Representing America - American Literature AP - Blog

How Far We've Come

    Centuries ago, this nation was facing the most extreme racism it had ever seen because of slavery. The African-American race was completely dehumanized and discriminated against in every aspect of their lives because of this oppressive system, and although they finally achieved their goal of becoming free men it did not come with all of the changes they had expected. Even after they were considered to be just as much a citizen of the United States as any white man, the idea that they were inferior to the white race was belabored to them with everything they did in their daily lives. The color of their skin limited them from jobs they were capable of holding, and left them with only one option; to continue working for inhumanely cheat wages on the plantations they had already spent so much of their lives on. Although the stereotypes this race was labeled with in the past are so prominent in this nation’s history, this society in the United States has improved drastically in respecting the equal citizenship and opportunities of people no matter what their skin color.

 

            In the past, every aspect of an African-American’s life constantly reminded them of the fact that they had a different skin color than those who were thought to be superior to them. This idea was publicized in every aspect of social life in the past, the Jim Crow laws physically segregated the black citizens to backs of busses, other sides of restaurants, different water fountains and all other aspects that today are thought of as basic rights. The discrimination that they faced in the country whose growth they had contributed so much to was only enhanced when it came to social media. Such as the cartoons we watched in class, black laborers were portrayed as embarrassing characters with low intelligence levels and social status. This fad did not diminish quickly; there are even examples in recent TV Series. In the show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, the commonly known theme song is a perfect example, in the theme song he is explaining why he was forced to move from West Philadelphia, and within the explanation he states that “some guys who were up to no good, started making trouble in my neighborhood”. This image could be interpreted as a group of boys of any race, maybe even a mix of different races, but instead they portray these guys as five large black boys with gold chains around their necks and black jumpsuits. This pattern of making groups of black boys seen inferior and dangerous was a very common pattern for social media, but even this example is a very subtle occurrence of social racism and that is because over time this fad has been lessening continuously.

            In modern social media, African-American characters in movies and TV series rarely have their character based on their race. In TV series such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scrubs” which are two sit-coms/soap operas placed in hospital settings, both have a primary character who is African-American and a talented and intelligent doctor. In “Scrubs”, Dr. Turk starts off as any surgical intern, but throughout his years at Sacred Heart Hospital he is promoted to the chief of surgery.  One of Turk’s main obstacles in his career is how he feels men in the highest rankings of the medical system may judge him based on his race, but he proves time and time again how the stereotypes that are associated with African-American men are not based on the color of their skin. He constantly proves his abilities and strengths as a successful surgeon and overcomes any racial prejudices constantly.  The fact that TV has transformed from blatant racial discriminations, to a subtle pattern of racial prejudices all the way to an era of supporting racial equality openly and affectively on programs that can be seen all around the world is inspiring and shows how much more accepting our nation has become.

            As well as African-American’s playing the roles of successful black figures in the world of their sit-coms; they also play a key role in social media which is working behind the cameras. This opportunity that so many famous directors such as Salim Akil, Janice Cook, Paris Barclay and many more, have earned is more than those from the history of this nation ever would have expected. These directors have made millions and have been so successful in their work, which only reiterates the point that in today’s society the idea that the color of one’s skin may restrict them in their goals is completely false, and if a person tries hard enough they can achieve anything somebody of a different race could.

            This nation has come far in the past few centuries, during the freedom of the slaves and when this country was facing issues about the oppressive system that their economy strived on, the idea of living in equality with African-Americans was nearly impossible to most citizens. Although they believed that their chances were slim, the African-American race followed their leaders and used their initiative to advance them to where they are today. This nation is no longer one that will limit a person based on the color of their skin, because if somebody shows the necessary skills and initiative to achieve a goal for themselves, then that is all that matters.

"Ghost Town" By: First Aid Kit

Ghost Town Lyrics

The writer of this song is trying to portray the experience of leaving someone you care about to move away and keep on the road as a successful musician. She feels that it's her job to continue along traveling without a permanent home, and it's unfair to anyone she falls in love with. They'll move on once she's gone, and so it's best for her lover to forget the past, and just know that she'll come back to visit again. She attempts to reassure him that it's not really the end, even though she knows he'll just move on once she's gone.

A line that I really love is right in the beginning of the song, where she says, "blindsiding me to you"... To me, this is just a really creative way to say that basically all she can see is him, so she's like stuck to him, making it even more difficult to leave him behind, even though she feels like she has to. She explains this in the line "I found myself attached to this railroad track" When I first heard this line, I simply took it as she had to constantly be on the move as part of her career and lifestyle as a nomad. But after reading the lyrics as a poem, I thought of how in old western movies, the damsel in distress is always tied up on the railroad tracks, and the cowboy defeats the villian, and unties his bride just before the train hits her. So, maybe in a way, she's saying she knows that this time, he can't save her from the train (as in she'll get on it and leave him).

However, I must say my favorite line overall is "I'm lost somewhere in your mind"... This is just a very beautiful way of saying, "you'll forget me". I love how the writer uses such eloquent diction to paint a very sad picture in our minds when we read the words. What's even more interesting is tha the song itself is almost happy and dreamy sounding, not at all sad or depressing, as the lyrics are.

 

Obama Catches Romney in his Lack of Detail

In tonight's debate Obama defeated Romney with no doubt. Throughout the entire debate Romney was rude and interrupting the moderator and Obama time and time again and was constantly fighting the time restrictions. Romney was becoming this frustrated because his tactics of vaguely explaining ideas with extremely successful outcomes, but no explanation of the steps that must be taken to get there, were finally being shot down by Obama with actual facts. One example of this was when Romney mentions again that he will be cutting taxes to amount in more jobs without any detail, Obama states that all of these tax cuts will cost 8 trillion dollars for our nation. He promises to cut 5 trillion, invest 2 million into the army that does not want the money, and then 1 million to continue Bush tax cuts. He denies these costs and still promises to decrease the deficit, but without any proof by plan or numbers.

The moderator later questioned Romney about what his actions would be if he were to be in the office and realize that he did not have all of the money necessary to fulfill his "five point plan". Romney explains that he has worked in businesses and would know how to handle it, but again with no detail and then changes the entire topic of conversation back to how Obama did not decrease the deficit as much as he apparently promised at the beginning of his first term.

Obama shuts down Romney's ideas about gas prices by telling the crowd that the vague idea he is describing that will ultimately lower gas prices from four dollars to one dollar are similar to ideas that were used during Bush's term before Obama. These actions are what caused the economy to be in such a disheveled state and on the brink of recession when Obama entered the office in 2008. Obama continued to prove how Romney's barely formed plans and opinions were not going to be efficient throughout the entire debate, another occurrence of this was when Romney stated that he was a total "coal guy" but Obama quickly reminded him that during his time as governor he shut down a coal plant and while standing in front of it explained to a crowd about all of it's negative effects.

Obama also told the audience that he had already cut the middle class taxes by $3600 in the past four years, but in order to pay the deficit the top 2% of our economy were going to have to pay more which makes complete sense because they had been paying less than those of the middle class. Romney even stated on sixty minutes that he thinks it is completely fair that he pays less taxes than those of the middle class, and if this is so then how can we really trust him to cut taxes for middle class if he were to have the opportunity to be in office. Possibilities such as this, that Romney may change all of his plans once he is in office since he is so vague about them now, is what made Obama announce that Romney's plans are sketchy and that he knows if Romney was a voter, not even he would conform to a president proposing these ideas.

Your Assignment: Debating the Debates

Two debates remain in the presidential campaign.  On the blog -- either this week or next -- write a response to either the debate on Tuesday, October 16 or next Monday, October 22.  That response should take the form of an argument in which you make the case for who won the debate.  Your argument needs to reference at least five specific moments in the debate that prove that one candidate's argument was effective and/or the opposing candidate's argument was ineffective.

For the other week, either continue to post on the rhetoric of the presidential campaign, doing a mini-analysis of an ad or speech, for example, or post on the film/book we are watching/reading.

No More Big Bird?

Obama published a commercial attacking Romney about something that was not even that huge of an issue and also something that never got to be explained on the commercial. The advertisement is of Romney saying that he dislikes Big Bird. Although Romney did state he didn’t want to fund Sesame Street or PBS, Obama didn’t let Romney make any reasoning for his thoughts in the commercial.

 

I believe that Romney did have a reasonable explanation of why he would make such actions even though there are some flaws in his thinking process with this idea. All in all, Obama jumped to conclusion by using hasty generalization in the commercial that went on air not too long ago.

Paul Ryan's Usage of Pathos

During the vice presidential debate, Paul Ryan told a story about Mitt Romney to illustrate what a generous person he is. As stated by Ryan, a family who lived in the same town as Romney got into a fatal car accident. The family was devastated by the crash and was struggling to get by afterwards. Although Romney had never me the family before, he asked to come visit during Christmas and brought his family with him. While there, Romney consoled the family and offered to pay their children's college tuition. They later stated that the time that Romney spent with them meant more than his financial generosity.

Ryan's anecdote serves a rhetorical purpose of appealing to pathos. The audience most likely felt sympathetic for the family's loss, and the aid that Romney gave to the victims made him appear as a benevolent person.

Appeal to tradition with a twist

 

I thought this ad as interesting. The beginning is kind of an apeal to tradition, but in a cad way. Kind of like "we used to be like this, but now we're better and we don't want to go back to that." Then towards the end there was kind of a cross between an appeal to tradition and a glory by association.

The Face No One Can Resist

Recently, we have been talking about pathos, and how it is the appeal to emotions. When I am arguing with my parents, or trying to persuade a friend, the best way I can think of to get them on my side is the famous "puppy dog face". This pathos because it causes the audience to feel sad for you and it hurts their heart that you are hurting so they eventually are persuaded your way. Although he is not a puppy, Puss-in-Boots from Shreck is a master at this face. Everytime I watch Shrek and he makes this face, I never fail to say the words "awwww". It makes me just feel sad for him and want to give him anything this wants. I bet if Obama or Romney made this face at the end of a speech they would instantly recieve more voters.  

Election Ethos

I found this political cartoon both creative, and humorous. It questions Obama's morals and beliefs as a future presidential candidate. It's saying he's a pushover, someone who is unfit to run our country. However, it shows he is willing to listen to the democrats of America, and do whatever it is they ask for/need, which is good thing as a president. 

I found it to be a very controversial picture... What do you guys think?

Fallacy-non sequitor

I was watching tv one day and this commercial came on, i was watching it in confusion, as soon as the guy said his line i knew it had to be one of our fallacies, it ended up relating to the non sequitor. check it out:

 

Shower-Guy

 

    This Ad was just to good to pass up. Such a clear cut appeal to ethos.

    Even the "good guys" take stabs at the opponent when competition gets fierce. During election time, negative political ads seem to pop up all over the place. I don't know if it's just me (and Governor Hickenlooper) but I'm not a fan. I think that negative ads say just as much about the person (or pack) running them as they do about the opponent they intend to bash.

    Governor Hickenlooper used an appeal to ethos to target viewers like me. I was immediately very keen of the character that he portrayed himself as. While keeping it light, and not bashing anyone for bashing, Hickenlooper displayed his high morals and assured viewers of his confidence. It's a goofy commercial but it makes me like him enough to look in to his platform. Who is this shower-guy? 

 

Mitt Romney's Sob Story

I believe that the logical fallacy sob story/ appeal to pity or sentiment is like pathos which means emotion. In both cases your trying to win a argument by drawing the audience in with feelings like sympathy. Mitt Romney when asked about jobs during the Presidential Debate he said his wife encountered a family, a wife and husband with a baby who has worked 4 part-time jobs. He just lost another job and lost their home. Of course America is sympathetic, they are thinking we need a change because that is not right. A man has to work several part-time jobs to make enough money to provide for his home. Poor family! Poor economy! The family is the sob-story. Mitt Romney is saying he can change this. He's basically making the point that the economy is horrible, he can make better and more jobs. So vote for him. Do it for this family!

"Romney sought to address the issue of empathy with some of his first words,
talking about "meeting people across the country" who have told him of their
problems.

"I was in Dayton, Ohio, and a woman grabbed my arm, and she said, 'I've been
out of work since May. Can you help me?' Ann yesterday was at a rally in Denver,
and a woman came up to her with a baby in her arms and said, 'Ann, my husband
has had four jobs in three years, part-time jobs. He's lost his most recent job,
and we've now just lost our home. Can you help us?' The answer is yes," he said, "we can help, but it's going to take a different path."(LATimes)

Assignment: Rhetoric and Campaign 2012

Over the next couple of weeks on the blog,  find an example of one of the presidential or vice-presidential candidates making a logical fallacy – in one of the debates, in an ad or in a speech.  Quote the candidate, articulate what they are trying to argue, explain the fault in their reasoning, and identify which fallacy is being represented. Include a link – or even better, embed a video – that shows the example in action.

Your other blog entry over the next couple of the weeks should discuss how one of the candidates uses a rhetorical appeal or technique effectively to enhance an argument he is making.

The Common Mistake of Comparing Movies and Books

It is a common argument of weather the movies live up to the novel when they are created. This argument usually comes from a reader's personal experience with the novel not coming through in the film experience. The flaw in this argument is that one person cannot possibly expect everything that they imagined to be displayed on the screen because the person in the theatre next to you most likely had a different image of the novel then you did. Film and Novels both shaped our culture at some point of or another, so why would fusing them together be a mistake? It wouldn't be if they weren't placed against each other after the final product. Therefore, I propose that one must analyze film and book separately as different components of the story.

Take the Harry Potter series for example. Now I am a huge Harry Potter fan and if someone were to ask me this question my first instinct, like many others, would be that the books prevail over the movies. But if you look more closely into the question it is almost in valid because the film industry's goal is not to compete with a book. If they were to do that movies these days would be five hours long, and the only movie that can pull that off is Lord of the Rings: Director's Cut.

A films job is to complement a book, entertain an audience, not compete with a 300 page masterpiece with details impossible to obtain in a two hour movie. Movies and books cannot be put together in a competition just like you can't compare a clothing store to an electronics store. What they offer their costumers is so different that no one can say a general clothing store is better when they are referring to their merchandise. 

Once you look at this question with this perspective one might understand that movies that they might of considered bad in their eyes because they did not live up to their expectations from the book, if given a second chance and looked at with an un-bias opinion, could be really great movies. My favorite Harry Potter movie is one that I read the book before seeing the film because I judged them on different playing fields. If one lets their own hindsight bias effect the way they perceive movies off of books they will never learn to fully appreciate the amazing value of film.

Satire in the Flight of The Conchords

 

This is a song by the Flight of the conchords which creates humor using situational irony. The listener if they are familiar with this type of song expects a simple love song, instead of this the lyrics are about a woman who is not the most beautiful girl in the world, and its the contrast from the expectation that creates humor. Where a normal song would say that the woman is the most beautiful woman or something along those lines they have qualifications of how beautiful the woman is like "the most beautiful girl I have ever seen with a kabab".

This song could also be seen as a parody of a typical love song. The situations which they present as romantic like doing the robot or eating kabobs are a contrast to the typical love song. It could also be said that they are using understatements to create a contrast between the descriptions of people in archetypal love songs and thier own song.

Overall the satirical point that the singers are trying to make is in my opinion mostly for humor, but they may be making a comment on the predictability of many songs in thier contrast from the usual formula.

Comedy Central Presents: Why Racism is Funny!

Mike Birbiglia, a comedian on Comedy Central, is, in my opinion, one of the funniest comedians on television today. One of my favorite sketches by him, entitled "Goals," is all about how people of different races treat each other. 

He starts off his sketch with a jab at the different nicknames people of different races give each other. He makes fun of the way white people are constantly called "cracker" by making it into something that doesn't even register as an insult, but just as a type of food. From this, he moves on to how white people make fun of themselves for being white. A white man himself, Birbiglia only perpetuates the stereotypes that he makes fun of while he makes fun of them.

One of the best parts of this sketch is Birbiglia's rendition of the "white guy doing a black guy doing a white guy" voice. With this voice, Birbiglia explains that everyone makes fun of everyone else no matter what. Different races always find something within another race that is easy to imitate. This voice fits the Zip Coon stereotype where a white person is imitating a black person imitating a white person, but managing to sound ridiculous and silly while doing it. 

What is Race?

When we think of race, we generally associate it with the color of a person's skin or the etnicity of a person, but what exactly is race? Does it really matter? Or is it something we put in our own heads as a thing that should matter? When we really think about it, race is just a generalization we make when we first meet people. The first thing you notice about a person is the way they look, and one of the biggest physical features of a person is the color of their skin. The unfortunate part of all this is there are certain stereotypes we generalize with certain races, which often gives people the wrong first impression. Reputation, class status, and acedemic achievement are among the many generalizations that go hand in hand with race and first impressions.

There are different stereotypes that go with different races and ethnicities, but the only reason these stereotypes exist is because we, as a human culture, put them into practice. This isn't to say that these stereotypes are all together false, but when we say things like "Asians get the best grades", we all know it isn't completely true. Grades shouldn't have anything to do with the color of a person's skin or the ethnic background they have, it should come from a person's attitude towards acedemic achievement and determination to get good grades. An Asian person has to try just as hard as a white person or an African American person to do well in school. It all has to do with how hard a person tries. 

It shouldn't matter if you're black, white, asian, hispanic, or any other ethnicity. Race is something we, as a human race, create in our minds. Trying to imagine a world without race is close to impossible for us, who are so accustomed to seeing people as colors, rather than who they really are; but try it. Imagine a world where we were all the same colors that we are now, but without it mattering. Imagine color not making a difference in the way people treat you. 

 

Sarah McLachlan Just Ruined My Day

 

Every single time this commercial comes on, I change the channel as soon as possible. Images of pitiful dogs and cats who apparently need my help accompanied by sad, sappy music has to be the best example of a sob story around.

A Sob Story, a logical fallacy in which the audience is bombarded by emotion-provoking ideas, could be among the most obnoxious logical fallacies of them all, especially if it interrupts my Sunday afternoon of football. How can I possibly be content with touchdowns and field goals while there are innocent animals out there dying all over the place?

This just so happens to lead to another fallacy: Either/Or. To quote Sarah McLachlan, the spokesperson of the SPCA, "This is your chance to say 'I won't sit by while an animal suffers.'" Either I donate money to this organization, or I am the reason some cat is being dismembered. While this may be an exaggeration, it is not the kind of situation I want to be thrown into. I guess I don't need to exaggerate because that's what Family Guy is for. Here is their take on the logical fallacies of the SPCA commercials:

Why Choose Pro-choice or Pro-life?

One of the most controversial arguments of the day is about abortion, but it really shouldn't be.  The problem is that the argument is set up as a logical fallacy.  The two sides, pro-choice and pro-life, create an either/or statement.

"Either you are for abortion, or you are for government control over women's personal decisions" or "Either you are against abortion or you are for killing babies."  There is absolutely no way to win.  For the most part, every American approves of women's rights and opposes murdering people, but the either/or  statement makes it seem like you have to choose.

The names of the two sides, "Pro-choice" and "Pro-life," completely avoid addressing each other.  To someone unfamiliar with American controvercies, it would appear to be two pro- sides to two different arguments because they have both decided to be in favor of something different.  The way I see it, it's the principle of having to choose between being for two very different things, not our basic beliefs that causes the problems.

In reality, everyone agrees.  It's just a matter of people's priorities,  so why can't we decide as a nation  that we want to stop unwanted pregnancies and focus on that instead?  In the mean time we can let people do what they believe.  That's what democracy is about anyway, right?

Logical Fallacies in the Republican Debate.

Overall the republican debate for presidency was rife with logical fallacies. This is not unique to the Republican party, but this form of debate seems to bring out appeals that are not to logic. Mitt Romney seemed to be using non-sequiturs when the first couple of questions were directed his way, he dodged questions by pulling out information that was not entirely related.

The moderator tried to use guilt by association against John Huntsman when he equated his plan with subsidies for natural gas companies with Obama’s attempts to provide subsidies for renewable energy.  This was damaging to him because the republican base will not support a candidate who is at all similar to Obama in political ideology.

Herman Cain was asked a question about his 999 Plan and how future presidents might use it to raise taxes and he used a non-sequitur to talk about the benefits of his plan without answering the question. Mitt Romney said the current economy was Obama’s economy and was using guilt by association by associating Obama with the current economic climate.

Rick Perry and Mitt Romney used Ad Hominem attacks against each other when Mitt Romney said he flip-flopped in his earlier position that pensions are unconstitutional, and Rick Perry responded that Mitt Romney had flip-flopped in his book over his health care plan in Massachusetts. Rick Perry, Michele Bachman, and Newt Gingrich all used the straw man argument when they contorted Obama’s positions to say that he is a socialist.

Newt Gingrich, and John Huntsman tried to create glory by association when they made references to Ronald Reagan who is largely admired within the Republican Party. 

 

Thoughts on Obama's Address to Congress (9/8/11)

    Obama begins his speech with declaring exigence and his audience very clearly. He declares his audience almost word for word when he addresses congress, the vice president, the speaker of the house, and then his fellow Americans. Notice how he used the word "fellow" to describe the citizens of America, reassuring us that he is one of us therefore improving his ethos appeal to us. Directly after Obama then declares the exigence for the address by clearly stating the poor state America is currently in and then speaks specifics that Washington needs to improve. During his explanation for the urgency Obama also states his purpose which is to promote laws to pass to improve this poor state we are in. 

    Once Obama begins to transition into his persuasion for congress to pass The American's Jobs Act you can pick up that he starts to use techniques like pathos and logos. He clearly begins to state the facts of what he would do and what will happen due to the act which appeals to logos, or factual persuasion. But even before he begins to persuade us by giving us the beneficial facts, he first scares us with the truth of our country now using pathos with the emotion of fear, but then slowly begins to transition into the emotion of hope which is what the American's Jobs Act will provide for the American people. He always uses subjects that apply to the American people and not congress, appealing to ethos that this will help our character and congresses at the same time.

    The way Obama organizes the speech also effects the way he comes across. He pauses at many moments where he tells our state of being now, to allow it to soak in, and then offers a solution to the problem, creating a sense of relief after the pause of agony. He also repeats the urgency of passing the law using the words "right away" multiple times within his address. When he talks of mistakes in the pass he becomes firm and serious, leading to pauses and smacks on the podium after they are stated. This creates a sense that he is saying we are finished and through and are now improving our methods. 

    Obama used many well known persuasive techniques in his address. These techniques seemed to be very beneficial for him, due to the positive outcome of the crowd. 

Obama's Appeal to Emotion

Obama's recurring statement, "Pass this job act right away" bothered some people, but  I found it extremely effective in getting his point across.  Besides urging congress, with every "right away" and "now," Obama is reminding the Americans that this past summer, congress delayed the passing of an increased debt limit.  The bill was not passed until a day before our government was going to run out of money which frustrated many Americans.  The  president was appealing to that very powerful emotion in order to hit home with his ideas.  He also appeals to frustration when he mentions the next election near the end of his speech. Obama reminded Congress that they can't afford to wait until the day before running for reelection while reminding the Americans that they shouldn't have to wait.

Obama's final words, "These are difficult years for our country.  But we are Americans.  We are tougher than the times that we live in, and we are bigger than our politics have been.  So let's meet the moment.  Let's get to work, and show the world once again why the United States of America remains the greatest nation on Earth," appeal strongly to pathos and ethos.  He recalls the frustrations and struggles of our past, calls out to patriotism, reminds us of our past successes, and ends with positive energy about working toward the future and a better America.

Obama Getting Angry

What seemed to be a logos appeal, as he outlined all of the programs in his new bill, shifts into more of a pathos appeal, as he repeats, "Pass this bill!" in more strident and strident tones.  He seems angry at those who he is presuming won't pass the bill.  Anger in advance, so to speak.

Live Blogging the Presidential Address

President Obama is really laying on the exigence thick here.  If we don't listen to him and pass his job plan, America will be in the dumps.

Helpful Links

Most major television networks and cable news stations will be carrying President Obama's speech tonight.  Remember, extra credit if you "live blog" the speech, leaving shorter but continually updated commentary as the speech is actually happening.

If you miss the speech, you will be able to replay it on C-SPAN and probably through the President's official streaming channel.

Remember, your assignment is to analyze the speech in terms of at least one part of the rhetorical web (exigence/audience/purpose – logos/ethos/pathos – organization/whole structure - or specific uses of language, such as diction, syntax, imagery or figures of speech).  See the rhetorical web here.