Concerns about Proposal Paper

Concerning my Proposal Paper Draft, I really think I need to make modifications to my thesis statement. After writing my statement, I made changes to the body and justifications of my paper, and I need to make the corresponding changes to my thesis. Also, I need to include the "so what" part of my thesis. Additionally, I believe I need to re-read my paper and check the mechanics and organization, and make sure my conclusion ties up the paper the way it should.

Planning Essay 4

My four perspectives for my issue are 1. the government should take a more active and judicial role in the battle against obesity; 2. Government control over obesity-related factors is an infringement of civil liberties, 3. the government should take a more indirect role in the form of policies referred to as nudges; and 4. We do not have enough knowledge or information about the obesity epidemic yet, so no action should be taken until effective actions are researched. My topic sentence is that obesity is a new and modern health crisis, and since it is fairly new, there is much debate and different options over how to solve it. 

I am leaning towards writing a policy paper. My policy paper will either argue that the government should implement more "nudges" to make a stronger effect, or I will argue that more research needs to be done in order to find something that will be successful. I have to think more about which stance I would relate more to, and could formulate an effective argument for. 

I believe I do have an ample amount of sources in order to write this paper. All of my sources are reliable and credible, and provide extremely useful information. Each one varies in opinion and argument. However, I may do further research on empirical data to have a little more support for my proposed policy, and to appeal to the logos of my argument, making it more effective and persuasive. 

In-Class Writing Assignment

Since last Thursday, I made some fairly minor changes to my paper. Overall, I focused on the mechanics of my grammar, and ended up reading portions of it out loud to make sure it's voice sounded clear to my audience. I did not receive comments on my draft, so I was unable to make changes according to a peer's perspective. Before our final portfolio is due, I am sure I will make more changes to my paper and hopefully I will be able to consider a classmate's opinions as well. 

I find the strongest viewpoints of my paper is the organization of my 4 different viewpoints. I put a lot of time into finding 4 different views by 4 different groups of people, and I think (and hope) my organization and explanations of each is clear. 

I am concerned about producing well written work overall. I am concerned about putting all my papers together in order to create a solid and strong portfolio that present my arguments strongly and effectively.

SWA #14

"Chicken in the Henhouse" Response

Sedaris makes an arguement through his short essay that stereotypes and discrimination are harmful and typically inaccurate, and makes the argument of the extent of the damage they are capable of doing. Through out his personal essay, he describes the torturous effect the judgments of others have on his actions and on himself. Through his personal account, he provides a different side of the story that many of his audience are missing. However, he does so in a relate-able away that keeps his readers interested long enough to hear what he has to say. He suggests that the people making such stereotypes are not often as credible or knowledgeable and superior as they appear, in a humorous way. He transforms an ignorant comparison made by "Audrey" into the title of his essay, making a point against prejudice and intolerance. Rather than scaring readers off who may not share the same opinions as him, he keeps them interested long enough to hear his argument, and maybe even in some cases, to side with it.

Exploratory Essay Topic Proposal

The issue I will explore for my assignment is the question whether the government should take a more active role in restricting the market of food products that are fueling the obesity epidemic worldwide. The spread of obesity has become a seriously concerning problem primarily in America in recent times, but also around the world. When such an enormous problem is affecting a whole society, some sort of resolution is imperative. This is how a consumer health issue becomes a political issue. Is it the role of the governmental party of a society to have some form of control over products that are causing harm? Or would such control be a violation of citizen’s freedom and liberties?

                The issue of obesity concerns the entire public population, a body of people exposed to nutrition-lacking and even potentially unsafe foods on a daily basis. If the government takes more control over the food market, it will affect civilian consumption, and arguably their rights. From what I have read so far, everyday people, businessmen, and government officials have various opinions on the issue. Health activists praise the possibility of new health bills, supporting political protection. The food industry criticizes the pro-health policy with concern with its economic effects. Rights-oriented consumer groups also criticize the government action, citing violation of civil liberties. Many middle-class and government officials support action, and call for welfare program modification, which has been used with taxpayer dollars to fuel the obesity epidemic in America.

                My personal interest in this issue results from when we covered this subject in class, while analyzing Jamie Oliver’s visual arguments in the form of his television show. While watching and talking about different episodes, I developed several questions. Why chicken nuggets made from the disgusting portions of a chicken carcass allowed to be sold? Why did the Los Angeles school system fail to address the sugared milk problem, when it was so clearly detrimental for human health? These questions produced a personal interest to discover more about the issue and an explanation for why health and consumer conditions are the way they are currently. Although I have not finished my research, at this point I am favoring the pro-regulation side of the argument, because I believe the government does have a responsibility to protect the people from unsafe products.

My Issue

The problem is whether the government should be more involved in controlling the food market due to the increasing obesity problems worldwide and resulting health problems. It is important because it determines the health of the people and how involved the government should be in their lives. The people affected are the public worldwide. People might disagree on whether the government needs to control the market of unsafe food products, or whether they should keep out of people's own personal choices.

SWA #13

The author of this writing piece is arguing something that has already been argued previously in this class. The Onion is making fun of the point that technology is decreasing American's cognitive power and they are becoming entirely too dependent on technology. This evident by the sarcasm and satire expressed through out the piece through the use of quotes and descriptions. The hyperbole is exemplified by the drastic circumstances of the article, for example, when the entire country is said to be shut down because of the massive block of text. Therefore, making the situation humorous and more relate-able for the general public.