AOW 15

War Really Is Going Out of Style

New York Times

Joshua S. Goldstein and Steven Pinker

Authors:

Goldstein is a Professor of International Relations and award winning author of a book Winning the War on War, and has written an internationally acclaimed textbook called International Relations. Pinker Harvard College Professor and Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. He conducts research on language and cognition, writes for publications such as the New York Times, Time, and The New Republic, and is the author of seven books.

Summary:

Quite clearly, as stated in the title, the authors are argueing that the affinity nations had towards war is on a decline. They say that in no way is it impossible, but statistics show that the sheer number of wars, as calculated 1000 deaths in one year, has dropped. Other than the current battle between the United States and Iraq, which they state is coming to a close, they do not see any imminent wars in the future. Their support? They believe the reason is that it is simly no longer profitable. When there were huge land gains to be had, and nations to be colonized, war reaped huge profit for the victors. However, they remind, today most nations' economies are based on trade, which is only hurt further by war.

Analysis:

The article seems to be a reflection of some optimistic American views that have been born in the context of the long awaited pulling of the troops from the Middle East. However, I believe an audience such as theirs that are active readers of the New York Times will be, and should be, a little sceptical. Despite strong backgrounds associated with Harvard and college text books, their ethos came into question. (This is my opinion) For well studied professors, I believe they have forgotten the point in studying history. We learn so we may identify patterns; one pattern that seems to come up incessantly is war. I also believe the theory, "we have nothing to gain" is completely unsupported. The world is still controlled by superpowers, and those superpowers will and are fighting to maintain control of resources. The gold is no longer just in land, but now in critical resources such as oil. Also, the premise that no other war is continuing is disproved by the very existance of the Arab Israeli conflict, where the battle still resides over land and borders are shifting "by force" every day. The cell phone cameras in that region all seem to mysteriously stopped working...

(sorry... not part of the analysis)

Rhetorical Devices:

Juxtaposition - Their arguement lies on the idea that the world has changed over the past decades, or centuries. They highlight this by contrasting wars and their prevalence in the past compared to today.

Repetition: They start off each point with a question they then proceed to argue. Their answer is often supported by refutations, warrants, and statistics.

Definition: They define both civil and international wars with set numbers so as to solify the line between skirmishes and wars.

AOW 14

9/11 Truth

The Organization:
A collaboration of scientists, architects, and unconvinced politicians banded together to look into the blatant and shady lies that the government has been feeding the public since 9/11. They create videos, have a website, and give lectures that use actual scientifically backed research and unarguable evidence to uncover the "truth" behind the event. 

(www.911truth.org )

Summary:
The video I watched was a taped lecture given by one of the leading architects, for whom the information given by the government was clearly false and illogical (for someone of his profession). He begins by introducing himself, the organization, their beliefs, and evidence. For two hours, he refutes claims made by the government so convincingly, they become airtight. Instead of flat out calling them wrong, he set up systematic diagram of the scientific method, and said that for the occasion to be staged every statement in the diagram must be proven true beyond a shadow of a doubt. He does this for two diagrams, and provided so much evidence many of the somber members of the audience even began to chuckle. In summary, he concluded by stating the thing that was running through all of our minds, “Something doesn’t add up.”

Analysis:
If you were to refer only to the rhetorical triangle, this organization should have very little chance for convincing and audience. There is no ethos. They are an group of people no one has ever heard of defying the statements of the pentagon, the leading scientists in the world, the president, press, and Congress. Similarly, the pathos is difficult to procure, as people suffering from lost loved ones would hate to think it’s a hoax. The audience is also not meant explicitly to be educated, but alsothe argument methods are meant to appeal to the common man. The power in this lecture lies in statistics, undeniable evidence, quotes, actual footage, and common sense. The speaker’s tone takes the stance of one that simply wishes to provide another side to the argument, and he is careful to never be accusing so as not to alienate his suspicious argument. This method fulfills the purpose of educating the public, and making them aware to information the media was hiding.

AOW 13

Blink

Malcolm Gladwell

Part 1



Malcolm Gladwell

A staff writer for the New Yorker, he won a National Magazine Award and was listed in TIME magazines top 100 most influential people in 2005. He has written 4 books, all best sellers.

The introduction to the book seems to be random, talking about a faux sculpture that was able to trick the best scientists and museums, but was never able to convince influential artists who could not prove it wrong. Gladwell begins by talking about the unexplainable instinct like reactions we have, stemming from our subconscious. He leaps into about 10 studies within the first two chapters, in which he introduces the concepts of “thin slicing” and the “locked door”. Thin slicing is how we take in information. It has been proven that people may gather enough information within a matter of seconds as they may in months. Similarly, the choices and knowledge behind the locked door often have far greater than or conscious.

In the time that this book was written, as well as today, there has been great fascination with the brain. As of yet, researchers have not scratched the surface of how the brain is able to do the things that it does. However, the studies that are written in Blink are examples of how some great minds have been able to decode some of its mysteries. Based on this, Gladwell wants to prove to us that one of the greatest aspects of our culture, the ideas of “stop and think” of “don’t judge a book by its cover” may not be entirely true. In his introduction, the author explicitly states that he hopes this book will change the way we approach our thought process, and making decisions. This can really only affect those in his audience who can follow the complicated studies researchers have been doing, and their even more complex results. However, the information from this books effects all people, and every aspect of life. Although I have only just started reading the book, I have great faith in science and find myself analyzing the reasons behind each decision I make. In this, Gladwell has certainly accomplished his purpose.

The rhetorical elements within the piece are limited to large portions of logos. However, the book is far from dry, engaging the reader with interesting anecdotes and a light tone that maintains the readers interest throughout the reading. Similarly, the book is very well organized, each of Gladwell’s theories cleanly placed in separate labeled chapters and supported until they may no longer be refuted intelligently.

Unit 2 Reflection

Writing: Synthesis Essay-What is the individual’s duty to his government? What is the government’s duty to the individual? In an essay that synthesizes and uses for support at least 3 of the readings from this unit, discuss the obligations of individuals within a society. Remember to attribute both direct and indirect quotes. Refer to the sources by authors’ last names or by titles. Avoid mere paraphrase or summary.

            People cannot exist without forming communities and societies. Alone, no human would survive; it is wide combinations of people with a variety of skills to that ultimately results in prosperity. Just as wolves hunt in a pack, people must flock together and use collective resources to fulfill individual needs. The key to maintaining this structure, however, is the establishment of a government. Writer Thomas Hobbes states in his book the Leviathan that the law of nature, known as lex natulis, states that “a man is forbidden to do what is destructive to his life.” People are created so that first and foremost in their minds lays self-preservation. Without a system of government, there is nothing to keep members of society from fighting with each other to better personal chances of survival, leading to chaos. Hobbes calls this Bellum omnium contra omne, meaning “the war of all against all”. Therefore, as soon as a group of individuals come together and agree form a community, they then proceed to develop a “body politic”. (Locke) This government is essential in that it creates stability and safety to those who created it. The system provides not only services to its citizens, but also supplies opportunities. Its job is not to restrict liberties, but to expand and protect them. It is made by the people, and empowered by the people, to provide for the desires of the people.

            As the power of the government lies with the people, it is essential that the individual fulfills his or her duty so as to preserve the purpose and the power of its body politic, and therefore the other citizens. Once one as conceded to live under this system, they are obligated to live under the laws it has established. This is called a compact. (Locke) To this compact, one must volunteer certain natural liberties; in return he may gain civil liberties. (Russeau) Once bound, and individual transferred these rights to the government. In a dictatorship, these rights may be held or controlled by fear, while in democracies it may be held by the desires of the majority. This is critical, for if everyone was to do as they pleased, the government would have little power to regulate their actions. In Crito, Socrates asks, “Do you imagine that a state can subsist and not be overthrown, in which the decisions of law have no power, but are set aside and trampled upon by individuals?” Therefore, the success of a state depends upon the strength of these “implied contracts” and can only succeed if withhold by the people. This is the individual’s obligation, not only to the government but indirectly to themselves.

            However, in agreeing to live within certain boundaries and a government, one has also bound themselves to a community. Much like a government, the society may not prosper unless it is contributed to by all of its members. The only natural form of society is family; even within this much smaller scale one has obligations to their elders, their youngers, and their peers. (Russeau) It must be in the individual’s best interests to better the society, for they are then bettering the environment for themselves, their children, and their neighbors. The best way to do this is to reach enlightenment, an understanding one gains upon education and hard work. In Plato’s The Allegory of the Cave, this understanding is embodied by the people who were able to free themselves of the chains created by the material world so that they may see the true nature of the much chased shadows. The education necessary to achieve this greatness was provided by the state “not to please themselves, but to be his instruments in binding up the State” They must then use this knowledge to become leaders, philosophers, scientists, or teachers with the hopes of bettering the whole of society. To take from the society, one must also give back. This is the nature of the social contract theory.

While it seems as though these concepts may be so unreal as to be untrue, upon analyzing the society into which I was born I found they were already engrained within the culture. Disregarding the laws is not only unaccepted by the government who it betrays, but also looked down upon by the public. Integration into a new contract, or the idea of legal immigration, has become infinitely more complicated, ensuring that the ties will become even more binding. However, the ever prevalent essence of self-preservation has dominated the seats of democratic governments, and Locke’s belief in a smooth running democratic system has become disproved with time. Individual interests have overcome concern for the society, and instead of protecting the civil liberties demanded by the people in many cases the body politic has returned to the cave of materialistic desires. As can be seen in international movements such as Occupy Wall Street, people will fight for the return of their sacrificed liberties if they are not used for the public good. They are quick to remind us that the government was created by the people, and can also be destroyed by the people.

AOW 12

"Meat is Murder!"

The Human Meat Protest

Peta

Peta is the largest animal rights organization in the world, containing over 3 million members. Working through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and most famously protest campaigns, their influence has gone from the streets into the classrooms of countless schools throughout America.

The Campaign

 

PETA's innovative campaign was found in countless major cities across the United States a number of years ago. Featuring living activists in styrofoam and plastic containers, simulating those you would buy in the grocery store, they tried to make a point that all animals are made of flesh, blood, and bones and have the same range of senses and emotions that we do. They argued that in eating meat, you are eating a corpse.

Analysis

A large part of the success that lies in Peta's campaign is how they MAKE their audience. Every pedestrian walking on these corpse lines streets is forced to look upon the gruesom picture that the ad has set up. The immediate reaction upon seeing these bodies would be revulsion, but also recognition. Everyday people walk into the grocery store to buy meat from the exact same packages without giving it a thought, and from that approach the ad also instills a sense of guilt. We look upon the ideas of murder and cannibalism with disgust, and Peta makes the point that eating meat is hardly any different. While the method in which they do this is a little over the top, if it interests enough people to look onto their website and learn about the real effects of eating meat, they could potentially gather a huge group of supporters. As their purpose is to at the very least educate the public and bring awareness about the cruelty of carnivorism, the ad not only fulfills it but does so in an unforgettable way.

For those that read the large stickers, placed in the middle of the "corpse's" body, logos plays its first major role. Behind the highly emotional and striking face of the campaign lies statistics, such as those on the image to the left. In the context of busy traffic filled and pedestrian lined streets, it serves as a significant wake up call for anyone those who had never considered the enormity of their actions, including myself.



Dekanawidah - The Great Binding Law

Published Presentation Link

AOW 11

Doing the Ethical Thing May Be Right, But it Isn't Automatic

Alina Tugend

New York Times

Alina Tugend:

American journalist, public speaker, poet, and writer, Tugend currently writes a weekly column called "Shortcuts" for the New York Times. Having experiance writing for numerous other papers, among which are the Boston Glove and the Los Angelos Chronicles, she has also recently written an award winning book.

Summary:

Everyone would like to believe that they are fundamentally good and will behave morally and truthfully in the face of controvery. However, research shows that in reality this is not true. It has also not been displayed in history. Several studies showed that, when given the right circumstances, people easily become corrupt and even sadistic. Professor Zimbardo believes that theseare coercion, anonymity, and dehumanization. Researches believe that this step from ethical to unethical is not instantaneous, but rather a "gradual erosion of moral values and principle." Similarly, the myth that the public admires those who stand up for right is also refuted. Rather it is often that these people are shunned and are treated with hostility.

The new method of preventing this corruption is creating an environment where the public is shown the consequences of such actions, then taught how to deal with them. It is called the Heroic Imagination Projent, and the hope is to extend it to worlds of business and military.

Analysis:

Reaching out to an audience who is comprised primarily of those that read New York Times, the writer starts with talking about the controversial and immoral Penn State scandal. The article is almost an aswer, or a wake up call, for those who are reading the paper and criticizing the disgraced coaches. She uses logos and countless examples to show us that, although we would like to believe that we would act differently, research says otherwise. In case the reader doesn't believe it, at the end she quotes notable Professor Zimbardo who states, "We don't want to accept the notion because it attacks our concept of dignity of human nature." I found her purpose fulfilled, as I felt humbled by her proof.

IN addition to her use of rhetorical questions, she follows an ABAB refutation format, where she starts by stated a commonly held belief about human nature, then refutes it with studies and research. She uses communal knowledge with the recent scandal, and metaphors, such as "individual (a few bad apples), situational (a bad barrel of apples), and systemic (bad barrel makers)".



IRB Choice 2

The Outliers

Malcolm Gladwell

Sections

1: 1-103

2:103-206

3: 206-309

From all the interesting things I heard about Malcolm Gladwell's books, I began to get really interested in this genre of book. I'm hoping to learn something interesting about society and the way my brain works. It sounds like even if I don't learn anything with this book, I will at least be interested and amazed.

AOW 10

'The Dream'

Frida Kahlo



Frida Kahlo was an internationally popular Mexican painter. She painted using vibrant colors in a style that was influenced by indigenous cultures of Mexico and European influences including realism, symbolism, and surrealism. Many of her works are self-portraits that symbolically articulate her own pain and sexuality.

            Due to the effects of polio and a tragic car accident, Kahlo was always in pain and spent a lot of time dwelling on death. In this painting, its eminent presence follows her into her dreams. The audience, anyone that likes paintings, can clearly see that she is in her dream state as the bed is floating in the clouds and some form of vegetation is growing on her blanket. Based on communal knowledge, we know that the cylindrical devices on the skeleton are explosives, making it clear that the painter believes death can occur at any moment, sparked by even the smallest thing. Although her purpose may be to convey this message and fear of death, based on my knowledge of Kahlo I believe it is just her way of recording her own fears. In this way, I am sure she did serve her purpose, simultaneously giving us a window into what she was going through. The surreal nature of the painting is reflected in a great number of her works, making me think that is her personal style rather than a device solely chosen for this particular piece. However, there are several rhetorical elements that make this painting so interesting and forceful.

Symbolism:  Being a surreal painting of a dream, symbolism plays a huge role in the message Kahlo is trying to send. It is seen in the vine/tree that is growing across her blanket, and the meaning of the skeletal being atop her bed.

Placement: In the middle of clouds, the bed and the figure above it form the central focus. One cannot pass by the picture without noticing its presence. Larger than life, it dwarfs the figure within the bed and grins out of the frame. Just as it attracts the viewers’ attention, it filled her thoughts and dreams as well.

Contrast: The idea of death, covered in explosive devices, contrasts greatly with the image of the sleeping figure in her peaceful dream. However, a recurring element is that he is holding cut flowers, and she is draped in plants that have been uprooted.



AOW 9

The Professor and the Madman

IRB Final Post

Summary:

          The second half of the book picks up from William Minor’s accommodations in Broadmoor Asylum, where his is granted a lot of freedoms, including large double cell room with a fantastic  view and all the luxuries that the inmate could afford with his copious retirement pay from the army. It is about this time that he receives one of the ads sent out by James Murray, the editor of the dictionary, asking for help in finding definitions and quotations. Using this as a form of intellectual therapy, Minor takes up the project and sends in about 12,000 meticulously defined words over the next 30 years. Minor and Murray become friends over correspondence, and finally meet after several decades. Meanwhile, Minor gets worse and amputates his penis in hopes that it will purge him of his sins, although he still suffers from delusions. The last several chapter simply describe the endings of each of the major players’ tales as they all grow old, and delves deeper into what the real diagnosis of Minor’s mental problem would be with today’s knowledge.

Analysis:

          The writing style is exactly what one would expect from a journalist. Based primarily on the concepts of ethos and logos, the author gives us a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the story. For example, instead of telling the reader what the author is inferring from the primary documents he analyzes, he actually puts the piece into the chapter. As he is describing the growth of the relationship between Murray and Minor, he lets the audience read the correspondence then offers his opinion as to how they should be interpreted while still letting us make connections of our own. This not only serves to make the strange occurrences within the story (such as Minor’s autopeotomy) come to life, but leads the reader feel like they are actually doing the research themselves.

          Upon one occasion, Winchester combined the devices of juxtaposition and repetition in a very interesting way. The preface is the “popular myth” about “one of the most remarkable conversations in modern literary history”. He then proceeds to tell the dramatized story how Minor and Murray meet. About three quarters of the way through the book he repeats the story in the exact same way he did in his preface, giving the book a cyclical feel. However, as soon as he is done telling the tale the second time, he releases it as a fraud, and juxtaposes its contents with the true story that he uncovered from records of correspondence.

          Towards the end of the book, Winchesters tone takes a twist. Whereas his narration was previously very objective, it began to incorporate word like “I” and “we”. He began to add in opinions and stray from the story on occasion. This evolution was completed at the end when all the characters had died and the author began to make connections to modern medicine, implying that perhaps the treatment of the retired surgeon was unfairly harsh due to a lack of medical knowledge at the time. In his last chapter, he chooses to engage the reader by asking a series of rhetorical questions, not only about psychological ailments but also of society’s perception towards them.

AOW 8

Wall Stree Whiners

The 'Occupy' movement is made up of a lot of losers

An editorial from The Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/18/the-wall-street-whiners/ 

Started in 1982, the paper is now known for its politically and socially conservative views. It was initially created to contrast the only major newspaper previously prevalent in Washington, the relatively liberal Washington Post. A huge contributor is previous Republican President George Bush’s speech writer, and the paper has been accused of misquoting or representing liberal speakers or movement in the past.

Summary:

            
Wall Street, and the world, has erupted over the past several months in protests. The arguments are primarily against institutions such as banks that are sucking money from the “99%” and giving it to rich people, who are subsequently getting richer. The publicity they are getting is enormous, and almost entirely positive. But this editorial argues the perspective that has been portrayed as “evil”. He calls these protesters “whiners” and “crybabies” and claims that most of their problems are self-inflicted and cannot be blamed on companies. He says that left wing institutions have begun to realize that degrees in “useless fields don’t deliver instant wealth”, and that these people are victims of supply and demand. Instead of complaining, he thinks these people should just work hard and earn a living, and a lack of discipline within the government is what is causing such a huge problem, not failed institutions.

Analysis:

             This editorial was meant to speak for/represent the outraged conservative audience that it addresses. The publicity that Occupy Wall Street is getting is almost entirely one sided. The protesters shout allegations towards large corporations and institutions. However, many of these CEO’s are conservatives who are taking the heat. This purpose of this editorial was to show that they have nothing to support their argument. The writer flat out insults the protestors, calling them ridiculous names and claiming that their statements are baseless. Most of his argument takes the form of a refutation. He first states the claim that protestors are making, such “In massive debt because of that once ‘dream degree.’ ”, and argues that 1) this has nothing to do with Wall Street, and 2) that is the fault of increasing tuition rates, which is the fault of the universities themselves. Among the audience being reached, he establishes a sense of ethos with parallel ideals, and finishes with ethos by stating the American mentality to “Work hard, sacrifice and don’t expect something for nothing”. I do believe that his argument is impossible for the wrong audience, but for those that are conservative and do agree with these ideals the editorial raises a sense of patriotism, then places the protesters as the threat to our nation.

IRB 2

The Professor and the Madman: Part 2

Summary:

The plot of the book is comprised of several different story lines: the establishment of the idea that an official Enlish dictionary is necessary, the politics and influential individuals involved with who would lead the organization, and the story of how William Minor became involved. Then are each broken into sections within the book. First, we are told of how William Minor comes to reside in a house arrest/mental asylum. Then a short history lesson is given about the previous attempts at an all-encompassing English dictionary, and finally how the new project that would take 70 years “almost to the day” came to be at Oxford University Press with Dr. James Murray at its head.

Analysis

The way the author weaves in the different perspectives is artful, but his background as a journalist is clearly evident in his writing. His style is less like storytelling and more like an informational history on the events he is describing. It is clear that the research he did before writing the book was unbelievably thorough (ethos) as he uses ample exemplification, quoting from countless primary sources that make it fascinating read. I feel that for some genres and even some other nonfiction books this could become dull, but this use of sources in the novel make it really come to life.

Also, Winchester made use of very formal vocabulary throughout the writing, especially as he was explaining the importance of having a dictionary to refer to. It was genius, because the further I got the more I found myself looking words up. As I was doing that, I read the paragraph that reminded me that this resource wasn’t available to authors or readers previously. It helped me gain a better understanding of how critical it is to have that option available.  For example: sesquipedalian, contiguate, bulbulcitate

OPTIC

Throughout the 1800’s, those of the higher literary society began to realize that it was critical to have dictionary, both to “fix” or preserve that language and to catalog it. Many who tried previously had some level of success, but could not handle the task alone. Finally, nearly 50 years after the idea was introduced, James Murray became the editor of the large scale production of the all-encompassing dictionary at Oxford University. However, his greatest contributor comes in the form of a retired American general William Minor who was retained in a mental asylum. Titled “Gathering Earth’s Daughters” the section introduces the key players of the Oxford English Dictionary. Although their tales are told separately, at the end of the section the author foreshadows that they will have some sort of interdependence. Murray depends on Minor’s vast knowledge to help create the dictionary, and Minor needs may only escape his prison by finding a purpose: using his skills and studies to accomplish something. Similar in disposition and worldly knowledge, the two men from different sides of the world will help change the history of the English Language.

AP Prompts

1. The desire for immortality has played a large role in the developement of mankind. ANalyze the statement, ten develope a well-written essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim using appropriate evidence from your reading, observation, or experience.

2. Think about the influence of culture on the individual's moral and ethical views. Develope and defend your view on the extent to which personal values are affected by a cultureal backdrop using information from your readings, observations, or experience.

AOW 6

BMW: Changes

clean, quiet, powerful

(commercial)

http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/2011/bmw-changes/ 

Summary:
           There are multiple shots of smokestacks, ships, industries, lare semis, and trucks releasing a thick black smoke into the atmosphere. People are standing in the smoke, coughing, and the sky is a sickly shade of yellow. There are shots of old gas pumps covered in dark dirt, standing alone it what seems to be a desert like landscape. A bunch of guys sit in a car with the windows rolled down and are all coughing as thick, dark smoke comes out of their exhaust pipe, leaving black residue on the back of the car. All of a sudden, out of the smoke and darkness comes the headlights of a blue BMW, emerging in all its bright and shiny glory, promoting a change with a new type of engine.

Analysis:
            The BMW company realized that a great number of their audience knows little about cars, therefore it would not have been particularly effective if they had rattled off facts about their new engine. However, they do make use of communal knowledge. New research, political leaders, and the media have placed more and more emphasis on the environment over the past many decades, and BMW acknowledges this fear. The combination of a demonstration of the audiences fears, and a long lasting good reputation for luxury cars, establishes the ethos throughout the commercial. The serious tone also indicates that the business of making environmentally friendly cars is important, as more and more people are making efforts to avoid gas guzzlers. As this will be a 2011 superbowl commercial, it will most likely contrast the other, more humorous ads with an air of importance. In fact, the entire commercial is based predominately on juxtaposition. It shows clips of a dark, yellow, grimy, and everblackening world, then provides a solution: the new BMW. Also, unlike many of the other environmently friendly (or friendlier) cars on the market, the commercial emphasizes the speed, agility, and appearence of the car by making it rev out of a dark cloud, passing the other black muck emitting cars on its way to a sunnier, happier area (ironically just over the hill).

I think the commercial certainly served its purpose. Being a person who is especially interested in the effect of our developement and growing industries on the environment, the commercial certainly appealed to my pathos. Also having driven a BMW and a smart car, I know from experience that the BMW is by far better looking and more enjoyable to drive. I think that the new direction the manufacturers are trying to take is critical in keeping them as forerunners in the car industry.

Unit 1 Essential Questions

As I often find that application is the most difficult part about learning a new topic, the activity that was most helpful to me was reading the short stories. The vocabulary we learn doesn't mean very much to me until I have practice drawing from my knowledge to pinpoint what is necesary for a particular piece, or even genre. Article of the weeks serve a similar purpose, but when we discuss in class I have a better understanding of what I should be looking for next time I go to analyze something. (Not only short stories, but the commercial and the cartoons were a great help as well.)

Essential Question:
What makes an effective Arguement?

This form of arguement, spelled with a capital "A", refers to the type of writing necessary to address the AP test prompt. Therefore, the most critical part is deciding between refuting, qualifying, or supporting the claim provided. This can only be done once the given peices are analyzed for rhetorical devices, content, etc. Once the analysis has been made, a claim may follow. To portray the appropriate standpoint, a thesis must be made which contains the "three c's: context, claim, and consequence.

Overall organization and clarity of syntax is critical for effective writing. Sophistication of language and use of formal language is paramount. Each paragraph, containing a claim, must be supported with solid information (logos) and appeal to the audience's emotions (pathos) while establishing a persona (ethos) using voice, diction, and style. It is also adviseable to incorporate the counterarguement, known as refutation. The overall goal is to look at how and what the rhetor provided, then analyze why they did it. (Purpose).

This is the basic skeleton. However, communal knowledge, analysis of the pieces, personal interpretation, and rhetorical devices are the "meat".

My Interpretation:
The use of the word "essential" made me believe that these were the most critical information in Unit 1. These concepts will most likely appear again, and comprehension of them is paramount. They forced me to think for a little bit, but application of what we learned in class and what was discussed gave me the answer for each question. Although we were only assigned one, I think their purpose was to remind us which important concepts we really need to understand. If there was a question that was difficult to answer, for some reason, then it is probably something to bring up again in class.

AOW 3

News From the UndergroundGarden Design Magazine

Michelle Owens:

In addition to writing a gardening book and publications about gardening for O, The Oprah Magazine, Garden Design and Organic Gardening, she is co-author of three nationally best-selling business books with former John Hancock CEO David F. D’Alessandro. She was also a former speech writer for Governor William F. Weld of Massachusetts and later Governor Mario Cuomo of New York.

Summary:

Until recently, gardeners and researchers had limited knowledge of how plants function and communicate beneath the soil’s surface, but recent research has revealed a world that scientists call “humbling and strange”. The previous assumption, that roots have largely mechanical functions that allow the plant to suck nutrients or store food, is now replaced with a new knowledge of an underground communication system. Compared in the article to the Internet, it is filled with alliances, either exclusively between plants or with other bacteria and microbes, and chemical defense mechanisms. Previously believed that these qualities were due to plant DNA, it is now largely attributed to bacteria. Due to these findings, it is now believed that new technology in pesticides and fertilizers may be more detrimental than helpful.

Analysis:

Context, Rhetorical Devices, Purpose – achieve purpose? , Audience,

The piece was not only captivating, but fascinating, and a huge reason was the style in which it was written. The author wrote the article as one would write a novel, giving human characteristics to the roots and bacteria. Although her audience is largely those who are interested in gardening or landscape design, it still contained a huge appeal for me. Gardening has recently taken enormous strides with new pesticides, growing methods, and fertilizers. However, the purpose of the article was to show the complexity and highly efficient manners in which these plants manage to accomplish these jobs on their own. As a gardener herself, she tries to convey the message that perhaps the best gardening technique is to simply plant the right things together and supply nutrients, letting the plants handle the rest on their own. For myself, at least, the purpose was certainly accomplished and I am almost afraid that even walking on this delicate ecosystem will destroy something that seems so fragile.

While at first the article seemed filled with logos, in fact the writing went much deeper. She began with a refutation, stating the common misconception that roots serve a fairly simple purpose. Afterwards, she jumps in with new scientific findings, each statistical fact followed with a parallel to our life. For example, “so rich with chatter, unexpected alliances, and surprising act of aggression that some of them compare it to that other great marketplace of communication, the Internet.” While what follows is factual, at the end she changes gears and conveys that the entire “culture” in gardening my be fundamentally flawed, and after so much complicated language concludes with how this applies to the reader: the job of gardening may have just gotten easier.

Essay/Memoir presentation

Politics and the English Language
George Orwell

Prezi link:
http://prezi.com/jiyj8xelocn8/edit/?auth_key=hav4qy7&follow=pranavtkunapuli@gmail.com

AOW 4

The Injured Brain

Lauren Ware

Proto Science Magazine
Lauren Ware specializes in scientific writing, having experience in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, molecular biology, psychology, and sustainable food systems. Previously her work has been published in many science journals including Wondertime, Miller McCune, Dartmouth Medicine Magazine, Civil Eats, and Spezzatino.

     Over the past decade, public awareness of brain injuries has begun to soar as researchers realized that such head injuries may have larger lifelong implications than previously believed. Side effects may range anywhere from dementia and personality changes to comas. Events such as the famed shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the countless blast-related injuries during the military conflicts overseas have lead the Department of Defense and Congress to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health. While there is no single therapeutic approach to healing the injury yet, great advances have been made in rehabilitation programs and available medication.

     Published by the Massachusetts General Hospital, the purpose in Proto articles is to promote awareness of developments in cutting edge research and the availabilities of new medical treatments. Most of said treatments are given at the hospital and a small portion of the reason behind the article, I assume, is to draw patients to seek their care. Their audience is directed towards any interested in science, although they certainly single out researchers as this magazine is sent free quarterly to my mom’s workplace (government research laboratory). The primary appeal present was logos, as the article was purely an informational piece that offered no opinion or argument. However, the author artfully tied in pieces from the news, such as Giffords, to maintain interest and give the readers a tangible example of the progression of brain injuries, which are referred to as a “disease” (probably to give a sense of urgency).



The Professor and the Madman 1

Author:
In addition to having an award-winning thirty year newspaper writing and broadcasting career, Simon Winchester has written many best-selling works of popular history. Before being hired by British paper, The Guardian, his repertoire included a kaleidoscope of professions, including a sledding expedition into East Greenland and several years as a field geologist in Uganda.

Beginning with a two page description of the definition and history of the word murder, the book swiftly follows up with an actual death. However, rather than following the path of traditional mystery books, the plot twists by revealing the murderer and motive. The novel is about all that led to that point and what came after; the murder itself is of little importance.

            As the completed Oxford English Dictionary is ready to be published, all the contributors were being recognized. There was one man in particular who had provided the press with hundreds of definitions but mysteriously never wanted to receive his due credit. As the man in charge of the creation of the dictionary goes to his home, he learns that the contributor is 1) clinically insane, and 2) under house arrest for murder.
            As of now, the book is in the process of explaining the two men’s histories up until the point that they meet. It has explicitly stated multiple times that after that point, their futures will be “inextricably intertwined.” However, that is yet to come.

The context is, quite explicitly, the English language. Few truly understand and embrace the depth and wealth of the human language, when it is obviously large enough to exceed 21 volumes when published as the Oxford English Dictionary. The author weaves this message into his writing in a way that it not only sets off each chapter but also is hidden within the writing. He assumes that his audience is not necessarily the general public, but rather those interested enough in their language to pick up a book about the creating of a dictionary. However, this history is not only conveyed with logos, but includes a lot of pathos as it goes into the personal stories of the major players. I believe the author accomplishes his purpose tactfully. In reading his book, one is not only is drawn into the complexity of the plot but also the complexity of the language with which he writes.

10 Years Passed

Cartoonist for the Chatanooga Times Free Press and Pulitzer Prize winner, in this image Clay Bennett adresses the ever growing divisions occuring in American society. Created for citizens of the United States, particularly those that read the paper, he uses the much talked of obesity rates as a way to highlite an larger, deeper, and more destructive problem. The facial expression of the man is that of shock, representing that the public did not realize the dire situation their division had become until the government had become, in a sense, useless. As the initial purpose of the jacket was intended by the people that made it, all of the teeth of the zipper must work together harmoniously in order to serve the larger purpose, offering protection to the wearer. Similarly, the government and society at large in America may only be of use to the public if the members collaborate peacefully. The statement made by the main character (who is wearing a traditional working class outfit) implies that although there had been a division from the beginning, the decade following 9/11 has led to the country’s biggest downfall and caused the largest crisis. Written as a response to the great anniversary of the tragedy, he encourages the readers to pay attention to what has happened since then, implying that once we have come to our senses we will see the true aftermath of the incident. Therefore, it can be said that this cartoon is causal. However, he places the largest blame on the people, not the government. Obesity is a result of carelessness and is self inflicted, although never with the intent to cause harm. Similarly, a nation requires maintenance, and that maintenance was not received.

The Professor and the Madman

Author: Simon Winchester
Sections:
      1. pg 1-60
      2. pg 61-120
      3. pg 121-180
      4. pg 181-241
Why I chose the book:
      I took a few classes as part of a program this summer in Oxford, and I was excited to revisit it through this book. Also, after reading Eats, Shoots and Leaves I found that I had a growing interest in the history behind language. It is through learning their developement that I find myself respecting and considering the aspects of our language that I take for granted. With nearly every assignment I consult a dictionary and have learned to simply accept that the definitions will be concise and clear. However, when asked to offer synonims I nearly always find myself at a loss. It truly does take genious to accomplish a work as great as the Oxford English Dictionary.
     However, the book does not seem to be a dull historical narrative. The title states, "A Tale of Murder, Insanity, adn the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary." It almost guarantees a fascinating story. I'm excited!

1. A Famine We Made?

A Famine We Made?

America's campaign against Islamic terrorists in Somalia contributed to a catastrophe that could kill hundreds of thousands

by Alex Perry/Mogadishu

Summary:

            Tens of thousands of people are sick or dying in Somalia due to a raging famine. A mass exodus of people have been embarking on several hundred mile treks to Mogadishu in search of food for their children who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and will most likely only recieve help if they are lucky. Nearly 170,000 children are near death, and 29,000 have already died. However, the triggering factor is not solely  attributed to the greatest drought the area has experianced since 1950; America has played a huge role in the nation's ability to cope with the situation. Beginning with the 1993 battle called Black Hawk Down where 18 American troops were killed, an economic war has begun between the Islamic militants and the US and its allies. When this Islamic group, al-Shabab, took control of Mogadishu and bombed Uganda, the United States declared it as terrorist organization, "making aiding and abetting it a serious crime". By 2009, the lack of a central government and $50 million dollars worth of aid caused the suffereing of nearly 2.8 million Somalis; only 20% have recieved help. While these sanctions have had the effect of weakening the terrorist groups, it has inadvertantly killed, and will kill, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.

Analysis:

"How did this happen? Could it have been stopped? And how is it that millions of Somalis were so sure that no help was coming that they took their families on a death march across the desert?"
           
            The author's goal in writing this article was to encourage thought on the side effects of our government's actions. There was a very narrow minded goal in mind: get rid of the terrorists. The point being made in the article is what really happened was the suffering of thousands, potentially millions, of people. He quotes many political leaders stating how successfull the endeavor was, but shows how none of them stop to consider the destruction it has caused. He also incorporates a portion showing that, while many aid groups submit false reports to the press stating statistics of people that are being helped, the truth is that a majority of the people will die without recognition. He quotes the mayor of Mogadishu, who says, "The aid groups say they're here, but where? It's complete rubbish! Children are dying!" Perry is trying to encourage his readers to delve deaper into what the media is showing. As TIME is a well known news periodical, he could assume that his audience was educated and has the  potential to influence society. His strong  incorporation of pathos was intended to wake up his readers and push them to act. The famine was caused partly by the United State's sanctions, so it may be up to us to address the consequences that arose.


            I found the method in which Perry presented his arguement extremely effective. He sandwiched the logos portion of his article with a introduction and conclusion of pathos. The article began and ended with imagery filled stories of the deaths of innocent children. Paired with visuals of suffering and starving civilians, it caused the reader to begin comprehending the despair of those in Somalia. However, his tone was not so much accusing as it was clear. He incorporated the conflicting views of several different groups, giving the overall impression of unanticipated side effects rather than direct blame. He made it very clear that there were many different factors that lead to the famine (by separating each factor into individual sections within the article) and that America's influence was just one portion of the problem. This was a wise choice, due to the fact that his audience is American and his article would most likely be read by many people within the government. I think that by ending the piece with information of how the aid groups are struggling, however, he pushed his readers to look deeper into the questions he posed above, "How did this happen?" and "Could it have been stopped?"

Source/Author:

This article was located in the World News section of TIME magazine.

Alex Perry is TIME's Africa bureau chief, covering everything south of the Sahara. Perry has been a TIME correspondent since 2001, reporting Asia, the Middle East and Africa from postings in Hong Kong, New Delhi and Cape Town.