Curz’s problem of the American dream is that he has seen that it is much different than the dramatized version. In fact, he says that the American dream isn’t to win, its not to lose. He sees this as the root of the problems with the dream as a whole.
Cruz first big disappointment was when he realized that the dream wasn’t for anyone. He discovered that is was only because of the Civil Rights movement that he got job offers at all. He got placed in the recruitment department and was only there “to be visible.”
After he got a new job he found that the even the different minorities kept hurting each other. The divide and conquer style of management showed him another way to “protect the American dream.” He saw how he could step back from the racial mess into his new management position and life the typical American dream. Instead, still holding some measure of hope he moved from job to job looking for a place that truly accepted his view of the American dream.
In the end Cruz found that the American dream was indeed broken. Basically only white people cold have power and if a minority made it up the ladder, if they didn’t toe the line, they’d never really be accepted. There is no golden goose in this country, only a desire to get ahead no matter what.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Classin America--2003
I don’t think that it makes the case that the wealthy are using the poor. Instead I think that he assumes that we already know about how the poor are being used and seeks to bring out the realities of this injustice. His information deals with the myths and realities of life for those in different classes. Mantsios also has a large section of his paper devoted to explaining how class level, gender, and race change a person place in life.
I think that there are few other interpretations of the text. Maybe the information could be shown as proof that the upper class uses the under classes. Another interpretation of the text could be an example of the darker nature of American capitalism. The more affluent classes have such a better standing in life that it is easy to see how this text could be seen as a criticism of our country.
I think that there are few other interpretations of the text. Maybe the information could be shown as proof that the upper class uses the under classes. Another interpretation of the text could be an example of the darker nature of American capitalism. The more affluent classes have such a better standing in life that it is easy to see how this text could be seen as a criticism of our country.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Those poor kids and the essay about them
I would consider the argument expressed in the essay about the school for homeless children very effective. The essay uses Logos, and pathos. While the author does have some effective details, she never really presents her credentials.
The appeal to logos is very well set up and covers most of the bases. The Toulmin system shows that the essay has a strong claim, a good set of reasons, as well as an effective warrant. In addition, the author accepts the possible rebuttals of her arguments opponents, and defuses those arguments with a very nice qualifier.
The appeal to pathos is even more powerful. The argument tries to get people to feel an attachment to these poor, downtrodden children. Examples abound about how without all the services that the school will provide, the children would be in a much worse position. From prostitution to busy streets to gangs, First place is needed to keep the kids safe and happy.
This argument is well written, well argued piece. The logical part of the essay is well written, and the author does a very good job of involving the audience’s emotions.
The appeal to logos is very well set up and covers most of the bases. The Toulmin system shows that the essay has a strong claim, a good set of reasons, as well as an effective warrant. In addition, the author accepts the possible rebuttals of her arguments opponents, and defuses those arguments with a very nice qualifier.
The appeal to pathos is even more powerful. The argument tries to get people to feel an attachment to these poor, downtrodden children. Examples abound about how without all the services that the school will provide, the children would be in a much worse position. From prostitution to busy streets to gangs, First place is needed to keep the kids safe and happy.
This argument is well written, well argued piece. The logical part of the essay is well written, and the author does a very good job of involving the audience’s emotions.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Visual agruments
I agree that society is becoming a visual society, but I do not believe that visual arguments are more persuasive. At times they can be quiet effective, but in other circumstances they don’t get the point across like the author would want.
If the piece only has a weak argument then a visual argument can be better. Since arguments on TV, whether it is an ad or a subject on a TV show, come by only once and very quickly, the audience has little chance to truly dissect what they’re looking at. However, if the argument is deep and has many subtle points, I believe that a print argument is much more effective.
I also think that depending on the subject one type can be more effective than the other. If the subject is deep and really important to the world, then hitting it on TV glosses over the details that a print source might be able to cover more completely. However, if the aim is just to hit as many people as possible, the TV argument in much more effective.
Both print and Visual arguments have they’re ups and downs, but in today’s society is still very much believe that there is a place for both.
If the piece only has a weak argument then a visual argument can be better. Since arguments on TV, whether it is an ad or a subject on a TV show, come by only once and very quickly, the audience has little chance to truly dissect what they’re looking at. However, if the argument is deep and has many subtle points, I believe that a print argument is much more effective.
I also think that depending on the subject one type can be more effective than the other. If the subject is deep and really important to the world, then hitting it on TV glosses over the details that a print source might be able to cover more completely. However, if the aim is just to hit as many people as possible, the TV argument in much more effective.
Both print and Visual arguments have they’re ups and downs, but in today’s society is still very much believe that there is a place for both.
Pseudo arguements
A pseudo argument is an argument that seems like a real argument, but doesn’t have the enough aspects to allow for growth or changes in opinions. Two circumstances that can cause this are fanatical believers or skeptics, and a lack of shared circumstances.
If the people in the argument are attached to their beliefs and refuse to change their views no matter what, the argument becomes a pseudo argument. Also, If there aren’t enough shared viewpoints that both sides agree are true, the argument again because a pseudo argument.
A pseudo argument that I see every year around November is the discussion around political parties. Often I find that strong adherents to the different political parties will dismiss others’ ideas just because they belong to the other party. When people don’t bother to even listen attentively to the other side and just automatically push them away because of a different political creed, a real argument is impossible and the only thing that results is shallow pseudo argument.
If the people in the argument are attached to their beliefs and refuse to change their views no matter what, the argument becomes a pseudo argument. Also, If there aren’t enough shared viewpoints that both sides agree are true, the argument again because a pseudo argument.
A pseudo argument that I see every year around November is the discussion around political parties. Often I find that strong adherents to the different political parties will dismiss others’ ideas just because they belong to the other party. When people don’t bother to even listen attentively to the other side and just automatically push them away because of a different political creed, a real argument is impossible and the only thing that results is shallow pseudo argument.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Ethics of Pathos and Ethos
Both Pathos and Ethos have a large ethical responsibility attached to them. Logos deals with just the straight facts of an argument, but Pathos and Ethos both on some level try to sway the audience without applying actual facts. Therefore, there is an ethical obligation for the author’s to use these devices carefully. If an author relies too much on these two devices, he is being deceitful and begins to fall in shady ethical waters. If Pathos and Ethos are used incorrectly the piece devolves from a well-written argument to passionate drivel.
The media is on of the greatest examples of what happens when this ethical boundary is passed. More and more the news sensationalizes stories to try and stir up feelings in their audience. They try to pass off ever rainstorm as the next Noah’s flood, every snowstorm as the greatest blizzard ever, or even the latest car accident as a great loss of life. I even once saw a reporter filming about a flood while riding in a canoe. Only problem, you could see people walking in the three inches of water that she was in right behind her. Things like the ruin the true purpose of the argument, and when the ethical obligations of Ethos and Pathos are not followed, the result is usually bad writing.
The media is on of the greatest examples of what happens when this ethical boundary is passed. More and more the news sensationalizes stories to try and stir up feelings in their audience. They try to pass off ever rainstorm as the next Noah’s flood, every snowstorm as the greatest blizzard ever, or even the latest car accident as a great loss of life. I even once saw a reporter filming about a flood while riding in a canoe. Only problem, you could see people walking in the three inches of water that she was in right behind her. Things like the ruin the true purpose of the argument, and when the ethical obligations of Ethos and Pathos are not followed, the result is usually bad writing.
Patos, the power of
Pathos is a powerful rhetorical device because of the three terms, it relies the least on actual fact. While Logos and Ethos give the reader pertinent information about the argument at hand, Pathos simply appeals to the reader’s emotional side.
Pathos asks the reader to engage his or her imagination and emotions. The more the author can use the reader’s emotions, the less that the reader is going to pay attention to the actual argument of the piece. A good example of this is the piece we read about the use of torture, the author didn’t have any background in the subject or good examples. However, because he tries to hit his readers’ hearts with made up reasons like kidnapped babies or mass destruction with no real factual background. He never once brings up the idea that torture could generate incorrect information. Instead, he relies on the pathos of his argument to try and sway the feelings of his audience.
Pathos is a powerful rhetorical device because it allows someone who has a weak argument to shore up their defense, even if there isn’t much to cover.
Pathos asks the reader to engage his or her imagination and emotions. The more the author can use the reader’s emotions, the less that the reader is going to pay attention to the actual argument of the piece. A good example of this is the piece we read about the use of torture, the author didn’t have any background in the subject or good examples. However, because he tries to hit his readers’ hearts with made up reasons like kidnapped babies or mass destruction with no real factual background. He never once brings up the idea that torture could generate incorrect information. Instead, he relies on the pathos of his argument to try and sway the feelings of his audience.
Pathos is a powerful rhetorical device because it allows someone who has a weak argument to shore up their defense, even if there isn’t much to cover.
Monday, September 17, 2007
ap test woes
I’m really not that scared about the AP test. I think that having gone through the process once before has shown me what its really going to be like, and has helped alleviate some of the fear I have.
The test last year was definitely more hype than I realized at the time. After taking the test and scoring a 4, I think that the way our school prepares us for the test is more than satisfactory. I know that at Brebeuf, they take only one AP English class, both lit and composition combined at once, and I have to think that University’s way of doing it is vastly superior.
That being said however, I can’t say that I’m not at least a little apprehensive. After all, this is an AP test about subject material that I haven’t learned in depth before. It took me a long time to finally be prepared in last year’s class and I hope I am a little more on my game than last year. The one think that has been giving me solace is the fact that there isn’t any poetry on the test because poetry was my greatest weakness.
The test last year was definitely more hype than I realized at the time. After taking the test and scoring a 4, I think that the way our school prepares us for the test is more than satisfactory. I know that at Brebeuf, they take only one AP English class, both lit and composition combined at once, and I have to think that University’s way of doing it is vastly superior.
That being said however, I can’t say that I’m not at least a little apprehensive. After all, this is an AP test about subject material that I haven’t learned in depth before. It took me a long time to finally be prepared in last year’s class and I hope I am a little more on my game than last year. The one think that has been giving me solace is the fact that there isn’t any poetry on the test because poetry was my greatest weakness.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
torture
I agree with the argument that Torture should be allowed in certain cases. While torture might not be acceptable all the time, in extreme circumstances the end justifies the means. If torturing a terrorist could have stopped 9-11 I definitely would have supported that decision.
However, I also believe that the circumstances under which torture is allowed should be very regulated. Solving even murders or kidnappings probably not necessitate torture, and the only type of crime that would permit its use should be attacks on large groups of people.
I also agree with his argument that Terrorists accepted the risk of torture when they began planning to attack innocents. However, authorities must be extremely certain that they have indeed caught a member of the terrorist cell before they begin torturing him or her. If they mistakenly torture one of the innocents they are trying to protect, it completely nullifies the morals that the authorities are operating on in the first place.
I believe that torture is a useful tool that law enforcement should be able to use, but I also believe that its use should be extremely regulated. While it could be useful if used correctly, the risks of getting false information or even worse, torturing an innocent, make it too risky to implement on a regular basis.
However, I also believe that the circumstances under which torture is allowed should be very regulated. Solving even murders or kidnappings probably not necessitate torture, and the only type of crime that would permit its use should be attacks on large groups of people.
I also agree with his argument that Terrorists accepted the risk of torture when they began planning to attack innocents. However, authorities must be extremely certain that they have indeed caught a member of the terrorist cell before they begin torturing him or her. If they mistakenly torture one of the innocents they are trying to protect, it completely nullifies the morals that the authorities are operating on in the first place.
I believe that torture is a useful tool that law enforcement should be able to use, but I also believe that its use should be extremely regulated. While it could be useful if used correctly, the risks of getting false information or even worse, torturing an innocent, make it too risky to implement on a regular basis.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Genre
Both the Political cartoon and the Magazine ad’s arguments change because of their respective genre. The most important part of their genre is whom they are trying to influence.
The political cartoon is in the opinion section of the paper so it doesn’t need all the evidence that an article in the other sections of the paper would require. It also allows the author of the cartoon to include more of his own opinion in the piece. Because the cartoon is only one frame long, its argument pulls more at the heartstrings of the reader than the reader’s analytical side. The obviously starving African pitted against the anti-genetics hippie. This is a gross generalization, but because of the piece’s location, it serves as an effective argument.
The Magazine ad is located in a pro-health magazine, where’s it audience is most likely already anti-genetics. This allows the article to only publish evidence for its side of the story because the audience isn’t looking for a well-balanced article. Instead the ad can present its point of view in a very biased fashion.
The political cartoon is in the opinion section of the paper so it doesn’t need all the evidence that an article in the other sections of the paper would require. It also allows the author of the cartoon to include more of his own opinion in the piece. Because the cartoon is only one frame long, its argument pulls more at the heartstrings of the reader than the reader’s analytical side. The obviously starving African pitted against the anti-genetics hippie. This is a gross generalization, but because of the piece’s location, it serves as an effective argument.
The Magazine ad is located in a pro-health magazine, where’s it audience is most likely already anti-genetics. This allows the article to only publish evidence for its side of the story because the audience isn’t looking for a well-balanced article. Instead the ad can present its point of view in a very biased fashion.
explicit v. implicit
The difficulty between determining the differences of implicit and explicit arguments is the fact that they end up in the same place. Both arguments fight to convince someone of your personal ideals. The difference is how these two different styles go about it.
An explicit argument is an argument where the argument is written or spoken directly. The point of the argument is clearly displayed and given. Explicit arguments state the argument and support it with reasons and evidence
An implicit argument on the other hand, could almost be called behind the scenes. It doesn’t look like a normal argument because its point might be hidden behind any number of double meanings or metaphors. However, like an explicit argument, the implicit argument tries to move its readers towards a certain point of view.
Both the picture on pg 5 and “Dulce et decorum est” serve as good examples of implicit argument. Neither piece directly addresses the point they are trying to make, but both serve as evidence as to why their point of view is right. The soldiers in the picture seem proud to have served without ever directly talking about how they truly feel about war, while Owen’s poem clear thinks war is despicable without ever directly mentioning war itself.
An explicit argument is an argument where the argument is written or spoken directly. The point of the argument is clearly displayed and given. Explicit arguments state the argument and support it with reasons and evidence
An implicit argument on the other hand, could almost be called behind the scenes. It doesn’t look like a normal argument because its point might be hidden behind any number of double meanings or metaphors. However, like an explicit argument, the implicit argument tries to move its readers towards a certain point of view.
Both the picture on pg 5 and “Dulce et decorum est” serve as good examples of implicit argument. Neither piece directly addresses the point they are trying to make, but both serve as evidence as to why their point of view is right. The soldiers in the picture seem proud to have served without ever directly talking about how they truly feel about war, while Owen’s poem clear thinks war is despicable without ever directly mentioning war itself.
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