Your assignment for next Wednesday (April 6th) is to find two opinion pieces: one well composed, and one poorly composed. Check out book reviews on Amazon.com, film reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, editorials and columns on the New York Times, letters to the editor in the Arizona Daily Wildcat or Tucson Weekly, etc. Even videos and blogs and Youtube commentary can work, especially if you're looking for some poorly argued opinions... Then, summarize each text, pointing out what was strong about one and weak about the other. Be sure to quote from each. Meanwhile, keep in mind this question: what is it that can make a person change their mind? What doesn't work in an argument? Should be around 200 words or so.
Remember, this is required.
Have a good weekend! See you Wednesday. Go see Cornel West (extra credit opportunity posted below).
One example of a good and bad argument that i found was that of Obama's preacher Reverend Wright and Obama himself. This rant by Obama’s preacher raised a crucial controversy during Obama’s candidacy for presidential nominee. During this rant, reverend Wright blames the American government for the misfortunes of the young black generation. He states “ the government gives them the drugs, build bigger prisons, passes a free strike law, and then wants us to sing God bless America, no, no, no” But this sermon was termed to be controversial because of the reverend’s damnation of America and the American people. He proudly said in this sermon “not God bless America, God damn America”. However, when Obama was confronted with this same issue, he handled it in a more civil and calm tone that made helped ease the situation. Obama explained that “reverend Wright is a social preacher who utilizes the scripture to return hope to the hopeless, and he sometimes bashes white America as a way of encouraging and healing the pain of Black America”. Obama uses a more serene approach to explain the situation ensuring that he doesn’t offend any racial group or another opinion. It is important when trying to convey an argument to say in a polite and inviting tone, so it doesn’t come out as arrogant and long-winded. This is why the reverends point was offensive and controversial while Obama’s wasn’t
ReplyDeleteI have decided to do the argument of alcohol.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehl9wEz3zRA&feature=related.. This video is a great example of a good debate on the alcohol issue. Each states facts and sound very well educated on what they are talking about. Both use valid points to back up their argument.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVdLZEj1_Kk I found this to be a poor example of the argument because all they did were show facts on the screen. People need to know more and not just shown what it does. Also it seemed as though the issue was simply being made fun of.
-meeshelay
Good Opinion
ReplyDeleteIn the article, “Is Dr. King’s achievement at risk?” written and expressed by the opinion of Donna Brazile, she points out how the voting rights and the equally that Dr. King created over forty years ago is being changed today. She gives specific examples as to which states are going behind the governments back and instead to trying to get things the way they want it; they take matters into their own hands. Brazile shows that Republican states are trying to change the policies that were made by the Supreme Court over forty years ago, and make sure that matters start to go their way again before the times of Dr. MLK. She expresses how people should continue to live by his legacy, and “reach the other side [of the Promised Land] together as a nation.”
Bad Opinion
In the video, “Ethiopian Woman Says Her Peace (Why Asian Men Don’t Want Black Women,) I believe the Ethiopian woman expressing her opinion about black women is a horrible portrayal of herself as a woman and her own heritage. How she puts her points together are ridiculous and she says that black women are desperate and are the most desperate women in the world. She points out that black women have no chance of dating outside of their race. She brings up the fact that “Black American” only applies to the descendents of West African slaves, and does not even know that all “Black Americans” come from the same place. Before slaves were taken from Africa they were united as one nation, and she does not seem to realize that that is where she comes from also. She should truly learn of her own history and heritage before she goes on to rant about how she is different from them. Also, as she continues to devalue women, she in a sense is also putting down herself as a woman to show that she also falls into the category she is trying to take herself out of. Overall, it is a horrible opinion piece, but great in the means of a discussion topic.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe two arguments I choose are based on PEMEX an oil company Mexico owns and has now decided to privatize it, this bringing controversy. First argument http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdK_JSLF07w involves pictures, music, and a whole lot of questions. The argument is a YouTube video, which is most likely against the privatizing of Mexico’s oil company PEMEX. Although it had many pictures involving PEMEX’s logos and Mexican citizens walking in groups it failed to tell the audience what exactly is going on due to the fact that the pictures sometimes feel to be put at random. Despite the collage of logos and groups of Mexicans what really seemed out of place and in a way undermined his argument was the music; it played the song titled Stand By me. The said argument had no history no explanation of why he chose to go against privatization, and only wanted the audience to “stand by him”. The second argument had more to say on the matter of privatizing the oil company in Mexico, PEMEX. Jonathan Howell’s Privatization of PEMEX to me embodies the perfect argument, it had background, facts, and most important his argument towards why he is for privatizing PEMEX. Howell uses the facts he found in order to persuade the reader and gives background to undermine nationalization of PEMEX. I feel that this is what a persuasive argument must look like or at least has those characteristics.
ReplyDeleteBad Argument:
ReplyDeleteOne of the arguments that I encountered was on the subject of undocumented immigrants. Two girls decided to make a video on YouTube stating their opinions about politics. Similar to the blonde air-head form UCLA, the pair got in front of the camera and began their rant. They went on to give a plethora of “advice” on how to deal with the “illegals”. The girls made comments about how they just want to “roll up all the illegals into a burrito and eat them” . The duo also went on to say that those who are here illegal should, “Just cross back over to Mexico and get a green card” and that it was “Not that hard”. The inaccuracy of their statements made it clear just how misinformed they were about the immigration process. The process of getting a green card takes years and the process is in fact, THAT HARD. Their arguments were both inaccurate and inconsiderate to say the least.
Good Argument:
A good argument I heard was in INDV class. My professor was talking about how we do not live in a colorblind society no matter how badly people would like to believe. She went on to say that those who think we are in a colorblind society are primarily a part of the dominant culture or those who have been conditioned by their parents to put the blame on all other things but race. Our professor explained about how we still live in a very racist society. She shared to us the concept about active and passive racism and assured us that we are all living in a racist smog. If we hear a friend or family member making a racist comment it should be our first reaction to stop them. Even if we are not the ones telling the joke or laughing along to what is being said, by being the quiet bystander we are letting racism live on.
Cell phone radiation
ReplyDeleteFrom Larry King CNN interview with scientists
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6edEpKISAw
Bad argument: The thing that makes me disbelieve that cell phones are dangerous to my health is that the battery is so small. Even if the whole battery were to discharge in a way to shock me, I guess it could do some real damage to a small area, but it can't do too much, so thinking about it, maybe the electromagnetic fields and radio frequencies could disrupt your cells. What about headphones then? Tv's in a small room? Maybe people who are bald are more vulnerable?
This shows that clearly, the reader didn't do any research on the topic. This user talks about small battery to to bald person doesn't have anything with radiation. The fact that this person believe that the battery is so small that it can't "shock" her/him is nonsense. If you charge your phone and a day later, your battery run out, where did the energy go? and with the recharging cycle keep going, where does the majority of the energy go if it's home is in your pocket?
Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family by Devra Davis
Good argument: The book will reveal how both scientists and the industry have, for decades, known about the adverse effects that radiofrequency causes on the brain. It will tell you how radiofrequency is, in fact, being used in clinical medicine, to allow drugs to penetrate into the brain of cancer patients, where they kill tumor cells. If radiofrequency can be used in this way, to allow medication from the bloodstream to penetrate the brain and treat tumors, imagine what happens when the same radiofrequency allows all the chemicals and toxins from the blood, which are normally kept away from the nervous system, to enter the brain and cause disease!
This argument is very detailed and clear. The user started to talk a little bit about both sides of coin. Then the user talks about the positive use of emf wave radiation and then suggests to readers about the potential negative health affect on humans with the same way that emf radiation was use to cure disease. This gives an argument that make the people on the other side of the coin rethink about the potential health risks that cell phone radiation has.
Mr.T
Good Opinion
ReplyDeleteThe article on yahoo sports titled “Lamb takes torch, carries UConn to the crown” written by Gerry Ahern is an example of a good portrayal of an opinion conveyed onto text. He gives background on what happened in the NCAA tittle game, and how a young freshman UConn player Jeremy Lamb helped Kemba walker and the team win its 3rd title in school’s history. The article states specifically how Jeremy lamb was be able to contribute to the tittle run, hitting shots when he needed to, and coming out aggressive to play the second half like the coach asked of him. Everything that a leader needed to be, Jeremy Lamb is slowing stepping up to fill up that roll for the huskies if Kemba Walker does leave for the draft. Like Gerry Ahern stated in his article, “The young Lamb is poised to become the lead lion for a defending national champion”.
Bad Opinion
Joe Dumers needs to be FIRED!!! He destroyed this team with his ego. He had a team that played awesome D. High scoring teams like Dallas, and the Suns couldn't score 80 points on them. But Dumers wasn't satisfied with ugly hard fought games. He wanted high scoring games. Remember Mr. Joe Dumars You had Chauncey Billups (Pg) Mr. Big shoot, Richard Hamilton (Sg) Reggie Miller Jr. ,Tayshaun Prince (Sf) Rasheed Wallace (Pf) Ben Wallace (C) The Shaq Stopper. These guys BEAT Down the Laker Nation to win a title. They went back and lost to Spurs in 7 hard fought games. But, you didn't like that cause they didn't score a lot of points. so, you destroyed that team. Look at what you have now. You need to be FIRED!
A comment from a sports fan on yahoo sports.
The article is about Detroit Piston’s point guard being benched because he refused to enter in the fourth quarter game with the Bulls on Friday night. The fan’s comment above is about Joe Dumars the president of basketball operations for the Pistons. The fan stated everything but the issue that the article was about, he blamed Dumars for tearing up the team that beat the Lakers, which was 6-7 years ago. He is obviously upset that the Piston’s team that was so powerful was broken up, but that is no reason to rant about that on a Stuckey article about him being bench. He fan wants Dumars to be fired because of what happened, yet he does not understand that there are a lot more things go on behind closed door in a NBA organization, it is not always one person’s fault that certain players are no longer with the team.
Bad Argument
ReplyDeleteI found Donald Trump's belief that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States to be a pretty bad argument. What makes his argument bad is that his claims as to why Obama is not a legal citizen have already been disproven. For example, Trump said that “nobody remembered Obama as a child in Hawaii,” even though the president's kindergarten teachers and others had given interviews about Obama as a kid. Later on it was mentioned that the governor of Hawaii recalled Obama being born, to which Trump said “I think this guy should be investigated. He remembers when Obama was born? Give me a break.” In one instance Trump is doubtful of Obama's citizenry because “nobody remembers him” and in another example he is doubtful because somebody remembers the president's birth.
Good Argument
Some time in February, a constituent asked Rep. Paul Broun, “Who's going to shoot Obama?” This happened about a month and a half after the January 8 shooting and Broun simply decided to ignore the question. However, CNN Political Contributor Roland S. Martin argued that Broun was wrong by only dismissing the question. In Martin's opinion, Broun should have said, “Sir, how dare you? I don't care if you disagree with the policies of President Obama; I don't care if you are a Republican and he's a Democrat; that man is the president of the United States, and you or anyone else should be ashamed of making light of shooting our president...Sir, I ask you to apologize right now; to me, to the people in this room, and to the president.” Martin had a good argument because he voiced his opinion in a respectful manner that helped address the issue of violence toward politicians and people in general.
One controversy that I found rather interesting was Rihanna’s latest video S&M created by video producer Melina Matsoukas famous for producing other videos for Rihanna such as “Rude Boy”. The video to S&M stirred up many offensive viewers complaining that the video was too “racy”. In this video Rihanna is shown doing vulgar actions while having words written all over her body like “whore”. The video was banned in 11 countries. The producer of the video Matsoukas’ opinion is this…
ReplyDelete“When I go out to make something, I kind of go out with the intention to get it banned – [well] not to get it banned, I always want my stuff played – but to make something provocative. So when you do something that’s provocative, that’s usually a repercussion. It’s gonna be talked about or banned or slandered in some way. But it’s making an effect and people are having a dialogue about it, so, to me, that’s successful. I think that the imagery follows suit with what the song is. I wouldn’t play down the imagery for a song that’s so strong. It makes sense to develop it further and really take it there. So if they don’t want to play it, [fans] can watch it somewhere else. I mean, the song is called ‘S&M’!”
I think that the producer knew what the consequences of this video would turn out to be based on the controversy that it gives a fair argument that she is trying to portray which is take it as it is. If someone does not want to watch the video they do not have to.
A blogger’s opinion was offended by Rihanna’s new video, Gina McCauley says, “I may not be the target audience, but seriously, this video is lazy and so is the song. Rihanna didn't record this song and video for any reason other than to be provocative.” The blogger goes on saying how another artist has found the easy way out to make a career and money by being sexual. She also relates Rihanna to other artists such as Madonna, and Janet Jackson who did the same thing as Rihanna.
After reading the second article my mind changed from the first opinion to agreeing with the second one.
McCauley Gina. “Counterfeit S&M Controversy”. BV. Feb. 8, 2011. Viewed April 3,2011. http://www.bvonmoney.com/2011/02/08/-sandm-controversy-rihanna-banana-sex-sells/
Natalie. “Melina Matsoukas Defends S&M”. Rihanna Daily. April 3,2011. Viewed April 3,2011. http://rihannadaily.com/2011/02/05/melina-matsoukas-defends-sm/
Video of Rihanna S&M blocked on youtube.
-Noelle writer
The Good...
ReplyDeleteThe movie "The Hangover" is about a small group of men that decide to take a trip to Las Vegas in celebration of one of their closest friend marriage. During their stay they are faced with numerous and constant problems. It starts out when they are on a roof top making toasts with an alcoholic beverage, and going out for fun. When they wake up, they have no clue what happened the night before. It is said that the age group that received the most enjoyment would be in the early to mid twenties.
The Bad...
The arguments about "Saw VI" were bad because they all said the same thing. They were extremely repetitious when saying "The movie was un-enjoyable because the same guy in all of the movies was doing all of the killing." I think that in any argument, it would be appropriate to bring up fresh, new facts to support the new things that they find wrong with the movies.
-TURBO
I would have to specify my arguments and debates on two articles I found and read about. The two were brought to my attention as I was searching one article, but the other was mentioned in my LRC-239 class. The first one that was brought to my attention was an article in “Arizona Daily Wildcat News”. The article was about tuition increasing. As I was introduced and we researched this article in my class, we realized it was a good article that could have all students at the University of Arizona debating or having a response to this decision that President Shelton has thought of doing. It’s a good article that we could argue about in this case. It can have stir-ups of students in having to pay more for college. Debates were causing about the payments having to use library, recreational centers, and much more in class. Everyone also seemed to be a part of it. Every student was focused on.
ReplyDeleteThe second article was, “Mock Border Vandalized”. This was another article that only grabbed my attention because of the picture that was shown in introducing the article. I read through this article and it made it a vague story to talk about. It’s pretty simple for some people not thinking of what happens with immigrants, but there are others who do care. Reading through the article it is said to most likely have students who care about immigrants or the things that are occurring with them, do something about it.
An important thing to have as you come up with an argument is have a strong argument and interesting one. It is said to be popular for the audience you are aiming to grab. It’s important to have a person question also on the title that is given in the article. All these things are very important for articles.
-Diana Raquel Garcia
Bad Argument:
ReplyDeleteOne article piece I found that was poorly reviewed was from the San Diego channel 8 news article about the increase among local teens on the use on Hookah. I found a reviewers opinion very poorly stating “Oh whatever hookah is just a phase and doesn't contain nicotine if you get cancer its cuz you went out of your way to do it no one is making the decision for you. Just dont let minors into hookah bars that's all.” This was poorly stated because the person was being defiant and also lacking in approaching the article with respect. They were highly upset not realizing it was inserted on the internet and everyone could see it using bad behavior. This can mislead and turn the audience away because they were negative and low in expressing their opinion appropriately.
Good Example:
A good example is from the magazine Sister 2 Sister. The magazine was stating the lack of influences among youths. The reviewer was very appropriate and expressing their opinions very maturely. By stating ‘For some reason our youth are having a hard time staying on the right track. They are into so many things that could negatively affect them. That push is not their anymore that I got when I was younger. I always had someone pushing me to do better even if I didn't need to be pushed. I see young people not going to school, they are fearful instead of being fearless. Their is so much opportunity for our young men and women but too many don't have the will or the motivation to go out there and get it. I am so glad that I am one who will help make a difference. I started a youth organization called New Beginnings that works with teens ranging from ages 10-19 years old. We provide mentoring, tutoring, college readiness and more. It's time for us to take a stand, encourage our young men and women to do better God bless.” This insert was very detailed with their background history and giving advice on how to improve the factor positively. This argument can make the audience second think and agree with the issue.
My argument is whether or not you should like Katy Perry.
ReplyDeleteThe good argument was made online on the dailywildcat on April 4, 2011. This piece is named "Why I hate Katy Perry (and you should too). The author focuses on one of her songs called "You're so gay" obviously offending homosexuals around the nation. The author makes her look like a ruthless, mean, idiot who only cares about herself. She uses persuasive sentences, such as: "But it's still extremely disquieting that ASUA would bring an awful pop star to our institution rather than a more worthy artist." Her argument is very biased but it allows people who do like her to feel like they should read it, for example: " If you're not convinced, or you're unfamiliar with Perry, read on."
On the other hand, there are many bloggers who write about her music videos on youtube.com and tend to not be very persuasive. This could be because they are not writing an opinionated piece, but keep in mind that blogs are based on the 'blogger's' opinion about the artist. One example that stood out to me was "Thumbs up if you don't like Katy Perry's music, but think she's fucking hot. :]" This allows the reader to base whether or not he/she likes her solely on looks and sex appeal. The reason this kind of writing is not appealing is because it sounds uneducated and vulgar (by using words like "fucking" "thumb's up", ect.)
My argument is the Results of UFC 127 Penn vs. Fitch
ReplyDeleteGood Argument: in this article on Espn by Brian Knapp shows how the fight ended up in a draw and how the judges scored the fight. HE really was making a big statement that it was a right decison on the draw. He sometimes leaned to one fighter but then switched to another. "A third scored it 29-28 for Fitch, who dominated Penn with top control and heavy ground-and-pound in the third round." Right there he makes the case for Fitch made it difficult for the judges to score the fight."The gifted Hawaiian scored with takedowns in each of the first two rounds and secured back control on Fitch, threatening him with chokes from behind". He really didnt pick one side because he agreed witht the decison.
Bad Argument: I found a video on Youtube were someone got their web cam camera and told their opinion about what they thought about the fight. I really could not take him serious niether did the people that commented in his video. He thought he knew alot about MMA but he sometimes messed up on what happened during the fight. THe biggest mistake he said was that it was a 5 round fight when it was only a 3 round fight because it was not a title fight.
Good Opinion
ReplyDeleteThe good opinion piece I found was the editorial section in the Arizona Daily Wildcat on the day of April 4th, 2011. The editor talked about the dragged out process of the presidential elections. Previously the two candidates Hernandez and Allen were disqualified for spending to much money in promoting their names. They feel that the ASUA is correct in their expenditures. The editor names the person that is holding the process up and the reason why there has not been a special election yet. ASUA Supreme Court has dropped the charges against both candidates but still there is no special election for them. Michael Colletti is the problem that is making the candidates hell. It’s been 26 days since the last election happened.
Bad Opinion
The bad opinion piece I found was on YouTube. Most of the videos turn into bad opinion because people have the options to leave comments about the video or whatever is on their minds. For the video “Far Away” by Marsha Ambrosius her video had two homosexual men in it. The audience either enjoyed that she does not discriminate or that they did not enjoy seeing two men in a relationship together. When a person has the freedom of speech on YouTube sometimes things can get out of hand. In this video’s comments people referred to how God either disliked what she displayed in the video or how he accepts everyone no matter how they are. It is like a war between what you say.
A bad argument I feel is when nothing gets proven. A good argument is where a person is able to see both sides and decide which one is correct.
An example of a strong oppinion piece was found in the New York Times Editorial. The work covers the conroversial decision to not try the 9/11 terrorist attack planner in Newe York City. The author uses the facts and manipulates the reader to his view; that the decision was wrong. The argument is strong because the author is well informed and can make an intellegent oppinion based on the facts and history behind the case.
ReplyDeleteA very poor example of an arugment ws found on youtube. The title of the the video was Cow's opinion on Michale Vick's reinstatement to the NFL. First of all this piece is lacking in intelegence beacause the opinion is being given by a cox pupet. Secondly this piece doesnt really say much about the controversy itself.
link to video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9hhKliuyyo
USA Today in the Opinions Section, on April 6, 2011 there was an interesting argument that caught my eyes. The current Wal-mart, gender discrimination case that seems to be pretty controversial even when it comes to whether the Supreme Court should allow it to continue. There was an editorial in The Wall Street Journal, that was calling Wal-mart a “passive enabler,” when it comes to gender discrimination but going against such a “unsympathetic company,” might have “enough political momentum to carry the day, but their legal theories are an affront to the law and common sense.” This article points out the interesting aspects of this argument, making it seem like it could be almost useless to go against such a giant company with words of the mouth by only a ‘few’ women. This argument is slightly both weak and strong, this goliath company against an almost gender whisper.
ReplyDeleteThen a columnist of the The Huffington Post sort of surprised me saying, “We should not assume that culture only has power when it is enacted in law by way of company manual, city ordinance, or congressional act.” This is the strong but slightly weaker in argument out of these two articles because well, the columnist Kent Greenfield takes a more culture based side of this argument rather than gender. The article saying that discretion is not an answer for discrimination, which is true but does not go into further explanation.
-Rachelle Star
In continuation to my controversy essay, I chose to find two arguments on Eminem's interview with Anderson Cooper in 60 Minutes.
ReplyDeleteOne commentator on Youtube chose to leave his opinion on why he looked up to Eminem,
"I look up to Eminem so much, Having such a bad childhood yet rising above it, is very inspirational, Also pursuing his dream even though he takes constant criticism makes me believe I can accomplish anything with time and hard work. Thank you Eminem".
Although at first I believed it was a well formulated opinion as I reread it, I realized it lacked several key things. I believe it is too vague. This argument could be stronger if the commentator expanded his idea a bit more, explaining why his talents are worth looking up too. Sure, Eminem dealt with his fair share of obsticales but so has the majority of the Music industry, why is he different than others?
I read a post on the CBS website which I thought showed Eminem's talents as an artist and showed an open minded elderly person explaining why Eminem should be admired and why people should praise his talents.
My grandson (15) and I are both big fans of Eminem. We watched the 60 Minutes segment together and have shared Em?s music many times. He is a rare entertainer, in that nothing he does is contrived. His music is real, from the heart, and more brutally insightful than Freud could have ever been. Marshall is able to articulate his insight like no other, and with the amazing flare of a true artist. (That word ?artist? is thrown around casually today by so many, but back ?in the day,? only a chosen few were called artists.) Eminem is one of those extremely rare, gifted people ? a true artist. Bravo to 60 Minutes for running this piece.
Good Argument:
ReplyDeleteThe good argument was made in the New York Times Editorial in the article “The Possibilities of Online Learning”. This article makes the reader agree with te author's point. The author uses many good strategies to convince the reader that online classes are better than typical school. I found myself agreeing with the author because he seemed to make a many valid points. He pointed out that “Learning is no longer bound by artificial schedules, random teacher assignments or age segregation. Students feel more connected than in “school” where talking is the No. 1 infraction and teacher access is severely curtailed.” Here he uses evidence that we all know is true and states that without talking, kids will be able to learn more. And then the author ends the article with: “The computer’s real power lies in how it allows kids to learn and do new things in new ways unimaginable just a few years ago.” making it seem that the author has a valid point.
Bad Argument:
Youtube Video
“Cenk Uygur is actually an Agnostic of Turkish descent that criticizes all religions. There is no such thing as a beautiful religion. Islamic art is beautiful, Christian architecture is beautiful, Jewish art is beautiful, the belief in a supernatural dictator and a willingness to suspend critical faculties in the endeavour to please that imaginary postulate is not beautiful. It destroys lives, starts wars, exterminates cultures and religion is thankfully disappearing.” Here the argument is that religion is a bad idea. Though the idea that religion starts wars can never be proven that is the main argument. The youtube commentator states “religion is thankfully disappearing” and that is something that does not seem likely. The commentator does not do a good job in proving his point and does not convince the reader of his point.
Pro Life-good debate
ReplyDeleteThe woman began to talk about what constitutes life by saying. If the fetus is not alive doesn’t a heart beat , rapid growth, all show signs of life?” and “If not what kind of life it is it?” She also made the point that the only thing that separates our first stage of life to until our moment in death are size, development level. Environment, and our degree of independence.. She use factual evidence to support her stance. I love how she broke down the democratic statement “Legal, safe. and rare” She said if its safe then why is there a 27% infertility rate, future complication during another pregnancy, 39 studies proving abortion can cause breast cancer, and a high post abortion depression rate. If it is rare then why will 4,000 babies be aborted by the end of this debate.
Pro-Choice-poor debate
The girl who debated the for pro-choice was terrible. She tried to use humor for a subject that involves killing human beings. She frequently contradicted herself by saying that she agrees life begins at conception, and that abortion should not happen. She went on by stating that it is the democratic goal to make abortion rare, yet deomcratrics are fighting to have it legalized. She also stated that abortion will happen anyways whether it is legal or not by process of a coat hanger. That agruement alone is ridiculous, I highly doubt that will be the leading solution to an unplanned pregnancy.
The pro-choice debator lacked confidence and reasoning. She contradicted herself and she was very repetitive. Her use of humor is what I didn't like the most because it is not a humorous topic and never will be.
Pro-life debator used facts to support her views and she also challenged the opposed arguemnt. I like her confidence and her passion.
In order to change someones mind I believe you must relate to real life circumstances, be assertive, and show understanding of both view points. I know the pro-life debate won because she showed all of these triats along with passion, research, and structure.
Asiac
My source http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUixOwWcDpQ&feature=related
ReplyDelete-asiac
Kirkus' review of 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson was a very well worded and organized review. He captures the audience in a way that lets the audience know that he feels strongly about Hodgkinson's novel. Kirkus opens the review by saying "What comes after surviving? asks Hodgkinson in her ambitious, emotionally incisive first novel theaded with primitive human instincts for safety and companionship." And then he goes on with an increasingly deep summary of the novel. It's almost as if she lived the story that Amanda Hodgkinson tells in 22 Britannia Road. Kirkus does extremely well with using the correct adjectives when explaining any part of the book.
ReplyDeleteWhile Kirkus' review of 22 Britannia Road was a great review, his Review of Julia Franck's The Blindness of the Heart wasn't all that great. He did do a good job with summarizing the work but he used too many adjectives in doing so and it was a bit of a mess.
ReplyDeleteThe 1st bad argument i found was this lady on you-tube, it really isn't an argument but it is more of a rant. The link to the video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUYCiSGdIpk. Her main purpose of doing the video was to tell her viewer's why she didn't believe in God. She started the video by telling us sh was an atheist and she was born into a christian family and then she went on to tell us in her own way why she didn't believe in religion. She never hit the nail on the head, she was so fidgety, she was giving me enough reasons as to why she doesn't believe in God. If i was contemplating being an atheist or remaining in my religion based on her rant, i would sincerely remain in my region because she was just going back and forth, she did not sound convincing and i feel like her video should even be taken off because she was neither here nor there. Also she made the statement "i am bot trying to change your mind" and i felt like she was saying that to be in a 'safe' spot so that no one would attack her.
ReplyDeleteI really didn't find a good enough argument but i remember one that i heard when i was in high school. It was a debate amongst student and the topic was on political parties. The one student's argument that was so interesting was one that gave enough facts to oppose the other students opinion and also in the same token boost his argument, it was so much fun to listen to and i must say that i learned from him.
The Colbert Report is a satirical news show where Stephen Colbert acknowledges the other side of his argument and turns it into a joke. He appears to represent conservative white males, but he uses satire to tear through some of their logic. For instance, on his show he did a bit on how political Senator Mitch Micanel felt that after the earthquake incident in Japan, we shouldn't try to do things about this. Stephen agreed with him by saying: "Right after a mega environmental activity is not the best time to prevent another one,"This quote came with a statement on the side after he said that saying "It would ruin the surprise". Humor is a great persuasive tool because an argument can easily be implemented into someone's mind without them taking offense if they do not believe it. What is exceptional about Colbert's satire is that it does address the other side of the argument. That is what he is dealing with for the most part, but he pokes fun at the other argument in order to suggest the opposite opinion is best.
ReplyDeleteOn youtube I found this quote on Drake's video Forever: "...there arent enough famous rappers for me to respect canadas hip hop society maybe im wrong but everytime i hear about canada it's these fake G's in toronto thinking they're gangsters (gang-stirs) boy would i like to show them real g-units." This evaluation does not share a criteria for what makes one a "real gangster". Conversely, a "fake gangster" is also not defined, so this opinion can not be carried on to other people because it isn't necessarily able to be grasped. Also since taste and views of music and musicians is subjective to a person, this person's view cannot be suggested to one who has a bias to Canadian artists. There needs to be a level of musicality that can be identified by facts in order for a valid argument to be created when it comes to music.
I chose an argument about student's learning through online courses on New York Times open for discussion forum.
ReplyDeleteGood argument :
"I think online classes are a good idea when the course involves lots of reading and self-learning. Commenting on online discussion forums is helpful for shy students and actually increases time spent reading and writing. I took several online courses at a local community college when I was a full-time student at an out-of-state university. I loved it because I paid about $500 to take a gen-ed that I wasn't engaged in, such as mythology 101, instead of paying $3,000 for a full-time course at my regular college. I was able to take more credits each semester and ended up graduating a year early, which meant a year of full-time employment rather than student loans. It saved me a bundle. However, I also took computer programming online after college and vowed never to do online again. When I actually wanted to learn the material and would have benefitted from student interaction, there was none. I worked really hard without meeting the professor and felt that I shouldn't have paid tuition. Instead, I should have studied online or through a book. It was a complete waste. So overall, I think online learning is great for the right student and course, but a horrible idea for the wrong student and course. That should be kept in mind for younger students, too."
I think this is a good argument because it presents both sides of the argument, both positive and negative, assuming that online learning might not be right for everyone, but it is in some cases very useful.
Bad argument:
"As a student that just went through a Masters program, I was forced to take online over onground for some of my courses. This was extremely frustrating to me as I learn better from a face to face interaction. I felt the online courses lacked in several areas, particularly in the student discussion area. The natural rapport that happens in a classroom is difficult if not impossible to recreate online. The information that was presented for the coursework could be identical to what was presented for the onground couse, but the interaction between the students and the professor was never the same. It was stilted, inelegant and often smacked of automaton-like responses rather than the flow of real discussion. I would suggest that whenever possible students need onground class with human interaction. This is the basis for how we will conduct ourselves in jobs and in social spheres for the rest of our lives. To suggest that online classes can reproduce this complex environment is naive at best and dangerously detrimental at worst. That said, I do believe there is a place for online classes as a means to teach when there are no other options, but this should be a last resort for institutions and students alike (for example, distance learning). Don't use online learning as a cheap substitute. It harms students and the reputations of the institutions."
I think that this is a bad argument, because its written by someone who is probably into the classroom environment, its very biased and it doesn't present the entire argument.
this is also a poor argument because it uses pathos rather than logos:
"I am completely against to teach kids online learning.This idea is horrible you to kill young people social norms.In classroom we cooperate competitive with other student. Class room learning is just like friendly discussion..Most important class room learning is human touch.How can we create a human touch in online learning.If you want kill creativity and want to make kids robot let them learn on online."
-http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/04/05/can-young-students-learn-from-online-classes/the-possibilities-of-online-learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2S91qp5uTU Obama’s speech in Tucson, AZ is a perfect example of a well established argument. In this speech he not only tries to comfort the pain the families and friends of the victims feel but also establishes an important political idea: anger is not a way of expressing one’s political stance. Not only the speech itself convinces people that it’s time for us to stop fighting and improve the way we communicate with others that have different political ideas, but also Obama’s gestures and pauses add credibility to the speech. He makes a small gesture to emphasize certain parts of the speech and pauses to let the audience think after saying an important line.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms3ruN-joxU Phil Davison’s speech for an election is an epitome of a horrible argument. He not only can’t stay calm and look at the audience, but also stumps around which distracts the listeners from concentrating to his speech. His speech is also not convincing because he keeps saying how Republican he is instead of persuading people with certain political tactics that can help the community. Davison starts yelling at the audience in the middle of the speech and this is not a good way of making people to listen to him because it provokes anxiety among the audience.
The 6th floor blog in the New York Times by David Vecsey argues that Nickelodeon and other children networks need to be careful of what they are appealing to kids. Vecsey brings to attention on Nickelodeon kids choose awards Snoop Dog made an appearance and does not feel he should have been there or at least been put on stage. “But Snoop Dogg as crossover star into children’s entertainment just doesn’t work for me.” Snoop Dog did not do anything revealing or wrong but that fact he brings up is that children are going to wonder whom he is a put some research into him and find out that Snoop Dog does not have music right for children to listen to, “My kids will discover Snoop and the rest of the world on their own eventually.” I think that David Vecsey makes a good point about Snoop Dog being on Nickelodeon with the fact so many children watch it.
ReplyDeleteSucker Punch reviews on the movie were not too great. People did not enjoy the film and were not impressed by the movie. “Manages to be ugly, stupid, offensive, depressing, sexist and boring in equal measures” Clem Bastow from the vine feels that this movie was not met up to the needs as it was put out to be. “A creatively bankrupt succession of fetishy bromides – steampunk, Asimov, medieval times, and (personal fave!) a woman in a sailor suit, sucking on a lollipop and calling it feminism ’cause she carries a gun, too,” Kimberly Jones from Austin Chronicle does not feel this is fit for children and not very appealing that it has mixed appeals for children and adults.
-Sunflower
Good Argument:
ReplyDeleteWith the NCAA Basketball National Championship I found an article on how “Lamb takes torch, carries UConn to the crown” by Gerry Ahern. This is a good argument because he shows background on the UCONN team and stats that support his argument. He tells how Jeremy Lamb who is a freshman contributed to the team's win with the help of Kemba Walker. Also stating how Lamb stepped up and took control of the team since Walker will be leaving. Gerry Ahern understood the background of the team and was able to make a good statement about it.
Bad Argument
When Texas A&M women's basketball won the NCAA National Championship, there were many comments in an article that was meant to be positive called "Texas A&M's title gives women's basketball some new blood" by Jeff Eisenberg there were many comments about women's basketball. One person said
"Yeah, women's basketball is so entertaining. That must be why it's such a commercial success, or should I say suckcess. The only way anyone would watch this trash is if they payed the fans."
the comment goes on about how women's basketball sucks compared to men's basketball. This is a bad argument because he doesn't say anything about how it sucks just compared to men's basketball.Which makes his argument on how women's basketball isn't good, seems extremely rude and annoying.
The question on whether to lower the drinking, or to maintain the current law is an extremely controversial topic. There are many opinions as to which path is correct, and many arguments have contributed to the controversy. Both pros and cons exist for lowering the drinking age to 18, and the following source has provided good reasoning both in favor of, and against lowering the drinking age. I will focus on the strong and weak arguments in favor of lowering the drinking age. On the website http://poststar.com/article_8334b636-0e12-11df-8d80-001cc4c002e0.html#vmix_media_id=74387451, they state that “Turning 18 entails receiving the rights and responsibilities of adulthood to vote, serve on juries, get married, sign contracts, and join the military,” implying that 18 year olds should be able to decide for themselves on whether to drink or not. I believe this a great point because as an 18 year old, I have taken on all the responsibilities accompanying adulthood, such as being charged with increasingly harsh consequences for crimes. This website makes another fantastic point when the state “It would be more effective to spend money on educating youth about alcohol than to spend it on enforcement of drinking laws for 18- to 20-year-olds.” This involves spending money on something positive such as education, rather than wasting money on enforcing laws that are continuously broken. The more teens are educated on drinking, the less society will have to deal with disciplining young adults who break the law. The final excellent point that the website has provided as a pro to lowering the drinking age, is an issue violating our constitution. Maintaining the current drinking age of 21 “is discrimination against the particular age group of 18- to 20-year olds.” Our nation has worked hard to eliminate discrimination, yet somehow it lives on in the legal drinking age. While this website offers many good arguments as to why the drinking age should be lowered, it also provides some very weak arguments.
ReplyDeleteIn the same article they state that “When adolescents are not taught to drink in moderation, they end up binge drinking.” Although this may be true in some cases, it is not true for all, making it an opinion rather than a fact. We could not expect the government to change a law based on an opinion. If the government did do that, then the country would be in complete chaos. Another example of the website providing opinions rather then facts is when they wrote “Lowering the drinking age will make alcohol less of a taboo, take away the thrill that many young people get from breaking the law.” It is true that some young adults get a thrill from breaking the law, but yet again, this is not true for everyone. Thus, changing the drinking age to 18 will result in some young adults seeking different ways to get this “thrill” by breaking alternate laws. This issue is very controversial, and remains without an anecdote.