Sunday, November 11, 2007
Analysis of Summary
My summary was fairly neutral throughout most of the paragraphs. I tried to stick with simply summarizing and not adding much opinion, except for in the first and final paragraphs. There, I somewhat leaned toward agreeing with Williams in her analysis, but never really stated that. The quotes that I used implied that I agreed with her because I never disputed her sources, but used them to show how they helped her argument.
Summary
In Nisey Williams’ essay Why I Hate Britney, she uses a variety of reasons to analyze the evolution of pop culture and its effect on our youth. Her essay is directed entirely at Britney, mainly blaming her for sexually influencing young people. However, she does also acknowledge that Britney is not the only culprit.
One of her main criticisms of Britney is her choice of clothing. She notes that, “While [Britney] hopes to save her virginity for marriage, she also wears see-through outfits and dances like a stripper on the MTV Video Music Awards” (par. 5). To Williams, Britney’s choice of sexually appealing clothing is part of the reason that teens have been wearing more revealing clothing, also.
She also links this to being a factor in the rise in sexual activity among middle school- and high school-aged children. Some of her statistics show that children are more increasingly having sex by age fifteen, and there are more reports of sexual activity, such as oral sex, among middle school students. These statistics are not linked directly to today’s sexually driven pop culture, as “experts are torn on the long-term effects our sex-heavy pop culture may have on children, but many agree that there are likely negative consequences” (par. 10). She draws that the more sexy our pop icons appear, the more our young people are going to strive to acquire the same image.
This also leads her to her next point, and that is the increase in words such as “sexy” in children’s vocabulary. She uses an interview from Good Morning America to show this. Their interview separated boys and girls and asked them about issues pertaining to pop culture, where Williams claims that “the relationship between the mature concept of sexiness and popular music became obvious” (par. 11). They found that the two groups claimed that performers like J. Lo put certain actions in her videos “to look sexy.”
Overall, Williams presents a fair argument and uses reliable sources to back up her opinion. Her sources show that pop culture could have a dramatic effect on the mindset of children and how they view what they should be like, how they should dress, and what ideals they should carry. Her essay is persuasive enough to make parents think about what their children are surrounding themselves with in terms of pop culture.
One of her main criticisms of Britney is her choice of clothing. She notes that, “While [Britney] hopes to save her virginity for marriage, she also wears see-through outfits and dances like a stripper on the MTV Video Music Awards” (par. 5). To Williams, Britney’s choice of sexually appealing clothing is part of the reason that teens have been wearing more revealing clothing, also.
She also links this to being a factor in the rise in sexual activity among middle school- and high school-aged children. Some of her statistics show that children are more increasingly having sex by age fifteen, and there are more reports of sexual activity, such as oral sex, among middle school students. These statistics are not linked directly to today’s sexually driven pop culture, as “experts are torn on the long-term effects our sex-heavy pop culture may have on children, but many agree that there are likely negative consequences” (par. 10). She draws that the more sexy our pop icons appear, the more our young people are going to strive to acquire the same image.
This also leads her to her next point, and that is the increase in words such as “sexy” in children’s vocabulary. She uses an interview from Good Morning America to show this. Their interview separated boys and girls and asked them about issues pertaining to pop culture, where Williams claims that “the relationship between the mature concept of sexiness and popular music became obvious” (par. 11). They found that the two groups claimed that performers like J. Lo put certain actions in her videos “to look sexy.”
Overall, Williams presents a fair argument and uses reliable sources to back up her opinion. Her sources show that pop culture could have a dramatic effect on the mindset of children and how they view what they should be like, how they should dress, and what ideals they should carry. Her essay is persuasive enough to make parents think about what their children are surrounding themselves with in terms of pop culture.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Pictures
http://www.sefora.org/files/NOAA%20censorship.jpg
All of these images show censorship and how it is fed to the American public. Though simple, they all are capable of showing how what we see and hear are monitored before we receive our information. My favorite is probably the picture with the hands covering the eyes and mouth.
Articles
Horn, Karen. "A Market Like Any Other: Against the Double Standard in Judging the Media." Independent Review 12.1 (Summer 2007) 27-46. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN, 4 Nov 2007.
This article discusses overall censorship of the media. She believes that, in a democracy, the press cannot be censored but at the same time is not necessarily always justified.
Dyczok, Marta. "Was Kuchma's Censorship Effective? Mass Media in Ukraine Before 2004." Europe-Asia Studies. 58.2 (Mar. 2006). 215-238. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN, 4 Nov 2007.
In this article, the author discusses censorship that was enforced on the media in Ukraine, including its effectiveness. Using this article will allow me to compare freedom of speech in the media with another country that censored their media and what kinds of effects it brought.
"Schools Fail Free Speech 101." USA Today. 12 Feb 2007. EBSCOhost. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN, 4 Nov 2007.
This article is a good example of one place where free speech actually is limited in our democracy: public schools. The article includes several instances in which the school media is limited, including a case in Cincinatti, where a principle required a page to be ripped out of the school newspaper before it could be distributed
This article discusses overall censorship of the media. She believes that, in a democracy, the press cannot be censored but at the same time is not necessarily always justified.
Dyczok, Marta. "Was Kuchma's Censorship Effective? Mass Media in Ukraine Before 2004." Europe-Asia Studies. 58.2 (Mar. 2006). 215-238. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN, 4 Nov 2007.
In this article, the author discusses censorship that was enforced on the media in Ukraine, including its effectiveness. Using this article will allow me to compare freedom of speech in the media with another country that censored their media and what kinds of effects it brought.
"Schools Fail Free Speech 101." USA Today. 12 Feb 2007. EBSCOhost. Helmke Library, Fort Wayne, IN, 4 Nov 2007.
This article is a good example of one place where free speech actually is limited in our democracy: public schools. The article includes several instances in which the school media is limited, including a case in Cincinatti, where a principle required a page to be ripped out of the school newspaper before it could be distributed
Analysis of Patriotism Essay
In my essay, my claim was that patriotism is becoming more of a fad than a genuine feeling toward the country. My reasons were that patriotism peaked during the time surrounding the events of 9/11, and also that the same trend has been followed recently in supporting our troops. One of my warrants was that people peaked their patriotism surrounding drastic national events. My backing for this was that not as many people currently seem patriotic. My evidence was the fluctuation of numbers of people who said that they were patriotic before and after 9/11, and also more recently. The authority of my evidence were numerous surveys, quotations of citizens, and reputable newspapers. My conditions of rebuttal were the people that then link patriotism and support of the troops as one and the same, therefore seeing most people as genuinely patriotic all of the time. My response was shown by breaking down important parts of supporting the troops and patriotism and showing how different the results were. I could have probably used more quotes from people and some more evidence other than polls and surveys to back my claim.
Whoopsidaisies
The links provided in Noah's article are helpful in showing where Noah got his information from and made it easier to see how he developed his opinion. Most of the links were very informative, but the links to sites like Barnes & Noble seemed fairly irrelevant. I would use the links if they helped clarify my case and were pertinent to my argument. Used correctly, they can be very helpful to the reader. Noah does argue his claim persuasively. Probably one of the most persuasive parts of his article was the logical argument in which he uses the definitions of plagiarism and also the comparisons of the quotations from her first book and their sources. It was really easy to see how closely her work resembled the work of her sources.
After reading this article, I realize that I have to be extremely careful of citing my sources correctly and thoroughly. It also almost scares me that I will not be citing sources correctly, so I now know that I am going to have to take extra time to check over my paper and make sure that I have not made any citing mistakes.
After reading this article, I realize that I have to be extremely careful of citing my sources correctly and thoroughly. It also almost scares me that I will not be citing sources correctly, so I now know that I am going to have to take extra time to check over my paper and make sure that I have not made any citing mistakes.
Dershowitz Essay
I agree with Alan Dershowitz's argument. He is very careful as to how he phrases his essay, being sure to note that though he believes that the people had their right to free speech in their poetry, he did not agree with it and also believed that others should stand up and criticize the poets, not simply censor them. A vital part of free speech is the freedom to criticize someone in return. My opinion that freedom of speech, regardless of topic, should be ensured still stands since last week. I still feel that to censor one person or one topic, in my opinion, is to censor every citizen.
Toulmin Analysis of GE Ad
In the GE ad, they claim that The Evolution is "the cleanest GE train ever made," therefore not endangering the environment through pollution. The ad also claims that GE is creating a better world. They use the inclusion of wildlife (the birds) to show that the two can coexist without harm to the environment. The advertisement, however, still allows for the inference that there is still some amount of pollution by the train by saying that it is the cleanest GE train ever made. They never state that it is pollution free, which keeps the ad sounding favorable for the company while never making any false statements about the train.
What the analysis leaves out is any hard facts that prove its cleanliness. There is also no comparison of The Evolution to any competitor's trains, only saying that it is GE's cleanest. The ad relies completely on pathos and not logos, which tends to weaken their overall appeal to those who make decisions based on factual evidence.
What the analysis leaves out is any hard facts that prove its cleanliness. There is also no comparison of The Evolution to any competitor's trains, only saying that it is GE's cleanest. The ad relies completely on pathos and not logos, which tends to weaken their overall appeal to those who make decisions based on factual evidence.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
More Articles
The Tongue Twisters. Economist; 10/13/2007, Vol. 385 Issue 8550, p66-67, 2p, 2c
This article discusses worldwide censorship, particularly its increase since the beginning of the War on Terror. It discusses how countries are limiting freedom of the press and also internet sites. It also addresses George W. Bush and how he has imposed forms of censorship in the United States.
Better Seen and Not Heard? By: Garcia, Michelle. Advocate, 6/19/2007 Issue 987, p34-36, 2p
This acticle addresses censorship of high school newspapers. One of the specific instances is of a teacher from Woodland High School in Indiana that faced losing her job over an op-ed piece over homosexuality.
Bad Counsel. Economist, 4/7/2007, Vol. 383 Issue 8523, p58-59, 2p, 1c
This article discusses cenosrship of religion by the United Nations, particularly Islam. At the point that this article was written, the UN had only criticized Israel and completely ignored human rights issues in other nations.
This article discusses worldwide censorship, particularly its increase since the beginning of the War on Terror. It discusses how countries are limiting freedom of the press and also internet sites. It also addresses George W. Bush and how he has imposed forms of censorship in the United States.
Better Seen and Not Heard? By: Garcia, Michelle. Advocate, 6/19/2007 Issue 987, p34-36, 2p
This acticle addresses censorship of high school newspapers. One of the specific instances is of a teacher from Woodland High School in Indiana that faced losing her job over an op-ed piece over homosexuality.
Bad Counsel. Economist, 4/7/2007, Vol. 383 Issue 8523, p58-59, 2p, 1c
This article discusses cenosrship of religion by the United Nations, particularly Islam. At the point that this article was written, the UN had only criticized Israel and completely ignored human rights issues in other nations.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Powerpoint Images
http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/c/Images/censorship_eyechart.1.gif
All three of these images are functional in provoking negativity toward censorship. The eyechart uses a simple phrase and layout to catch an audience's attention. The couple at the dinner table with the bags over their heads shows that censorship is beginning to leak into every part of our lives, including the parts in which we are supposed to be most comfortable with our thoughts and opinions. The series of locks also shows how much censorship is becoming a part of our lives, but breaks it down into categories to show how much it really does affect us.
Bok Essay
I completely agree with their views that free speech should not be restricted because it is displeasing to others. I also agree that Derek Bok's essay could have used more statistics and personal testimonies from students to strengthen his argument. While I do not agree with hate speech in any way, I feel that it should not be restricted. In doing so, we would be finding just one more way to put blinders on and trying to make the public less aware of the opinions of their fellow countrymen.
I agree with Bok when he says that if we restrict flags that we display, restrictions on speakers will follow shortly. The best way to deal with this kind of a situation on a campus would be to talk to the students about hate speech, not force them to take the flags down. Persuasion is definitely a better choice in this case because then the students would be doing what they wanted to and possibly changing their outlook on the issue. Force, to some students, would be just one more reason to continue displaying the flags.
As a free country, we should be able to say what is on our minds, but each person should also realize that there are certain lines that should be thought carefully about before crossing. Someone that I know had a similar situation. He chose to display Confederate flags on his car, which he was then forced to take off by our high school administrators because it was offensive to so many of the people at our school. Needless to say, whenever he was not parking his car at school, he had the flags right back where they were in the first place. This is a clear example of how force does not change a person's opinion nor does it keep them from continuing their offensive actions.
I agree with Bok when he says that if we restrict flags that we display, restrictions on speakers will follow shortly. The best way to deal with this kind of a situation on a campus would be to talk to the students about hate speech, not force them to take the flags down. Persuasion is definitely a better choice in this case because then the students would be doing what they wanted to and possibly changing their outlook on the issue. Force, to some students, would be just one more reason to continue displaying the flags.
As a free country, we should be able to say what is on our minds, but each person should also realize that there are certain lines that should be thought carefully about before crossing. Someone that I know had a similar situation. He chose to display Confederate flags on his car, which he was then forced to take off by our high school administrators because it was offensive to so many of the people at our school. Needless to say, whenever he was not parking his car at school, he had the flags right back where they were in the first place. This is a clear example of how force does not change a person's opinion nor does it keep them from continuing their offensive actions.
How Far Will It Go?
In this image, a small child is in an art museum, obviously confused. All of the artworks have "Censored" signs on them to cover anything that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive in any way, such as a statue of a nude woman with the sign covering her chest.
This cartoon is fairly effective in conveying its meaning and provoking a reader to rethink the issue of censorship. The claim in this is that censorship is going too far, and that, if it continues on the path it currently is, everything that was once considered beautiful, culturally important, a basis for learning, something to look up to, and the interesting parts of our everyday lives are going to be the next victims of what is becoming an overly-cautious approach to our surroundings.
Media Control
In this, the image and the text work together to formulate the claim that what is being reported in newspapers is not necessarily the complete truth, but the censored version that the corporate news companies and government want the people to hear. The woman saluting at the typewriter reminds the public of a poster seen in war times, much like the Uncle Sam posters or Rosie the Riveter. The text only adds to the meaning, such as the modification of Department of Homeland Security to read the Ministry of Homeland Security, and also the line, "We couldn't control the people without you." By including these, it brings the audience to feel as if they are being manipulated. Also, using "Ministry" brings a more controlling connotation to the idea of the Homeland Security sector of our government. It then seems more similar to governments like in England where they are more controlling of their citizens.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Questions
Do you believe that programming should be censored, even though it could violate one's freedom of speech?
Do you believe that censoring television programs is necessary in positively influencing our youth?
Does censorship of televison programming violate our freedom of speech?
Are daytime soaps sometimes too provocative and risque since young children home at that time of the day could be exposed to them?
Considering that primetime television is aimed toward adult audiences, should the same level of censorship apply to nighttime programming as to daytime programming?
Do you believe that censoring television programs is necessary in positively influencing our youth?
Does censorship of televison programming violate our freedom of speech?
Are daytime soaps sometimes too provocative and risque since young children home at that time of the day could be exposed to them?
Considering that primetime television is aimed toward adult audiences, should the same level of censorship apply to nighttime programming as to daytime programming?
Censorship
Sense & Censorship. Walters, Anne K.; Birchard, Karen; Troop, Don. Chronicle of Higher Education, 5/19/2006, Vol. 52 Issue 37, p3-4, 2p
While this article includes information on multiple stories, it includes one in which a student's exhibition was cancelled due to the university's hate speech policy. His paintings were inspired by photographs and television footage of Palestinian terrorism in Israel. After the student newspaper covered the incident and drew much attention to it, they offered to reopen his exhibition to correct the situation, but the student declined.
THE TV INDUSTRY'S VALENTI-TINE. By: Paskowski, Marianne. Television Week, 2/13/2006, Vol. 25 Issue 7, p6-6, 2/3p
This piece discusses the efforts of Jack Valenti to censor television more. The author also criticizes the Ad Council for allowing him to speak at their meeting because she feels that they should have been doing more to promote freedom of speech, not considering limiting it more.
Mötley Crüe Sues NBC For Banning the Band. By: Leeds, Jeff; Steinberg, Jacques. New York Times, 5/25/2005, Vol. 154 Issue 53225, pE1-E7, 2p, 1bw
After Motley Crue used an expletive on air during a performance on The Tonight Show, NBC banned them, which band members say violated their freedom of speech. Therefore, the band decided to file a lawsuit against NBC, also saying that the ban weakened the band's record sales.
While this article includes information on multiple stories, it includes one in which a student's exhibition was cancelled due to the university's hate speech policy. His paintings were inspired by photographs and television footage of Palestinian terrorism in Israel. After the student newspaper covered the incident and drew much attention to it, they offered to reopen his exhibition to correct the situation, but the student declined.
THE TV INDUSTRY'S VALENTI-TINE. By: Paskowski, Marianne. Television Week, 2/13/2006, Vol. 25 Issue 7, p6-6, 2/3p
This piece discusses the efforts of Jack Valenti to censor television more. The author also criticizes the Ad Council for allowing him to speak at their meeting because she feels that they should have been doing more to promote freedom of speech, not considering limiting it more.
Mötley Crüe Sues NBC For Banning the Band. By: Leeds, Jeff; Steinberg, Jacques. New York Times, 5/25/2005, Vol. 154 Issue 53225, pE1-E7, 2p, 1bw
After Motley Crue used an expletive on air during a performance on The Tonight Show, NBC banned them, which band members say violated their freedom of speech. Therefore, the band decided to file a lawsuit against NBC, also saying that the ban weakened the band's record sales.
USA Today Snapshot
I have not found a way to upload the snapshot that I used, so here is the link for it: http://usatoday.com/news/snapshot.htm?section=N&label=2007-10-19-oil
It is the fifth snapshot. It is entitled Adults Behind Bars and has statistics showing that 1,853,386 men and 196,820 women are currently in jail.
Claim #1: Women are less likely than men to commit crimes, resulting in lower numbers of females in prisons.
Claim #2: Women do not necessarily commit less crimes than men, but instead are more strategic in their criminal acts and do not get caught as easily.
Claim #3: Men tend to commit more serious crimes than women, such as murder, rape, etc., that cost them more time in prison. Women's crimes tend to be less serious, like shoplifting, therefore resulting in lower numbers of women behind bars due to a shorter amount of time sentenced to them.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
OVRC
I was fairly unsure of exactly what I wanted my topic to be before looking at the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center's webpage. When looking through the topics listed, political corruption caught my eye. I will probably have to narrow my topic further, but it was nice to get an idea of what I am going to write my paper about.
While most of the viewpoints hold that there is definitely corruption in our government, a few give legitimate arguments that the corruption is not as severe as others make it out to be. Many people have taken a stance on this, so I will be able to get a lot of information to help create my own viewpoint.
While I believe that there is undeniably some kind of corruption in our government, I am not sure that it is as widespread as it seems. Anything political I believe people should be interested in because it deals directly with our lives and how we live. Every decision that politicians make affect each and every one of us.
While most of the viewpoints hold that there is definitely corruption in our government, a few give legitimate arguments that the corruption is not as severe as others make it out to be. Many people have taken a stance on this, so I will be able to get a lot of information to help create my own viewpoint.
While I believe that there is undeniably some kind of corruption in our government, I am not sure that it is as widespread as it seems. Anything political I believe people should be interested in because it deals directly with our lives and how we live. Every decision that politicians make affect each and every one of us.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Op-Ed Piece
In the article "What, Me Worry?" in the New York Times, the author points out that most of the Republican presidential candidates seem out of touch with the economy. One even described it as "rosy."
One of the main reasons that I am interested in this article is because I have always been interested in politics. Also, I am a Democrat, so it is interesting to see what people are saying about the Republican party and what it is doing.
This is actually something that relates to every American's life. These are the candidates to be the next leader of our great nation. Americans should be looking into this information and stay knowledgeable about the election in order to make an educated vote for who is the best candidate.
This would be easy to research in finding what platforms each candidate holds and who has what as thier high priority issues.
One of the main reasons that I am interested in this article is because I have always been interested in politics. Also, I am a Democrat, so it is interesting to see what people are saying about the Republican party and what it is doing.
This is actually something that relates to every American's life. These are the candidates to be the next leader of our great nation. Americans should be looking into this information and stay knowledgeable about the election in order to make an educated vote for who is the best candidate.
This would be easy to research in finding what platforms each candidate holds and who has what as thier high priority issues.
Police Brutality
I believe that so many types of surveillance both undermine and enhance our society. In some situations, it can be beneficial, but can also hurt our society's image at the same time. Police brutality is one of these circumstances
For instance, situations such as that at the drivethru in the YouTube video easily cleared the drivethru attendant's name. It was very clear that she put the bill directly into the slot for tens. When the manager came to check her drawer, you could hear him say that she did not even have any twenties in her drawer. Through the tape, you could also see that she did not try to slip any bill into her pocket or steal it in any way.
However, it captures a downfall of our society, and that is the misuse of power within our social system. Even after the attendant said that she didn't take the money, instead of looking in the drawer or searching the woman (which she willingly offered many times), he resorts to spraying her with mace.
While these technologies are beneficial in proving a person's innocence, it can also tarnish another's reputation. Some would say that recording technologies have gone too far with cameras available on cell phones, digital cameras, and even laptops, not to mention how cheap recording systems have become.
Although it is somewhat ridiculous that everything seems to be equipped with some sort of camera or camcorder, it is a good way to keep people in check because of the risk of someone videotaping any wrongdoing and therefore getting caught.
For instance, situations such as that at the drivethru in the YouTube video easily cleared the drivethru attendant's name. It was very clear that she put the bill directly into the slot for tens. When the manager came to check her drawer, you could hear him say that she did not even have any twenties in her drawer. Through the tape, you could also see that she did not try to slip any bill into her pocket or steal it in any way.
However, it captures a downfall of our society, and that is the misuse of power within our social system. Even after the attendant said that she didn't take the money, instead of looking in the drawer or searching the woman (which she willingly offered many times), he resorts to spraying her with mace.
While these technologies are beneficial in proving a person's innocence, it can also tarnish another's reputation. Some would say that recording technologies have gone too far with cameras available on cell phones, digital cameras, and even laptops, not to mention how cheap recording systems have become.
Although it is somewhat ridiculous that everything seems to be equipped with some sort of camera or camcorder, it is a good way to keep people in check because of the risk of someone videotaping any wrongdoing and therefore getting caught.
Exercise 1
Hurricanes are increasing in number and ferocity. I would not argue this to a college audience because it is fairly general. It is difficult to dispute these facts because, well, hurricanes are increasing in number and ferocity.
Many people die annually of cancer. This would be good to argue to students if the point was to promote awareness. At the same time, this is a topic that has been lectured on many times over, which could possibly result in a loss of interest and therefore a smaller audience.
Fewer people would die of heart disease each year if more of them paid attention to their diets. This would be a good topic because college students are typically known for binge eating and drinking whatever comes their way. Were college students to focus on eating more healthily, they could lower their risk of heart disease and also have more energy throughout college.
Japan might have come to terms more readily in 1945 if the Allies hadn't demanded unconditional surrender. This would be good to address to college students if the group is made up of history majors and students. Since it has a small hint of opinion, it could be argued and could also spark an interesting debate.
Boys would do better in school if there were more men teaching in elementary and secondary classrooms. Great for education majors and men with undecided majors! It is an interesting theory and also provides ground for discussion. It could also sway some men to pursue and education degree.
The ever-increasing number of minorities in higher education is evidence that racial problems have just about ended in the United States. This claim seems to say that just because more minorities are in higher education, that means that they are also being treated better. However, the United States, in many people's opinion, has a long way to go to eliminate prejudice and racism.
There aren't enough high-paying jobs for college graduates these days. I would not argue this to college students just because it would discourage students from finishing their college education. If they do not get a college degree, then they will have virtually no chance of having a high-paying job anyway.
Hydrogen may never be a viable alternative to fossil fuels because it takes too much energy to change hydrogen into a useable form. This would be good to argue to science majors. It could pull interest from the students and push some to go into a specific area in which they could find an easier way to change the form and make it a better alternative.
Only one of the first forty-three presidents of the United States was a catholic. This is just a straight fact and would not be a good thing to argue to students. It is very easy to look up and therefore offers little room for opposition.
Political activists have grossly exaggerated the effects of the USA Patriot Act on free expression. This would be a great topic of discussion for political science majors and law students. It can be easily disputed and, again, could have a very interesting argument arise from it.
Many people die annually of cancer. This would be good to argue to students if the point was to promote awareness. At the same time, this is a topic that has been lectured on many times over, which could possibly result in a loss of interest and therefore a smaller audience.
Fewer people would die of heart disease each year if more of them paid attention to their diets. This would be a good topic because college students are typically known for binge eating and drinking whatever comes their way. Were college students to focus on eating more healthily, they could lower their risk of heart disease and also have more energy throughout college.
Japan might have come to terms more readily in 1945 if the Allies hadn't demanded unconditional surrender. This would be good to address to college students if the group is made up of history majors and students. Since it has a small hint of opinion, it could be argued and could also spark an interesting debate.
Boys would do better in school if there were more men teaching in elementary and secondary classrooms. Great for education majors and men with undecided majors! It is an interesting theory and also provides ground for discussion. It could also sway some men to pursue and education degree.
The ever-increasing number of minorities in higher education is evidence that racial problems have just about ended in the United States. This claim seems to say that just because more minorities are in higher education, that means that they are also being treated better. However, the United States, in many people's opinion, has a long way to go to eliminate prejudice and racism.
There aren't enough high-paying jobs for college graduates these days. I would not argue this to college students just because it would discourage students from finishing their college education. If they do not get a college degree, then they will have virtually no chance of having a high-paying job anyway.
Hydrogen may never be a viable alternative to fossil fuels because it takes too much energy to change hydrogen into a useable form. This would be good to argue to science majors. It could pull interest from the students and push some to go into a specific area in which they could find an easier way to change the form and make it a better alternative.
Only one of the first forty-three presidents of the United States was a catholic. This is just a straight fact and would not be a good thing to argue to students. It is very easy to look up and therefore offers little room for opposition.
Political activists have grossly exaggerated the effects of the USA Patriot Act on free expression. This would be a great topic of discussion for political science majors and law students. It can be easily disputed and, again, could have a very interesting argument arise from it.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Pink Think
I agree that "pink think" still exists today. It is disappointing to think of how many women try to shape themselves to be what men want instead of just trying to be themselves instead. Through finding the right makeups to having the right body type to acting in a proper way around men, women try too hard to please the opposite sex.
I will admit, I am one of those girls who cannot leave the house without makeup on. Though this does boost my self-confidence, it could also be because I know that men are going to be more attracted to me (hopefully). I know so many friends that are now dieting just to be one of those girls that looks like someone right out of a magazine. I also find many of my friends and sometimes even myself acting a certain way because I believe that it is going to attract a guy's attention.
How wrong I wish I was. Men should love women for what they are, not for what they attempt to be and how much effort they put into that attempt. It is sad to think of how many people truly adapt to each of these situations just for love. Love should be about what you are like even at your worst times, not simply about how you seem at your best times.
Geek think seems to me as something that would require an avid knowledge of computers and technology of all sorts. In fact, I know some people that would be included as people who believe in geek think. Without knowing as much about computers as they do, they do not think that they are going to be able to get the jobs that they wish to have. In fact, they now are learning MORE about computers to expand their knowledge. In doing this, they are guaranteeing that they are secure in the job market, knowing everything that there is to know about their specific area of study. This is a very good way to stay ahead of the job market, even though it is not needed at this time. Someday, they are going to realize that they truly prepared for their future while everyone else is then going to be learning about the updates to software and programs that these people in fact learned years before.
I will admit, I am one of those girls who cannot leave the house without makeup on. Though this does boost my self-confidence, it could also be because I know that men are going to be more attracted to me (hopefully). I know so many friends that are now dieting just to be one of those girls that looks like someone right out of a magazine. I also find many of my friends and sometimes even myself acting a certain way because I believe that it is going to attract a guy's attention.
How wrong I wish I was. Men should love women for what they are, not for what they attempt to be and how much effort they put into that attempt. It is sad to think of how many people truly adapt to each of these situations just for love. Love should be about what you are like even at your worst times, not simply about how you seem at your best times.
Geek think seems to me as something that would require an avid knowledge of computers and technology of all sorts. In fact, I know some people that would be included as people who believe in geek think. Without knowing as much about computers as they do, they do not think that they are going to be able to get the jobs that they wish to have. In fact, they now are learning MORE about computers to expand their knowledge. In doing this, they are guaranteeing that they are secure in the job market, knowing everything that there is to know about their specific area of study. This is a very good way to stay ahead of the job market, even though it is not needed at this time. Someday, they are going to realize that they truly prepared for their future while everyone else is then going to be learning about the updates to software and programs that these people in fact learned years before.
Blog #1
I chose to evaluate the sentence, "Committed gay and lesbian couples should have the legal privileges of marriage."
The definition of marriage is the state of being united to a person. Therefore, if a gay or lesbian couple decides to spend the rest of their lives together, they should lawfully be permitted to obtain a marriage license. In my opinion, they are no different than any other couple, and therefore should not be treated like they are abnormal. Love is not limited to the opposite sex. It is a feeling, not something with a true definition that creates limits. If limits are imposed, it is like putting limits on which religions are allowed in the United States. We live in a free country, so why should we have restrictions on our feelings?
The definition of marriage is the state of being united to a person. Therefore, if a gay or lesbian couple decides to spend the rest of their lives together, they should lawfully be permitted to obtain a marriage license. In my opinion, they are no different than any other couple, and therefore should not be treated like they are abnormal. Love is not limited to the opposite sex. It is a feeling, not something with a true definition that creates limits. If limits are imposed, it is like putting limits on which religions are allowed in the United States. We live in a free country, so why should we have restrictions on our feelings?
Milblog Review
Before the class and even now, I have been anti-war. I do not understand why we have troops stationed in Iraq when it seems that they should be able to handle some of their own problems without our help. That is part of what we fought against with Great Britain in the Revolution, and here we are trying to govern another country that is fully capable of handling itself.
Reading the milblog and all of the experiences that the soldiers have posted has only reinforced my idea that we should not be in Iraq right now. I support the soldiers, but not the war. At all.
Reading the milblog and all of the experiences that the soldiers have posted has only reinforced my idea that we should not be in Iraq right now. I support the soldiers, but not the war. At all.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Coldplay Essay
In the essay criticizing Coldplay, the author slams the band throughout, giving little credit to the band's success. At one point, he even criticizes the fans of the band.
Though his paragraph and sentence structure is good, I was greatly distracted by how much he allowed his emotions to get in the way of his argument. It seemed as if his dislike for the band drove his entire essay instead of bringing in a mix of facts and stories to bring the reader to empathize with him. I was also distracted by how many contractions he used. At my grade school that highly pushed English grammar, I was taught to almost never use contractions in formal writing. His essay was strewn with them! I was also distracted by the many sentences that began with "and" and "but." Again, something I was taught never to do in formal writing. Had he eliminated these grammatical issues, the essay would have came across as less elementary, even though his critique could have also used some help.
I would probably have given him a B- due to this.
Though his paragraph and sentence structure is good, I was greatly distracted by how much he allowed his emotions to get in the way of his argument. It seemed as if his dislike for the band drove his entire essay instead of bringing in a mix of facts and stories to bring the reader to empathize with him. I was also distracted by how many contractions he used. At my grade school that highly pushed English grammar, I was taught to almost never use contractions in formal writing. His essay was strewn with them! I was also distracted by the many sentences that began with "and" and "but." Again, something I was taught never to do in formal writing. Had he eliminated these grammatical issues, the essay would have came across as less elementary, even though his critique could have also used some help.
I would probably have given him a B- due to this.
Excellence vs. Mediocrity
In comparing the quality of TV journalists, one would have to compare their personality on camera, the quality of their reports, and also how comfortable they seem with covering a variety of topics. For instance, a mediocre journalist would want to stick with a certain kind of story to cover, not wanting to go outside the box for new stories. They might also seem somewhat dry on camera and give just basic facts about the story. To reach the point of excellence, they should let their personality come out on camera, but not enough that it distracts from the story. They should offer opinions from both sides in a controversial story. They should also be willing to cover any kind of story, whether they know anything about the topic or not. Research may have to be done to give them a better understanding of what they are covering.
One area that I am not as familiar with is fashion designers. It seems that, in order to distinguish between mediocrity and excellence, one would have to find out how the designer keeps up on new trends, and also what kind of effort they put into doing this, along with how successful the designer is. With that, I would also want to know what kind of consumers they target and how successful they are within that consumer group.
One area that I am not as familiar with is fashion designers. It seems that, in order to distinguish between mediocrity and excellence, one would have to find out how the designer keeps up on new trends, and also what kind of effort they put into doing this, along with how successful the designer is. With that, I would also want to know what kind of consumers they target and how successful they are within that consumer group.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
An Inside View
I have been noticing that lately many of the blogs that the soldiers have been writing have dealt with experiences more than feelings, as the blog about religion was. While it is interesting to hear what the soldiers are thinking and feeling, it is equally as interesting to hear about the actual occurrences.
One of the blogs actually dealt with both of these. The soldier was describing his "Alive Day," where he had a near death experience, but still made it through to tell the story. As we have discussed in previous weeks, this extracts empathy from readers while also informing about daily life and happenings.
Another blog informed people of a project that is designed to connect soldiers with their family members. A collection has been started to gather cell phones that can be shipped to soldiers so that they can more easily make calls to their families. I love this idea. I have family that lives in Australia, so I only get to talk to them a couple of times per year due to the huge phone bills we have for calling. I have always believed that family is important, and I am always eager to support ideas like this that bring families closer, even when they are so far apart.
I have found myself reading more and more of these milblogs each time I visit the site, eager to read more about what is really going on over there. It really is amazing to hear from the soldiers themselves rather than simply the media portraying the stories. This gives it a more realistic feel to it. Through reading the blogs, the war is not just something I see on television or hear about on the radio anymore. Now it is so much easier to connect the occurrences with real people, therefore making the war more real to me.
One of the blogs actually dealt with both of these. The soldier was describing his "Alive Day," where he had a near death experience, but still made it through to tell the story. As we have discussed in previous weeks, this extracts empathy from readers while also informing about daily life and happenings.
Another blog informed people of a project that is designed to connect soldiers with their family members. A collection has been started to gather cell phones that can be shipped to soldiers so that they can more easily make calls to their families. I love this idea. I have family that lives in Australia, so I only get to talk to them a couple of times per year due to the huge phone bills we have for calling. I have always believed that family is important, and I am always eager to support ideas like this that bring families closer, even when they are so far apart.
I have found myself reading more and more of these milblogs each time I visit the site, eager to read more about what is really going on over there. It really is amazing to hear from the soldiers themselves rather than simply the media portraying the stories. This gives it a more realistic feel to it. Through reading the blogs, the war is not just something I see on television or hear about on the radio anymore. Now it is so much easier to connect the occurrences with real people, therefore making the war more real to me.
You Know What They Say About Big Feet...
On the website for the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, the layout chunks information into individual interest areas. For instance, they use one space to draw attention to the latest sighting, the sidebar to show regions which readers can then use to explore possible sightings, and another space to advertise for their next exploration.
Since the website uses a design that separates each topic into its own bubble, it is fairly easy to see the separation between each new topic. Therefore, the pictures found within the bubbles have text next to it that correlates with the picture. The size of the graphic usually complements the text pertaining to it. The site uses a black background, and on the page then lies a grey box as a background for the stories and a blue box for the sidebar. On the grey box, each story has its own brighter color that draws attention to the story. Each page still has the black background, but the layout of each one changes to give a personal look and feel. This works well for the website because there is so much information present that the slight layout changes make it more interesting for the reader and does not make them feel as if they are looking at the same page over and over.
Since the website uses a design that separates each topic into its own bubble, it is fairly easy to see the separation between each new topic. Therefore, the pictures found within the bubbles have text next to it that correlates with the picture. The size of the graphic usually complements the text pertaining to it. The site uses a black background, and on the page then lies a grey box as a background for the stories and a blue box for the sidebar. On the grey box, each story has its own brighter color that draws attention to the story. Each page still has the black background, but the layout of each one changes to give a personal look and feel. This works well for the website because there is so much information present that the slight layout changes make it more interesting for the reader and does not make them feel as if they are looking at the same page over and over.
A Little Late...
This cartoon is by David Horsey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and was published on March 3, 2003. In it, the United States is depicted as a strong man rolling his sleeves while exiting the bar, and Europe is represented by a smaller, weaker-looking man carrying a mop. Inside the Bad Guys Bar, it looks as if there had just been a huge bar fight. The American man is remarking on the European making it just in time for cleanup. This cartoon plays off of Europe's ever-late entrance to conflicts, saying that they arrive for the end after all of the difficult work has been done. It also displays America as the big hero once again. Through this, Horsey conveys the frustration that so many have with the lack of help that the United States receives when it steps in to attempt to help other countries.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
This Is What We're Reading About?
On http://www.instapundit.com, bloggers post newspaper articles and interviews that prove to be somewhat controversial or just absurd. For instance, one of the posts quotes a news report that mentions “winged monkeys” being the reason for traffic problems.
Throughout the site, some bloggers allow readers to find the fallacies in the arguments while others point them out for the reader. In a blog post by Kurt Brouwer discussing the correlation between women’s hemlines and stocks, he mimics this so-called effect, calling for “hemline research.” Sarcastically, he highlights the issue, obviously labeling it as absurd.
Most of the articles deal with political and economical subjects, though some deal with topics that are just ridiculous. In one, a CNN video was posted showing an “alien” behind President Bush just above his right shoulder during one of his speeches.
The site also allows a person to comment on posts, which in turn helps those that still can’t see the fallacies when they are not pointed out. Crazy headlines like “Bush’s alien overlord peeks through window during speech” help readers to see the absurdity in stories.
One of my other favorite links off of the website is a story called “Osama Bin Metrosexual.” One of the pictures of Bin Laden showed him with what seemed to be a darker, less grayed beard. Obviously, this could not have been the work of photoshop. He had to have dyed his beard, meaning he was metrosexual. It then continues to describe how the look does not work for him. Is this honestly what we’re concerned about with Bin Laden? You would think that the terrorism is kind of a big deal, but his beard color is apparently far more important.
I think it is interesting to see others posting these stories. It also makes me wonder where they find the ideas for them. Some of them are so far-fetched that I have to laugh. I guess that a little imagination can go a long way.
Throughout the site, some bloggers allow readers to find the fallacies in the arguments while others point them out for the reader. In a blog post by Kurt Brouwer discussing the correlation between women’s hemlines and stocks, he mimics this so-called effect, calling for “hemline research.” Sarcastically, he highlights the issue, obviously labeling it as absurd.
Most of the articles deal with political and economical subjects, though some deal with topics that are just ridiculous. In one, a CNN video was posted showing an “alien” behind President Bush just above his right shoulder during one of his speeches.
The site also allows a person to comment on posts, which in turn helps those that still can’t see the fallacies when they are not pointed out. Crazy headlines like “Bush’s alien overlord peeks through window during speech” help readers to see the absurdity in stories.
One of my other favorite links off of the website is a story called “Osama Bin Metrosexual.” One of the pictures of Bin Laden showed him with what seemed to be a darker, less grayed beard. Obviously, this could not have been the work of photoshop. He had to have dyed his beard, meaning he was metrosexual. It then continues to describe how the look does not work for him. Is this honestly what we’re concerned about with Bin Laden? You would think that the terrorism is kind of a big deal, but his beard color is apparently far more important.
I think it is interesting to see others posting these stories. It also makes me wonder where they find the ideas for them. Some of them are so far-fetched that I have to laugh. I guess that a little imagination can go a long way.
Wiki!
http://kowan01.pbwiki.com/
I'll admit it. I am having a little bit of trouble trying to figure out how to create links to my pages on my wiki, but for the most part, I'm doing pretty well in navigating my way around.
Wikis seem like they would be a very useful tool for work, school, and teaching. The ability to easily create separate pages makes it incredibly convenient for readers. I am excited to learn more about my wiki and add more pages and features, that's for sure!
I'll admit it. I am having a little bit of trouble trying to figure out how to create links to my pages on my wiki, but for the most part, I'm doing pretty well in navigating my way around.
Wikis seem like they would be a very useful tool for work, school, and teaching. The ability to easily create separate pages makes it incredibly convenient for readers. I am excited to learn more about my wiki and add more pages and features, that's for sure!
I Thought It Was Different in America...
One of the blogs that I read this week dealt with one soldier and beliefs being forced on her through the military. Even after she said that she felt uncomfortable because she did not hold the same christian beliefs as everyone else, they told her that "It's not hurting you any."
I thought that in America, we believed in separation of church and state, that everyone was free to hold his or her own beliefs without having it thrown back in our faces. Clearly, this is not the case. For a government official to tell someone that their opinion does not matter is ridiculous. It just contradicts everything that our government has told us it stood for. So much for consistency.
I really hope that she can figure out a compromise to feel more comfortable during meetings than what she currently feels.
I thought that in America, we believed in separation of church and state, that everyone was free to hold his or her own beliefs without having it thrown back in our faces. Clearly, this is not the case. For a government official to tell someone that their opinion does not matter is ridiculous. It just contradicts everything that our government has told us it stood for. So much for consistency.
I really hope that she can figure out a compromise to feel more comfortable during meetings than what she currently feels.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Milblogs 2
Every time I read another of these posts, I wonder what must be going on in these soldiers’ minds every day that they are immersed in this war. Most of us cannot even begin to imagine their emotions or grasp the intensity of their experiences. Yet, here so many of us are, enjoying our daily life, rarely giving a second thought to our men and women in Iraq. People see the images on the news, but then forget the conflict.
Reading the milblogs helps me to connect with the soldiers and remember what’s going on, while also giving me insight to more than just the images we see in the media. Suddenly, it becomes somewhat personal, as if I’m getting to know the soldiers through their writings, and, in doing so, makes me more thankful for what they are doing over there. Even though I am against the war itself, I am totally in support of our soldiers.
Reading the milblogs helps me to connect with the soldiers and remember what’s going on, while also giving me insight to more than just the images we see in the media. Suddenly, it becomes somewhat personal, as if I’m getting to know the soldiers through their writings, and, in doing so, makes me more thankful for what they are doing over there. Even though I am against the war itself, I am totally in support of our soldiers.
Web Page Easily Displays Campaign Info
http://www.tomhenryformayor.com
By having a website, Tom Henry’s objectives can easily be viewed by voters without time restrictions, like having to be home at a certain time in order to watch television debates. A website can be accessed at any time, and also is a convenient way to describe his stances on issues, update voters on the latest news involved with his campaign, give voter registration and election day information, and also offer volunteer opportunities.
Along with time convenience, a website offers voters a chance to spend as much time researching a certain platform as he or she desires. Through live and multimedia presentations, a person only has so much time to think about and react to an issue, then is forced to move on to thinking about the next issue. With print text, the information may become physically bulky. Through the website, everything is conveniently one mouse click away, not page flips and folds away. The separated topics also allows for a reader to search through the information and pick what they want to read about without searching through other information before getting to that topic.
In order to convert the website to a live or print presentation, one would have to first come up with an organized, sensible format and flow. Then, in compiling the information, the bulleted points would have to be formed into full sentences and incorporated.
By having a website, Tom Henry’s objectives can easily be viewed by voters without time restrictions, like having to be home at a certain time in order to watch television debates. A website can be accessed at any time, and also is a convenient way to describe his stances on issues, update voters on the latest news involved with his campaign, give voter registration and election day information, and also offer volunteer opportunities.
Along with time convenience, a website offers voters a chance to spend as much time researching a certain platform as he or she desires. Through live and multimedia presentations, a person only has so much time to think about and react to an issue, then is forced to move on to thinking about the next issue. With print text, the information may become physically bulky. Through the website, everything is conveniently one mouse click away, not page flips and folds away. The separated topics also allows for a reader to search through the information and pick what they want to read about without searching through other information before getting to that topic.
In order to convert the website to a live or print presentation, one would have to first come up with an organized, sensible format and flow. Then, in compiling the information, the bulleted points would have to be formed into full sentences and incorporated.
Women in Advertising
Jean Kilbourne began her presentation by pointing out some shocking information, such as how the average person spends three years of their life watching advertisements. Another way that she grabs the audience’s attention from the start is by using visuals and incorporating jokes to keep the audience laughing, interested, and waiting to hear what she has to say next.
It is also interesting how she varies hard facts with light, yet serious, jokes, such as the advertisements about the most dependable fishing line in the world and the woman with no pores. Through this, she also incorporates new issues, like eating disorders, teen pregnancy statistics, and battery. It surprises the audience to hear the presentation begin to go in that direction, therefore drawing them in even more.
The entire presentation is strewn with visuals, as she is constantly showing clips from advertisements. Though some of the ads are humorous, like the ad about the woman losing weight to get married, others are just shocking, like the ad that claims, “Great hair never dies.” Also, many of the ads hint at the frequency of sexuality in ads. For an Evian ad, a girl is shown in a bathtub, looking at the bottles on the floor and Abercrombie ads that feature half-clothed girls.
While watching Kilbourne herself, one might notice that she does not wear revealing clothing, which shows that ideas can be conveyed without using sexuality to sell it. She has a mostly serious tone, though some lighter comments slip in through jokes to keep attention, and she maintains constant eye contact with audience in order to reinforce the seriousness of issue.
The most memorable parts of her presentation, in my mind, were the battery and sexually explicit ads. I was surprised to see the great hair never dies ad and the one with the man holding a gun to a woman. I never thought that such tactics would be thought of to sell product.
All in all, Kilbourne was able to keep my attention and leave an impression about women in advertising. She used many approaches to convey her thoughts to the audience, which kept me on my toes and eager to hear more.
It is also interesting how she varies hard facts with light, yet serious, jokes, such as the advertisements about the most dependable fishing line in the world and the woman with no pores. Through this, she also incorporates new issues, like eating disorders, teen pregnancy statistics, and battery. It surprises the audience to hear the presentation begin to go in that direction, therefore drawing them in even more.
The entire presentation is strewn with visuals, as she is constantly showing clips from advertisements. Though some of the ads are humorous, like the ad about the woman losing weight to get married, others are just shocking, like the ad that claims, “Great hair never dies.” Also, many of the ads hint at the frequency of sexuality in ads. For an Evian ad, a girl is shown in a bathtub, looking at the bottles on the floor and Abercrombie ads that feature half-clothed girls.
While watching Kilbourne herself, one might notice that she does not wear revealing clothing, which shows that ideas can be conveyed without using sexuality to sell it. She has a mostly serious tone, though some lighter comments slip in through jokes to keep attention, and she maintains constant eye contact with audience in order to reinforce the seriousness of issue.
The most memorable parts of her presentation, in my mind, were the battery and sexually explicit ads. I was surprised to see the great hair never dies ad and the one with the man holding a gun to a woman. I never thought that such tactics would be thought of to sell product.
All in all, Kilbourne was able to keep my attention and leave an impression about women in advertising. She used many approaches to convey her thoughts to the audience, which kept me on my toes and eager to hear more.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Milblog
I really enjoyed visiting this blog. It is so nice to hear about what is going on from a soldier's perspective.
One of the posts that I read described a few humorous moments that he encountered, such as one where a senior officer that had driven the humvee he was to be driving next thought he hit a tree, and also where one of the other soldiers thought there was an explosion near him. Naturally, he could only ask the officer if he thought or he knew that he hit a tree, since usually one would know if they did that. It is nice to see that he can still find humor in his surroundings in such a bleak situation.
One of the posts that I read described a few humorous moments that he encountered, such as one where a senior officer that had driven the humvee he was to be driving next thought he hit a tree, and also where one of the other soldiers thought there was an explosion near him. Naturally, he could only ask the officer if he thought or he knew that he hit a tree, since usually one would know if they did that. It is nice to see that he can still find humor in his surroundings in such a bleak situation.
The Read-Write Web
As a user of MySpace, Facebook, and Xanga, it seems to me that the whole controversy over the safety and privacy of these sites should be of little or no concern to people – if they use them wisely and are careful about the content that is displayed.
People looking for attention often find ways to exploit themselves, even if the information is not accurate. This leads to problems when employers and college recruiters and admissions offices begin searching these sites. Users need to begin using common sense about how they set up their profiles. If explicit content is going to be posted, they should set their privacy up so that only accepted friends can see their profile.
Nevertheless, companies and colleges should not base their decisions on what they find on sites like MySpace and Facebook. As Maureen Crawford Hentz said, what is posted on these sites does not necessarily give an accurate description of their work ethics. For example, one of my coworkers likes to post pictures of and leave comments while at parties, giving them a seemingly wild personality. In reality, this person is a diligent employee that is looked up to by all of his peers.
If there is any reason that companies and colleges should be monitoring blogs, it is to monitor misuse. American Eagle store 721 had a problem with some of its employees spreading rumors about the store managers and the company itself. In this case, using Facebook to monitor activity is justified. Until this becomes the issue, blog sites should be kept a place where people can feel unrestricted to portray themselves however they want.
People looking for attention often find ways to exploit themselves, even if the information is not accurate. This leads to problems when employers and college recruiters and admissions offices begin searching these sites. Users need to begin using common sense about how they set up their profiles. If explicit content is going to be posted, they should set their privacy up so that only accepted friends can see their profile.
Nevertheless, companies and colleges should not base their decisions on what they find on sites like MySpace and Facebook. As Maureen Crawford Hentz said, what is posted on these sites does not necessarily give an accurate description of their work ethics. For example, one of my coworkers likes to post pictures of and leave comments while at parties, giving them a seemingly wild personality. In reality, this person is a diligent employee that is looked up to by all of his peers.
If there is any reason that companies and colleges should be monitoring blogs, it is to monitor misuse. American Eagle store 721 had a problem with some of its employees spreading rumors about the store managers and the company itself. In this case, using Facebook to monitor activity is justified. Until this becomes the issue, blog sites should be kept a place where people can feel unrestricted to portray themselves however they want.
Sosnoski Reading
The Sosnoski reading implied to me that hyper-reading is in many ways equivalent to text reading, only with a different structure. Each process involves the same characteristics, such as the filtering, skimming, etc. that Sosnoski describes in his essay.
Virtually, these two methods are identical in purpose and usefulness. As Sosnoski points out, an encyclopedia is much like an internet search engine. Encyclopedias require for one to physically search literature through keywords in an index. Similarly, search engines use keywords, except it does the searching. Another similarity is that of the methods of using the information, as I mentioned previously. Regardless of whether the text is on paper or on a computer screen, the reader will still use the same method of extracting information, whether reading every word or skimming, picking up phrases and keywords to piece together the meaning of the work.
After reading the essay, I feel that neither hyper-reading nor text reading is universally a better method for readers – as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For some, reading a hard copy will be more beneficial, yet others will nearly always choose to read their text on a screen. It varies from person to person, but the system still has the same purposes and processes involved.
Virtually, these two methods are identical in purpose and usefulness. As Sosnoski points out, an encyclopedia is much like an internet search engine. Encyclopedias require for one to physically search literature through keywords in an index. Similarly, search engines use keywords, except it does the searching. Another similarity is that of the methods of using the information, as I mentioned previously. Regardless of whether the text is on paper or on a computer screen, the reader will still use the same method of extracting information, whether reading every word or skimming, picking up phrases and keywords to piece together the meaning of the work.
After reading the essay, I feel that neither hyper-reading nor text reading is universally a better method for readers – as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For some, reading a hard copy will be more beneficial, yet others will nearly always choose to read their text on a screen. It varies from person to person, but the system still has the same purposes and processes involved.
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