1. The links in this article help support the author's point by clarifying certain aspects and reasons for the arguement. For example, when the author points out that alleged plagiarist said something there is a link to the interview. I found this useful for a more complete understanding of the arguement. I found it effective when there was something that needed to be clarified like a conversation, but it was not as effective when the link was pretty much a definition. I think that I would definitely use links in my online arguement. It would be useful to be able to have link to some sites with statistics and arguements by experts to earn credibility.
2. I think that the way he organizes his arguement by stating a form of plagiarism then portraying the text in which the form was abused. I thought this was very effective because it is straight forward as to what is wrong. He used evidence from MLA texts and such to format this arguement. Not only did he use evidence but he used backing.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Alan Dershowitz essay
It is kind of funny because, while reading the essay, I realized that I agreed with everything that Mr. Dershowitz said. I said last week and I still believe that freedom of speech should not be taken away. It is not only a right guaranteed to us by the constitution but it has also become part of our society and government. Mr. Dershowitz said in his essay that he believes that there should be no censorship but speech should be subject to criticism. I completely agree with this just as I did last week. If something someone says deserves censorship then society will make distaste for the saying.
#5 on 173
The picture claims that the new GE train is the cleanest train that they have built. The reason for this is the fact that it is running by birds and wild and they are unarmed and happy. The qualifier is that the ad says "cleanest ever made" not the cleanest. The warrant for this is that the wildlife would not be around harmful things, therefore the train is clean. There is not much evidence to back this in the picture except for the common knowledge that animals do not stay by pollution.
Monday, November 10, 2008
#4 on 172
In my arguement essay on patriotism, I found that I did not really make a specific claim. Also, my warrant was kind of weak. I did have good reasons and backing, though. To fix these problems, I would make a specific statement of what patriotism is at the beginning and use the reasons to support it and to make a strong warrant.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
pictures for powerpoint
This displays the economic theory as to why unemployment would increase with the increase of minimum wage. It also demonstrates the equilibrium, which is where the graphs intersect.
This pie chart illustrates the fact that only a small amount of those earning minimum wage are single parents or single-earners for their family. This makes the sob story that minimum wage earners are supporting families seem a lot less relevant.
This is a humorous but good example of what happens in many small businesses when the minimum wage is hiked up again and again.
more sources
Rocheteau, Guilaume, and Murat Tasci.. "The Minimum Wage and the Labor Market." Economic Commentary (May 2007): 1-4. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN. 2 Nov. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=25784296&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article uses economic principals to demonstrate the effects that minimum wage has on the economy and employment in general. It gives chart representations of these different effects. The charts are valuable visual information to support my argument. The authors demonstrate that in a competitive market such as ours, when minimum wage is raised more people are willing to work and less businesses are willing to hire. The authors assert that this leads to greater unemployment because less people can be employed. All of these statements support my stance that the market should be allowed to find equilibrium on a proper minimum wage.
Bartlett, Bruce. "Minimum Wage Is Bad Policy." Human Events 61.6 (14 Feb. 2005): 9-9. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN. 2 Nov. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=16116038&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article addresses the common misconception that raising minimum wage will make the lower class better off. He uses statistics to help him convey that most minimum wage earners are young and unskilled and 90% earn more after a year. He also shows that two thirds of minimum wage workers are employed by businesses with less than 500 workers. Since these businesses are so fragile if wage was increased they would suffer most. Small businesses create 75% of new jobs annually so a minimum wage increase would also be detrimental to job growth. This article also includes trends of previous hikes in minimum wage. It shows that unemployment decreases each time. These facts are concurrent with my views and help to support my argument with some substance.
Henderson, David R. "Minimum Wage + $1 = More Poverty." Fortune 138.7 (12 Oct. 1998): 66-66. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN. 2 Nov. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=1116604&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article is from 1998 but it is still credible because it discusses trends of unemploymentcaused by minimum wage increases. I learned new information from this article such as the fact that for every 20% increase in minimum wage unemployment rises by two to four percent. Also, this article discusses how census data shows that each time a state raises its minimum wage, within a year the amount of families in poverty rises by 4.5%. This author argues the debate should not be against raising minimum wage but abolishing it instead.
This article uses economic principals to demonstrate the effects that minimum wage has on the economy and employment in general. It gives chart representations of these different effects. The charts are valuable visual information to support my argument. The authors demonstrate that in a competitive market such as ours, when minimum wage is raised more people are willing to work and less businesses are willing to hire. The authors assert that this leads to greater unemployment because less people can be employed. All of these statements support my stance that the market should be allowed to find equilibrium on a proper minimum wage.
Bartlett, Bruce. "Minimum Wage Is Bad Policy." Human Events 61.6 (14 Feb. 2005): 9-9. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN. 2 Nov. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=16116038&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article addresses the common misconception that raising minimum wage will make the lower class better off. He uses statistics to help him convey that most minimum wage earners are young and unskilled and 90% earn more after a year. He also shows that two thirds of minimum wage workers are employed by businesses with less than 500 workers. Since these businesses are so fragile if wage was increased they would suffer most. Small businesses create 75% of new jobs annually so a minimum wage increase would also be detrimental to job growth. This article also includes trends of previous hikes in minimum wage. It shows that unemployment decreases each time. These facts are concurrent with my views and help to support my argument with some substance.
Henderson, David R. "Minimum Wage + $1 = More Poverty." Fortune 138.7 (12 Oct. 1998): 66-66. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN. 2 Nov. 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=1116604&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
This article is from 1998 but it is still credible because it discusses trends of unemploymentcaused by minimum wage increases. I learned new information from this article such as the fact that for every 20% increase in minimum wage unemployment rises by two to four percent. Also, this article discusses how census data shows that each time a state raises its minimum wage, within a year the amount of families in poverty rises by 4.5%. This author argues the debate should not be against raising minimum wage but abolishing it instead.
freedom of speech
I agree with both of the essays on free speech. In fact the government agrees with them because freedom of speech and expression is protected under the first amendment. Freedom to say what you really think is a great part of what this country was founded on; everybody has a right to be heard and say what is on their mind. “Hate speech” is just an extreme form of this. I believe that as long as what you are doing, saying, or portraying does not affect someone else’s right to do the very same thing then there should be no problem. If one is offended by a speech or a poster or a flag then they have the right to say so just as flagrantly as the person who said the first remark. Obviously, there are restrictions as with anything. For instance, primary and secondary schools often limit freedom of speech. Also, the government always holds the right to “use what you say against you” which creates a strong reason not to speak your mind.
#4 on 135
In this picture a patient is in a bed that is obviously a hospital bed because he is hooked up to an IV bag. Statistics like a scoreboard are posted at the foot of his bed that are reminiscent of a baseball scoreboard. The arguement is that healthcare is becoming a game of statistics rather than actually helping people. The picture does a good job depicting this issue because it compares healthcare to baseball, which the author tells us is about making money. The author argues that this makes healthcare better because of the pursuit of "good statistics."
p. 135 #3
the picture would not copy paste here is the link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/opinion/02cowan.html?ref=opinion
This picture helps the author make the argument that the in different states voters have more impact on the outcome of the presidential election. The picture draws in the viewer because it is an abstracted cut up picture of the U.S. Once the viewer is drawn in the picture is affective because the viewer quickly learns that each state is proportioned by the amount of sway a voter has in that state. Then the text continues the argument. This picture is effective both because it catches the eye and it helps to convey the severity of the issue.
This picture helps the author make the argument that the in different states voters have more impact on the outcome of the presidential election. The picture draws in the viewer because it is an abstracted cut up picture of the U.S. Once the viewer is drawn in the picture is affective because the viewer quickly learns that each state is proportioned by the amount of sway a voter has in that state. Then the text continues the argument. This picture is effective both because it catches the eye and it helps to convey the severity of the issue.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Academic Search Premier
Hubbart, William S. “Minimum Wage Maximum Impact.” Parks & Recreation Sept. 2007: p92-97
This article was about the overall affects of the newest increase to minimum wage. It discussed how many states are increasing the minimum wage even higher than the required federal wage. Also, it talks about how many employers are hurt by this increase because they plan their budgets a year ahead. This article did not necessarily support my thesis that minimum wage should be abolished, but it did give a good overall perspective of the effects of a minimum wage.
“Other Comments.” Forbes 4 Mar. 2006: Vol. 178 issue 4, p30
In this article, it is suggested that minimum wage be abolished. This is concurrent with my stance on the subject. The reason that the article states is China has such an effective economy without a minimum wage. It says that minimum wage restricts the natural process of capitalism, which is what our economy is supposed to be based off of.
D. L. “Editorial Perspectives: The Passionate Political Economy of the Minimum Wage.” Science & Society Jul. 2007: Vol. 71 Iss. 3, p267-272
In this article the author gives a balanced view on minimum wage. He asserts that it causes decrease in jobs in unskilled occupations. He also says that raising minimum wage may help to create more jobs for skilled occupations because the cost of low-end labor is too costly for its purpose. The author does state that the decrease in unskilled jobs definitely would outpace this increase in skilled jobs.
This article was about the overall affects of the newest increase to minimum wage. It discussed how many states are increasing the minimum wage even higher than the required federal wage. Also, it talks about how many employers are hurt by this increase because they plan their budgets a year ahead. This article did not necessarily support my thesis that minimum wage should be abolished, but it did give a good overall perspective of the effects of a minimum wage.
“Other Comments.” Forbes 4 Mar. 2006: Vol. 178 issue 4, p30
In this article, it is suggested that minimum wage be abolished. This is concurrent with my stance on the subject. The reason that the article states is China has such an effective economy without a minimum wage. It says that minimum wage restricts the natural process of capitalism, which is what our economy is supposed to be based off of.
D. L. “Editorial Perspectives: The Passionate Political Economy of the Minimum Wage.” Science & Society Jul. 2007: Vol. 71 Iss. 3, p267-272
In this article the author gives a balanced view on minimum wage. He asserts that it causes decrease in jobs in unskilled occupations. He also says that raising minimum wage may help to create more jobs for skilled occupations because the cost of low-end labor is too costly for its purpose. The author does state that the decrease in unskilled jobs definitely would outpace this increase in skilled jobs.
#4 on 101
My topic: Minimum Wage
1. Is a minimum wage effective when all workers, regardless of productivity, make the same hourly wage?
2. Is minimum wage, a law that makes employers pay workers at least a certain amount, an effective law?
3. Is the minimum wage law an effective regulation?
4. Is the minimum wage really a good way regulate how much employers pay their employees?
1. Is a minimum wage effective when all workers, regardless of productivity, make the same hourly wage?
2. Is minimum wage, a law that makes employers pay workers at least a certain amount, an effective law?
3. Is the minimum wage law an effective regulation?
4. Is the minimum wage really a good way regulate how much employers pay their employees?
#2 on 101
http://www.usatoday.com/news/snapshot.htm?section=S&label=2008-10-24-nhlroad
The picture would not copy paste, so this is the link. It was about recorded music listening now and in the future, and how it is projected to decrease.
1. Today’s society is not interested as much in music as generations before were, so spending on recorded music has declined.
2. Recorded music sales are decreasing because more people are attending concerts and watching MTV.
3. Spending on music is declining because more and more people use P2P sharing programs such as Limewire.
The picture would not copy paste, so this is the link. It was about recorded music listening now and in the future, and how it is projected to decrease.
1. Today’s society is not interested as much in music as generations before were, so spending on recorded music has declined.
2. Recorded music sales are decreasing because more people are attending concerts and watching MTV.
3. Spending on music is declining because more and more people use P2P sharing programs such as Limewire.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
OVRC
The OVRC was both helpful and frustrating in the struggle to fin d a topic. I realized that my topic of credit cards was able to be researched sufficiently for a paper, but maybe it is not that strong of an argument. There were plenty of other topics on the site, and it seems to be a vast database, so I will have no trouble finding info on any topic. I do not think that I am totally decided on what my topic will be but the OVRC has definitely got me going in the right direction.
NYT Article
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/opinion/18sat2.html?ref=opinion
The article that I find interesting for a research paper is from the New York Times and is called The College Credit Card Trap. This article caught my attention because of its outrageous claims. According to the article, the reason that students are in so much credit card debt is because of the mass soliciting of the credit card companies on campus. Whatever happened to teaching your kids to be financially responsible? This is a capitalist economy; it is to be expected that credit card companies will advertise – that is their job! I have a credit card and I responsibly pay it off every month. I would research this topic further to see just how much advertising really affects students by looking up articles written on campuses and in national papers. Also, I could research facts about adult credit habits to compare because I doubt adults are much more wise about credit. This is an important topic because citizens need to realize that they are responsible for themselves. It is a common trend to request regulations and government intervention, such as advertising regulations on campus. Although, it is also a common trend to complain that there are too many right restricting regulations out there. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. I am sure thousands of students and millions of people have credit cards, and they need to realize that they were not forced to apply for them. Even if they were, they were not forced to buy those “oh so cute” outfits.
The article that I find interesting for a research paper is from the New York Times and is called The College Credit Card Trap. This article caught my attention because of its outrageous claims. According to the article, the reason that students are in so much credit card debt is because of the mass soliciting of the credit card companies on campus. Whatever happened to teaching your kids to be financially responsible? This is a capitalist economy; it is to be expected that credit card companies will advertise – that is their job! I have a credit card and I responsibly pay it off every month. I would research this topic further to see just how much advertising really affects students by looking up articles written on campuses and in national papers. Also, I could research facts about adult credit habits to compare because I doubt adults are much more wise about credit. This is an important topic because citizens need to realize that they are responsible for themselves. It is a common trend to request regulations and government intervention, such as advertising regulations on campus. Although, it is also a common trend to complain that there are too many right restricting regulations out there. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. I am sure thousands of students and millions of people have credit cards, and they need to realize that they were not forced to apply for them. Even if they were, they were not forced to buy those “oh so cute” outfits.
#4 on 201
I believe that video surveillance in today’s society is sort of a double edged sword. On one hand it is completely obvious that video cameras at convenience shops and in stores are necessary to catch criminals in the act and to keep their stores in business. On the other hand, cameras and other monitoring devices such as phone taps can also be seen as extremely obtrusive to the freedoms given to us in the bill of rights. Which of these statements is a correct view of today’s surveillance procedures?
First, let us take a look at the positive side of modern day surveillance. The increasing technology in today’s video cameras and such is continuously decreasing the size and price of these objects, while making them more efficient and clearer in picture at the same time. For this reason, they availability of these surveillance machines is becoming more and more widespread. Even owners of small stores can afford to purchase video surveillance, and this is a good thing. Robbers and thieves are now more easily caught with facial recognition technology. Nowadays all police cars have these same cameras in them as well, and this is a good thing. Not only can criminals be recorded in their defiance more easily, but officers are kept in line as well because of the threat of the camera’s eye. In these ways, surveillance has become effective and useful.
Although surveillance has its uses, it also has its downfalls as well. One of the more obvious and controversial of these is the recent passing of the Patriot Act. According to this act, the U.S. government can use any means of surveillance necessary, from wire taps to full on shadowing, to help catch terrorists and such high profile criminals. To many Americans this is seen as not only obtrusive but downright unconstitutional, too, and rightfully so. Cameras can also be seen making their way into more unnecessary and private places every day. A phone camera was snuck into the execution of Saddam Hussein. What has the world come to when cameras are invading private sanctities such as the church? Luckily cameras and phones are now prohibited in most courtrooms, but as the amount of these devices increase more and more arguments of privacy and rights will be heard.
Overall, surveillance is a divided issue. People want to be able to be safe in public places and prevent robberies, but these same people also want to stop the encroachment of surveillance devices on their personal lives. In order to have one the other must make sacrifices. On such a moot point as this, it will really be up to societies reaction as a whole and the governments interpretation of it to reach an equilibrium of surveillance and privacy.
First, let us take a look at the positive side of modern day surveillance. The increasing technology in today’s video cameras and such is continuously decreasing the size and price of these objects, while making them more efficient and clearer in picture at the same time. For this reason, they availability of these surveillance machines is becoming more and more widespread. Even owners of small stores can afford to purchase video surveillance, and this is a good thing. Robbers and thieves are now more easily caught with facial recognition technology. Nowadays all police cars have these same cameras in them as well, and this is a good thing. Not only can criminals be recorded in their defiance more easily, but officers are kept in line as well because of the threat of the camera’s eye. In these ways, surveillance has become effective and useful.
Although surveillance has its uses, it also has its downfalls as well. One of the more obvious and controversial of these is the recent passing of the Patriot Act. According to this act, the U.S. government can use any means of surveillance necessary, from wire taps to full on shadowing, to help catch terrorists and such high profile criminals. To many Americans this is seen as not only obtrusive but downright unconstitutional, too, and rightfully so. Cameras can also be seen making their way into more unnecessary and private places every day. A phone camera was snuck into the execution of Saddam Hussein. What has the world come to when cameras are invading private sanctities such as the church? Luckily cameras and phones are now prohibited in most courtrooms, but as the amount of these devices increase more and more arguments of privacy and rights will be heard.
Overall, surveillance is a divided issue. People want to be able to be safe in public places and prevent robberies, but these same people also want to stop the encroachment of surveillance devices on their personal lives. In order to have one the other must make sacrifices. On such a moot point as this, it will really be up to societies reaction as a whole and the governments interpretation of it to reach an equilibrium of surveillance and privacy.
#1 on 200
Whether hurricanes are increasing in ferocity and number is worth arguing to a college audience because natural disasters affect us all and we should learn whether more precautions are needed.
I do not think that people disagree with the number of people dying from cancer. Everyone knows a lot of people die from this disease, so it does not need to be argued.
Informing college students about better diets in general is a good cause because your diet today is your health tomorrow, so this is especially true if the diet helps prevent a certain disease such as heart disease.
Arguing about the surrender of the Japanese in 1945 is irrelevant for college students of today because it is so far in the past and it cannot be changed anyway.
Whether more male teachers would help boys through primary education is not worth arguing to college students because they are through this grade level and most have no kids, so this knowledge would not be helpful to them.
This is definitely worth arguing because racial discrimination permeates through all grade levels and ages and backgrounds.
The availability of jobs for college grads is an extremely relevant topic to argue to college students because they are studying to get a job after college.
Whether hydrogen will be a viable fuel is not worth arguing to college students because they have no control over the production or regulation of this product.
I do not think that arguing that only one of the presidents has been catholic is an important argument in the first place because we are a nation of free religion so it should not matter.
The patriot act is definitely worth discussing with college students. They of all groups specifically tend to believe and care for the right of free expression.
I do not think that people disagree with the number of people dying from cancer. Everyone knows a lot of people die from this disease, so it does not need to be argued.
Informing college students about better diets in general is a good cause because your diet today is your health tomorrow, so this is especially true if the diet helps prevent a certain disease such as heart disease.
Arguing about the surrender of the Japanese in 1945 is irrelevant for college students of today because it is so far in the past and it cannot be changed anyway.
Whether more male teachers would help boys through primary education is not worth arguing to college students because they are through this grade level and most have no kids, so this knowledge would not be helpful to them.
This is definitely worth arguing because racial discrimination permeates through all grade levels and ages and backgrounds.
The availability of jobs for college grads is an extremely relevant topic to argue to college students because they are studying to get a job after college.
Whether hydrogen will be a viable fuel is not worth arguing to college students because they have no control over the production or regulation of this product.
I do not think that arguing that only one of the presidents has been catholic is an important argument in the first place because we are a nation of free religion so it should not matter.
The patriot act is definitely worth discussing with college students. They of all groups specifically tend to believe and care for the right of free expression.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Patriotism
Patriotism to me is a vague subject. It is hard for me to exactly say what my definition is for it, but I do think that I know what it is and what it is not. I believe that buying a flag is not patriotic. Slapping a support the troops sticker on the bumper of your car does not make you a patriot either. Also, I know for a fact that no food nor firework display can be considered a display of patriotism. Patriotism is a never-ending support of this countries ideals and beliefs set forth by its founders. One does not have to support the president to be patriotic because it is patriotic to have free speech. Burning a flag for a cause is patriotic because this country was built on defiance of wrongful laws. Overall, patriotism is enjoying and fighting to keep the freedoms we have already fought so hard to preserve in the first place.
Milblog Reflection
I have believed from the start that the war in Iraq is misplaced aggression from a president eager to prove himself worthy and not a blithering idiot. My opinion still stands today, regardless of the milblog and its entries. The milblog has changed my view of the war but in a different way. Before this class I never really never thought about the soldiers involved in this mess. I mean, I knew there were citizens over in Iraq carrying out a madman’s wishes, but I never really connected the implications of this. I knew people were dying there almost on a daily basis, but I never had a face to correlate with the number. In this way the milblog has opened my eyes to a whole new but strikingly similar culture.
The thing that I noticed from the beginning about these soldiers is how amazingly similar they are to the average, everyday, mainland American. They play video games, they write, they joke, surf the net, etc. In a big way this is a wakeup call for me. Seeing how similar these people are to me caused me to question, “What if I was in the army?” I never thought about this before because I always thought that it took a different, disconnected sort of person to join the army, but that is not the case. A lot of these people have close family and relatives that miss them; they are not disconnected. They just see a certain appeal to the army that most do not. There is the money, healthcare, free meals, free lodging, the regimented lifestyle, and even fitness that the army offers that could all appeal to a person. Heck, if I was not worried about having to stay or die, the army would appeal to me.
I guess that my point is that I now know there are actual people fighting there, not robots of people. Whether they are fighting for a just cause or not, I support them, not the cause. What they fight for is the love of this country and patriotism and the right to have it. For this, I admire them because while I love this country, I would never fight for that cause. I would fight for the soldiers, though.
The thing that I noticed from the beginning about these soldiers is how amazingly similar they are to the average, everyday, mainland American. They play video games, they write, they joke, surf the net, etc. In a big way this is a wakeup call for me. Seeing how similar these people are to me caused me to question, “What if I was in the army?” I never thought about this before because I always thought that it took a different, disconnected sort of person to join the army, but that is not the case. A lot of these people have close family and relatives that miss them; they are not disconnected. They just see a certain appeal to the army that most do not. There is the money, healthcare, free meals, free lodging, the regimented lifestyle, and even fitness that the army offers that could all appeal to a person. Heck, if I was not worried about having to stay or die, the army would appeal to me.
I guess that my point is that I now know there are actual people fighting there, not robots of people. Whether they are fighting for a just cause or not, I support them, not the cause. What they fight for is the love of this country and patriotism and the right to have it. For this, I admire them because while I love this country, I would never fight for that cause. I would fight for the soldiers, though.
"Pink Think"
I do not believe that Peril’s definition of “pink think” still exists today, at least not in the same way that she describes it. Nowadays girls are trained from an early age that they are equal to men. We see girls holding positions in government, the army, and managerial jobs that would never have been held by women earlier in the century. A woman was even a very serious candidate for president this year, and Hilary Clinton is most definitely far from pink. There is obviously a movement toward independence in women. Granted, there are still aspects from the “pink think” culture still alive today. Although, this is a different sort of trend than the one described in the essay. Women today, especially teen girls, can be seen wearing loads of pink, form flattering outfits, and a prissy demeanor. These same girls will claim to think puppies are cute and will act weak and dependent, but this is only a trend and style, just like the punk or country look.
Women today incorporate their own idea of what will make them noticeable and popular and rich, which seem to be the goals of much of mainstream society. Yes, the term “pink think” does have a strong power to define behavior, a negative one in today’s standards. Many women will strongly object to be called pink while others embrace it. It all comes down to what each person’s style is and the way they want to portray themselves. Pink think is no longer a term that can be applied to the whole of society’s view on women.
Women today incorporate their own idea of what will make them noticeable and popular and rich, which seem to be the goals of much of mainstream society. Yes, the term “pink think” does have a strong power to define behavior, a negative one in today’s standards. Many women will strongly object to be called pink while others embrace it. It all comes down to what each person’s style is and the way they want to portray themselves. Pink think is no longer a term that can be applied to the whole of society’s view on women.
definition of terms
Whether graphic novels are serious literature or not all depends on the definition of serious literature. Some think that it should be defined by comparison to the classics of great literature, and others feel that graphic novels accomplish the same things as these old novels but in a different way.
Burning the nations flag could be considered a hate crime or a mode of expression for the nations citizens. While some consider burning the flag to be an utter disregard for the nation and its history, others feel that it is a right given to them by this history to express distaste for some policies being passed.
Royal family in the literal sense is taken to mean that the family has inherited power, but this is obviously not the case for the bushes. For it to make sense here the meaning of royal would have to be strewn to mean precious or special or presidential.
I am not quite sure who Matt Drudge and Larry Flynt are but I am assuming that they would be considered to be sensationalist journalists by some, causing the term legitimate to be in question. This is probably because they report on some of the more nontraditional topics such as star blunders. Some consider this to be real journalism but others do not.
For college sports programs to be big businesses the term big business has to be defined. Whether endorsements, dishonorable ploys to make it to the pros, or under the table payment is big business is the question.
Civil disobedience would have to be defined to figure out whether plagiarism is part of it.
For Satanism to be protected by the first amendment one would have to argue that it does not affect any other citizen’s rights.
For campaign contributions to be acts of free speech, it means that they are indicative of the contributor’s thoughts on the campaign.
For the District of Columbia to be a real state it would have to meet the requirements set by the constitution for a state.
For lesbians and gays to be legally be married the definitions for marriage would have to be defined by the public or the constitution.
Burning the nations flag could be considered a hate crime or a mode of expression for the nations citizens. While some consider burning the flag to be an utter disregard for the nation and its history, others feel that it is a right given to them by this history to express distaste for some policies being passed.
Royal family in the literal sense is taken to mean that the family has inherited power, but this is obviously not the case for the bushes. For it to make sense here the meaning of royal would have to be strewn to mean precious or special or presidential.
I am not quite sure who Matt Drudge and Larry Flynt are but I am assuming that they would be considered to be sensationalist journalists by some, causing the term legitimate to be in question. This is probably because they report on some of the more nontraditional topics such as star blunders. Some consider this to be real journalism but others do not.
For college sports programs to be big businesses the term big business has to be defined. Whether endorsements, dishonorable ploys to make it to the pros, or under the table payment is big business is the question.
Civil disobedience would have to be defined to figure out whether plagiarism is part of it.
For Satanism to be protected by the first amendment one would have to argue that it does not affect any other citizen’s rights.
For campaign contributions to be acts of free speech, it means that they are indicative of the contributor’s thoughts on the campaign.
For the District of Columbia to be a real state it would have to meet the requirements set by the constitution for a state.
For lesbians and gays to be legally be married the definitions for marriage would have to be defined by the public or the constitution.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Coldplay essay
I read the Coldplay essay on page 281. If I were to grade this essay I would give it a borderline B/A. The student’s introduction was skillfully written to hook the audience. He left out the name of the group but instead included his description of them, which is the topic of the essay. He goes on to tell which group he is talking about and explains his “case against Coldplay.” His transitions are good, he is sufficiently verbose, and he seems to know a lot about not only groups but music in general. He explains the other side of the argument so as to refute it, which was good as well. The problem with this essay is the lack of evidence. When one talks of something as subjective as music, it is a good idea to include the critiques of other accomplished and knowledgeable enthusiasts with your same point of view. I cannot dock him much for this, though, because the arguments he does present are well constructed and knowledgeable. The problem is that this essay sounds more like a rant of distaste than a “case.”
exellence vs. mediocrity
There are many criteria that one could use to evaluate the quarterbacks of the National Football League. The quarterback of a football team is without a doubt the single most important player on the entire football team. For this reason, the quarterback’s position is always a topic of much debate. I have heard countless arguments for each person’s favorite QB. The fact is that “like” is not a category, and there are plenty of plausible categories for the evaluation of this position. The first and probably most important is accuracy. A quarterback cannot possibly hope to be defined as great if he cannot complete a pass. Directly related to accuracy is the number of interceptions. This stat discloses a lot about how smart a quarterback is with his throws, accurate or not. Another aspect of a quarterback’s performance is the number of times he has been sacked before he could complete a pass. Mobility is crucial for this statistic because if a quarterback cannot evade pressure then his ability to complete the play is thwarted immediately. The QB rating is another important gauge of excellence in quarterbacks. This rating system has drawn some controversy, but overall it is considered to be a significantly accurate scope of a quarterback’s accomplishments. The final but still important thing a great QB must possess is a Super Bowl ring. No matter how awesome a quarterback looks on paper, he is majorly down-graded in the eyes of fans is he has not won at least one Super Bowl.
I do not know much at all about contemporary painters. I am not an artist and I do not hate art but I also have no specific interest in the subject. My girlfriend on the other hand is an art major, so I could ask her what are some criteria painters are held to to be considered good. Of course, it is obvious that a painter cannot be considered great unless his paintings are considered great, so I would have to search for works and critiques of the painter’s works. I could search museums, art galleries, ask art professors at IPFW, or even look online if I had to. One thing that I do know is that art is subjective, so I would have to collect many opinions about the same piece of art. Finally, I would have to keep in mind the credibility of my source because a professor of art holds more sway than a typical art enthusiast.
I do not know much at all about contemporary painters. I am not an artist and I do not hate art but I also have no specific interest in the subject. My girlfriend on the other hand is an art major, so I could ask her what are some criteria painters are held to to be considered good. Of course, it is obvious that a painter cannot be considered great unless his paintings are considered great, so I would have to search for works and critiques of the painter’s works. I could search museums, art galleries, ask art professors at IPFW, or even look online if I had to. One thing that I do know is that art is subjective, so I would have to collect many opinions about the same piece of art. Finally, I would have to keep in mind the credibility of my source because a professor of art holds more sway than a typical art enthusiast.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
website design
The website that I reviewed was the website on bigfoot sightings. The first thing that one notices on the home page of this site is the pictures and the graphics. There is a big picture of North America and if you click on a certain region you can see the sightings for that area. Part of what helps the pictures catch the readers attention is the brilliant use of color. One link to expeditions is in green and another link to Canadian press is red. These two colors contrast with each other, bringing out each link individually even though they are side by side. The use of text on the home page is scant but effective. The font is large but not too large to over-power the graphics. Instead, the text supplements the pictures instead of upstaging them. Although, if one clicks on one of the graphic disguised link then the whole layout changes. Pictures are still a prevalent theme, but clearly these pages are made for information. The text is smaller but made the focal point of the page now. The pictures are still littered amongst the text but are obviously there for textual support.
Overall, this is a very effective website. Its use of links sufficiently chunks the information according to Sosnoski's standards, making the site easy to navigate quickly. The use of graphics grabs the web-surfers attention. Also, the brilliant use of color makes each topic its own entity. Even the computer illiterate could navigate this page.
Overall, this is a very effective website. Its use of links sufficiently chunks the information according to Sosnoski's standards, making the site easy to navigate quickly. The use of graphics grabs the web-surfers attention. Also, the brilliant use of color makes each topic its own entity. Even the computer illiterate could navigate this page.
To me this photo is the epitomy of the democratic race for a candidate for the presidency. In this picture Hillary is portryed as a trivial Rosanne type character. Hillary is pledging for no more personal attacks but making the same attacks as she speaks. The fact that the flag behind her dominates the screen tells us that the author thinks that Hillary is really pushing her patriotic value. Also, in comparison to the flag she is small and up-staged by the enormous flag, which iconically holds american ideals. Whereas, in front of it she looks like a petty mudslinger peddling nothing more than incediary remarks. I think that some of this goes on in every election, but it was definitely more of a prevalant mode between Barack and Hillary this primary.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
pb wiki
http://thejustin5000chronicles.pbwiki.com/FrontPage
Making this wiki was definitely an extremely different experience for me. I have never even blogged before this class, so it is safe to say that I have never created my own blog page. For this reason, I felt at a bit of a disadvantage from other students who are used to myspace and such. Although, once I began it turned out to be quite an easy task. I am not sure that I have figured out all of the features, but I think I made a pretty good effort. It actually came kind of natural to me, since I am generally a very outgoing person. It was even (almost) fun . . . a little. I am interested to see what others have put in their wikis though.
Making this wiki was definitely an extremely different experience for me. I have never even blogged before this class, so it is safe to say that I have never created my own blog page. For this reason, I felt at a bit of a disadvantage from other students who are used to myspace and such. Although, once I began it turned out to be quite an easy task. I am not sure that I have figured out all of the features, but I think I made a pretty good effort. It actually came kind of natural to me, since I am generally a very outgoing person. It was even (almost) fun . . . a little. I am interested to see what others have put in their wikis though.
Milblog reprise
I read a couple more of the soldier’s blogs, but they were definitely different from the last time I viewed the blog. The coming and passing of the anniversary of 9/11 brought out a different tone. The blogs I read were concerned with 9/11. It is kind of funny because that day came and passed and I did not really think that much of it. Nobody around me mentioned much of it either. In the blogs though, the soldiers seemed to be more impacted by this date. I think because they are so often surrounded by death that such an event hits home more.
Someone I know reminded me of Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and thousands died F.D.R. said that it was a day that would never be forgotten, but today few remember that event when December 7 passes. If this is true for 9/11, then soon we will stop even realizing that the eleventh of September had any special meaning. The soldier in this blog seemed to think that we should remember, and maybe we should.
Someone I know reminded me of Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and thousands died F.D.R. said that it was a day that would never be forgotten, but today few remember that event when December 7 passes. If this is true for 9/11, then soon we will stop even realizing that the eleventh of September had any special meaning. The soldier in this blog seemed to think that we should remember, and maybe we should.
Political blog
Link: http://dailykos.com/
I read a few of the political blogs from this site. The author tended to have a very left wing point of view on many of the subjects. The media tends to be majorly democratic and it seems that the sites I looked at are no different.
A lot of the focus, on this site by this author especially, this week has been on McCain’s statements about Obama’s views and about Obama in general. The author attacked the logic of McCain’s claim that Obama called Sarah Palin a pig. Obama said about Palin, “If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.” McCain stretched this to mean that Obama called her a pig, when, in fact, Obama said this before about certain views held by Clinton.
McCain also attacked Obama’s views on tax cuts. He claimed that Obama’s tax cuts would benefit only the rich. The author of the blog pointed out that experts say that, in fact, McCain’s tax cuts are more centered on the rich.
According to the author of the blog, these attacks are an attempt to drag Obama into “the mud” where supposedly McCain thinks he has the advantage. The blog criticized McCain for this, but in my opinion every candidate does this. Obama has ads on television that criticize McCain’s “small town” stances and his choice of Sarah Palin.
The blog also criticized McCain’s “small town values.” McCain’s use of this saying has been often charged as vague and nonspecific, but this blog counters that McCain has skewed the meaning to be something different. The author writes that McCain takes his view of small town values to a point as to demean Obama’s character. I think that he reads too far into McCain’s statement. There are those that disagree with Obama’s race, but I doubt that is what McCain is doing.
This blog was right in finding the fallacies in McCain’s arguments, but I think that its extreme leftist views were kind of ridiculous at times. Every candidate mud slings. It is the job of the public to check candidates when the claims get extreme. That is what happened here, nothing more nothing less.
I read a few of the political blogs from this site. The author tended to have a very left wing point of view on many of the subjects. The media tends to be majorly democratic and it seems that the sites I looked at are no different.
A lot of the focus, on this site by this author especially, this week has been on McCain’s statements about Obama’s views and about Obama in general. The author attacked the logic of McCain’s claim that Obama called Sarah Palin a pig. Obama said about Palin, “If you put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a pig.” McCain stretched this to mean that Obama called her a pig, when, in fact, Obama said this before about certain views held by Clinton.
McCain also attacked Obama’s views on tax cuts. He claimed that Obama’s tax cuts would benefit only the rich. The author of the blog pointed out that experts say that, in fact, McCain’s tax cuts are more centered on the rich.
According to the author of the blog, these attacks are an attempt to drag Obama into “the mud” where supposedly McCain thinks he has the advantage. The blog criticized McCain for this, but in my opinion every candidate does this. Obama has ads on television that criticize McCain’s “small town” stances and his choice of Sarah Palin.
The blog also criticized McCain’s “small town values.” McCain’s use of this saying has been often charged as vague and nonspecific, but this blog counters that McCain has skewed the meaning to be something different. The author writes that McCain takes his view of small town values to a point as to demean Obama’s character. I think that he reads too far into McCain’s statement. There are those that disagree with Obama’s race, but I doubt that is what McCain is doing.
This blog was right in finding the fallacies in McCain’s arguments, but I think that its extreme leftist views were kind of ridiculous at times. Every candidate mud slings. It is the job of the public to check candidates when the claims get extreme. That is what happened here, nothing more nothing less.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Why use a website?
There are many reasons why a website is the best way to view this material. The most obvious one is the ease of access. I think that ease of access to vast amounts of information is the main reason anyone uses the internet. I mean, all I have to do is boot up and type in a URL. Another reason why a website is the best way to view this information is because of the vast amount of knowledge stored in it. There are hundreds of types of cars out there and thousands of trims. This website compiles them in an easy to find way. All I have to do is type in the year, make, and model and I have all the information that I could ever hope to have on that vehicle, from accessories to color to resale value. It is all there. If this was in paper form, the book would be huge, definitely not as easy to navigate, and doesn’t exist.
There are a cornucopia of advantages this site has over books or a presentation. First, information on this site can be viewed over and over in any order you wish unlike a presentation. I control what or how long I look at something, whereas in a presentation the speaker decides. Also, this website is free. If there was a book form it would most likely be in multiple volumes and would cost money for each. Unless I did a massive amount of footwork and went to each dealership for brochures, there is no way it would be free. Also, this website is updateable. Models of cars change constantly, and I do not want to buy a new book each year or visit an impossible presentation. There is just no comparison between this website and other forms of the same information.
To translate the knowledge obtained on this website into print or presentation form is almost a laughable concept. If it were a show or such, there would have to be multiple episodes and they would have to run almost non-stop. If this website was a book, it would definitely have to be a series of extreme magnitude and a new one would have to be bought as often as one uses the restroom. My point is not that it could not be translated to a different form, rather it is that it would be futile, exhausting, and a waste of resource.
A lot would be lost in the process of transferring this website to either of the different forms. First, the ease of access to the information would be lost. One would have to sit through days of presentations or flip through countless pages in books to find information that is a click away. Also, some of the information itself would be lost simply because it is impossible to cover all of this information in a speech unless it is your life. If this site was transformed into another form, it would most definitely lose its ability to add new information easily as well. One would have to buy another book or watch a new video; the whole process is just tir
There are a cornucopia of advantages this site has over books or a presentation. First, information on this site can be viewed over and over in any order you wish unlike a presentation. I control what or how long I look at something, whereas in a presentation the speaker decides. Also, this website is free. If there was a book form it would most likely be in multiple volumes and would cost money for each. Unless I did a massive amount of footwork and went to each dealership for brochures, there is no way it would be free. Also, this website is updateable. Models of cars change constantly, and I do not want to buy a new book each year or visit an impossible presentation. There is just no comparison between this website and other forms of the same information.
To translate the knowledge obtained on this website into print or presentation form is almost a laughable concept. If it were a show or such, there would have to be multiple episodes and they would have to run almost non-stop. If this website was a book, it would definitely have to be a series of extreme magnitude and a new one would have to be bought as often as one uses the restroom. My point is not that it could not be translated to a different form, rather it is that it would be futile, exhausting, and a waste of resource.
A lot would be lost in the process of transferring this website to either of the different forms. First, the ease of access to the information would be lost. One would have to sit through days of presentations or flip through countless pages in books to find information that is a click away. Also, some of the information itself would be lost simply because it is impossible to cover all of this information in a speech unless it is your life. If this site was transformed into another form, it would most definitely lose its ability to add new information easily as well. One would have to buy another book or watch a new video; the whole process is just tir
Killing Us Softly
I thought that the video presentation Killing Us Softly 3 was fairly effective in conveying its purpose. The speaker of this production used many effective strategies to capture her audience’s attention. She integrated many successfully placed signposts to signify her transitions. She included many visuals in her presentation that added a helpful visual aid to the audience. The speaker’s presentation of herself was also a plus. All of these combined aspects of her speech caused the viewer to really consider his/her attitude on women in advertising. Most people, after watching Killing Us Softly 3, would have to seriously ponder on how women should really be portrayed in our society, whether they agree with the speaker or not.
The first thing that makes this video so effective is the proficient use of language to help guide the audience though the speech. The speaker used many deliberate pauses throughout her speech to signify important information or to allow something to sink in. For example, she paused during certain ads and photos to allow the implications provided to have a little time to really be understood. This was effective because it made the viewer stop and actually comprehend what these ads are telling us beyond the product itself. The woman in this video also used a few definite signposts that indicated a change in topic for a smooth transition. She used words like “first” and obvious topic sentences to lead us through the presentation. The effect is an easy to follow guide through her presentation.
Another aspect that made this an effective production was the use of visual aid. The integration of ads, videos, and commercials was especially crucial in this presentation, being that its purpose was to convey problems with the media. In fact, this video would have been quite ineffective without visual aid. The onslaught of ads portraying skimpily clad models and close-ups of sexual parts of the female figure helped to make the speaker’s argument that much more real. It is hard to argue that women are portrayed correctly, when all one sees is ad upon ad of barely covered breasts and thighs. The speaker made it seem as though advertisements such as a woman wearing daisy dukes, strutting through cars bouncing in rhythm with her buttocks is the norm. Whether the viewer actually agrees or not with her accusations, the incorporation of the aforementioned visual aids definitely helped her argument.
A third reason why the presenter’s argument was so effective is the way she presented herself. She was appropriately dressed in an ensemble sure to show no signs of cleavage or such parts of the body she is arguing against showing. Also, she used a friendly but somewhat serious tone with the audience. She made a few simple jests at times that lightened the mood and helped the audience to stay interested; while, her informative and more serious side let the audience realize that this was not a joking matter. Her movement was minimal, but her almost constant eye contact with her audience made the speech more personal. All of these things helped the speaker get her perspective across in a very effective way.
There wasn’t just one very memorable part of the speech for me. Instead, it was a steady stream of devices used that are the most unforgettable. Her use of advertisements that many people have seen makes her argument more real and easy to remember. A lot of people have already seen these ads so they definitely will remember them. Also, because these are real life commercials and such, the audience can really see how women are seen in the media.
As you can see by these many reasons, Killing Us Softly 3 was a very effective presentation whether one agrees with the speaker or not. It makes one think of the values that the modern media is actually portraying as common values. It is often times very hard to persuade one to think as yourself, but if you can get your audience to at least rethink if they are correct, then that is one step forward. This presentation most definitely does this and in that way is extremely persuasive.
The first thing that makes this video so effective is the proficient use of language to help guide the audience though the speech. The speaker used many deliberate pauses throughout her speech to signify important information or to allow something to sink in. For example, she paused during certain ads and photos to allow the implications provided to have a little time to really be understood. This was effective because it made the viewer stop and actually comprehend what these ads are telling us beyond the product itself. The woman in this video also used a few definite signposts that indicated a change in topic for a smooth transition. She used words like “first” and obvious topic sentences to lead us through the presentation. The effect is an easy to follow guide through her presentation.
Another aspect that made this an effective production was the use of visual aid. The integration of ads, videos, and commercials was especially crucial in this presentation, being that its purpose was to convey problems with the media. In fact, this video would have been quite ineffective without visual aid. The onslaught of ads portraying skimpily clad models and close-ups of sexual parts of the female figure helped to make the speaker’s argument that much more real. It is hard to argue that women are portrayed correctly, when all one sees is ad upon ad of barely covered breasts and thighs. The speaker made it seem as though advertisements such as a woman wearing daisy dukes, strutting through cars bouncing in rhythm with her buttocks is the norm. Whether the viewer actually agrees or not with her accusations, the incorporation of the aforementioned visual aids definitely helped her argument.
A third reason why the presenter’s argument was so effective is the way she presented herself. She was appropriately dressed in an ensemble sure to show no signs of cleavage or such parts of the body she is arguing against showing. Also, she used a friendly but somewhat serious tone with the audience. She made a few simple jests at times that lightened the mood and helped the audience to stay interested; while, her informative and more serious side let the audience realize that this was not a joking matter. Her movement was minimal, but her almost constant eye contact with her audience made the speech more personal. All of these things helped the speaker get her perspective across in a very effective way.
There wasn’t just one very memorable part of the speech for me. Instead, it was a steady stream of devices used that are the most unforgettable. Her use of advertisements that many people have seen makes her argument more real and easy to remember. A lot of people have already seen these ads so they definitely will remember them. Also, because these are real life commercials and such, the audience can really see how women are seen in the media.
As you can see by these many reasons, Killing Us Softly 3 was a very effective presentation whether one agrees with the speaker or not. It makes one think of the values that the modern media is actually portraying as common values. It is often times very hard to persuade one to think as yourself, but if you can get your audience to at least rethink if they are correct, then that is one step forward. This presentation most definitely does this and in that way is extremely persuasive.
Milblog
This assignment was a different sort of experience for me. The milblog turned out to be a blog site for soldiers. I thought this was an intriguing concept. I do not really think a lot about what the people over in Iraq are going through or what they are like. In that way these blogs sort of opened my eyes to a whole new world. In one respect these people are just like every other person I would meet. They write, they play games, they joke, they blog. On the other hand, the military lifestyle has definitely infused something different in these men and women. A couple blogs stood out to me in this manner.
The first blog I found that peaked my interest was a string of poems. Whether they were gramatically correct or even up to professional grade was none of my concern. While this person had the normal drive of someone interested in poetry, their purpose was more war oriented. Each poem depicted a different seen of suffering caused by war. Each stanza elaborated on the lacerations, dismemberments, faith, and mental shock found in wartime. This is the kind of stuff you do not see on the news or in movies; this was a real first hand experience. This blog really helped me gain a new understanding and sypathy for our wounded and dead soulders
The second blog I want to talk about is completly different from the first. In this one, someone had compiled a series of pictures and remarks about them. Some were funny and some were just matter of fact. One was a picture of a giant tanker of gas with a hose attached. In the caption, the soldier went on to joke about how gas was free there for them. I found this funny and sort of ironic since so many people in the U.S. would kill for a free tank of gas. It was also nice to see that a person can grasp some humor amidst all that chaos.
The first blog I found that peaked my interest was a string of poems. Whether they were gramatically correct or even up to professional grade was none of my concern. While this person had the normal drive of someone interested in poetry, their purpose was more war oriented. Each poem depicted a different seen of suffering caused by war. Each stanza elaborated on the lacerations, dismemberments, faith, and mental shock found in wartime. This is the kind of stuff you do not see on the news or in movies; this was a real first hand experience. This blog really helped me gain a new understanding and sypathy for our wounded and dead soulders
The second blog I want to talk about is completly different from the first. In this one, someone had compiled a series of pictures and remarks about them. Some were funny and some were just matter of fact. One was a picture of a giant tanker of gas with a hose attached. In the caption, the soldier went on to joke about how gas was free there for them. I found this funny and sort of ironic since so many people in the U.S. would kill for a free tank of gas. It was also nice to see that a person can grasp some humor amidst all that chaos.
Pitfalls of the read-write web
Both of the articles were concerned with the growing use of sites such as myspace and facebook by today's young adults. Most of the "adult world" views these websites as and what some participants post as derogatory, profane, and perhaps dangerous. The members of these blog-based communities view these sites as a mode of expression and overall just a way to have fun and talk to friends. Almost every teen that uses these sites would argue that it is their right to display whatever they want on "theirspace." Most adults on the other hand think that some guidlines, moderation, or at least consequences should be enacted. Who is right?
I personally do not have a myspace, facebook, or any other type of account. I have a personal distaste for such displays of privacy, but I see how others can find a sense of ownership in such a thing as a myspace profile. You can broadcast yourself as you want to be seen and see what others think of themselves. Also, one can chat with friends and compare silly quotes or pictures that he/she found with a friend. On the other hand, what some people choose to display on these sites can be at the least crude, rude, and politically and morally wrong.
Like I said, I do not have such an account of my own, but on occasion I will be with my friends or my girlfriend while she is on her myspace. I find what some people post to be quite disturbing. It would be a lie for me to suggest that I have not heard of teen sex and drug abuse. In fact, at this age it is kind of the norm for at least some degree of these things to happen around you, no matter who you are or where you are from. It is a different story when a 13 year old girl can post half nude pictures of herself online for millions to see. I have seen blogs about acts of violence, pot smoking, drinking, sex, and that is only the beginning. Worse, some boys openly harass girls, most that they do not even know, for sexual favors. The girls are far from innocent, though. Online a woman's body is viewed as a commodity, and that is only the fault of the girls that, for some reason feel the need to post pictures of scantly clad bodies. Is this for attention? If so, there are plenty of more constructive ways to get attention.
In my opinion, it is completely fair game for employers to look at a potential employee's blog page. It shows vital character information that would be almost impossible to attain in an interview. Maybe the fear of possible job turn-downs will help some of these kids to grow up. In reality, I know it will never stop because kids have always been doing these things. The difference is now its broadcasted to millions. I will not participate in it. I cannot say "stop," I can only suggest that members of these sites watch how they portray themselves.
I personally do not have a myspace, facebook, or any other type of account. I have a personal distaste for such displays of privacy, but I see how others can find a sense of ownership in such a thing as a myspace profile. You can broadcast yourself as you want to be seen and see what others think of themselves. Also, one can chat with friends and compare silly quotes or pictures that he/she found with a friend. On the other hand, what some people choose to display on these sites can be at the least crude, rude, and politically and morally wrong.
Like I said, I do not have such an account of my own, but on occasion I will be with my friends or my girlfriend while she is on her myspace. I find what some people post to be quite disturbing. It would be a lie for me to suggest that I have not heard of teen sex and drug abuse. In fact, at this age it is kind of the norm for at least some degree of these things to happen around you, no matter who you are or where you are from. It is a different story when a 13 year old girl can post half nude pictures of herself online for millions to see. I have seen blogs about acts of violence, pot smoking, drinking, sex, and that is only the beginning. Worse, some boys openly harass girls, most that they do not even know, for sexual favors. The girls are far from innocent, though. Online a woman's body is viewed as a commodity, and that is only the fault of the girls that, for some reason feel the need to post pictures of scantly clad bodies. Is this for attention? If so, there are plenty of more constructive ways to get attention.
In my opinion, it is completely fair game for employers to look at a potential employee's blog page. It shows vital character information that would be almost impossible to attain in an interview. Maybe the fear of possible job turn-downs will help some of these kids to grow up. In reality, I know it will never stop because kids have always been doing these things. The difference is now its broadcasted to millions. I will not participate in it. I cannot say "stop," I can only suggest that members of these sites watch how they portray themselves.
Sosnoski reading
There were a few things that I took from the Sosnoski reading. I thought that it was interesting how the author had broken down the characteristics of hyper text reading, and later elaborated on the details of each characteristic. I guess this caught my attention because I had never thought of the internet as a structured text before this article. The author indeed proves that, while indeed more freeform, the internet has a unique structure with a quite useful purpose. Sosnoski described hyper-reading with eight different terms, the most intersting of which I found to be filtering, skimming, pecking, and imposing.
From the time a student begins his/her first literature class, he/she is taught to not only read the whole text in order but to also infer certain intentions that the author had. This form suggests something different though. According to the author hyper-readers filter out a higher degree of the information available. This leads to a sort of skim reading, which goes against everything I have been taught in formal reading. Some types of hyper-reading trespass into what the author calls pecking, a sort of grab bag mentality of picking and choosing peices of information. Doing this causes the reader to then impose his/her own intention for the text. According to what my previous instructors have said, an author has or should have a specific purpose in mind before and while writing, and to say that the reader can extract tidbits here and there and construct his/her own purpose seems a bit off for me. I guess that is why Sosnoski's seventh charcteristic of hyper-reading is de-authorizing. It is definitely different to see a work as just mere information than a form of expression of purpose.
Although this form of reading may seem sort of forbidden to me, I definitly see its benefits. For instance, to even write his essay Sosnoski had to research many different scholar's opinions on his subject. In this way hyper-reading becomes very useful. To read completely through all of these works would be exhausting, time consuming and unnecessary. Instead one could use hyper-reading by means of a search engine to obtain vast amounts of information a whole lot quicker than has ever been possible through written forms. The problem with this as the author demonstrates is that the author plays less and less of a role in interpretating the purpose for this information. This also opens the gates plagiarism to run rampant.
I believe that through all of the pitfalls that are attached to hyper-reading it has a definite purpose. As Sosnoski alludes to, I think that with a little educated coaching through the process hyper-reading can be a valuable asset to the multiple forms of text.
From the time a student begins his/her first literature class, he/she is taught to not only read the whole text in order but to also infer certain intentions that the author had. This form suggests something different though. According to the author hyper-readers filter out a higher degree of the information available. This leads to a sort of skim reading, which goes against everything I have been taught in formal reading. Some types of hyper-reading trespass into what the author calls pecking, a sort of grab bag mentality of picking and choosing peices of information. Doing this causes the reader to then impose his/her own intention for the text. According to what my previous instructors have said, an author has or should have a specific purpose in mind before and while writing, and to say that the reader can extract tidbits here and there and construct his/her own purpose seems a bit off for me. I guess that is why Sosnoski's seventh charcteristic of hyper-reading is de-authorizing. It is definitely different to see a work as just mere information than a form of expression of purpose.
Although this form of reading may seem sort of forbidden to me, I definitly see its benefits. For instance, to even write his essay Sosnoski had to research many different scholar's opinions on his subject. In this way hyper-reading becomes very useful. To read completely through all of these works would be exhausting, time consuming and unnecessary. Instead one could use hyper-reading by means of a search engine to obtain vast amounts of information a whole lot quicker than has ever been possible through written forms. The problem with this as the author demonstrates is that the author plays less and less of a role in interpretating the purpose for this information. This also opens the gates plagiarism to run rampant.
I believe that through all of the pitfalls that are attached to hyper-reading it has a definite purpose. As Sosnoski alludes to, I think that with a little educated coaching through the process hyper-reading can be a valuable asset to the multiple forms of text.
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