"School Shooting Vultures"

Recently there was an extremely saddening and disheartening event in Sandy Hook elementary school in Newton, Connecticut. A 20 year-old male entered the building and killed twenty-six individuals, twenty of them children. In the aftermath of this event, the media has been undergoing a lot of scrutiny. The murderer, Adam Lanza, has had his name and face posted all over the news, making him notorious and infamous. Many argue that the media is taking advantage of this aspect of the event to obtain views and ratings, rather than focusing on the lives of the children and teachers that were lost. This cartoon depicts these stations as vultures hovering above the school. The piece was created by Daryl Cagle, founder and owner of Cagle Cartoons, Inc. It is most likely intended for Americans who are fed up with our media. Many believe it is a cause for the increase in violent shootings like this one, because the attackers name is so widely posted that they become famous. The purpose of the article may be to point out the urgency of the issue to encourage media reforms. Cagle personifies the media entities as vultures, which allows him communicate a lot through the connotations of the birds without actually saying very much. The cartoon is in black and white, which allows the message to resonate better with the average onlooker. Overall, Daryl Cagle produced a well-thought-out interpretation of the events. However, it may have been more effective if he was more specific on his message, because it seems that it could be interpreted in a multitude of ways since the birds are not specified as vultures anywhere except in the title.

To view the cartoon: http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/9c209b15-4698-44ef-99a7-8e86aedaf2c7.html

Retirement options and acceptance grow for "gay boomers"

During the 1960’s, a multitude of movements occurred that concerned gay rights. During this time, the LGBT was created and championed by a very passionate group of people. Many of these people are now retiring. In the past, it has not always been easy for them to enjoy the same rights and liberties as straight Americans. For example, there are no laws that stop hospitals from not allowing a gay spouse to visit their partner. Historically, such inequalities in rights have caused many homosexuals to go back into the closet when their “health and mobility left them dependent on strangers for help.” However, as times and perceptions have changed, gay rights concerning retirement and the elderly have continued to improve. Jen Christenson, a long-time writer and producer at CNN, wrote this article. The article appeals to readers of CNN that are in support of gay marriage, as it takes a generally pro-choice stance. The backbone of the article revolves around a gay CEO considering retirement, and in this way Christensen uses anecdotes and storytelling to enhance her information. Towards the end, pathos is used effectively when the fear of a future when gays do not receive the necessary help is foreshadowed. The article intends to show the great improvements that have occurred in the way of retiring rights for gay people. However, it also shows where the shortcomings are that need to be addressed moving forward. Christensen does a good job in this piece of achieving these intentions. She cites a lot of evidence and arranges the article in an easy-to-follow, interesting manner. 

For more, visit: http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/09/health/lgbt-retirement/index.html?hpt=he_c1

The Professor and the Madman: Post 1

Simon Winchester is a prolific and esteemed British author who was educated at Oxford University. The Professor and the Madman accurately shows his extraordinary lexicographical skills as he guides readers through the interesting story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. The book opens with a jaw-dropping story of a killing in the streets of Lambeth, England. The murderer, whom it is revealed is insane, is none other than William Minor. He later becomes one of the most prominent contributors to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary. This dictionary is so prestigious because it is the most full, detailed, and intricate representation of the English language. Winchester describes the dictionary as, "...a last bastion of cultured Englishness, a final echo of value from the greatest of all modern empires" (Winchester 27). The Professor and the Madman was published in 1998 by HarperCollins in New York. Winchester wrote this book to depict the perspective-altering stories of both William Minor and of the dictionary. He targets an audience of people who are interested in language and inclined to learn about its history. A wide array of sophisticated diction is used, implying the novel is more geared for the avid reader. Interesting uses of denotation and connotation are instituted in the framework of the book. At the beginning of each chapter there is the entry of a word from the Oxford English Dictionary. Throughout that chapter, the messages of the word as well as their implied connotations are explored. Parentheses are incorporated heavily throughout Winchester’s prose, used to provide a multitude of information. There are certain aspects of the book that are very effective. The anecdotes are very interesting and the syntax is extremely well developed. However the overall accomplishments are depreciated due to tangential writing. Winchester often digresses from one topic to another, oblivious to the reader’s attention span for detail. 

TOW 3: Apple adds to lawsuit with Samsung

There has been a highly publicized legal war between Apple and Samsung, two companies that are atop the list in mobile devices. Apple has recently added six products to its ongoing lawsuit with Samsung. In August, a 1.05 billion dollar was awarded to Apple concerning certain patents that Samsung copied. Now, Apple will try for the same outcome with six other products. John McCrank is the author of the article, a highly publicized journalist for “Reuters.” If a verdict is reached in favor of Apple, it will likely have a tremendous negative impact on Samsung’s business. McCrank’s intent is to inform his readers of a significant court case in the technology world. He is appealing to an audience of readers that are interested in and may use Apple and Samsung products. Additionally, the audience consists of people who have money invested in the stock of either company, since the outcome will affect the economic trends of both organizations. McCrank uses somewhat of a storytelling mode to illustrate the timeline of the recent case. The two companies are juxtaposed to show how their responses to the trials have differed. The article is effective in offering a non-bias summation of the recently renewed case between two technology giants. 

MP 2 TOW 2: The Power of Voting

This past election was an important time in American history. Two very different candidates took the stage, and voters decided the course our country will take for the next four years. However, there were also many Americans that were considering not voting at all. In this political cartoon, Jeff Parker depicts the negativity of their actions. Parker is a cartoonist for the Florida Today, and also draws for various television shows. The cartoon is entitled “What is the most powerful place in America?,” and shows the White House, The Pentagon, the U.S. Capital, and a voting booth which is the selected item. This intends to show where the power of our society truly comes from. It also is meant to encourage possible voters to exercise this power and vote. Irony is used in this cartoon, because the viewers do not expect the most powerful image to be the smallest of the group. Parker also uses color quite well. The red check next to the voting booth is the most vibrant and noticeable color of the piece, drawing attention to it immediately. While the cartoon is rather simple, Parker is quite effective in achieving his purpose. It can become very easy for Americans to forget that they hold the true power because primary elections only happen once every four years. This is instrumental in reminding Americans that their vote truly is important in the grand scheme of things. 

MP 2- TOW #1: To our veterans- thank you for your service

Today is Veterans Day, a time when we all are asked to look back and reflect on our lives, appreciate the ones who have served for us, and be grateful for the liberties and freedoms that they have protected. The title off this article nearly says it all, “To our veterans- thank you for your service.” Cathy Maxwell, a prolific writer in editorials for Fox News, gives tribute to our war veterans in this nicely written, concise yet well-spoken article. It is very important that the article is published on the Fox Website today. Many Americans take their rights and liberties for granted because they have become so accustomed to them. Veterans Day is a spot on the calendar that is set in stone for us to step back and both evaluate and appreciate our proud lives as Americans. This is what Maxwell intends to invoke in her audience of Fox readers. Parallelism of sentences is used quite effectively throughout: for the majority of the article, Maxwell begins each sentence with “Thank you.” This structure is used to show gratitude to war veterans, their spouses, their children, and their parents. Pathos is the most resonating appeal used, with sentences such as, “Thank you for sacrificing time with your families and missing those significant milestones the rest of us take for granted.” An anecdote is included at the concession of the article that serves as a window into the life of a former Air Force officer. By using these three strategies, among others. Cathy Maxwell succeeded in achieving her intentions of gratitude, reflection, and pride in her article “To our veterans- thank you for your service.” 

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/11/11/to-our-veterans-thank-for-your-service/

Outliers: the final post

In the first post, I talked about Gladwell’s unique explanations to success. In this section, he uses these ideas to talk about not only success, but failure as well. He starts by exploring the series of family feuds and deaths that occurred in the Appalachians during the 19^th century. Gladwell proposes that much of this can be attributed to the idea of “culture of honor”; that, according to cultural and geographical ramifications, violence was an acceptable solution of the time. He then explores the very controversial topic of plane crashes, and suggests that a pilot’s heritage and descent is just as to blame as his or her piloting skills. Gladwell also examines the KIPP schooling program, and how its constant focus on continuous learning has helped thousands of underprivileged youth obtain success. Malcolm Gladwell has established his presence as an influential non-fiction writer through his numerous best sellers, including Blink and The Tipping Point. Although some of the excerpts in Outliers are not necessarily related to one another specifically, Gladwell uses them to instill a sense of curiosity and interest in his readers. Due to the diverse amount of topics discussed throughout his book, he appeals to a very wide array of audiences. The people who would buy this book are most likely the ones who are interested in well-supported alternative theories. Gladwell continues to use anecdotes and logos extremely effectively. He also uses well written descriptions of each topic to introduce them, and complex yet necessary diction that is specific to each chapter. The Epilogue is what I believe made Outliers most impactful. Gladwell dares to do something very few non-fiction writers do: he uses his own personal story to enhance the points presented in the previous chapters. By relating his family’s story to the idea of “outliers”, he not only increases his credibility as an author but also as an expert in the subject area.  

TOW #7: Finding musical 'diamonds' in the slums of Paradise City

There is currently a high poverty rate in Brazil, creating very poor living conditions and few options for its youth. Recently, a program was founded that strives to improve upon these issues through music. Students are given violins and free, intensive music lessons once a week. The program’s aim is not only to seek raw talent but also to show the students that they can contribute something to the world. The article was written by Shasta Darlington, an international correspondent for CNN and head of its Brazil branch. Recent surveys suggest that 11 million Brazilians live in favelas with extremely poor living conditions. Musical programs such as this one mean a lot to people who have so little. The article was written to portray the harsh realities of these students and to instill hope for the future. Darlington most likely wrote this article to readers of CNN who are interested in international relations as well as community service.  There are multiple appeals to pathos, most of them attempting to portray the importance and necessity of this program. The most resonating example appears as the last few sentence of the article. "I play with all my heart," she says, breaking down in tears. "If it weren't for music, I'd be a drug addict or a prostitute or out robbing. Because that's the reality here." Anecdotes are also frequently used. Darlington includes quotes and mini-stories of successful people who grew up in the slums of Brazil. After reading the article I feel it was rather effective. Shasta creates a very clear and concise composition that does a great job of both appealing to and engaging with the reader. 

To see more: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/25/world/cnnheroes-brazil-slum-music/index.html?hpt=wo_t4

Nobel Laureates Endorse Obama

There is a letter that has been passed around to all of the living Nobel Prize winners. By signing the letter, the laureates are saying that they endorse President Obama over his rival Mitt Romney. The supporters of this letter claim that Romney is in support of a bill that is not counterproductive and devastating to the countries public research and investment in science. Kenneth Chang is the author, an esteemed science reporter for the New York Times. The article was written at a very opportune time with November 2^nd drawing ever closer. It is very important to show where the two candidates differ when it comes to science. The article was written for readers of the New York Times that are interested in the sciences and value the opinions of Nobel laureates. Anecdotes are used very effectively in the piece; various quotes and descriptions are given from the laureates. This is also an appeal to logos, as the anecdotes give logical support for why Obama’s plan is favored over Romney’s. Chang did a great job of appealing to his audience. His personal writing was concise and logical, however the anecdotes were the most appealing. He was very good at selecting ones that supported his claim, and the piece seemed to flow quite well. It would be hard for anyone who is a strong supporter of the sciences to not be influenced by this article.  

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/nobel-laureates-endorse-obama/?ref=science

Brazilian Anti-tobacco Propaganda

This advertisement is one that depicts a car upside-down, clearly involved in a crash. The front of the vehicle is smoldering with ashes all around it, an image very similar to a cigarette butt. The caption to the right reads, “Do you know how much you really spend on cigarettes?” It was created for a Brazilian company called Tabaconomia, a creator of anti-tobacco propaganda. The creative director for the project was Flavio Waiteman, a prolific advertisement creator in Brazil who has had his works published in numerous magazines. Smokers often buy cigarettes without realizing the true price that they pay. They spend a few dollars on each pack with few immediate consequences. This advertisement attempts to show a different perspective. A comparison is made between the long term deaths caused by smoking and the immediate effects of a car crash. The message is given to an audience of smokers that it doesn’t matter how long cigarettes take to kill you, the result is still the same. It is also interesting that a car metaphor is used because often times there is more than one person harmed in car crashes. This is an appeal to pathos in saying that everyone around the smoker, including his or her family, is affected by secondhand smoke. I believe this is what makes the advertisement most effective. Smokers know they put their lives in danger; it’s often written right on the front of the packs that they purchase. The comparison of a car crash challenges the common conception that they are only harming themselves, and causes the onlooker to think hard about the effects of their actions by tapping into a violent and dangerous cultural memory of car crashes.

Outliers by Malcom Gladwell, Post 1

We as humans attribute many of the causes to success on innate ability. One person is always more talented, smarter, or bigger. This is the reason they succeed. In Outliers, a very different approach is taken. It takes the stance that this assertion is wrong; that much of success can be traced back to opportune timing, extreme preparation and practice, and sometimes even the month that you are born. Malcolm Gladwell, an author of three other bestselling novels and a staff writer for The New Yorker, is the author. Gladwell published and released the book in 2008 in New York City. The book was written to give a well rounded, factually accurate basis for the explanation of success; the cover is subtitled “The Story of Success”. Gladwell has seen time and time again the success of others be attributed to innate talent, and his purpose was to disprove the weight that society places on this factor. The book was written for the many people who fail to analyze success through the facts, but instead hold on to common societal beliefs. The most effective rhetorical devices that are used include appeals to logos and the use of anecdotes. Malcolm Gladwell has a style of including a variety of seemingly unlike descriptions and somehow, almost magically, tying it all together. In this way, he is very effective in accomplishing his purpose because the reader is always both surprised and compelled by the evidence he presents. 

Pro-Romney Political Cartoon

This visual text is a political cartoon. It appears that it is written from a republican viewpoint. It sends the message that, since Obama hasn't gotten enough done in his presidential term, Mitt Romney should be given a chance to change Washington. Randy Bish created the piece. Bish is an author/artist for the Chicago Tribune that specializes in political cartoons. This November, voters will decide that path of America for the next four years. Many Romney supporters believe that to reelect Obama for another four years would be a terrible mistake. They believe he has had enough time to turn things around, and has failed to do so. The purpose of this cartoon is to point out these faults and gain support for Romney, who campaigns on being able to fix Washington. This piece was intended for readers of the Chicago Tribune. I believe it is actually more geared towards democrats, because it attempts to point out the flaws of Barack Obama rather than the advantages of Mitt Romney. An appeal to logos is made in an attempt to logically show that Obama is not the right president for the next four years. It also involves some satire, using Barack Obama’s own words against him. I don’t believe that the author does a very good job of achieving his goal. A direct quote from Barack Obama is used, however it is evident that it is taken extremely out of context. This diminished the credibility of the author and in turn the effectiveness of the cartoon.

The cartoon: http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/0d33e2f4-1a1f-4d0e-b887-eb91d34dfcc4.html 

A turning point for freedom in America, 150 years later

IThis weekend is the 150^th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This document is arguably the most significant one since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, because it played a very large role in keeping America together. Donna Brazile, who is a CNN contributor, vice chairwoman for the Democratic Nation Committee, and Georgetown professor, wrote the article. There is a very important context for the publishing of this article. In less than two months, Americans will be voting to decide the future of their country. Brazile compares Lincoln to Obama in the fact that they both are attempting to close the opportunity gap as well as reduce economic inequality. Therefor, the text was written to help gain Democratic supporters and remind the readers how far our country has come in 150 years. We may be in tough times now, but they were far worse when Lincoln was in office. It will take a strong leader and effective economic reform, but our goals can be reached with the right president in the White House. This article was most likely intended for voters who are still on the edge and unsure whom they wish to vote for come November. Brazile uses compare and contrast and appeals to both ethos and pathos. I do believe that the author accomplished her purpose. Too often when politics is being discussed it is in dollar signs and numbers. This article does a very good job or reminding voters that there are many other things of equal importance. She ends the article with words that effectively urge the people to take action: “Abraham Lincoln would be proud to see the progress we have made. But he also would understand that there is still more work to do. Together. Claim it.”

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/22/opinion/brazile-emancipation-150-anniversary/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Anti-Japan Protests Erupt in China

Tensions are very highly strung in Beijing over some disputed islands. The Japanese currently have control of the land, but the Chinese feel it has been part of their tradition for quite some time. Protestors congregated outside of the Japanese embassy chanting things such as “down with Japanese imperialism.” The article was written by Steven Jiang, a current employee of CNN with employers such as NBC News, CBS News and Channel NewsAsia on his resume. Chinese maritime surveillance ships disobeyed direct orders from Japan by entering the island’s territory. Pressures have risen between the two countries, especially in the Chinese citizens who believe the land is rightfully theirs. The article is instrumental in informing the reader on the current dispute between the two nations, and providing a rationale for each party’s viewpoint on the islands. It seems that it is intended for any person that is not a citizen of either Japan or China, because even though the journalist is Chinese no apparent bias appears in his writing. He uses instances of logos to describe why each nation feels the land belongs to them. Steven Jiang definitely achieved his goal of providing non-bias news. To do this, it was essential that he represent both sides of the argument fairly and equally. He references the context in which the island disputes have started, and ensures a non-opinionated approach.  

For more information see: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/15/world/asia/china-japan-islands/index.html?hpt=wo_c2