Reading Response 5

My argument essay explored the new world of online gossip. A website by the name of Juicy Campus was recently created and allows any individual to anonymously post scandalous gossip and blog topics about others. In my essay my main focus is centered around  how this website oversteps the first amendment. I establish that I think freedom of speech is a very important quality to have in our government system but I think boundaries should be establish.  All the post on the website are completely anonymous and I think undoubtedly more people would have respect for the site if a face was placed behind the post. This would create less lies and present the site with the opportunity of giving students a mature way to exercise their use of freedom of speech appropriately; instead of immaturely trash talking on a website.

            In my essay my target audience is clearly college students, because the site itself is geared towards them. Juicy Campus is only available for college university’s which means that majority of the websites users are college individuals. I also think that the people who use the website of Juicy Campus frequently obviously love the gossip that the site has to offer. Therefore in my plan to make an appealing ad to my audience I am going to use Facebook.

            Since Juicy Campus is still a young website, creating an advertisement such as a billboard or a magazine would only leave people confused. Not to mention, when I first wrote this essay the site let alone was completely foreign to majority of my classmates. Therefore I want to take the online advertisement approach. Facebook is another popular website not only for college students but for everyone. Parents, middle school, high school and most importantly college student acess this website everyday. Facebook is hidden with gossip and scandal, therefore the I assume the users of Juicy Campus would also be attracted to using  Facebook on a regular basis. I would place my ad on the right hand corner of the Facebook page. Normally this is where all the advertisements go. My audience once again would be for the younger generations. And I would be trying to promote the fairness and importance of the first Amendment.  Reaching out  to  all the college students asking them to try and make a difference in their community. I would probably have the option of a survey that they could take.  My survey results would allow me to have something to email to the Juicy Campus producers, showing them what the majority of us think about their website.  In my advertisement I would try and use the similar color schemes as Juicy Campus’ website. Lime Green and Blue.

I would try and make my ad quick to catch the eye and very appealing to ALL age levels, even though im  mainly reaching out to the college crowd. Because in the end, everyone has the right to place their voice and our first Amendment is not only important to college students, but its important to all.

Arguments and Opinions

The world we live in is  beginning to grow not only in size but also increase with multiple strong diverse opinions. We have encountered a generation where it seems as if no one can be trust.  Therefore the government must do all that is possible to keep the nations security safe.  Although American citizens keep referring back to the 14^th Amendment for their rights, some feel as if the nation is overstepping their legal boundaries in order to protect us; while others encourage safety procedures.

The 14^th Amendment

  The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be

Violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be

Searched and the persons or things to be seized.

 

In the common reader, each author provides a specific approach to tackling their claim about the issues that have risen with the 14^th amendment, despite the different methods that were used; each writer got their central claim across.

Mangu-Wards imminently makes a connection to the reader by starting her essay off with a question that is inevitable, ““Have you ever attended a political event? Sought treatment from a psychiatrist? Had a drink at a gay bar? Visited a fertility clinic?”(11) The reader automatically see’s that majority of Americans are prone to saying, “yes” to this answer.  She makes an instant commonality and she then makes a bold statement about her beliefs. “Readers wont respond unless they know what’s at stake. An essential element of argument is establishing why a certain action, policy, or idea matters.” (Ballenger 277) In her opinion American citizens are being overly examined and watched by the government. As she begins her essay she tries to make the reader uncomfortable about the idea of being watched and not having an recognition of it. At this point she has hooked the reader and now is just trying to real them in and satisfy their outlook on the situation. She realizes that our nation has suffered many attacks throughout the years but she is still fixed on her opinion. As I continued to read her essay I began to feel as if she is just uncomfortable with the fact of her private life being exposed. And of course any individual is going to be uncomfortable when they realize that majority (or all) of their accounts can be accessed by the government, but in the end shouldn’t it give you peace to know that people are working hard for our safety.  Mangu-Ward believes that the government is doing too much by having surveillance tapes set places in public areas, the ability to see credit card charges, and for the government to have the right to access old records.  

 

“If you’ve ever handled a penny, the government’s got your DNA. Elizabeth E. Jon starts her essay out in a similar format style as Mangu- Ward. She is reaching out to the reader proving that we all are involved in the issues that are going on.  She believes that the government’s collection of  “abandoned DNA” is a serious problem. She then begins to explain that the government can get amounts of DNA even from something as little as a strand of hair.  Her central claim is that the government is overstepping its boundaries and crossing into our privacy rights. Although this day and age there is so much controversy between what crosses the line, due to the fact that we live in a world where there is so much wicked violence. There is a point that we need protection and Americans need it any way that it can be provided.  For instance Jon shows evidence of the abandoned DNA collection, “Facing all three obstacles, Seattle police devised a clever ruse to obtain a

DNA sample from John Athan, whom they long suspected in the 1982 murder of a thirteen-year-old girl. Writing on the stationery of a fictitious law firm, the police sent a letter in 2003 to Athan, then living in New Jersey, asking him to join a class action lawsuit to recover overcharged traffic fines. Athan complied, and by licking the return envelope, he provided the detectives with the DNA sample they needed. Athan’s DNA matched that found at the crime scene, and in 2004 he was convicted of second-degree murder. “ (31) In my opinion this shows positive use of the abandoned DNA being put into use, because in the end they caught the murder. Jon then begins to give more examples of how the government is overstepping their limits and as she begins to conclude her essay she uses a softer tone and almost comes to the realization that this is how our nation takes action. “It may be that we are already moving toward a system in which the

Government will have access to the genetic information of everyone in the

Population, which will be used to solve crimes ranging from murders to littering. “ (36)

 

 

“Foes of the United States have demonstrated their ability to strike at

the heart of this country. Fear of renewed attacks and a desire for greater

national security have now prompted many to call for improvements in the

National personal identification system.” (37) Quarmby instantly shows the reader the reality of our world.

Quarmby’s essay is much shorter than the other two, but he makes his point quick, informative, and respected. He introduces us to the identification card. Something I had no knowledge about until I read his essay. We live in a nation that is vulnerable to terrorist attack at any given moment. And while most individuals are having trouble letting go of the old security measures they need to rest assured that our government is doing everything possible to keep our nation safe. This identification card is said not to be overstepping the amendments boundaries and could help improve the safety of our nation. Therefore why would any American citizen who has nothing to hide oppose to this idea? “We might scoff at the possibility of such a DNA card ever being introduced in our lifetimes, and may feel protected by the 4th Amendment, but this

is not a clear-cut issue. September 11th may have touched our lives in more

ways than we know. “ (38)

As I read all three essays I was unmoved by the argument each author had to say. Since I have my own beliefs I was a bit bios coming in and reading them, although I gained a lot of new knowledge on the topics that were addressed. In the end majority of American have trouble dealing with the reality that 9/11 did infact change our lives in numerous ways. These new safety measurements simply intimidate Americans. Everyone is going to fight for their rights and privacy, but should it makes us grateful that our nations government are approaching these haunting issues and preparing our nations safety for the future.  

Ethnographic Essays!

“Ethnography is a method of inquiry into culture that exposes the web in which members of a group are enmeshed, much the way morning dew exposes the intricacies of a spider web in your back yard.”

 

 When I first started reading chapter ten to expand my knowledge about ethnographic essays I was very confused with the concept of how they should be put together. However as I continued my way through the chapter I gained great understanding of how to composite an essay of my own, I also learned a lot from reading Casassa and Dudley’s essays. Although each author’s essays show no resemblance in topic, they are both perfect examples of a well-written ethnographic essay. Casassa focuses on a more traditional envorment, a coffee shop; where as Dudley observes a “Head shop”. 

The writing style of “The Coffee Shop” by Andrea Casassa  really reached out to the reader, giving us the feeling as if we were sitting at a table drinking coffee and observing the different customers right there with her. She set up her essay in sections of time frames. 7:00 to 1:30 P.M.  she fully describes when each customer comes in and what they order. She is so exact about telling us about these orders. For instance “small cup, one cream, one sugar, little “drop” of water, ice if you have it.”  As I continued to read through her essay I began to get a feeling that she was becoming part of the “coffee family”. She observed these people so intensely and really took note of the minor things that most of us would not pick up on. She states “Each community needs a coffee shop, not only for the obvious reasons like caffeine addictions but also for sanity.” She then later begins to explain that some might be more attracted to Starbucks rather than a hole in the wall coffee shop, but she begins to explain that the homey atmosphere of the coffee shop makes you feel like you are away from the clutter of the world and you have the ability to relax. I also like the way Casassa compiled her essay, she first starts out describing the representation the coffee shop repelled, and then she grabbed our attention by talking about the quirky customers.  

Mathew Dudley’s essay “The Dope on Head Shops” took a definite shift from Casassa. Dudley not only observed something that was foreign to him but he also did a lot of background research about the head shops, marijuana, and the people these shops attracted. “ The shops of the 1960’s sold “basic marijuana paraphernalia such as rolling papers and roach clips.. And by the 1970’s shops had spread to cities like Atlanta selling among other items marijuana pipes designed as Star Wars space guns and comic books that introduced people to the logistics  of rolling joints and snorting cocaine” (B40) Dudley defiantly found interesting research information, and drew the reader in by including the data that he found. As his observing and research continued I also began to get a sense that he became “family” to the head shop owners. In his essay he makes the idea of marijuana sound peaceful and happy. He also defends the idea of these head shops and the items that they sell. It was interesting to read because it not only showed customer patterns but it gave research behind marijuana and head shops. An abundance of information I did not know much about before!

 

I think that each essay presents great example of how a correct ethnographic essay should be put together.  Each essay not only demonstrated completely diverse topics but also showed us different formats. In my opinion I enjoyed reading Casassa’s essay more. She really caught my attention by describing the atmosphere of the coffee shop and giving us each customers order..Etc. As I was reading I could just picture her sitting there observing the coffee crowd. I am also inspired by Dudley’s essay because he did a lot of background research and really hunted to find interested background information that was relevant to his essay.

After reading chapter ten and examples of each essay I am now much more confident in picking a topic for my ethnographic essay. I have gained a better and clearer understanding of where and how to begin my paper! 

Research Essay Topic

Topic: Is it possible for anyone to be successful at creating art?

Reason: I have always caught myself thinking about this question. People perform the work of arts everyday without even realizing. Art is extremely expressive and inspiring throughout our world. A recent survey was taken in an elementary school. The question was "do you consider yourself an artist?" 99.9% of the kindergarten class answered yes, but then when the surveyor presented this question the fifth graders the percentage dramatically changed. Only three of the fifth graders answered yes. The studies showed that the kids lost the desire to practice their artistic abilities when they thought they had no talent. I believe that anything you set your mind to you can achieve or gain talent. Therefore that is why this topic is important to me. I am not only curious to see what studies show, but I also want to make new discovery about the topic. 

Discovery Essays with examples from Ballenger

“The research essay is much more likely to encourage the habits of the mind that encourage  genuine inquiry, including suspending judgment, begging with questions not answers and accepting ambiguity as a natural part of the process.” This quote from Ballenger is a perfect example of how Garrett Brown and Holmquist tackle their essay. Each author had a simple question that needed to be resolved. And in the process of finding that answer  the author cracks open a whole new world, making discoveries towards each of their answers.

            Each author’s essay is fueled by a question. For instance, in Browns essay her main focus is tanning. She wonders why people artificially tan, and who invented the idea that it was attractive to have an extra-bronzed skin tone.  In Holmquist’s essay “An Experience in Acronyms” he wants to explore the facts about drugs. Holmiqust has many branches to his question. He seeks to find out more information on the drugs he once used at raves. (LSD, MDMA, GHB) He mentions these drugs created a long on going argument between him and his friends. The “great safe drug debate” is what he refers to it as. This then brings him to a different area of research; he wants a better understanding as to what it is that attracts people to these drugs.

            Brown and Holmquist show two very good examples of a discovery essay. Although in my opinion each essay is extremely different. Brown develops her essay with a clearly presented question. Yet as she begins to research and write about it she begins to gain realization about the topic.  Brown begins her essay saying, “It seems completely asinine on the surface to waste  money and time on a prepaid tan that will only result in prematurely leathered and wrinkled skin and a much higher risk of developing skin cancers.” The reader quickly gets the indication that she is aggravated with the idea of artificial tanning. Throughout Browns essay she takes the reader on a roller coaster ride, first she states that tanning is horrible and then she begins to place herself in other people’s shoes. Well, only the pale people’s shoes! She then starts to wrap up her essay by concluding that she herself feels more comfortable putting on a bathing suit when her skin is nice and golden.  She began her essay wanting to know why people artificially tanned and as she began to research and explore the topic she begins to understand why people would have the desire to artificially tan.

            Holmquist brings the discovery essay to a whole new and very personal level. Since he is a victim of the affect drugs can have on an individual we get a close look at the series of events he went through.  As I read the essay I gained  not only respect for him but also lots of knowledge about the drugs he took at raves. Holmiquist not only told the reader about his “trips” but he described them in depth.  He talked about the music entering through his ears and taking over his body. This shows perfect example of how drugs can enable you from having control. His essay takes a depressing shift when he begins to talk about his friend Chris. Eighteen, brilliant, and artist was the description Holmiquist used. Here he uses another example of a “trip”; although this trip did not have such a happy ending.  “He was headed for great ness until about three years ago one of our friends thought it would be fun to drop a vial (about 100 hits) of liquid LSD into his drink. He never came down from that trip” This shows the serious side effects that drugs can have on an individual. The fact that it happened to one of the author’s friends is a  perfect example that shows it can happen to anyone.

            Each essay unleashed new discoveries that the authors found while they were writing. I enjoyed both of the essays, but each for different reasons. Each author presented sources that influenced the way I thought about their topic. Holmiquist engaged on a more person level than Brown did. Artificial tanning was something that personally aggravated Brown, which in a way connected the two essays. Ballenger shows great ways to tell if  a topic is researchable. Such as: Is it this right size? Has something already been said about it? Does it raise more questions? Does it matter?  Now that I have read Holmquist and Brown’s essay I am inspired to write one of my own! I hope to discover new light in the topic that I choose, and find out new information about myself that I did not know before!

Hogg and Black

When reading Hogg’s “I’m a Believer” I was initially surprised how much I was lured into the text. But lets face it, she had my complete attention when she began to talk about her childhood crush. All ages of readers can relate to her situation! At some point in our lives we have all suffered with a serious infatuation situation over a boy (or girl!). In Hogg’s case she was obsessing over a teen idol; we all have those too! I enjoyed her writing style.

She also throws in a little bit of wit and humor to her essays. For instance on page B8 “I am unable to move. I can’t stand behind Davy Jones and slop mashed potatoes on my plate while he pours gravy over his just ahead of me. I stare at him the whole time he fills his plate, except when I look around the restaurant to see if everyone else is staring at Davy. They aren’t. “ When reading this I had such a clear image of this happening in my head. I can see Hogg trembling while standing behind a door that looks into the dinning room of the hotel, drooling over Davy and trying to convince herself with reason as to why she should go in. Hogg does a wonderful job at keeping the reader entertained by throwing in completely unexpected text. Such as on page B5 “I remember that Davy came from poor beginnings, named his… Willie”.

When Hogg concludes the passage she leaves the rest the story up to the readers imagination. Normally I do not like when authors, or TV shows leave the viewer hanging. I want to know what is happening at that exact moment! But in Hogg’s case she is finally about to see her childhood crush, (or at this point her 50 year old crush) and ahs built up anticipation for many years fanaticizing about what she would so perfectly say to him when he was in her presence. She finally gets the chance to spend a magical moment in time with him and sadly nothing magical happens. When it is her turn to see Davy Jones she transforms herself into a normal everyday fan that is just standing in line such as everyone else, waiting for an autograph and a picture. In the last paragraph on page B10 Hogg comes to all realization. “I accept, finally, that this person I know so well I don’t really know at all, and I, the daydream beleliever, am just a fan. I stand next to him, this man so familiar and foreign. He reaches up and puts him arm around me, and we both play our roles, smiling for the camera.” From this we can conclude that after the picture was taken and the CD was signed Hogg most likely returned to her life and would store this concert as an everlasting memory. Although in my mind I like to believe that Hogg and Davy do stay up all night and play in the casino together. I must admit I am a dreamer and I always like to apply the perfect scenario to situations such as these. I enjoy turning stories into fairy tales. Who knows maybe Davy Jones and Charlotte end up getting married!

In Blacks short story “The Joy of Mud” she really excels at connecting the reader with her text. Her writing style is very descriptive and she expands on each of her sentences, causing the reader to jump into her world. I really liked how descriptive she was when talking about Hawaii. When reading her story I felt as if I could close my eyes exhale and breathe in the Hawaiian air. I was transformed into Blacks personality when I hit the second paragraph. On page B11 “He soon scoops me up in his pickup truck and we drive north along the coast, presided over by the Windward Mountains in their wet, green glory. Entering the rolling pastures of Kahalu’u, traffic narrows into a single file line; orchid farms and cows replace the Burger King s and strip malls of concrete-encased Kaneohe.” Every noun she uses is backed up by a very descriptive adverb. She really stresses the importance of the feelings she gets when She makes it evident how important and life changing Hawaii was to her. She proves to all readers that it is important not to judge things before you give them a try. Her whole out look about Hawaii changed completely when she began her work in the lo'i fields.

Although Blacks writing style in my opinion is very different than Hogg’s. I feel like I can connect as a reader better with Hogg’s story vs. Black’s. I enjoyed reading Hogg’s up beat slightly humorous story more. Where as Blacks story was centered around one thing and was very elaborate about it.