TOW#27 - The Onion Article

The Onion

     In this satirical article from the Onion, the author writes about President Trump's "promise to work tirelessly to achieve (his) campaign's goals." In the article, the author satirizes President Trump's promises to make America great again through his/her use of diction and sardonic tone to convey how ridiculous his promises are. 

     Looking back on the past 100 days of Trump's presidency, it is clear that Trump has held true to his promises. In his inaugural address he threatened to implement new immigration laws and made promises to give jobs back to Americans. The author of this article refers to this "disturbing inaugural address" as threatening, and causing "tense, fearful glances" among the audience. The author also points out that his "intimidating assertions that he would seek out" were fear-invoking and very frightening. When the author describes President Trump's campaign and looks back on his presidency with a fearful eye, the author's opinion of Trump's promises are obvious; intimidating, frightening, and scary. The image of Trump as a man with a frightening persona can be visualized.

     The author also uses a sardonic tone when quoting President Trump to show how ridiculous his campaign promises are. Trump states that "Everything that I've stood for in this campaign, all of the goals I've set, I will work around the clock until each one is achieved." Many of his promises were hurtful to the unprivileged, so it is ironic that he would be so ecstatic while knowing that he would bring many people to their demise. The author realizes that there is a contrast between the audience's opinions of his ominous warning and his forward-looking promises. When the author includes Trump's "guarantee to the American people...it that (he) will do his best to accomplish everything" he said he would do, the author is warning the readers of the future times. The author writes about the "collective gasp emanating from the National mall"" is reflective of the author and other readers' opinions on Trump's promise.      

     By using a critical diction and sardonic tone, the author is able to convey the flaws and potential fears of Trump's presidency while making things less serious by adding humor to the issue. Utilizing direct quotes from President Trump make show the serious side of this satirical article and the issue at hand. This article allows people to see the real threats behind President Trump's campaign promises and be more aware. 

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TOW #26 - Looking Beyond the Ivy League (IRB)

 
     

     For my final IRB book, I chose to reader Loren Pope's "Looking Beyond the Ivy League." Having spent many years working as an expert on the college application process, Pope is a very credible resource on advice for choosing colleges. She has written many books on the secrets of good applications, how to chose the right school for you, and how to write a good college application. In this book, she focuses on why an Ivy League school is not a guarantee match for every student and how to determine whether a school is good for you. Pope is able to convey this message to her audience effectively through her use of expert testimonials and anecdotes. 
     Pope begins her book by going through a list of common college myths and proving them wrong. The first myth that she addresses is that "an Ivy League school will absolutely guarantee the rich, successful life" (3). She proves this false with her claim that "liberal education in the research universities is a project in ruins" (3). Realizing that many of her readers may not buy her claim, she uses a former Harvard dean and Princeton scholar to provide a second opinion. He, too, believes that there is no hope of change in Ivy League schools that will provide students with a liberal education. Pope continues to use expert testimonials when she mentions Harvard's Dr. Harry Lewis, who is a notable author for writing in detail about his school's failings and their causes: "H is for Harvard and Hypocricy" (2). The purpose of higher level education is to help teenagers find themselves and their passions, but as Pope well-craftedly points out, Ivy League school do not always guarantee such an experience. 
     Pope continues to touch upon the college application process, and through her use of anecdotes she is able to have the reader better connect with the message being conveyed. Looking for colleges that are right for you is an extremely stressful process that she and many of her students have gone through and understand. She includes their experiences of going to an open campus college tour and meeting the admissions office for an in depth information session. By including personal experiences as well as stories from her own students, Pope adds the personal element into her book. She offers information on the application process, and this personal element helps to reassure her readers that you don't have to attend an Ivy League school to be successful in life. 
     Lauren Pope has spent many years studying colleges, the admissions process, and overall what makes a college great. From her studies, she has come to the realization that an Ivy League school is not necessary to be successful in life. Through expert testimonials and anecdotes, Pope is able to break down the common stigma and instead encourage students to pursue a college that is actually right for them. 

IRB Intro Post #4 - Looking Beyond the Ivy League

Why Take Chances with Your Future?

     For my fourth and final IRB, I chose Loren Pope's Looking Beyond the Ivy League. Loren Popoe is one of America's most respected experts on the application process and has also written the book Colleges that Change Lives. This unique book focuses on how to find the college that is right for you, the reader. It offers all the information a person in the application process may need, and reassures readers that you don't have to attend an Ivy League school to be successful in life. Pope addresses twenty myths that can jinx a student's college choice, and offers steps that guide students through the application process. Her main argument is that "you'll need to successfully make a decision that will affect the rest of your life," especially with "as few as one-third of college students remaining at the same institution they entered as freshmen." My father recommended me this bookf to better educate myself on the application process. Upon his suggestion, I decided to give this book a try and found myself pleasantly surprised. 

TOW #25 - WWII Political Cartoon

A-Bomb in Hiroshima, Japan

     On August 6, 1945 the United States of America dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later, another bomb was dropped this time on Nagasaki. Approximately 250,000 Japanese civilians died, either immediately or after a prolonged period of suffering. This political cartoon depicts the extent of horror the A-bomb had on Japan. 

     The atomic bomb brought death to many Japanese citizens because of its immense power. In this political cartoon, it shows the words "death" and "ruin" on two ghost-like, grim reaper-like characters. The United States being portrayed as grim reapers, bringers of death, is indicative of their causing of the 250,000 Japanese deaths. In comparison, the Japanese peasant is very small frightened and surprised. His only method of protecting himself from such a surprise attack was with a paper umbrella. In reality, many Japanese civilians had not even the slightest clue that they would be met with such a disastrous fate. Atomic bombs are terrible weapons that bring mass destruction and death; this political cartoon shows the extend of just that. 

     Along with character portrayals of the United States and Japan, the fire triggered by the tall ghost-like figures continue to bring the destruction towards the Japanese people. The ruin that the grim reapers brought engulf everything in flames, and has lasting effects. The title "We Have Come To Stay" shows that the destruction was something that was not momentary, but brought with it prolonged suffering and death. This illustration shows the United States in a dark light, for they obstructed small Japanese towns with an immensely powerful weapon.

     The atomic bomb is often regarded as a necessity to the war that allowed allied forces to win. However, what is often overlooked is the death and suffering it brought along with it. Ruin brought by the grim reapers was widespread throughout the country, bringing death and ruin to the Japanese people.