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. 

TOW #24 - IRB Tuesday's With Morrie

Tuesdays With Morrie

     In the second half of my IRB book Tuesdays With Morrie, I was able to experience Morrie's last lecture on death. Essentially a thesis to Morrie's last lecture, Mitch Albom's book gives a very personal account on the relationship between a teacher and a student. In the first half of the book, Morrie and Albom were just beginning to rekindle their friendship after Albom found out about Morrie's condition on a newscast. In the second half, a bigger emphasis was put on both parties who were trying to absorb as much as they could in the limited time available. 

     Morrie's biggest message to Albom is that death is not something to be afraid or ashamed of. Albom shared this concept with his readers by including anecdotes in his book. Because Morrie's muscles are slowly deteriorating, he is unable to dress, shower, and even go to the bathroom himself. Most people would be embarrassed to hire a helper and lose their sense of privacy. However, Morrie chooses to see it in a positive light, as a way to become closer to other people. Instead of thinking about how he used to be, he believes he should "accept who you are, and revel in it." Everyday Morrie is closer to death, but he is not afraid. It only makes him value every single day, and want to his life to his fullest. Although the book is written by Albom, the anecdotes included in the book make Morrie a very real part of the reader's mind. 

     Albom also includes many of Morrie's aphorism to help convey this philosophy on death to his readers. Morrie is a very wise man who believes that people should accept reality, and work to make every day great. He does not believe death is something to be afraid of, because everything that is born will eventually all die. Albom attempts to share the wisdom he learned from Morrie by quoting the following: "Death ends a life, not a relationship." One thing that Morrie does not understand about people is their tendency to associate death with lost relationships and broken bonds. Morrie sees it quite the opposite, because it is the news of his soon death that brought him many new friends and helped him to rekindle old bonds. 

     It is through anecdotes that the audience is able to see Morrie on a more personal level, and his aphorisms helped to teach the audience about his philosophies. Mitch Albom includes these devices in his book in order to pass on the wisdom he received from Morrie and help pass on the lesson. This book was a great read and is one of the best I have had the pleasure to read of recent. It opened my eyes to the almost taboo-like idea of death and made me appreciate the little things in my life. 

   

TOW #23 - Political Cartoon of American Imperialism

American Imperialism

     During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States began to develop an interest in expanding past their borders. Spanish militarism in Cuba provided the United States with an opportunity to begin this involvement in Latin American affairs. This ultimately led to the Spanish American war which provided the United States with many new acquisitions: Hawaii, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Although some claimed that these actions were purely humanitarian, others argue that it was primarily out of greed and selfishness. In this political cartoon, artist Jeanine Sabbbah shines light on the ethnocentrism behind American expansionism to prove that US imperialism was driven not only by humanitarian reasons but also militaristic and economic gains.
     Facial expressions are very significant in this cartoon, from the children up front squirming in horror at Uncle Sam to the Chinaman standing out of place in the doorway. Uncle Sam's condescending look as he faces the children of the islands shows how the U.S. viewed the Latin American islanders as inferior. This is relevant to the time period because many people used Social Darwinism to justify the monopoly of minorities. As seen with Cuba, Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam's faces leaning back in fright, it can be understood that the artist felt US imperialism was an aggressive policy.  The use of facial expressions helped in conveying the emotional downsides of imperialism.
     Clothing is also a very important device that helped the artist in achieving his purpose. Uncle Sam is the most obvious displays of nationalistic clothing with his red and white striped pants and start-dotted vest. He is seen wielding a stick towards the island children who are dressed in very American, westernized clothing. This is a portrayal of the US attempting to assimilate the minority to their standards under the pretense of mentoring them, as a teacher would a student. However, in the right corner the Chinaman and Native American are donning traditional outfits. This shows how the United States pushed away the Native American and China issue, not even bothering to dress like Americans do.  

     This political cartoon showed US imperialism as a form of teaching and learning under the pressure of assimilating to American culture. Many people felt that because it was under the decree of Uncle Sam, it was patriotic and nationalistic to support the cause. However, artist Jeanine Sabbbah felt a need to educate Americans on a different perspective of what US imperialism truly entails. It is through her use of facial expressions and clothing in this political cartoon that she is able to shine light on the darker sides of imperialism. 

TOW #22 - Social Contract Theory Rhetorical Text

  

Jean-Jacques Rousseau - “The Origin of Civil Society”

During the early 18th century, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and a few others lead what is now referred to as the Age of Enlightenment. He was a French philosopher who offered the world with a new perspective on society and how it is governed. His most famous philosophy is on the social contract theory and the freedom of the natural man. Rousseau effectively persuades his readers into agreement in his book "The Origin of Civil Society" through his use of comparisons and hypophoras.

Throughout his arguement, Rousseau stresses the importance of natural societal order and how most forms of society today obstruct it. In order to open up the eyes of his readers to this societal issue, he compares family to the state. He states "Children remain bound to their father for only just as long as they feel the need of him for their self-preservation. Once that need ceases the natural bond is dissolved" (59). Likewise, the natural order of society should be that people live protected my the government until they reach Independence. This give and take of paternal love is natural; However, in the state "the pleasure of commanding others takes its place, since the ruler is not in a relation of love to his people. Political power is (hardly) ever exercised in the interests of the governed" (60). Rousseau's technique of comparing family with the state was very effective, because it made it more apparent on how the two were similar; the children are like the people and the father is the head of the state. In highlighting the benefits of natural societal order and comparing it to the unnatural way of government, Rousseau persuades his audience of the benefits of the social contract theory.

In addition to comparisons, Rousseau's use of hypophoras allows him to emphasize the significance of his purpose and persuade his readers to support his social contract theory. He presents many rhetorical questions to his readers that make them see logic behind his theory. In his "Of Slavery" section, he proves that slavery is unjustifiable and inhumane. If a man wanted to become a slave to another he would be selling himself. But, an entire race of people do not spontaneously agree to such conduct. Rousseau then asks, "but why should a whole people sell themselves?" (63). This makes the reader think about the ugly truth behind slavery, as well as realize that the oppressed have their own wills as well. He also presents a very logical argument that all people, regardless of race, are born with total freedom and no one can take that away from them. The government during this time does not respect that, however with his social contract theory they would be a step closer to achieving it.

In combatting the issue of tyranny and corrupt government, Jean -Jacques Rousseau argues against the total power of the monarchy. He believes that the power to legislate lies within the people, and it is under their natural right to freedom. To convince his readers of this argument, he uses comparisons and hypophoras.  To him, That a more natural way of societal order is necessary.