/well-established magazine.
I believe that the article was effective, and accomplished its purpose of showing the flaws/mistakes Google has made, and berating the company for them.
This article by Ben Kepes berates Google for its "flippant attitude to many parts of what you do hampers your ability to execute on that opportunity." This article discusses particularly the mess-up of Google CIO Ben Fried in an interview he gave about the risks to Google of using third-party cloud products. Seeing that Fried was one of the original creators, and the fact that Google uses the products to sell their apps, renders Fried's interview comments as rather contradictory and foolish.
In this article, Ben Kepes uses abundant sarcasm, direct address, and examples to draw attention to Google's mistake, berate the company, and mock the company.
Kepes' article is ripe with sarcastic comments. He mocks Google, and particularly Mr. Fried, in order to provoke Google to do better, and to show the people the foolishness of the companies' mistake. This sarcasm plays into his appeal to logos, and a mocking, scolding tone to Google. He uses phrases such as "I kid you not," and "facepalm anyone?" In his last paragraph, he directly addresses the Google company itself, saying, "Once and for all Google, please sit up and listen....you are...." This shows that his article is not meant only for the general public, but a direct message to Google itself.
He also gives examples of the mistakes Google has made. Besides the Fried story, Kepes mentioned, "A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the epic fail of one Google spokesperson who singlehandedly cast doubt about Google’s commitment to its cloud platform." He mentioned this to show that Fried was not Google's only mistake, and to help establish his ethos as someone who had written news article before. Kepes is also given ethos by the paragraph written in italics at the end of the article which lists his various accomplishments/qualifications. The article itself generates an appeal to ethos by being published in Forbes, a well-known/well-established magazine.
I believe that the article was effective, and accomplished its purpose of showing the flaws/mistakes Google has made, and berating the company for them.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
TOW #5-Visual-WWF
source: http://adsoftheworld.com/files/wwf_ad_03_.jpg
This advertisement is a plea from the World Wildlife Foundation for people to stop, think, and refrain from killing wild animals that are quickly becoming endangered. The ad uses vivid imagery and powerful diction to cause viewers to halt and take notice of an issue that is quickly becoming more serious as time goes on. The image the advertisement uses, strikingly appeals to the pathos of its audience. The sight of a person holding a gun pointed at a child is an image that will immediately catch the eye. The horror of such a sight is meant to resonate in the viewer's mind.
When paired with the caption, the image evokes an even stronger appeal to pathos. When asked to imagine the child as their own, with a gun pointed at him/her, the adult audience will feel a wave of horror for such a picture as it creates itself in their mind as their own child dressed as a tiger in the woods, about to die. It also offers a new perspective to people, reminding them that animals have children too, and tries to get the viewers to relate to a parent animal (in this case a tiger), who's child has been taken from them by humans.
The logo of the WWF in the corner of the ad gives the advertisement an immediate credibility and appeal to ethos. This shows the audience, any person intellectually advanced enough to understand the connotations of the ad, that the poster is the product of a legitimized agency that fights to protect wildlife. The caption of the advertisement completes the effect, adding an appeal to logos. As is often the case in ads such as these, the logos appeal, paired with the image, feeds into the appeal to the pathos of viewers. I believe the ad is very effective in its purpose to advocate the protection of wildlife, and show the terrible nature of people today regarding wild animals. It appeals primarily to the emotions and conscience of its audience, and provokes thought and an automatic sense of repulsion with what the image shows.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
TOW #4-Visual-"Government has stopped responding"
Source: http://townhall.com/political-cartoons/2013/10/01/112598
The subject of this political cartoon by Nate Beeler is the United States government. The cartoon creates a parallel of the government to a computer program or browser with the use of it's caption. The occasion/context of the cartoon is the announcement of the shutdown of the government due to the House and the Senate being unable/unwilling to reach an agreement on an appropriations bill. Its intended audience is anyone in the world (i.e.members of the U.S. government, the American people, and the people in any foreign country with internet capabilities), due to its being published on a free-access internet website. The purpose of the creator of this cartoon is to use humor and satire to show how the government is no longer functioning. The speaker is not only its creator, Beeler, but also the Townhall website, because he could not publish it without their approval.
The cartoon carries ethos due to its being released on a prestigious, well-known political website. The author's signature in the corner also affords it authenticity and credibility. The appeal to logos is in the caption, which is written humorously and almost satirically. The caption also appeals to pathos, in linking the government shutdown with an experience most Americans have encountered: the classic "___ has stopped responding" message on their computer screens. The tone of the cartoon is mocking, ridiculing, and humorous in its portrayal/comparison of the United States government
The subject of this political cartoon by Nate Beeler is the United States government. The cartoon creates a parallel of the government to a computer program or browser with the use of it's caption. The occasion/context of the cartoon is the announcement of the shutdown of the government due to the House and the Senate being unable/unwilling to reach an agreement on an appropriations bill. Its intended audience is anyone in the world (i.e.members of the U.S. government, the American people, and the people in any foreign country with internet capabilities), due to its being published on a free-access internet website. The purpose of the creator of this cartoon is to use humor and satire to show how the government is no longer functioning. The speaker is not only its creator, Beeler, but also the Townhall website, because he could not publish it without their approval.
The cartoon carries ethos due to its being released on a prestigious, well-known political website. The author's signature in the corner also affords it authenticity and credibility. The appeal to logos is in the caption, which is written humorously and almost satirically. The caption also appeals to pathos, in linking the government shutdown with an experience most Americans have encountered: the classic "___ has stopped responding" message on their computer screens. The tone of the cartoon is mocking, ridiculing, and humorous in its portrayal/comparison of the United States government
Saturday, September 28, 2013
TOW#3-IRB rhetorical analysis (Chua)
Source: The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua (IRB)
This book was a point of controversy upon it's release, igniting national, and even global, debate. Some people criticized and expressed disbelief at some of the parenting methods illustrated in Ms. Chua's book, opposing her extreme methods and her teachings. Yet others applaud her parenting skills, pointing toward the many accomplishments of her daughters. These two differing viewpoints could be boiled down to: do the methods used to achieve results matter, if the results are positive?
Amy Chua herself speaks to an audience of thousands of readers in her book, writing it in narration form. Her family members can also be considered speakers, as she includes many of their conversations, actions, and reactions within the text in the form of numerous anecdotes. She wrote the book to mark a significant occasion that she herself states: "...in a moment of crisis, when my younger daughter seemed to turn against everything I stood for and it felt like I was losing her and everything was falling apart." (http://amychua.com/) Her audience includes not only the thousands of readers who have read her book, but also her family, who helped her to compose it. They receive an insight into her thoughts during the times portrayed in the text, thoughts that she may not have expressed to them at home.
Ms. Chua states the purpose of her book as "an attempt to put the pieces back together and work things out for myself." (http://amychua.com/) Her purpose could also be seen as showing the world a different, effective, kind of parenting that may be culturally shocking to them. The subject(s) of her book are: her family (including her dogs), her parents, and her parenting style. She exposes parts of each of them to the world in a funny yet at the same time serious tone, dealing with the various emotions of herself and her family, and portraying them sarcastically, humorously, and emotionally.
Her book is very effective in it's public purpose of introducing the world to an inside look of a form of parenting they may not have been fully aware of. As to the personal purpose, she herself has said it was therapeutic and helpful in aiding her in reconnecting with her daughters and husband. I found the book thoroughly interesting and enjoyable to read, perhaps because I, like so many others, found myself opposed to many of her methods and teachings.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
TOW #2-Parent-Children clash over marriage
Source: Time- http://healthland.time.com/2013/09/20/why-your-parents-dont-approve-of-your-husband-or-wife/?hpt=hp_t3
In this article from Time magazine, Francine Russo, a journalist and an author of several other writings on families and psychological themes, gives us some insight as to why parents so often disapprove of their child's choice of spouse. She writes this article for both parents and teens/young-adults in relationships to help answer the long-time question of why parents and their children clash over the child's love life. This puzzle goes back as far as the Greek myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, and includes other examples such as Romeo and Juliet.
Russo's explanation of this issue is that it is "all in the genes." She raises the question of why parents and children never learn from this struggle, and avoid it. In a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, researchers at the university of Bristol and the University of Groningen propose that genes are a large part of the equation. Evolutionary theory suggests that both parents and their children should want a caring, supportive mate, but parents want that more their sons/daughters. The parents prioritize family background, social class, and ability to support for their children. The sons/daughters, in the meantime, search for mates/spouses that they find physically and emotionally attractive. This is what leads to many of the clashes between in-laws. If a daughter marries someone unable to support her adequately, her parents will most likely step in to help. This means that the daughter is not as motivated/pressured to find a spouse that her parents approve of. It is also possible that the daughter is able, through genetics, to sense which mate will give her the most children, his ability to support her notwithstanding.
The main rhetorical strategy that Russo uses here, making up over half of the article, is exemplification. To help provide the answer, and fit it into a scenario, she, and researchers at the Bristol university create an example/situation to defend their findings. I believe she accomplished her purpose of providing an answer to the parent-child-love-conflict problem because she clearly shows how her answer, genes, applies o and is a reason for the conflict.
In this article from Time magazine, Francine Russo, a journalist and an author of several other writings on families and psychological themes, gives us some insight as to why parents so often disapprove of their child's choice of spouse. She writes this article for both parents and teens/young-adults in relationships to help answer the long-time question of why parents and their children clash over the child's love life. This puzzle goes back as far as the Greek myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, and includes other examples such as Romeo and Juliet.
Russo's explanation of this issue is that it is "all in the genes." She raises the question of why parents and children never learn from this struggle, and avoid it. In a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, researchers at the university of Bristol and the University of Groningen propose that genes are a large part of the equation. Evolutionary theory suggests that both parents and their children should want a caring, supportive mate, but parents want that more their sons/daughters. The parents prioritize family background, social class, and ability to support for their children. The sons/daughters, in the meantime, search for mates/spouses that they find physically and emotionally attractive. This is what leads to many of the clashes between in-laws. If a daughter marries someone unable to support her adequately, her parents will most likely step in to help. This means that the daughter is not as motivated/pressured to find a spouse that her parents approve of. It is also possible that the daughter is able, through genetics, to sense which mate will give her the most children, his ability to support her notwithstanding.
The main rhetorical strategy that Russo uses here, making up over half of the article, is exemplification. To help provide the answer, and fit it into a scenario, she, and researchers at the Bristol university create an example/situation to defend their findings. I believe she accomplished her purpose of providing an answer to the parent-child-love-conflict problem because she clearly shows how her answer, genes, applies o and is a reason for the conflict.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
TOW #1-Fear of Friday the 13th
Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/09/130912-friday-13th-thirteenth-superstitions-phobias-nation-culture/
This article from National Geographic, by John Roach, explains some of the reasons why Western culture contains the fear of Friday the 13th. It came out a day before this month's Friday the 13th, giving readers something to think about as they waited for the feared date. One of the reasons stems back to biblical times. Judas was the 13th death, and his betrayal of Jesus led to Jesus' death on what people believe to have been a Friday. Because there were 13 people gathered at the Last Supper, that added to the taboo on the number. Some also people believe that Eve gave Adam the forbidden fruit on a Friday, leading to the downfall of man, or that Cain slew Abel on Friday the 13th.
Another reason given in the article is that 13 is considered "incomplete" due to it's place after the "complete" number 12 in the counting system. 12 months, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 zodiac signs, 12 gods of olympus, etc... These fears, along with some people having triskadekaphobia (fear of the number 13), has left many people too afraid to leave their home or do regular business when Friday the 13th rolls around. Roach wanted to give people something to think about before the climactic date came around. Perhaps Roach wanted to try and encourage some of his audience, those who sustain the phobia, to leave it behind and go about their regular business free of fear.
I believe that Roach accomplished his purpose of trying to get readers to think, and maybe even change their approach toward Friday the 13th. He effectively explained why the phobia is ingrained in Western culture, and offered other sources that supported him. I found the article extremely interesting due to it's relevance to current events.
This article from National Geographic, by John Roach, explains some of the reasons why Western culture contains the fear of Friday the 13th. It came out a day before this month's Friday the 13th, giving readers something to think about as they waited for the feared date. One of the reasons stems back to biblical times. Judas was the 13th death, and his betrayal of Jesus led to Jesus' death on what people believe to have been a Friday. Because there were 13 people gathered at the Last Supper, that added to the taboo on the number. Some also people believe that Eve gave Adam the forbidden fruit on a Friday, leading to the downfall of man, or that Cain slew Abel on Friday the 13th.
Another reason given in the article is that 13 is considered "incomplete" due to it's place after the "complete" number 12 in the counting system. 12 months, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 zodiac signs, 12 gods of olympus, etc... These fears, along with some people having triskadekaphobia (fear of the number 13), has left many people too afraid to leave their home or do regular business when Friday the 13th rolls around. Roach wanted to give people something to think about before the climactic date came around. Perhaps Roach wanted to try and encourage some of his audience, those who sustain the phobia, to leave it behind and go about their regular business free of fear.
I believe that Roach accomplished his purpose of trying to get readers to think, and maybe even change their approach toward Friday the 13th. He effectively explained why the phobia is ingrained in Western culture, and offered other sources that supported him. I found the article extremely interesting due to it's relevance to current events.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Intro to IRB #1-Amy Chua
For my first IRB I have selected Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. The book describes Mrs. Chua's approach and methods used to raise her children in a "traditional Chinese upbringing." Many of the methods she describes would be considered too harsh/strict by many Western standards. Mrs. Chua herself has said that the book is not so much a how-to as a self-memoir on her experiences in raising her children, and the results.
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