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Rhetorical Analysis: "Where Sweatshops are a Dream"

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Blog post #5 "Where Sweatshops are a Dream" is an article by Nicholas D. Kristof that discusses how sweatshops are actually beneficial in places like Phnom Penh where jobs are scarce, and people dream of having a job in a sweatshop. He claims that there should be even more sweatshops to help employ those living in harsh conditions, or as Kristof describes it, a "Dante-like vision of hell", which is a figurative allusion to one of the most grotesque literary works in history. The author goes on further to describe the scene with pathos by saying that there are barefoot children running around trying to scavenge for plastic cups to sell, which are worth five cents a pound. A woman with a child living in a shack on this massive heap of garbage says that she'd much rather work in a sweatshop because at least it's air-conditioned, and she doesn't have to worry about her child getting run over by a garbage truck. Kristof paints a scary picture that shows ju

Bridging the Gap: Photos and Captions

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Blog #4 There is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. In some cases, this is true. Powerful images are used to convey a major point or purpose quite often. That being said, adding a caption to a photo allows the message to be pinpointed so that the person viewing the concept knows exactly what it is trying to say. With a description to further explain the message, there should be no confusion or doubt when considering what the purpose is. For UNICEF, they have made some powerful imagery into a heart-felt message that does ultimately benefit children because the raw nature of the pictures really speaks to people, and sways them to donate to that organization. However, when looking at the pictures, all a viewer knows is that there is a child somewhere in the world that does not have a good life or set of circumstances. For some donors, this is enough for them to open their wallets. Others might question what exactly is going on behind the scenes. The questions they

Impact: Violent Media on Young Minds

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Blog Post #3 Gerard Jones' argument on the impact of violent media on children and teens shed some light on the positive effects that these media can have. He states that kids can develop leadership skills by looking up to their comic book heroes, or become more creative by being inspired to make wild stories of their own. Further, video games are very much like these comic books in that they provide a chance for young people to release negative emotions without any grizzly aftermath. However, though there seems to be some developmental benefits to early exposure of violence to children, some effects can be equally as devastating. Sometimes, these kinds of outlets can have the opposite influence on kids. Instead of becoming less frustrated or angry when playing a first-person shooter, the player can instead become cavalier when it comes to murder in real life. This is the kind of situation that could, and has, snowballed into a huge problem. All it takes is one psychologic

The Fundamentals of Argument

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Blog Post #2 A true argument is a statement or fact advanced for the purpose of influencing the mind. However, contrary to popular belief, argument is not a yelling match. It is simply a civilized way to talk about a person's point of view and why they think it is correct in a more professional manner. People will often use this method of conversation when they are attempting to persuade others of their point of view- this art is otherwise known as Rhetoric. In order to achieve an optimal and successful argument, it will be in the Rhetor's best interest to keep an open mind during their speech. By doing this, those involved in the argument will not be tempted to interrupt or disregard the other's opinion. The result will be more than one person understanding the same point of view as desired. On the other hand, when one is not open-minded to another's opinion, it promotes an unhealthy environment for any debatable discussion. The free-flow of thought and speech

Impact: Social Media on the World

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Blog Post #1 Social media is a largely used means of communication, entertainment, and much more. Apps like Facebook, twitter, and Instagram have all made their way onto the phones of millions across the world. These sites have helped to alter the way people talk to each other and share personal information with people from anywhere possible. Through video chat, picture sharing, and instant messaging, social media is able to shatter the natural borders of communication with its world-changing abilities that so many people have incorporated into the workplace, schools, hospitals; just about anywhere imaginable.  Social media also reaches to not only those wishing to “Skype” their friends, but also to those who would like to watch live videos, streams, movies, and television through a simple app. These new features make entertainment accessible like never before, and only at the push of a button or tap of a finger. Did you watch a movie you really liked? Why not share it with yo

About Me

Hello readers, my name is Gracen. So, a bit about myself...love classical, metal, rock, and 60's pop music. I'm a huge music enthusiast so I dabble a bit on the bass guitar, drums, and acoustic guitar. I also love to read and write; literature is an interest of mine. That's just a little bit about me...I love meeting new people too, so don't be afraid to talk to me!