Alfie Kohn’s “No Win Situation” is a piece that claims that recreation is at its best when the goal is not to compete with someone else. The opening statement includes an example of musical chairs and explains how the winner is out to make everyone else fail in order to come out on top. It is also said that competition undermines self esteem, ruins relationships, and holds individuals back from delivering their best. This is a highly emotionally-based argument and does not include very many facts to help defend the claim.
The opposing view is refuted and four disadvantages are listed about competition. Team competition is attacked in the first point but highly lacks any solid evidence and rather uses identification techniques to somehow persuade the reader to think like the author, however, that’s difficult when the lack of evidence is present. A study of some sort would have made this section legitimate. Competition as a sense of accomplishment is then attacked next. The use of an objective standard for accomplishment is used as an example for non competition, however, from there it goes into an emotional struggle from there. Bashing of our culture is of course included. Third, there is a supposed psychological cost of competition that is mentioned, but one thing the author failed to mention was that people don’t only compete to feel good about themselves and make someone else look bad, some do it for the mere recreation behind it. How else can you play tennis? Against a wall? That’s not exactly very fun for those who love the sport. Finally, there is a toxic effect on relationships with those you compete with. The author seems to make every human being out there to be a cold blooded poor sport who name calls and is overly aggressive. Once again, there is a lack of evidence or a study.
Overall, this was a poor argumentative piece. There is nothing wrong with the author’s viewpoint, however, there is something wrong with the way this claim was argued throughout. Emotional appeal isn’t bad, but if that’s all an argument has to offer, it’s empty. Emotion is a nice cherry topper to a well established argument with solid evidence backing up a claim. To only include emotional ranting makes an individual look narrow-minded. This piece was a good example though of what not to do when writing an argumentative piece.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Analysis of "Sex and the Cinema"
Edward Jay Epstein’s “Sex and the Cinema” is an argumentative piece in which he argues that the absence of at least graphic sex is the key to the success of Hollywood’s top moneymaking movies. He mentions a few examples of the top 2004 movies and how neither of them included sexual scenes. This was a good way to introduce his thesis and support his argument right off the bat.
Epstein mentions that there are three factors to consider when it comes to moneymaking in movies. First, he mentions the rating system and its importance in raking in the cash. His main idea in this factor is that an NC-17 movie will lead to a box office failure. This is one way he proves that going over the top with sex could limit profits. Second, Epstein emphasizes a consideration for Wal-Mart’s importance in sales, which accounts for over one quarter for the sales from the six major movie studios. Wal-Mart has a decency policy that forces studios to avoid sexual content, so this causes these movies not to take part in the success in sales through this popular retailer. Finally, the third factor that Epstein explained was that movies on TV must meet standards of public decency. He used Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction from Super Bowl XXXVIII and the penalty CBS received from the government as an example of why broadcast television stations will not take any chances with sex in movies.
The conclusion is a restatement of Epstein’s claim at the beginning of his piece. Throughout his argument, he mainly relied on facts and examples, which is the most guaranteed strategy in making a strong stand on any argument. Emotional appeals are always a nice complement, however, rough facts and evidence are the most important building blocks to proving a point. Epstein was flawless in that sense.
Epstein mentions that there are three factors to consider when it comes to moneymaking in movies. First, he mentions the rating system and its importance in raking in the cash. His main idea in this factor is that an NC-17 movie will lead to a box office failure. This is one way he proves that going over the top with sex could limit profits. Second, Epstein emphasizes a consideration for Wal-Mart’s importance in sales, which accounts for over one quarter for the sales from the six major movie studios. Wal-Mart has a decency policy that forces studios to avoid sexual content, so this causes these movies not to take part in the success in sales through this popular retailer. Finally, the third factor that Epstein explained was that movies on TV must meet standards of public decency. He used Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction from Super Bowl XXXVIII and the penalty CBS received from the government as an example of why broadcast television stations will not take any chances with sex in movies.
The conclusion is a restatement of Epstein’s claim at the beginning of his piece. Throughout his argument, he mainly relied on facts and examples, which is the most guaranteed strategy in making a strong stand on any argument. Emotional appeals are always a nice complement, however, rough facts and evidence are the most important building blocks to proving a point. Epstein was flawless in that sense.
Analysis of "The Declaration of Independence"
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which documented that the thirteen colonies of America were no longer a part of the British Empire. This declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson and was written in an argumentative format in which a main idea was introduced and a solution along with support for the solution was given. The main idea of the Declaration of Independence is that all men are created equal and are endowed the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No government shall limit these rights nor threaten them in any way. Their purpose is to serve the people and ensure that their rights are safe. If a government does the opposite, it is up to the people to abolish such a government. Thomas Jefferson intended this document to urge the rights of the people and the responsibility that they have to protect their rights from any threats, including their own government.
In context to the King of Great Britain, Thomas Jefferson states that the history of the King is one of repeated injuries to the people and their rights. He then includes a long list of facts to support his big claim about the King, including his refusal of passing helpful laws to society, imposing unnecessary taxes, deprivation of citizens, interfering with judicial business, etc. With such a strong list of supportive facts to his claim about the clear flaws the King of Britain possesses, Thomas Jefferson presents a traditional example of success in argumentative writing.
The final section of the Declaration of Independence includes the closing statement in which the separation of the American colonies and Great Britain is declared. All political connection is said to be dissolved between the two and the colonies have the power to make their own decisions. The very last sentence of the declaration explains the support for its credibility by the lives, fortunes, and sacred honor of Americans. This was an example of an emotional appeal. Emotion was used to describe the importance of the Declaration of Independence’s credibility by stating that everything that was important to an American would be put on the line to defend this declaration.
Clearly, this document presents multiple elements of argumentative writing. A strong statement was made backed up by logic from the mind of Thomas Jefferson in which the rights of the people were explained and why government cannot interfere with them. The King of Great Britain was criticized through the use of historical facts. Emotional appeal was used to create credibility to the declaration and its meaning. This was a complete argumentative approach to an important issue in history and it was because of that, the Declaration of Independence became a success that still lives on today.
In context to the King of Great Britain, Thomas Jefferson states that the history of the King is one of repeated injuries to the people and their rights. He then includes a long list of facts to support his big claim about the King, including his refusal of passing helpful laws to society, imposing unnecessary taxes, deprivation of citizens, interfering with judicial business, etc. With such a strong list of supportive facts to his claim about the clear flaws the King of Britain possesses, Thomas Jefferson presents a traditional example of success in argumentative writing.
The final section of the Declaration of Independence includes the closing statement in which the separation of the American colonies and Great Britain is declared. All political connection is said to be dissolved between the two and the colonies have the power to make their own decisions. The very last sentence of the declaration explains the support for its credibility by the lives, fortunes, and sacred honor of Americans. This was an example of an emotional appeal. Emotion was used to describe the importance of the Declaration of Independence’s credibility by stating that everything that was important to an American would be put on the line to defend this declaration.
Clearly, this document presents multiple elements of argumentative writing. A strong statement was made backed up by logic from the mind of Thomas Jefferson in which the rights of the people were explained and why government cannot interfere with them. The King of Great Britain was criticized through the use of historical facts. Emotional appeal was used to create credibility to the declaration and its meaning. This was a complete argumentative approach to an important issue in history and it was because of that, the Declaration of Independence became a success that still lives on today.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Pre-Reading Blog #1
Paulo Freire is an educator and an author known for his theories in education. He was a big contributor to a philosophy of education that branched from approaches of Plato and Marxist thinkers. Freire’s passion for theorizing about education came from his upbringing as a child. He was born into a middle class family in Recife, Brazil and became very familiar with the issues in poverty that occurred from the Great Depression of 1929. This depression caused his family to move to a cheaper home in Jaboatao dos Guararapes. Freire’s father also died shortly after in 1931. All of these problems caused a young Paulo Freire to fall four grades behind in school while he frequently played with the other poor children of the city he lived in, especially in pick up football games. It is clear why Freire decided to pursue a career as a philosopher of educational matters. His concerns for the poor in the context of education are truly reflected in his writing and his theories.
Freire is best known for his piece titled “The Banking Concept of Education,” which is part of his Pedagogy of the Oppressed. The title seems to express that education may be something that inserts information into the brains, or banks, of the students. This would imply that Freire believes that these students are nothing but slaves of a system that forces its beliefs in teachings down these students’ throats, or rather into their brains. This could very well end up being an attack on traditional education by identifying it as a power hungry institution.
As much praise Freire has received for his contribution to critical pedagogy, he has plenty of criticism as well. In fact, individuals such as Rich Gibson has classified Freire’s work as a mix of old-school socialism and liberal reformism. Being considered a Marxist is the most impactful criticism that Freire has had to date. To be associated with the likes of Marxism can be a wounding critique that turns many readers away from Freire’s work. It is clear though that his upbringing is the true cause of his views and he may have a great amount of emotional anger towards the traditional forms of education experienced in places such as the United States because of all the issues his family and community underwent.
Freire is best known for his piece titled “The Banking Concept of Education,” which is part of his Pedagogy of the Oppressed. The title seems to express that education may be something that inserts information into the brains, or banks, of the students. This would imply that Freire believes that these students are nothing but slaves of a system that forces its beliefs in teachings down these students’ throats, or rather into their brains. This could very well end up being an attack on traditional education by identifying it as a power hungry institution.
As much praise Freire has received for his contribution to critical pedagogy, he has plenty of criticism as well. In fact, individuals such as Rich Gibson has classified Freire’s work as a mix of old-school socialism and liberal reformism. Being considered a Marxist is the most impactful criticism that Freire has had to date. To be associated with the likes of Marxism can be a wounding critique that turns many readers away from Freire’s work. It is clear though that his upbringing is the true cause of his views and he may have a great amount of emotional anger towards the traditional forms of education experienced in places such as the United States because of all the issues his family and community underwent.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Introduction Blog
My name is Chris Johnson and this is my blog web page for an online English 1C course through Sierra College. This is my last semester of junior college and I will be transferring to one of nine universities that I’ve applied to. My goals with my college education are to get into one of my top two universities I applied to, which are U.C.L.A. and U.C. Berkley, and to get a major in economics. I then plan on working on a PhD in economics so I can get into a profession in business forecasting or market analysis.
Aside from academics, I love to play and watch football. In fact, I plan on giving a walk on attempt a shot at whichever university I decide to go to next fall. I spend about 10-15 hours a week at the gym and the track together. I currently don’t have a job aside from an independent business I own through Amway Global which I am very off and on with. I’m actually job hunting for the moment for a part time personal training job. I received a personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M.) and hopefully my qualifications and knowledge can get me a credible part time job as a trainer. Work aside, I love to spend time with my family, girlfriend, and friends. I’m a big fan of eating out for any meal of the day. I have a vast knowledge in politics and economics which I spend countless hours following each week.
I am looking forward to writing essays on various topics in which critical thinking and argumentative strategies are exercised. My greatest strength as a writer is my delivery of facts and connecting them to my thesis. I make sure that my ideas are backed up by evidence and facts from credible sources. However, my biggest weakness in writing includes writing about topics that I share absolutely no interest in. This is something that always poses a challenge and causes me not to put nearly as much passion and drive into my writing as I would on a topic I have a greater deal of interest in. Throughout my experiences as a writer in high school and college though, this weakness of mine has become less and less of a problem.
Aside from academics, I love to play and watch football. In fact, I plan on giving a walk on attempt a shot at whichever university I decide to go to next fall. I spend about 10-15 hours a week at the gym and the track together. I currently don’t have a job aside from an independent business I own through Amway Global which I am very off and on with. I’m actually job hunting for the moment for a part time personal training job. I received a personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M.) and hopefully my qualifications and knowledge can get me a credible part time job as a trainer. Work aside, I love to spend time with my family, girlfriend, and friends. I’m a big fan of eating out for any meal of the day. I have a vast knowledge in politics and economics which I spend countless hours following each week.
I am looking forward to writing essays on various topics in which critical thinking and argumentative strategies are exercised. My greatest strength as a writer is my delivery of facts and connecting them to my thesis. I make sure that my ideas are backed up by evidence and facts from credible sources. However, my biggest weakness in writing includes writing about topics that I share absolutely no interest in. This is something that always poses a challenge and causes me not to put nearly as much passion and drive into my writing as I would on a topic I have a greater deal of interest in. Throughout my experiences as a writer in high school and college though, this weakness of mine has become less and less of a problem.
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