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.

Annotated Bibliography

"Government Calls Time on Obesity." Proxy Login - University Libraries - USC. Web News Wire, 17 Oct. 2011. Web. 31 Oct. 2011. <http://galenet.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/servlet/HWRC/hits?r=d>.

This particular article does not originate from the United States, as I expected. Rather, it is an example that obesity is in fact a global epidemic. The data and opinions originate from England, which is also suffering from the same troubles as the United States. However, it does not place the blame on the government. Instead, it calls for people to take responsibility for their own actions, citing data and facts to support their beliefs. The article is not objective because it is an opinion. However, I believe this makes it more valuable. I will be able to use it as a viewpoint in my paper as a result. The interest of the article is for the general public, who is also the audience. I learned from this article that obesity is also a problem in other countries, thus qualifying this as a global issue.

 

 

Massachussetts: Food reform to fight obesity. US Official News, 2011. Print.

 Harvard University of Massachusetts issued a press release regarding food reform in Massachusetts. The article summarizes how the government is rather than solving the obesity epidemic of America, it is stimulating it. By funding the food stamp program, the authors claim that the United States government is allowing American consumers to purchase cheaper, nutrition-lacking foods. Meanwhile, the prices of organic healthy foods and fresh produce remain expensive. Therefore, the author aims blame at the government, suggesting it is their responsibility to correct the obesity problem. This particular source is very valuable due to the credentials of its contributors, including doctors from the Harvard School of Public Health. However, there is a bias present because the government's viewpoint is not represented.

"Kansas Receives USDA Grants to Help Alleviate Obesity, Promote Healthy Eating And Physical Activity." Targeted News Service (TNS). Athena Information Solutions Pvt. Ltd, 1 Nov. 2011. Web. 6 Nov. 2011. <http://galenet.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/servlet/HWRC/hits?r=d&origSearch=true&rlt=2&bucket=per&o=&n=10&searchTerm=2NTA&l=d&index=BA&basicSearchOption=KE&tcit=0_1_0_1_0_1&c=1&docNum=A271331208&locID=usclibs&secondary=false&t=RK&s=1&SU=Government+Obesity>.

The Kansas State Department of Education currently released a news announcement concerning federal action targeting childhood obesity in public schools. Coming from the state's government itself, it is extremely reliable and official information, as well as very current. The news was released exactly one week ago. The article announces new funds aimed at developing healthy and nutritional habits in children, and fueling this education at a young age. The information is presented in a brief announcement, in an informative form, presented to the audience that is citizens of the state of Kansas.The author is arguing the federal action is being taken that will most likely improve youth health habits in the future. However, the article is lacking in the sense that it is slightly biased; it does not show the viewpoint of those who may oppose the increased federal funds into modifying personal behavior. However, the source is valuable as it is evidence that federal action can and has been taken to an increasing extent across the nation, and will serve as supportive evidence in my exploratory essay.

"Obesity The New Frontier of Public Health Law--%u300A%u65B0%u82F1%u683C%u5170%u533B%u836F%u6742%u5FD7%u300B." %u533B%u5B66%u671F%u520A%u9891%u9053--%u9996%u5E2D%u533B%u5B66%u7F51. Harvard School of Public Health. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. <http://journal.9med.net/qikan/article.php?id=221816>.

The above source originates from a medical journal entry by multiple credited and qualified doctors. The contributors listed before the writing all have listed credentials after their name, including Ph. D. Also, the entry itself originates from the Harvard School of Public Health, obviously academically and medically credible. The journal explains in a very wide scope how the government may act against obesity and in which ways. Also, it describes the conflict with government action with the food industry and even citizens. The journal entry is not necessarily an argument. Rather than taking a stance, it describes both sides and view points of the dilemma. Therefore, there is no obvious bias. The journal is aimed at the American public, as an informative piece depicting recent happenings with federal action and the obesity health problem. Because of its wide scope and informatory characteristics, this medical journal entry is extremely valuable to my research process. It provides much information with little bias, and presents multiple viewpoints from different groups of people.

"Your Obesity Hurts the Government." Proxy Login - University Libraries - USC. Mint (New Delhi, India), 13 Oct. 2011. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. <http://galenet.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/servlet/HWRC/hits?r=d>.

An international writer conveys his views and information on the possibility of extensive government action on the issue of obesity in an online news source called “Live Mint”, associated with the Wall Street Journal. The author describes international action on the issue of obesity, particularly in the form of a fat tax exhibited by foreign countries such as Denmark. The argument made in the article is aimed at a politically-interested audience. Although slightly unclear, the author appears to argue that the government is acting too “big brother” and infringing upon citizens right to make their own choices. However, he does present the author side of the argument, describing the negative ideas and judgements associated with obesity. Some bias may originate in the failure on the author's part to include potential positive effects that may come from a “fat tax” or other form of government action. The article is extremely valuable because it provides several facts and instances of how obesity is clashing with the government internationally, that will serve as useful evidence for multiple viewpoints in my essay.

"UK Govt Guidelines Say Even Babies Should Exercise - Indian Express." The Indian Express: Latest News, Breaking News Live, Current Headlines, India News Online. British Government Associated Press, 12 July 2011. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://www.indianexpress.com/news/uk-govt-guidelines-say-even-babies-should-exercise/816065>.

The following news release, produced by the British Government Associated Press, was published in a mainstream Indian news source, Indian Express. The news release announces current government issued guidelines for the public, released just this past summer. The targeted audience includes all citizens under UK jurisdiction. The press is making the argument that the public people should follow their new guidelines in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It shows that international governments are taking indirect action in the fight against obesity. They are not telling the people what to do, but rather are suggesting. The article is lacking because it is merely a news announcement, it does not depict the public's response to the guidelines or their effectiveness. The value of such a news source lies in its purpose as evidence of indirect government action, therefore that a firmer government stance is yet to come or rejected.

Marlow, Michael L., and Alden F. Shiers. "Optimal Weight: Are Government Goals for Reducing Obesity Sensible?" Proxy Login - University Libraries - USC. Regulation, July 2011. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://galenet.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/servlet/HWRC/hits?r=d>.

Authors Marlow and Shiers in their long human health article analyze the causes and effects of obesity, and analyze various methods of government intervention with it. They describe the problem, or even epidemic as they say it is now being called, at its roots. Then, after describing various ways of solving the problem authoritatively, describe their effectiveness. They argue that some forms of supposed government solutions are ineffective and revolution must be made to the health-concerned public that is their audience. Although they are extremely informative, credible, and valuable information presenters, the authors fail to provide perspective from the consumer's point of view, or people suffering from obesity themselves. However, I believe this will be the most important source to my assignment. Enough informational scope is provided to allow me to understand the issue more in depth, and more direct government action is illustrated.

Liow. "Compulsory For Teachers To Record Body Mass Index Of Students." Proxy Login - University Libraries - USC. Malaysian Government News, 18 Apr. 2011. Web. 07 Nov. 2011. <http://galenet.galegroup.com.pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/servlet/HWRC/hits?r=d>

The above source is another example of international government action against obesity, but in a more drastic and aggressive way. Malaysian Government News, an official and current source of information, reported last Spring that the government was taking a harsher and firmer stance against obesity and poor nutrition after recent declining health findings. One of these specific actions includes the mandatory recording of each child's Body Mass Index by their educators, and to share this information and discuss it with the parents. The news informs Malaysian citizens, as well as the rest of the world, that poor health will not be tolerated by the Malaysian government. This will prove a good addition to my paper because it describes a drastic and extreme government action that is occurring internationally, and may violate personal rights if similar measures were applied to different nations.

 

SWA #19

The Definition of Sport 

Writer David Andriesen discusses an issue that has questioned people of all ages for years...."What Defines a Sport?" However, Andrieson takes a very different stance than from what the reader would expect. When I first read the title of his piece, I expected a firm set of supported guidelines that would apply to all my further sport versus no sport questions in the future. I was very surprised by the end of the article. Andrieson in a sense fools his audience. He suggests what his particular opinion is on what should be considered a sport. He cites that it a reputable sport should include a ball or ball like object, can include a race as long as it measures human power, competition under unified conditions, and an objective scoring system with recognize-able rules. 

Where Andrieson surprised me as a writer was in his conclusion. Instead of making a firm stance, he explains his personal position. He believes that much like art, the question of the legitimacy of a sport is subjective to the individual. He leaves it up for the readers to decide for themselves.  

BUT, leaving the question of whether or not an activity is a sport can not always be left up to each individual person. In cases of international contests of global or societal importance, the question should be answered. The most famous and relate-able example of this is the event that occupies the global theater every four years: The Olympics. Sports are a source of national pride in many nations. The question of whether or not supposed athletes should be able to showcase their abilities to the world or not is a question that needs to be answered. 

I have my own individual beliefs of what should be a sport, like what Andrieson said. I believe there are three different kinds of activities: a sport, a game, and a contest. My simple guidelines to a sport are if sweat is exerted from the extent of the physical effort and if it is measured by points or place, it is a sport. Therefore, under my own guidelines, I would not consider poker a sport, but a cognitive game. No physical effort or athleticism is being exerted, it is simply a mind game, much like checkers or hang man. I do not believe synchronized swimming is a sport either. Although athleticism is required, it is more of an art. Music plays and swimmers smile and showcase different outfits, giving off a sort of show. Additionally, subjective judges score each act. Therefore, I believe this is a contest, similar in some ways to a beauty pageant, which is certainly not a sport. 

SWA #18

Possible research topics:

1.) Extent of Government Control on America's Obesity Problem

Researching the government's involvement in preventing and fighting obesity turned out to be extremely easy and interesting for me. I found several different sources, much more than four, that will provide plenty of information that I will need for my upcoming assignments. However, there is so much information and so many sources, that I believe after further research and reading, I will have to narrow down my topic. I found several different ideas and viewpoints, including the government being the cause of obesity through its food stamp program, the effect of the economy, and examples of government programs targeting the fight against obesity. Additionally, this topic somewhat connects to what we have been studying in class, with Jamie Oliver's argument displayed in his show. At this point, I am leaning towards working with this issue because it is an issue that has captured my attention and I would like to learn more about. Also, I will be able to do plenty of research since there are so many sources available.

2.)  Keystone XL Pipeline 

Another global issue that I could research for my assigments is the implantation of a crude oil pipeline from Canada to Texas by the United States government. I actually came across the issue while on Facebook. One of my facebook friends was publishing protest information about the issue. This prompted me to research it further, using credible sources, and learn more about it. It is a current environmental issue that has been brought to President Obama's attention. Although it is an important issue, I don't think I will use it for my assignment. It was more difficult to research and find sources for. It is not a well known issue by the American public, therefore it may be difficult to find different viewpoints on. However, I will keep in it mind in my search to find the right topic.

3.) Occupy Columbia Protest

Occupy Columbia falls into the local issue category. It is an event that has been happening currently; protestors against current government corruption have taken to the South Carolina Statehouse grounds. Although it is modern and current, I am unlikely to use this for my issue for the next assignments. After reading through my sources, I could not maintain focus on the articles I was reading. I concluded that it was not an issue that interested me, and that I should put my energy into something that does so I can perform better on the upcoming assignments. Therefore, I am much more likely to write about my first and second issue.

SWA #12

Ethan Huff, of Natural News, warns the public of the increasing danger of today's food market. Citing massive worldwide recalls, he brings to the attention of the public how dangerous and even disgusting our food market has become. The danger, lack of nutrition, and overall immorality originates from the nation's factory farms. His descriptions of such atmospheres and their conditions serve as part of his reasons supporting his claim that factory farms and modern food production has taken a turn for the worst, and is endangering public health. He cites other empirical evidence, such as the massive decrease in the amount the public spends on food currently, to support his claim. The purpose of his claim and reasons is to speak to the public. He is bringing to their attention an issue that many either intentionally or unintentionally currently overlook.

Advertisement Outline

Title: His Drink Versus Her Drink: Alcohol Companies Target Men and Women Differently

Thesis: Alcohol companies like Skyy both understand and exploit the different incentives behind drinking for women and men; they force him and her to see the fulfillment of their personal desires within the contents of a vodka bottle.

1. Alcohol Consumption is fueled by social motivations for most people. However, these motivations are different for men then they are for women based on their personal desires.
   1. Why people party and drink
      1. ease social tension
      2. build confidence
      3. has been called “liquid courage” by some
   2. Women's motivations
      1. confidence
      2. capture the attention of others
      3. beauty
      4. however, they still want to be classy about it, appear sophisticated
   3. Men's motivations
      1. centered around attracting women
      2. appear powerful
      3. sophistication
      4. make them look good
2. Alcohol Companies understand women and men, and target them differently based on these different stereotypes
   1. Target Women
      1. make images to make them appear as they want to appear
      2. fulfill desires
   2. Target Men
      1. show them what they want
      2. what they can get (ex. Women) from purchasing and consuming their alcohol
      3. fulfill typical stereotypes
   3. By doing this, alcohol companies like Skyy keep gender stereotypes alive.
      1. Stereotypes persist because public is fully exposed to them by the circulation of the advertisements
      2. may continue sexism and de-grading judgements in society and future
3. Two Skyy Vodka advertisements are perfect examples of different methods to target different genders today.
   A. One is clearly aimed at women
   I. Representation of beauty and confidence
   ii. Depicts woman in elegant dress and shoes stepping off a plane
   iii. Bright blue sky
   iv. She is stepping off with grace and elegance
   v. Makes audience want to be that woman
   vi. Hand holding out skyy vodka in beautiful blue bottle and elegant glass
   vii. Woman looks wealthy, appears to have class, being waited on
   B. Other clearly aimed at men
   I. He looks rich, wealthy, sophisticated
   ii. In a position of power
   iii. Attractive Woman in front of him who obviously is interested, giving him her attention
   iv. Implies sexuality
   v. city-life
   vi. “If you drink this, you will get pretty, classy women and be powerful”
   C. Support for this given through analyzation of the advertisements
   I. Different properties of visual arguments provide evidence of use of stereotypes
   ii. Throughly suggest the company's goals and classify the advertisements
4. Properties that advertisements apply include use of type of layout. In these particular advertisements, both are used similarly.
   A. Only 4 characters of type, but still effective
   B. The lack of type characterizes this ad
   I. Wants audience to focus on the visual
   ii. Allows eye to take in the entire poster
   iii. Picture, painting, vision/dream
   C. type that is included still effective
   I. Example of sans serif font
   ii. Good for short displays
   iii. Simple, but bold and memorable
   iv. Shows logo of the company
   D. Layout used in similar why as type
   I. Wants audience to focus on the visual
   ii. Spread out, no blank space
   iii. Painting/mural almost like
   V. Use of color adds to the goals of the advertisements, and work to move the audience's perceptions
   A. lavishly used colors, signifies it is in fact a magazine ad
   I. Contrasting to educational/informative/academic advertisements
   ii. Both ads utilize cool colors, appealing, soothing
   iii. Artistic, but realistic at same time
   iv. Decorative and glamorized

B. Creates a memorable, relate-able image, but also unrealistic touches add sense of fantasy
VI. Graphics themselves are memorable and create the dream-realism balance that appeals to the audience.
A. Function of graphics
I. Illustrate point
ii. Invoke emotional response of longing from the audience
B. Relationship between text and graphic
I. Both people are combination between realism and fiction
ii. Conceptual
iii. Depicted from far away, no face is shown
iv. In both cases, allows audience to see themselves in their place

C. Orientation of images

I. Front view: emphasis on both subjects
ii. In the male targetted ad, shows female subject from side, suggesting sexuality
iii. However, distance is far enough away from subjects that it allows them to take in the
scene as well.
iv. Shows subjects from a low angle, emphasizing superiority and power
v. whole scene appears enlarged
D. Furnishings and Props
I. Suggest wealth, class, white upper class
ii. Women- white, blue, fancy drink appeal
iii. Men- dark, seductive, power, wealth
VII. Characters
A. Tells story
I. Women ad- classy wealthy women steps off plane going to dry desert thirst quenched by

skyy vodka

ii. Man- drinks vodka with woman in his fancy apartment, captures woman's interest, is

probably having good night

B. Subjects are models

I. Suggesting what you could have-lack of faces allows audience to put themselves in place

ii. Sexual appeal
iii. Real life representations, realistic, which as said touch of fantasy (combo)
C. Placement of characters
I. Woman ad- emphasis on her legs, suggests seductiveness and feminimity that can be
gained by drinking Skyy
ii. Man ad- first emphasis on woman, then turned to man, see the relationship between the
two
D. Presentation
I. Shown as a part of the scene

ii. Placed in the middle, background tends to be centered around “main characters”

VIII. Conclusion sentence: Through a thorough analysis of both Skyy Advertisements, the utilization of gender stereotypes is very clear in order to promote the product. Ambitious American men and women are being manipulated by their different values, and even their sexuality, in order to desire what alcohol companies have to offer. This maintains and encourages a sexual stereotypical society.
A. consumers: young american men and women who want attention/opposite gender's attention
B. claim: buy this alcohol, you will be young, attractive, and wealthy
C. target men and women differently, encouraging separation between the two and depicting stereotypes

SWA #11

Conservatives Should Care Too

If Scully's argument that conservatives need to care about animal rights too is not an appeal to his audience's pathos, then I am not sure what is. Through out his essay, he continuously appeals to his audience's compassion and emotions. He argues that animal rights do in fact need to concern conservative politicians. It is not a matter of focusing political efforts in the right places, it is a matter of being ethical, moral human beings. He centers his argument not so much on the politics of animal rights, but rather on how it is morally and ethically wrong to treat any subject the way factory farmers treat the animals of their industry. Not only is it harmful to the animals, he argues, but it is also harmful to ourselves. He includes graphic examples to engage sympathy, and also makes several biblical references, which may in fact be a personal stab at conservative politicians, many of whom are religious. He presents animal rights in a different way, as an obligation to treat animals correctly. He explains how this is different then "an entitlement" of animals to proper treatment, which is the belief of several radical groups such as the PETA that conservatives do not look too fondly upon. He also demonstrates how this type of treatment in factory farming brings down ourselves as a race. He presents as cruel and sick if we continue this type of support. Scully's argument for animal rights differs from the past typical angry essays conservatives are so familiar with, which is why this particular one has captured his attention.

Different Audiences

Skyy Vodka Ad Aimed at Women 

Skyy Vodka Ad Aimed at Men

The Advertisements I chose to analyze for this assignment are alcohol advertisements for the brand Skyy Vodka. These advertisements originate from magazine pages. Both targeted audiences are the young generation of American people, probably single people in their 20's to 30's (obviously of drinking age.) One advertisement targets young women, the other young single men.

The first advertisement shows the botton half of a well dressed, attractive women. She is wearing all white, looking extremely classy and luxurious as she steps off an airplane in silver shoes. It is a clear, blue, beautiful day. In the botton right corner is a table with the skyy vodka bottle and sophisticated looking wind glass. 

The same theme is implied in the second advertisement. A well dressed man, also with his face hidden, appears to almost be beckoning an attractive, classy woman. He has captured her attention, and in his hand is an alcohol glass. A dark city skyline is shown in the background, implying wealth and sophistication, the type of life-style of perhaps a New York resident. 

I chose these two advertisements because they are clearly targeted differently at men and women. One depicts what a women desires and may be the reason she drinks. She wants to be beautiful, feel luxurious and classy, and catch peoples attention. The man wants to also appear attractive, and achieve the affections of attractive women. I believe I could throughly analyze both advertisements in order to write an analysis on different targeted audiences.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Target Audience: Athletic community
Product: Gatorade Sports Drink 

SOURCE NAME: The Inspiration Room

The target consumer values: athleticism, athletic strength 

 The target consumer wants: to strengthen their athletic abilities/performance  

CLAIM and REASONS: 

The consumer should buy Gatorade because  it will make you athletic and strong 

It will make you perform better

 Gatorade will make athletes feel better

Target Audience: Women

Product: Maybelline Mascara

Source: Faithful to Fashion Blog http://faithfultofashion.onsugar.com/Maybelline-New-Sponsor-Fashion-Week-3486142

The target audience values: beauty and fashion

The target audience wants: Long and bold eyelashes to be beautiful

CLAIMS AND REASONS: 

The target consumer should buy maybelline mascara because it will make you beautiful and stylish

Long and bold lashes will make you beautiful and stylish

Maybelline mascara makes women beautiful and fashionable 

Target Audience: People who want to lose weight

Product: Diet pills

Source: Online Diet Pills website

The target audience values: losing weight, being skinny

The target audience wants: a different body, to weigh less

CLAIMS AND REASONS:

the consumer should buy the diet pills because they are safe and will make you weigh less

The consumer wants to feel good about their body

 

SWA #10

My Post $ecret Card 

Everyone who is in touch with modern pop culture knows the glitter-covered, dollar-sign bearing Ke$ha. The blond pop star is publicly proclaimed party girl, and described by her critics as "trashy" and other derogatory terms. However, what the public does not know is that Ke$ha is not the air-brained bimbo everyone believes her to be. Her secret is that she is actually really smart. In high school, she was enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, and set on going to Columbia University, one of the best schools in the nation. She even used to drive up to observatory and other academic venues on the weekends "for fun". 

On my post secret card, I conveyed my argument implicitly. Ke$ha recently said that she wants to be respected more, and not seen just as a party girl. However, my post does not come out directly and say that. The fact that Ke$ha wants more respect and deserves it because she is in fact intelligent is the implicit argument. This is implied by "I'm not just a party girl" written down the side in big, bold letters.

The visual elements I chose include the color pink, a girly, fun, bold, almost party-ish color. I made my key phrases, "I'm not just a party girl" and "change of plan$" big and bold, catching the audience's eyes. The $ in "plans" is a reference to the money she chose over pursuing her academic career, and also a reference to her name. Additionally, I placed the details about her background over her eyes, concealing her formal wild, raunchy identity. 

I want the viewer of this post secret card to be shocked. I don't believe many people expect Ke$ha to be any sort of person with intellect. Therefore, I wanted my secret to be a surprise, and to transform people's opinions and general stereotypes. 

 

Extra Credit #3

Her biggest fear

An image of a suffering child never fails to catch one's attention. The baby pictured in a post secret submission is screaming and crying in some form of obvious pain. The heart-wrenching image supports the secret keeper's argument. “My biggest fear is that if I have a daughter, she will inherit my eating disorder.”

The saddened mother of this potential sick child is making an explicit claim but in a visual manner. Her argument's claim states that mothering a child is something she has reason to fear. Her reason, which is displayed through the image of the baby, is that her daughter would suffer the pain of an eating disorder. The secret keeper does not want to pass the misery she has suffered on to her offspring. The secret mother could be anyone, any woman in our country, considering 7 million women suffer from a eating disorder in the United States. The audience is anyone who can answer the mother's cry for help that is also an argument.

The textual support appeals to the audience's pathos. They are able to sympathize with the woman's fear due to her word choice. She is revealing her most personal fear, and the audience automatically feels her torments. Also, she directly states her reason for her fear, citing her reason in the second half of the text. This simple visual and textual argument in the form of a postcard appeals to the audience's pathos and logos. Although the audience's eyes may only lay on the image of the child's tears for a few seconds, the argument will make a lasting impression on their hearts.

"Eating Disorder Statistics." DMH. South Carolina Department of Mental Health, 2006. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. <http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/anorexia/statistics.htm>.

In-Class Writing Assignment

Food Around the World 

After viewing Peter Menzel's "Food" gallery on his website, my knowledge of food worldwide has been expanded. Beforehand, I knew, as well as everyone else, that Americans eat much more and much worse than other people of the world. Now, I am able to visualize it. I kept clicking back and forth between the picture of the North Carolina family and the family in Darfur. Although the Darfur family has two additional members, their weekly food supply is minuscule compared to the Americans. Three simple bags of simple grains and meager fruit and vegetables are placed in front of their skinny bodies. The Americans are much larger, and happier looking, as they are surrounded by a sea of packaged, processed food. The photographer puts our huge, unrealistic separation from the rest of the world on a visual level for his audience. The rest of the world eats on a much smaller and more realistic level, real fish, real grains, even real bugs. Additionally, the photographer portrays this lifestyle in a beautiful way, glorifying the simpler and more natural foods. Therefore, Menzel is making his own persuasive argument through a visual aspect, appealing to the pathos or emotional side of his photography's audience.

Extra Credit #2

 The Public Reacts to "Catching Fire"

 

From my research, it appears most the public got wind of Wrangham's theories in the summer of 2009. Before I typed my research keywords into the google search box, I prepared myself for the scathing criticisms I would have to sort through to find information to answer the third prompt on page 81. However, I was very surprised. After reading reviews of “Catching Fire,” I could not find evidence of controversy over Wrangham's developed humanistic theories. Although this certainly does not mean critical readers do not exist, for the most part it appears the public received Wrangham's book with a positive. 

The public was very surprised by the connections Wrangham made between history and science and our way of life. Also, the public and authors of both reviews I read appear to agree with Wrangham's theory. They seem on some level to be persuaded by Wrangham's text, perhaps by his use of logos and even ethos throughout the article. 

Additionally, the responses include questions about the future and about our current lifestyle. For example, in the New York Times Article, the benefits of a vegetarian diet are doubted because of Wrangham's pro-meat theory. In the second review by the Slate, the author questions whether human beings will alter their lifestyles because of the new acknowledged benefits.

Garner, Dwight. "Books of The Times - ‘Catching Fire’ by Richard Wrangham - Humans, the Cooking Apes - Review - NYTimes.com." The New York Times Books. The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia, 26 May 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/books/27garn.html?pagewanted=all>.

Kenneally, Christine. "Richard Wrangham's Catching Fire." Slate Home. Slate Magazine, 3 June 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.slate.com/id/2219162/>.

SWA #9

Guidelines for the college student

When it comes to Berry's guidelines for responsible eating, my guess is they are aimed mainly at household leaders of the American family, the mothers who do the grocery shopping and fathers who pay the grocery bills. When Berry wrote of planting a garden to “become acquainted with the beautiful energy cycle that revolves from soil to see to flower...”, he did not have the typical college student in mind. How is a college student able to eat responsibly with a limited budget, time, and resources? Although it is challenging, it is possible, and my roommates and I ourselves have already taken some steps to do so.

Guidelines for the responsibly-eating college student:

1. Growing your own food is most likely not an option. However, you can purchase local foods from the farmer's market and local grocery store! At this particular university, there is a farmer's market that comes to Greene Street every Tuesday. Last week, my roommate returned from the farmer's market with delicious honey crisp apples, plums, peaches, and homemade sour-dough bread. She and I really appreciated how natural and beautiful the fruits were, and the product of human-hands that was the homemade bread. We were able to appreciate the full food cycle, and delicious food, with just walking a couple feet away from our dorm on a Tuesday morning!
2. Compost is very easy to maintain and very helpful for the environment. It reduces trash, and also provides fertilizer for new plants to grow. Students can compost their fruit and vegetable scraps easily. Colin Beavan, author of No Impact Man, our First-Year Reading Experience book, provides instructions on how to compost on his blog: http://noimpactman.typepad.com/
3. Set aside one hour a week to walk to your local grocery store with your roommates. Shop for fresh fruit and vegetables that you are unable to find at the farmers market, and also ingredients to make your own home-cooked meal. Have one night with your roommates and friends to make your own dinner in the community kitchen or other available space. Possibilities include whole wheat pasta, soup, salads, or other healthy, easy-to-make entrees. Not only is this a fun experience and great bonding time with your friends, but you will become more conscious of what you are eating. By making your own meals, you are able to control the quality and ingredients.
4. Do your research on your food. Ask the farmers at the farmers market how the food is grown or prepared and where it comes from. Read the labels of packaged foods at the grocery store, doing the best you can to select natural, local products. Be knowledgeable about what you are eating!
5. Broaden your research. Perhaps use the food industry for your next assigned research project. Research the food industry; the function of industrial production, the food economy itself, and even the consumer. Consider reading books such as Food, Inc. or The Omnivore's Dilemma. Not only will you be more informed about what is really happening behind the wrappers and packaging on our grocery store shelves, but you will be much more likely to eat responsibly in the future. This will be not only beneficial to your health, but to the economy, welfare of domestic animals, and the world as a whole.