the melting pot

In many ways, America is like a melting pot. With the many cultures and different types of people that reside in the United States presently, the many aspects of each culture combine to create a "salad bowl". Especially during the beginning years of American history, this great country was definitely an assortment of many different people with extremely different backgrounds. 

As time has progressed, people still boast drastically unique lineages and ancestors, but an American identity has emerged as of late. Most citizens of the United States now identify with their American identity rather than that of their ancestors even if they still may practice certain traditions of their cultures of origin. For example, my family originates from England and France; however, I identify more with being an American rather than being of French or English heritage. My family still practices traditions from my ancestors such as Mardi Gras and different cooking styles. This could be different for other Americans depending on how recently their families moved to the United States. 

While the ideals of the founding fathers aimed to create a peaceful, accepting country, sometimes cultural differences make it difficult to understand and accept one another. This causes less of a harmonious mix than the ideal "melting pot" or "salad bowl".  So while the United States is a mix of people with dissimilar backgrounds originally, the American identity overshadows these cultural ties to many citizen's original backgrounds.

how our position affects our views

A person's point of view is shaped by many different aspects. Such aspects include how we were brought up, our family, economic, religious, cultural, and social background. Each of these individual components combine to form how a person views the world and society. For instance, a person brought up in a poor village in a third world country would view something as simple as food much differently than an individual brought up in the United States upper-middle class. Simply put, sometimes our position in the world hinders our view and openness to other identities, cultures, and societies. A family dinner celebrating Jewish Passover might be very strange to a Muslim individual. We become associated with "norms" that we are used to or that we have been accustomed to and therefore view other "norms" to other people as completely foreign or backwards. Therefore, a person's position in the world has an extremely large affect on their point of view. It's just as if you were to view a large building from different angles. It's the same building all around, but it can look drastically different depending on where you stand.

Chapter 6: SYNTHESIZED.

http://theportableblender.info/research-paper-service/

This chapter was on organizing and writing research arguments.Through this class, we aim to organize our research arguments through the use of an outline; therefore, we watched movie trailers to depict a visual version of such an outline. This chapter encourages visual organization of drafts such as graphic flow charts or bubble webs. Such outlines can help you to literally picture your research paper and then organize your argument effectively as a result. After sorting through your information with a visual information map, the next step is to transfer these thoughts into a formal outline. Such an outline uses letters, numbers, and bullets to form thoughts into specific ideas. These specific ideas will give the paper a general direction to head in and will help develop the argument fully. Through the use of these specific outlines, the writer can further "fill in the blanks" and go off of these general ideas to write a paper. I generally don't prefer to use an outline, but I will see how effective it can be in organizing my jumbled thoughts regarding this research paper. 

BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER...right?

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1C1SKPL_enUS441US441&biw=1920&bih=971&tbm=isch&tbnid=JKoDIUO5DatomM:&imgrefurl=http://collider.com/dvd/news/article.asp%3Faid%3D9506%26tcid%3D3&docid=hAzVjs_XQILf1M&imgurl=http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Bigger_Stronger_Faster/bigger__stronger__faster_movie_poster.jpg&w=600&h=888&ei=niqgTtiPBZCKsAKRz7HKBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=312&vpy=125&dur=337&hovh=273&hovw=184&tx=96&ty=109&sig=102199223821481486452&page=1&tbnh=165&tbnw=111&start=0&ndsp=59&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0

This is a movie poster found in our Envision In Depth book and filled with lots of visual rhetoric. This movie poster was released to appeal to movie goers everywhere and promote the movie. This poster shows many different public figures, most being successful athletes, standing on a mound of steroids. The advertisement also expresses the pride of being an American through the caption associated with the asterisk on the side of "Bigger Stronger Faster" that reads, "The side effects of being American."  Yet another caption reads, "Is it still cheating if everyone's doing it?" This expresses the nonchalant and generally accepting attitude Americans have gained towards steroids. Americans seem to value being the absolute best at any cost, even cheating. Through its attempts to justify cheating, this advertisement also expresses the general idea promoted by the infamous Huey P. Long of "The end justifies the means." Is it cheating if you do end up being the biggest, the strongest, and the fastest? Does the fact that everyone else is doing it make it ok? Does the end result justify the path taken to get there?

These are all questions that this movie poster poses. Therefore, the viewer is lead to believe that the movie will confront these very issues. 

How to avoid plagiarism

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=surprised+child&um=1&hl=en&rlz=1C1SKPL_enUS441US441&biw=1920&bih=971&tbm=isch&tbnid=Ia-Qf9HJwnWjbM:&imgrefurl=http://bitchwantstea.wordpress.com/2010/01/page/2/&docid=bw3jf7fob-JVeM&w=450&h=305&ei=YleUTomEPYi6tgeUuf2GBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=179&vpy=158&dur=3733&hovh=185&hovw=273&tx=170&ty=111&page=1&tbnh=143&tbnw=191&start=0&ndsp=51&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0

Plagiarism, defined as using other people's ideas and claiming it as your own, is a serious offense and must be avoided at all times. However, many people simply do not even realize that they are committing this offense when they do. Even if you take careful measures to not copy a source word for word, it can still be plagiarizing without the proper documentation. Therefore, it is important to learn to take notes and how to avoid plagiarizing. Actually, effective note-taking is a sure-fire way to by pass plagiarizing. When taking notes on the sources, you must remember to document your sources and give appropriate credit to the authors whom you've taken your information from. Also, in-text citations are imperative as to also give credit where it is due. Yet another very important and absolutely mandatory step in avoiding plagiarizing is including a works cited page or a bibliography. This ensures that all information is properly cited and acknowledged so that credit is given where it is due. Therefore, acknowledging your sources in full is a necessary step in writing and can lead to a successful, plagiarism-free research paper. 

paragraph from EOL

All of these sources have differing variables of reliability and add different amounts of strength to the argument because of their credibility. The benefits of using online sources are that they are easily accessible, don’t take up space in your book sack, and they are the most recent information on the topic; however, sometimes an unchanging book might be more stable in providing reliable information just because it was approved and published. Therefore, it is important to use both types of sources to give strong evidence to the paper.

Examples of some of my sources along with a review of each:

• http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/
• all the facts and laws on the death penalty in the United States. Also has some specific cases.
• good, strong, reliable source (.org)
• http://grant-sebastian-nell.suite101.com/the-mongol-war-machine-a66150
• Tells of the history of the mongols. Shows that the death penalty was effective in this culture because it made a huge military machine capable of controlling vast amounts of people over a large area
• has a date and an author, strong source
• http://www.stardem.com/article_e21b5b77-0dbe-500e-a702-593e6bcb1392.html
• Shows the execution of an innocent man
• Sketchy website, but has an author listed and date published
• http://www.prejean.org
• tells the story of Sister Helen Prejean and her battle to end the death penalty in the US
• good, reliable, strong website (.org)
• http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/77715c83-dcd0-4e39-b68f-e51cff2eb3db.html
• good cartoon that’s anti-death penalty
• reliable, credible

Chapter 5: Finding and Evaluating Research Sources

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://express.howstuffworks.com/gif/wq-iceberg-underwater.jpg&imgrefurl=http://express.howstuffworks.com/wq-iceberg.htm&h=534&w=400&sz=30&tbnid=0yVwq9EqwYGyJM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=67&prev=/search%3Fq%3Diceberg%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=iceberg&docid=ggaPBZewWZzCLM&sa=X&ei=D92JTs_4HsuRgQeav_H5Cg&ved=0CD0Q9QEwAQ&dur=647

This particular chapter was on finding sources to strengthen or prove the argument presented in a paper. I found this chapter to be extremely useful because of our upcoming research paper. The chapter spoke of using the available sources and then further shaping the argument into a paper for your specific audience. To do this, the author urges the writer to learn the topic, the conversation, and the research context. All of which are vital to presenting the argument effectively. 

The metaphor of the "iceberg of research" helps form the process of research into the actual product of the research. The actual paper will only be one tiny part of the research. It will only present a small portion of the research that was actually done by the writer. By doing all of this research, the essay writer is able to assess the sources and therefore form his or her own opinion more clearly on the subject. All of the information simply helps the writer to present his or her opinions in a credible way after thoroughly understanding all of the sources. 

It is extremely important to develop useful search terms in researching the topic. It's all about the words used. If they are too broad, many unrelated subjects might appear in the search. If they are too narrow, not very many options will be available. Whether it be using google or browsing through a library's catalog, the researcher's choice of words will determine the outcome of his or her search. 

Research can be divided into two parts: secondary and primary sources. Primary sources are the stronger, more reliable sources. These include first hand accounts such as speech scripts, photos, historical documents, and writing on websites. Secondary sources help us to interpret the primary sources and are just as valuable, yet less credible. These include surveys, commentaries, or articles.

After these sources are found, the writer must evaluate the sources. It is important to weed out the less reliable sources and only keep the reliable, credible, and authoritative ones. 

avatars and the gaming world.

Gaming seems to encompass all social walks of life with almost every type of person playing some sort of video game. Whether it be world of warcraft or a barbie computer game, there is a game for just about every person out there. These "alternate realities" found in games have a strong affect on the people playing them. For instance, games can influence gender roles, violence, social interaction, and much more. When a person plays a game, they create an alternate personality called an avatar. The gamer can make this avatar as real life or as fake as he or she pleases. This avatar represents their personality and strongly affects people's impression of the gamer when playing with them. Gender roles are enforced through these games because many girls will choose to be guys in a game just so they can be respected in the gaming world or avoid being hit on. While a lot of these avatars are an accurate representation of reality, most are an exaggerated, idealized version of the person.
I personally do not understand this whole virtual world.  I have never gamed and do not plan to in the future. However, I do understand the need to idealize themselves to appear in the most positive light possible. I have a personal blog, so this was something I could truly identify with. Subconsciously, I put forth only the absolute most interesting/ best things about my life in my blog to consequently idealize myself online. Once again, all of this was completely subconscious! Therefore, I completely understand with the idealized avatar part of the virtual world; however, I just cannot connect with the gamers out there simply because I do not play video games of any sort.

Myspace vs. Facebook

In the article "Social Network Site Taste Test: Myspace or Facebook?", Danah Boyd presents the very prevalent social network struggle; the battle of Myspace and Facebook. The article states that there is a clear divide between myspace users and facebook users; therefore, both find the other far less appealing. For instance, the writer states that myspace users found facebook's clean uniformity very boring and unoriginal. On the other hand, facebook users found myspace to be too cluttered and tacky. On facebook, every profile is the same for the most part. This particular social networking site follows a specific order that can be personalized with pictures, interests, and posts; however, the creativity aspect is very limited with this site. In the complete opposite direction, myspace offers a multitude of options when seeking to express one's individuality, but can often appear very disorderly and a bit gaudy or overdone. Myspace users have the option to personalize their pages beyond that of facebook users in that they can change the backgrounds and even add music to their page. While choosing a social network is completely up to the individual, the writer argues that culture plays it's role in this decision as well. The writer states that Myspace users are predominantly African American because of the "pop" nature of the website. While I don't believe this is absolutely true, I am supporting evidence for this argument. I am a Facebook user, and I've never had a myspace. I must admit that I got on facebook because my friends had that, and I never even considered getting a myspace. I do also admit that I like the clean layout of facebook and that it suits my needs in a social network. 

thoughts

This past week, we were assigned to write a 1500 word essay on Rhetoric. All I can say is that I am very glad that I got that first draft over with and turned in. While it is very important to know how to convey your ideas into written word, I must say that I am not a fan of the long English essay (but honestly, what student is...).  I love writing, but the essay was a daunting task unfortunately. My essay seemed to ramble on and on and on and on about the same things. I know this really isn't the case and that I am being a tad hard on myself, but I literally felt as though this essay dragged on for what seemed like forever. Despite this terrible feeling, I know that knowing how to write an essay is imperative to success in college and that I will be glad to have these skills someday... at least I sure hope so. fingers crossed.

I wrote my essay on this political cartoon by Daryl Cagle

In my essay, I stated how the symbolism, imagery, and captions all combined to convey an argument against Obama's solution (or lack of) to the economic crisis. 

post 6: Dove's campaign for true beauty

In the essay on Dove's campaign for true beauty by Susie Orbach, the author sides with and shows her overwhelming support for this campaign. She argues that images of the "perfect" body definitely have a negative effect on the body image of women around the world. Such advertisements lead to many eating disorders and general disillusionment of women with their own bodies. This dissatisfaction definitely can be traced directly back to harmful media regarding women's bodies. Such advertisements make women feel inferior, insecure, and inadequate.With that being said, Dove's campaign for true beauty is absolutely a breath of fresh air in a world so void of positive body image messages. This advertisement campaign, while their motives do seem pure, could be rooted in seeking alternate ways of reaching women. While uplifting and empowering women might be their outward image in this campaign, the true motives could be to have an edge on competitors by making them appear to bring women down about their body image. Because this provides such a breath of fresh air and offers such a differing and positive message, Dove's campaign truly stands out as something different.

This advertisement campaign is genius, not only does it provide a new outlook for women and encourage women to "love the skin you're in", it also gives Dove an edge over competitors. Therefore, I believe that this advertisement campaign is wildly effective for Dove and will ultimately help women realize their true beauty.

post 5: The DK handbook- evaluating sources for relevance

When presenting an argument, sources play an imperative role as supporting evidence.  There are a few questions that the person presenting the argument must consider when selecting a source. First, the writer must decide if the source makes sense to his or her particular audience. The writer must assess the audience because different sources appeal to different groups of people. Secondly, it is important to use a source that relates to the presented argument. If the source has no relevance to the topic of the writing assignment, the source is completely ineffective in proving the point. Another thing to take into consideration is if the source adds a new perspective to the article. A supporting detail must be on topic, have a relevant publication date, provide new interest, bring in differing data, and suggest other possible research opportunities. In every type of rhetoric, their credibility is determined by the relevance. When trying to support an argument, the writer must consider each of these steps before proceeding with the analysis. 

post 4: representing reality

This chapter presents the idea that photographs can use rhetoric to present arguments or reveal a specific message. Like words, photographs prove just as effective in conveying a message evident in the everyday norm. The photograph can depict a specific situation, and be interpreted in completely different ways by people with differing backgrounds or points of view. Photography offers great understanding about the reality around us.

Just as a writer poses an argument, the photographer captures a situation about our reality that must be interpreted. The snapshot of the passing moment still says something about that particular reality, even if it isn’t the predominant reality of the situation. The snapshot of happy people in one scenario can be challenged by another snapshot of these same people in an argument. Regardless of the actual reality, two arguments are presented by the two differing snapshots. By interpreting both snapshots, a greater reality can be understood. The excerpts from “Don’t Smile for the Camera”, “Who We Were: A Snapshot History of America”, and “America 24/7: A Family Photograph Album” all describe this snapshot effect. Lenore Skenazy first speaks of how they only recorded the “Kodak moments” of their young children’s lives. These snapshots made the Skenazy family seem like the perfect happy family regardless of the daily dysfunction associated with the everyday lives of most families. The second excerpt explains how photography began and its power in creating these snapshots. The third excerpt tells of how photographs define our character. Therefore, with these photographs or snapshots, we can make our own sense of reality. 

post 3: advertisement analysis

This particular ad is selling Axe body wash for men; however, it is selling much more than just that. This ad uses adventure, unpredictability, fun, and girls to imply that by using this product, you (any guy) can be the life of the party. Therefore, this ad sells not only Axe body wash, but also sells adventure, fun, sex appeal, and confidence. All of these “fun” qualities appeal to high school and college-aged males, particularly the ones feeling as though they lead boring lives. Through crafty rhetoric, this commercial boasts that axe body wash can transform a dull night into an exciting adventure where the fun never ends and beautiful girls are insanely attracted to any guy that wears Axe products. 

Therefore, beyond convincing the targeted male between the ages of 16-24 to buy this product, this advertisement portrays the underlying message that a person can buy confidence and attraction. The commercial implies that the main character has such an adventurous night solely because he wore Axe body wash. In reality, any person could wear the same Axe product and not attend the craziest party, not attract the hottest girls, and not have the time of his life.

While the body wash may make the user smell clean and nice, it does not yield the results shown in the commercial. However, the commercial could give the consumer a false sense of confidence after buying the product. In such a case, the consumer could truly believe that the body wash made him more attractive and therefore he could consequentially have more confidence. This is what the company aims to lead the buyer to believe so that he will continue to buy their product.

The medium of this advertisement is a television commercial. It is currently airing in the United States. There isn’t any speaking during the majority of the actual commercial, which forces the viewer to focus on what Axe is really selling: confidence, sex appeal, adventure, and fun. 

Oh and body wash too.

Post 2: comic analysis

The preceding comic deals with the issue of escalating college tuition costs. The comic shows two trucks moving students go off to college. The first truck is a u-haul, typical of new college students moving away from home. The second is a brinks truck with loads of money. The comic is implying that college students not only take all their stuff with them to college, but they also take a lot of money too. The author of this comic strip sarcastically questions the ridiculous tuition costs while poking fun at the financial situation of many families that send their children to college. Therefore, this political cartoon uses images to imply a substantial message, the insanity of college tuition. However, the rhetoric of this cartoon is made of both images and words.The words are just as important as the pictures in the comic strip because otherwise the reader would not understand where and what the trucks were doing. Because of both the words and the images, the reader can pick up on the implied message about the ridiculousness of rising tuition costs for a college education.

post 1: Rhetoric

Rhetoric is an implied message within a work of multimedia. Ways in which the implied message is interpreted vary vastly making the rhetoric potentially unique to each audience. Some examples of rhetoric seen on a daily basis are advertisements, cartoons, newspapers, flyers, textbooks, and signs, just to name a few. Some specific examples of rhetoric seen on campus are sorority t-shirts. To some, the letters can imply a very positive message of sisterhood, philanthropy, and common bonds. To others, these same letters can display a very negative message of catty girls, drama, and partying. Furthermore, these letters could hold no meaning for an individual unaware of Greek affiliations. No matter what the true intended implied message, whether it be good, bad, or indifferent, the encounter with the rhetoric takes on a unique identity with each individual's interpretation.