We took some time in class for you to announce your topic for the rhetorical analysis, but I didn't give you a chance to state why you chose this particular topic. My question to you for this week is, well, why did you choose your particular topic? What appeal does it hold for you? As usual, 250 word post up by Thursday night and 100 word response up by Sunday night.
The topic I have chosen deals with animal rights. I had not decided on an initial topic that I wanted to write my essay on, I just knew I wanted a current issue that was going on. I browsed over a couple topics and landed on animal rights. I thought the topic was very interesting and that there were a lot of pros and cons to each side of the story. I picked animal rights because I thought it would be a topic that not everyone would choose. I also chose the topic because I now have gotten the chance to learn a lot of new information that I was unaware of. I have always liked animals and it was amazing to find out all the cruel things that were happening to them. It is amazing how much is going on with animal rights and the problems that need to be resolved. I thought the topics of animal rights were a very timely topic because the demand for meat from farming companies is in high demand. Also dealing with scientists who are using animals for experiments, and what advocates are doing about the situation. I believe the topic is relatable enough to others who read about it because animal rights have been a topic of controversy. Especially with advocates and groups like PETA who are always trying to improve anything with animals involved. The articles I found on my topic were very helpful to my learning and it was very intriguing to hear both sides of the argument when dealing with the topic of how strong animal rights are.
ReplyDeleteAs you may know I am a film major so anything that has to do with film interests me. I happen to love 3D movies especially 3D horror movies. Horror movies is my favorite genre so if I am able to see a horror movie come off the screen I’m all for it. I think 3D should continue to grow and expand to all movies and TV shows. To me 3D is a chance to have a director’s work come face to face with the audience. There are a lot of people who do not like 3D, they mainly complain about having to wear the glasses. Which is why I picked the question is 3D the future? In China the have made a 3D TV and computer that does not require the user to wear 3D glasses which is amazing. Now people cant complain about having to wear the glasses, another issue is the price difference. When I worked at a movie theater I would constantly get complaints about the extra money they had to pay to see a 3D movie. The thing is 3D takes a lot more money to make which is why the ticket prices are higher. Even though these people complain they still go see the movie anyway, 3D movies sell out more that the 2D version of the film. I know this for a fact because when My Bloody Valentine or Avatar came out in 3D my movie theater was almost sold out every night and the 2D version was still open.
ReplyDeleteI chose an article from the New York Times called “A Home Treatment Kit for Super Bowl Suffering” published a week before the game. I knew I wanted to analyze an article on the Super Bowl because the game was coming up and I am a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and proud of it, regardless of the outcome of the game. In my search for an interesting article I stumbled upon this one, which made me laugh, and reminded me a lot of how my Mom reacts when my brother and me are watching a Steelers game. After the loss last week I called my Mom and told her I was in a state of depression and she thought I was crazy. I was completely joking but some fans really were deeply saddened by the event. But hey, we have 6 Super Bowl wins under our belt out of 8. Not bad. Plus I happen to have some respect for the Packers because my dad is a huge cheese head. The article featured those over enthusiastic people and gave funny tips for their friends and family on how to take care of them during the game. It’s true that the game is over all unhealthy but mostly in a funny way. Sure we get way too obsessed when it comes to the world of sports and our stress level may rise but that’s what makes it fun. Dedicating your health to a game may seem crazy to some, but to my family, it’s normal and curable. We just need some wins, that’s all!
ReplyDeleteTo Amber F.
ReplyDeleteThe things that happen to animals are horrible. Some people just buy animals to abuse them or train them to fight. Dog fighting might, at first thought, seem cool but the fact is those dogs get hurt and risk their life fighting. Once a dog dies it’s a serious situation. Most of us do eat meat, which is why they should probably double the amount of animals they have so that we can still eat some and others can live and multiply. Yes it might seem bad to eat animals but it’s also apart of a human diet. Your topic is kind of tricky because it’s better to do experiments on animals then on humans. I don’t know any humans who would volunteer to be experimented on. Animals don’t get a choice but those animals could help us find a cure for a disease that has been killing human for years.
My topic was on European Immigration. I picked this topic because not only is my family all European immigrants so is my boyfriend. So it is a more personal topic for me. Plus I wanted to stand for something that I believe in. I mean everyone in America is an immigrant from somewhere in the world. Yet people are discouraging new immigrants because they are not willing to expand anymore. What people fail to realize is that Europeans mainly go to trade schools and are put into their line of work right away and spend years perfecting that skill. I personally would rather have someone doing a job right rather than someone who only learned something from a book. Plus I think the laws are cracking down too hard on immigrants these days. No longer can they come over and be supported by someone who lives here. Now they only have the choice between finding a company to support them or get married. I think that this country stood for something greater and now it is closing the door to all who come to try to live here. Only a few individuals are selected every year, which make it a more stressful process. I just wanted to make people realize that we are all immigrants and if your ancestors didn’t have the chance to come over here, your life would be completely different or non-existent.
ReplyDeleteI choose my topic, “Will Shoppers Be Enticed by New Ways of Shopping?”, because during the Winter break a similar article caught my interest as it stated how grocery stores will soon have detector machines similar to the ones you pass through going through security at an airport. However, they will be used for checking your items as you simply, walk right out the door and bill your credit card. I was amazed. No one uses cash anymore or the human-to-human contact in regards to purchasing an item. We can now order off-line, make transactions, and pay bills without getting out of bed. It all ties into the economy and how many people are unemployed due to the fact that machines are taking over certain jobs. Corporations that invent these machines do not see that they are one of the causes of unemployment. All they see are dollar signs.
ReplyDeleteI also was recently helping a fellow friend at a table in Vaughn fund raise for an event that simply asked for coins as a donation. Several UT students came by and gave a dollar, a dime, etc. However the majority stated that they did not have the need to carry cash with them around school on a daily basis because all that they require is their student id card, which allows them access to food and their housing. I agree with them, but just looking at what technology has done to us, in a form of making us surrender our beings.
To Rees,
ReplyDeleteThe making of 3D is great in certain aspects can seem to win a crowd over, but sometimes it can be a bit overrated. Not to discourage you, but have you every watch any of the old time animations, such as Disney Classic movies and other movies before all this 3D came out? It actually captured people’s attention and made them feeling happy. Due to technology’s advancement, films look so played out and unrealistic with so much digital features, whereas people with real talent can act and can artistically create animation manually without the need for computer graphics. But do what you love if it make you happy.
At Rees:
ReplyDeleteI’d like to read your article because I didn’t know China had 3D computers that don’t require glasses. That’s insane. I think it ties in really well with the video we watched last week about technology advancements. I guess I’m neutral about 3D movies because they are really fun to watch. It’s a whole different experience and a really fun one. I love going to see 3D movies especially in IMAX. At the same time, movies are very expensive to see and to make. I’m not sure if right now so much money should be going into the film business, or in entertainment in general. At the same time it does provide a ton of jobs that seem to make people extremely creative and passionate and I think that type of job is completely necessary. The fact is people may complain about money, and they may get annoyed at the price tag of a 3D TV or movie ticket but people buy them regardless.
I found it really difficult coming up with a topic cause I came up with a list of 20 potential topics that had solid amounts of information on both sides. I then tried to narrow it down without any luck. Randomly I came across an article on ABC.com about how technology is affecting relationships, this immediately sparked my interest. This article went on to explain how people are now so consumed by laptops, iphones, tvs, and video games, that they rarely have time to communicate with their families face to face. This is causing relationships to become broken and less genuine. Couples are spending less time talking and more time texting, which leads to miscommunications and arguments. It even said that college and high school students are the most likely to break up over text because they find it an easier way to escape. I found this article interesting because I see that in my daily life around me. Being a college student the way the most people communicate is through text or facebook. I believe that this is making our generation more socially incapable when having to meet in person. I also believe that it is affecting the way we communicate romance. Although I do think that all of the technological advances in the past decade have been remarkable, I do think that people need to cut back more and spend more time with their family and friends in person.
ReplyDeleteTo webble39:
ReplyDeleteWow! That article sounds like it is really interesting. I would have never thought that someone would come up with a revolutionary idea like that. It would be a million times easier for someone to just run in the store for a few items and overall I think it would greatly speed up time spent at the store. It would also cut down on employees because they wouldn’t have to check people out anymore. I agree with you that machines are not taking over jobs that people really needed. Big companies see no need in paying for employees that do the same jobs as a machine that is a one-time investment deal.
response to Rees
ReplyDeleteI think that is a really cool topic to write about. I love horror movies; as well they are my favorite type to watch. I think writing about movies in 3D is a topic that is very current. More and more movies are coming out and have the availability to be in 3D. I had no clue about China already having that amazing technology; I do believe people who like 3D say the glasses are a issue. But if we are able to create the same technology as China in the future I think a lot more people will enjoy the ability to view movies etc in 3D.
The article I chose talked about how the news doesn’t always give the truth on what they report. It really focuses on one news report where they vastly exaggerated on the number of teens pregnant at a school in Memphis. The news report said that nearly one fourth of the students were pregnant. Further research on the issue showed that in fact the number wasn’t correct. Honestly, I chose this topic because I was having trouble finding an article to use and this one was the first one that kept my attention. Upon reading it I saw that it was a serious issue. It kind of made me feel annoyed that when you watch the news it always seems to be all about the bad things that go on. They aren’t always pointing out the good things that happen. They focus on crimes and murders that happen and its pretty depressing. Reading that they don’t tell the whole truth really got my attention too. Its really sad that they lie when they know everyone listens to the news and believes what they say. The pregnancy issue was a good example because they said it was so high. They didn’t say that its relates to the fact that these students live in poverty which generally has a higher rate, which is like many places. They leave out that a lot of students transferred there because they have a good program for people who are pregnant. I would’ve liked to of had a more interesting topic but this is what I found and worked with it.
ReplyDelete@amber.myer
ReplyDeleteI really like your topic. I myself am a huge Giants fan and a fan of football overall. I played varsity flag football for all 4 years in high school and I was the football manager for our football team. So I know how it feels to have your favorite team lose and I get pretty upset, but not half as upset as my dad. If the giants lose then he definitely won’t be your favorite person in the world to be around! I really wanted to pick a topic on football but I couldn’t find any or at least I didn’t look very hard. Haha.
It’s December 26th, the day after Christmas, and my uncle and I are driving to town through snow covered fields to meet up with his sister and her two kids for dinner. As usual, his favorite station is playing; National Public Radio (NPR). All Things Considered is airing Elizabeth Shogren’s account of the devastating effects global warming is having on the environment from a unique angel – an angel one would never consider – beetles. Yes, beetles. In fact, a certain species of small beetles is ravaging through the Rocky Mountains, massacring unsuspecting Whitebark Pine Trees. Not only are they endangering this species of trees, but they are also threatening surrounding wildlife such as grizzly bears and trout. Due to global warming and the decreasing severity and length of recent winters, the beetles are having longer lives, enabling them to attack more trees and produce more offspring. And, the more trees that die, the more carbon dioxide is added to the environment.
ReplyDelete“Interesting,” we agreed, impressed by the article as well as Shogren’s ability to touch on a subject that has needed to be readdressed lately. Did everyone forget about global warming in recent times? Who knew that one little insect could be having such an effect on the entire climate? It gave us some food for thought until our physical appetites could be tended to.
My uncle passed away three weeks later...
@amber.myer
ReplyDeleteSadly, my family is a bunch of football addicts too. My mom spends the whole game screaming at the TV while our poor dog hides under the bed, terrified. If things get extremely stressful, she begins to bake everything from muffins to brownies. Needless to say, these are my favorite games. I’m curious about your article though; it sounds pretty interesting. As far as the Steelers go, I was rooting for them too and almost had to turn off the game by half time due to disappointment. But, hey, there’s always next season!
I choose the topic to ban the production and sale of cigarettes because I feel very strongly about how horrible cigarettes are for you. There is nothing good that comes along with smoking. All it is is a precursor to a painful unhealthy life. The chemicals that are in a cigarette I think should be enough to make people not want to smoke, however millions of Americans still are addicted to this unhealthy habit. To me, I don’t understand why drugs such as cocaine and heroin are illegal but not cigarettes. They are just as toxic as any illegal drug. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco death toll accounts at 430, 000 death cases a year. Even with this statistics tobacco companies are still flourishing and pumping astronomical amounts of dollars into the U.S economy. This just blows my mind, and I think the government needs to ban the production and sale of cigarettes or else this addiction will never stop and more and more people are going to get sick and eventually lead to death. I think that the side effects of smoking outweigh any pleasure you get from smoking a cigarette. Although there has been many steps made towards cutting the production of cigarette sales down, it is not enough. People think that it is impossible to actually make the production and sale of cigarettes illegal because of all the money it gives our economy, however by pumping this money into our economy it is only furthering the disease.
ReplyDeleteFor some odd reason I had a bit of trouble finding a topic. I wanted to write about something I knew no one else would of probably be doing or thought of; plus I knew we couldn't write about a major news topic. So what did I do? I searched for I believe the top fifty most argumentive topics and looked at ones that really just stuck out to me. I ended up on deciding to do my paper on children beauty pageants and how they are exploitative. With children beauty pageants becoming increasingly publicized due to the likes of TV show like “Little Miss Perfect” and “Toddlers and Tiaras” on TLC viewers have come to ponder and argue is this idea right. Is it right for girls as young as the ages of three and such to prance around a stage with full hair, make-up, tan, lashes and skimpy outfits while shaking their butts just to win a title? Many think children beauty pageants are exploitative in the fact that it gives these girls a twisted sense on the importance of female sexuality and that it opens a realm of pedophilia. It strains relationships on top of everything. As musch as I'm against children beauty pageants the general public seem to find the process entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI picked this topic because the food that we eat really interests me. Not only should we care about what is going into our bodies, but we should care about how it affects the environment. The meat industry has all sorts of tactics to mature chickens, pork, and beef that many people do not know about. My article in particular was about grass-fed beef and its advantages toward the environment, but this is just a small topic that interests me. Beef is not going to be all that healthy no matter how the cattle is raised, but this could be a small step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I have been very interested in how cattle are fed and how quickly they mature. Many farms use corn based feed with a heavy grain diet as well as hormones for a side dish. This matures a cow in a matter of fourteen to sixteen months as opposed to the three to four years it should take. I do not think that people realize what they are eating when the bite into a burger. The same sort of idea happens in chicken farms as well. The whole idea turns me off and I really enjoy talking to other people about it and educating them on what they are actually ingesting. I understand that the meat industry is not going to go anywhere, but I think that there need to be some revisions in the system, possibly starting with the grass-fed beef idea.
@Amber Fahrner,
ReplyDeleteI like that you decided to right about animal rights. This is a topic that interests me as well. It’s such a wide topic too because you can range from Japanese whaling all the way to chicken farms. As an animal lover, all of these topics upset me and make me want to educate the planet. However, even I only agree with some of what PETA has to say. Sometimes, they seem a little overbearing and critical of the tiniest topics. I think that it’s most interesting that there are so many pros and cons to each, so really, it’s a topic that is never going to go away.
In the article I chose, “It’s Not the Job Market,” Taylor Clark reveals the three main causes of anxiety for Americans. He argues that everyone always assumes the cause of anxiety to be the job market when it isn’t that at all. After much research and consulting various psychologists and neuroscientists Clark came up with three more less expected reasons: loss of community, too much information taken in on a daily basis, and Americans’ bad habits of dealing with problems like anxiety. I chose this article because I thought it would be different. I didn’t want to write about a topic five other students in class would also right about. The title caught my eye and once I read the whole article I knew I was going to choose it to do an argumentative analysis. I could already see the author’s argument, his 4 rhetorical strategies, and what I would say regarding those, so it was an easy choice for me in that sense. I also found it interesting because I have never thought about anxiety before besides learning about anxiety disorders in anatomy last semester. Before reading the article I was guilty of blaming the job market also, it seemed to make the most sense, but Clark convinced me that is not the real reason. There can’t be just one reason for all of America to all of a sudden be more anxious than ever before, as studies have found. Clark’s article stuck out to me because I learned something and it makes us think about something we never think about or have ever even realized before.
ReplyDeleteMy topic is based on a TED conference with english evolutionists and biologist, Richard Dawkins. Richard Dawkins was discussing his views on being a militant atheist, the correlation (if any) between intellect and those of faith, politics in the US and religion, and a need for a public outing of atheist in the US. I gravitated towards this speech because I am a big fan of some of the books he's written such as, The Selfish Gene, The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution, and several others. The tones and themes of these books are pretty similar in being based upon atheism, and evolution. At times the tones of his books and this conference in particular carry a tone of intolerance to the theory of creationism and faith. But that could also be interpreted as an honest passion for his convictions and (lack of) religious beliefs. I also chose to write my paper on this Conference because I am a marine biologist and except the theory of evolution as a gradual and sound process which, to me, is much more logical than creationism. I was interested in the perspective of someone so established and respected in the field of biology and evolution. After writing my paper, I have become interested in doing a little more research on scientist in the field that are also religious. Although I don't think their beliefs would sway me from my current stance on faith and religion, I may be able to gain a little more respect and perspective from hearing their justifications and reasons for valuing both.
ReplyDeleteAmber F.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great topic to write about. I agree that the need for animal rights is an ever present debate in american society. I also believe that animal rights and welfare directly contribute to an increase in human welfare, specifically in regards to farm animals. The humane treatment of the animals that we eat would decrease the likelihood of food related illnesses, cancers, and other health risks. The increased care for farm animals would also have a very positive environmental impact. Was there a specific species of animal you focused your rights on? If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend the following documentaries, The Cove and Food Inc.
To Amber F,
ReplyDeleteI think you have picked an amazing topic to write about since they're so many different aspects to animal rights. You can truly write about anything from dealing with using animals in experiments to killing animals for fur and food.I'm a huge animal lover and supporter of PETA so I would like to see how you approach the topic and what specific idea you decide to write about.
I chose the article, “Impact of the Internet on Thinking” because I am very interested in the advancement of technology and how it affects us. I think this is a very relevant issue, as we are becoming extremely more dependent on things like the internet, iPods, computers, smartphones, and GPS systems. After watching the video “Did you know?” in last week’s blog discussion, I became more interested in this topic. Throughout college, and the rest of our lives, technology will determine much of what we do. In the past, we were limited to finding things out on our own by critically thinking. Now with access to so much information, we can easily find anything we need by “google-ing it.” As we are the first generation to be very dependent on technology, it is very interesting to see whether the lack of critical thinking will decrease our intelligence, or it access to such a wealth of information will make us smarter. Not only has technology made information easier to access, but it has expanded the business world into a global market. With technology, suppliers are able to reach customers all over the world. Technology has already has a great impact on our lives, and as new things are being invented, technology could ultimately make or break us a society. It will be fascinating to see the effects of technology on how the human brain works and how it works. Undoubtedly, technology is great and a very exciting topic to explore.
ReplyDeleteI chose the article "Hard Time" because it was honestly the first thing that caught my eye. I thought the subject matter was interesting, and I thought that, while reading, I could connect to the subject matter in a way in which I could portray how the argument was a strong one. I thought the subject of different people taking prison sentences in different way was pretty cool, and a valid point in itself. The fact that someone could sue just for the mere size of his cell, due to the fact that he was such a large man, and the cell was far too small for me, was interesting. I know a lot of people who have anxiety disorders, and I cannot see them being able to handle prison, and I thought the point of view in which that should be considered in jail sentences was a good point. Not that I think that should apply for everyone, as people will most likely falsify anxiety disorders in order to obtain a lighter sentence, I think that there is a way in which it could be taken in to account. I chose the article I did, mostly because I agreed with it. Unfortunately, I also found something I disagreed with in his argument. I felt that bringing up Paris Hilton's "claustrophobia" diminished his argument. I did ask people about it, as well, and many agreed with me. Personally, I don't like her, and I felt bringing her up diminished the seriousness of other people's anxiety issues and the seriousness of other jail sentences, as hers was only 45 days long. I chose it because of all these things. It got a rise out of me, in many different perspectives, and I felt that made it a good article to use.
ReplyDelete@Carissa Cullum
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want to commend you on how you opened that. It drew me in more than any other of the comments that I've scanned over. Second of all, I'd like to say I'm sorry for your loss in your Uncle. I think that Global Warming is something that's so current, and everyone has heard of. I don't know if people have forgotten, but I don't think that many people think of the severity of what overpopulation of just one little species can do. I mean, a beetle effecting so many other things? I know the big food-chain thing, but seriously? I think your topic was pretty interesting.
The title of the article I chose is “Different prisoners experience punishment differently. So why don’t we treat them differently?” When I started searching the Internet for an interesting topic, I came across this article and instantly thought if I read it, it would be ridiculous. It may seem odd, but that’s how I ended up deciding on what I would like to analyze. I assumed regardless of what the arguments made were, or even how well they were articulated, I would still feel as strongly against it as when I first glanced at it. After all, punishment is meted out according to the crime committed, not the criminal. However, I ended up being astonished at exactly how well the arguments included in it were made, and how many credible sources were included to back them up. Kolber, a professor at Brooklyn Law School, definitely has a way with words. Throughout the entire article, he remains honest, sincere and logical. He also has several publications in the Columbia Law Review dealing with the same topic. Apparently, this question has been proposed 200 years prior to this publication. Kolber found the perfect kairotic moment and took advantage of it. The case of a Dutch prisoner, Angelo MacD, provided him with the opportunity to propose the question again, and actually have it be taken seriously.
ReplyDeleteMacD claims that confining him to a prison cell where he physically cannot even turn around in violates the European Convention on Human Rights. Kolber stands up for MacD, and takes it even further. He believes changes to law are more than necessary, and that subjective experience needs to be taken in account when sentencing a criminal. His argument opened my eyes, and changed my point of view on the topic.
The topic that I have chosen to write my argumentative essay on is pertains to how the media affects the body image of women in today’s society. I chose this topic because A) I happened to come across an article about it that I found quite interesting, and B) I felt that it is a topic that I could relate to in a sense.
ReplyDeleteThe article that I found was one that was written by a motivational speaker. She used many comparisons in her writing, in order to help in conveying her message to her audience. She discussed women’s magazines, and how they try to make women believe that if they do exactly what the article tells them (regarding losing weight, having the perfect job and the perfect family), then their lives will be perfect. She also discussed how that, even from a young age, women are conditioned by the media to be skinny. She used the classic Barbie Doll as the model for this. Young girls play with these “perfect” dolls that have “perfect” bodies, when in reality, according to the author, if a woman’s body were to be built as that of a Barbie Doll, her body’s organs would not be able to fit. I found this to be very a very interesting concept.
Most of the time, the media puts great emphasis on the fact that women’s bodies must fit the “cookie cutter” model mold. The meadia’s influence on women, both young and old is what keeps the Beauty Business (i.e. cosmetics, hair, clothes, dieting aids) in business.
To Craig
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you said technology could make or break us as a society. I thought that was very interesting how you put that. I completely agree with you though. It could either advance society in ways we never thought possible or it could completely destroy us. As a society we are becoming more technologically advanced, but our personal lives and skills are not face to face anymore its face to screen. Thus, our downfall as a society. Obviously there is a huge correlation between increase in technology and the downfall of communication. I mean take this blog for instance, we all write like crazy our personal thoughts, but in class not of will speak one word. Maybe it’s because class is so early or we are all already too comfortable with the fact that talking to a computer is more comfortable and less resistant to judge what we think. We are all proving how technology is not only our savior but our downfall. It’s a little interesting to imagine how much worse or I guess in a way better how technology will advance. I guess only time will tell.
Response to Ashley Bernstein
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree that children beauty pageants are extremely exploitive. I can’t believe a network would make two TV shows about these pageants, and who watches those shows? I can’t even bare to watch. It is almost freaky looking to me to see such young kids wearing make up, adult teeth, big hair, and heels. The children don’t get to be children. They grow up worrying about their looks and body image, and not playing on the playground with the other kids or focusing as much in school. I’m sure the children miss many days of school just being in these pageants and traveling to them. It amazes me that a parent would want to put their child through that, as well as pay for all the expenses of being in a beauty pageant, which gets really expensive. They are turning their kids into materialistic snobs. If you want to raise a brat, this is a sure way to do it.
To Reese:
ReplyDeleteYour topic is actually very up to date and affects the near future which I find very interesting. Personally, I think some of the people's excuses for not going to 3D or complaining about it are silly. If you don't like paying the few dollar difference between a 2D and a 3D, then don't see the 3D. I know from experience, that when I didn't want to pay the extra money for a 3D movie, I didn't go and see it. A movie is just as good in 2D as it is in 3D. The only difference is whether or not you want to feel like your in the movie. Just like better special effects make a movie a better watch, so does whether or not you watch it in 3D. As for the glasses excuse...plenty of people go around wearing glasses on a daily bases and they don't complain about it. Regardless, it comes down to whether or not you want to put minimal effort and money into watching a good movie come alive on screen.
To slupino:
ReplyDeleteThe article you are writing about is very intresting, and something I would have never even thought of. I like the fact how your opinion of the topic changed after you read the article due to the strength of the argument. This is definitely a very relevant issue, which causes great kairos. It seems that the author did a great job proving his point using great rehtorical techniques. I also find it interesting that this issues dates back 200 years ago, and this is the first time I am hearing about it. Since this isn't an issue that is always written about, it may be read more carefully and has a chance to have an actually impact.
I found it really difficult coming up with a topic cause I came up with a list of 20 potential topics that had solid amounts of information on both sides. I then tried to narrow it down without any luck. Randomly I came across an article on ABC.com about how technology is affecting relationships, this immediately sparked my interest. This article went on to explain how people are now so consumed by laptops, iphones, tvs, and video games, that they rarely have time to communicate with their families face to face. This is causing relationships to become broken and less genuine. Couples are spending less time talking and more time texting, which leads to miscommunications and arguments. It even said that college and high school students are the most likely to break up over text because they find it an easier way to escape. I found this article interesting because I see that in my daily life around me. Being a college student the way the most people communicate is through text or facebook. I believe that this is making our generation more socially incapable when having to meet in person. I also believe that it is affecting the way we communicate romance. Although I do think that all of the technological advances in the past decade have been remarkable, I do think that people need to cut back more and spend more time with their family and friends in person.
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Katie:
ReplyDeleteYour topic of how technology is affecting the relationships that we have with others is very interesting. It makes you think of how it relates to your own life and if maybe to, you are being affected by the surge of technology. I do agree with the article. Relationships have lost their “face-time.” I do find it to be true that communication with others is done more by texting and social networks. I do agree that this may have an affect on our generation’s social skills, but also it is also a good way to keep long distance relationships going and we are able to work on our networking skills.
I also agree that communication through technological mediums is also affecting romance. For example, instead of “boy likes girl, boy talks to girl,” it has become “boy likes girl, boy texts girl.” I feel that romance has lost its excitement.
I agree with you that maybe people need to cut back on the use of technology as a form of communication.
Response to Amber Fahrner:
ReplyDeleteI also thought about researching an animal rights article for this project, I’m a complete sucker for any kind of animal. I actually just got a new puppy to add onto the five I have at home. Anyway, I completely agree with you. The things animals are sometimes subjected to are outrageous and more than cruel. It is indeed a very controversial topic, and there are always two sides to every story. However, I know I personally always seem to only see one side, and tend to disregard the other side as garbage. With that being said, I’d find it interesting to read into some of the pros you mentioned that you found in the article you analyzed.
In response to Katie Faunce
ReplyDeleteI think your topic is very interesting, and I completely agree with the fact that we communicate through technology and hide behind electronics, instead of talking in person. Technological advances such as Skype allows you communicate with others face to face even when you are separated by distance. I think that this does benefit relationships and allows you to spend time with your family and friends even when you are not able to be with them in person. However other advances made such as iphones and blackberry’s make it so much easier to hide behind a phone, allowing you to escape your problems without confrontation. I think that this is a great topic to discuss, and one that needs to be addressed.
To Ashley:
ReplyDeleteFinding a topic was also a struggle for me and I did the same exact thing to try and find a topic that I felt stuck out to me. Your topic against children beauty pageants can create a good argument. Children beauty pageants can be fun and cute when they are only wearing a little bit of make up and little frilly dresses, but I feel that young girls who are exposed to the type of behavior of getting all done up and wearing skimpy outfits is wrong. The outfits can give off the wrong sense of personality and sexuality and can lead to a poor future.