Matt Mosley goes to great lengths to write about Michael Vick. Matt Mosley is a writer for ESPN and Michael Vick is an NFL player. Why would Mosley do that? Because Michael Vick is the most talked about player in the NFL at this point in time. He is obviously using kairos. He wrote this article a week before Vick would make his first NFL appearance back in the league.
Vick has been the topic in the NFL for the last few months because of his actions in criminal law. The first question he addresses about Vick was will he be allowed to play again. Since this is now being discussed, how he will do this upcoming Sunday, Vick was obviously allowed to play and was signed by the Philidelphia Eagles.Michael Vick was released from prison a few months ago. He was there for 18 months. He was charged 18 long months because he was into so called "Dogfighting". Mosley asserts a good question, what will Vick do now that he is back in the NFL? Every true football fan is wondering how he will play in his first real game back in action. This could have been the end of Michael Vick's football career, had he not been accepted back into the NFL. Then he would not be a topic of interest, but he was and that is why Kairos is found here. Even if he wins a Super Bowl, people will still talk about how he almost was not accepted back into the NFL. It is very interesting to hear his views and predictions. It makes one wonder what will happen on Sunday when he suits up for the big game.
Mosley is going back to the fact that Vick was in trouble and then got out. Reed took him in because he had same issues with his own children as well. Mosley isn't so much referring to the fact of what Michael Vick did, as to how much h is talking about Vick's future as a player and what will happen with him. This is why Mosley did not write about Vick when he was is prison, rather now because people want to know what the future holds for him.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Prophet's Address to the Priesthood
In this past Priesthood Session of General Conference, President Monson addressed what has been referred to as the largest brotherhood in the world. The Prophet's audience is identified through his word usage, specifically how he doesn't define certain terms that his assumed audience would already know.
General Conference attracts a very specific audience, about 6 million people around the world. Such is shown in this talk by President Monson referencing the Doctrine and Covenants and other scriptures unique to our churchThe Priesthood session, but not explaining what they are. Had Presdient Monson been speaking to a group of people that does not share our beliefs, some time would likely need to be spent to explain what these "new" scriptures mean to us. Similarly, Presidnet Monson quotes the scripture reference James 1:5. In our church, such a verse does not require a reference because it is the most well-known thanks to Joseph Smith's history. Had he been addressing another group of Christians, he would probably given the reference, not insinuating a lack of knowledge, but a way to prove they are actual words from the Bible and allow listeners to look up the reference at a later time.
Out of 6 million members, the Priesthood General Conference session is meant for all boys and men from 12 years of age and up. He makes three points that, if done regularly, will "lead us to safety." In his talk, President Monson speaks of the dangers and temptations of this world. His audience is one that understands this fact already, even worries about it enough to seek enlightment from the Prophets and Apostles. The audience wants to figure out what it is that must be done to combat these dangers. That is why conference is held and people attned conference.
The three suggestions are first read off in list form and then expounded upon. This reflects a couple of things about the audience. Giving a short list is a way of making sure everyone understands the point of the talk. President Monson probably understands that there are anxious adolescents in the crowd that may allow their thoughts to wander throughout the session. Spelling out the point of a talk makes sure that those who don't pay attention the whole time still understand what the Prophet, and therefore the Lord, wants them to hear.
The next implication is that President Monson's could be a note-taking congregation. Creating a list and writing notes about the items in that list is a common form of note-taking whether in lecture or in a session of General Conference. His short, concise, but still entertaining and profound sentences make it easier for the note taker to write down main ideas and keywords that will bring back to memory what the Prophet was saying.
The first two of his points are "study diligently" and "pray fervently." President Monson shows that he knows his audience already studies and prays, but he wants them to know that not just studying and praying is sufficient. One must study with diligence, exercising some effort. One must pray fervently, with passion and with purpose.
To illustrate his point on the power of fervent prayer, President Monson tells a story about two missionaries finding a woman who eventually got baptized. They found her old "tracting record" and decided to contact her. Anyone outside of the church, and many who have not served missions, would not know what a tracting record is, but since there was no explanation or definition, it is to be understood that many of those present at the session have served a mission, are preparing for a mission, or are familiar with missionary-related terms.
The Prophet knows his audience.
General Conference attracts a very specific audience, about 6 million people around the world. Such is shown in this talk by President Monson referencing the Doctrine and Covenants and other scriptures unique to our churchThe Priesthood session, but not explaining what they are. Had Presdient Monson been speaking to a group of people that does not share our beliefs, some time would likely need to be spent to explain what these "new" scriptures mean to us. Similarly, Presidnet Monson quotes the scripture reference James 1:5. In our church, such a verse does not require a reference because it is the most well-known thanks to Joseph Smith's history. Had he been addressing another group of Christians, he would probably given the reference, not insinuating a lack of knowledge, but a way to prove they are actual words from the Bible and allow listeners to look up the reference at a later time.
Out of 6 million members, the Priesthood General Conference session is meant for all boys and men from 12 years of age and up. He makes three points that, if done regularly, will "lead us to safety." In his talk, President Monson speaks of the dangers and temptations of this world. His audience is one that understands this fact already, even worries about it enough to seek enlightment from the Prophets and Apostles. The audience wants to figure out what it is that must be done to combat these dangers. That is why conference is held and people attned conference.
The three suggestions are first read off in list form and then expounded upon. This reflects a couple of things about the audience. Giving a short list is a way of making sure everyone understands the point of the talk. President Monson probably understands that there are anxious adolescents in the crowd that may allow their thoughts to wander throughout the session. Spelling out the point of a talk makes sure that those who don't pay attention the whole time still understand what the Prophet, and therefore the Lord, wants them to hear.
The next implication is that President Monson's could be a note-taking congregation. Creating a list and writing notes about the items in that list is a common form of note-taking whether in lecture or in a session of General Conference. His short, concise, but still entertaining and profound sentences make it easier for the note taker to write down main ideas and keywords that will bring back to memory what the Prophet was saying.
The first two of his points are "study diligently" and "pray fervently." President Monson shows that he knows his audience already studies and prays, but he wants them to know that not just studying and praying is sufficient. One must study with diligence, exercising some effort. One must pray fervently, with passion and with purpose.
To illustrate his point on the power of fervent prayer, President Monson tells a story about two missionaries finding a woman who eventually got baptized. They found her old "tracting record" and decided to contact her. Anyone outside of the church, and many who have not served missions, would not know what a tracting record is, but since there was no explanation or definition, it is to be understood that many of those present at the session have served a mission, are preparing for a mission, or are familiar with missionary-related terms.
The Prophet knows his audience.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Anatomy of a Ban
The name of this article tells us in itself that the author is going to dissect the subject. This is a catchy way to bring out curiosity in readers. There are many ways that the author accurately depicts the situation; however, many logical fallacies can be found within the article.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?articleId=12389
Hasty Generalization/sweeping generalization is used in the following ways:
"Abortion results in increased tobacco smoking,"
"Most couples find abortion to be an event which shatters their relationship,"
"Abortion exploits women, treating them and their children as mere property,"
False Analogy
The article concludes with the statement, "Because the bill is so radical, experts don't expect it to make it out of the House of Representatives." What makes the bill so radical? Comparing it with one other state's bill hardly gives the true view of the topic. To say that because this bill is so radical that it won't make it past the House compares it with other "radical" bills that didn't pass. This bill is completely different than other bills in content and purpose. A fair comparison would account for that.
All of these problems give little credibility to the author. This makes it harder to build good ethos, pathos, and logos.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?articleId=12389
Hasty Generalization/sweeping generalization is used in the following ways:
-"Women who have had an abortion require psychological treatment of such symptoms as nervous disorders, sleep disturbances, and deep regrets,"
- Saying that all women who have had an abortion need psychological treatment covers such a basic range of women. It explains only one side, leaving the women who are relieved by the choice to abort.
"Abortion results in increased tobacco smoking,"
- This is obviously a skewed statement trying to make the reader think that every woman who aborted now smokes, and if they already smoked, they smoke more now. A sentence that could still accurately portray the affects of abortion on smoking would include "can result in." The author can lose ethos by a conscious reader recognizing this fallacy.
"Most couples find abortion to be an event which shatters their relationship,"
- Saying "most couples" has a misleading connotation unless a published study is cited as a reference to solidify the facts.
"Abortion exploits women, treating them and their children as mere property,"
- One woman who has never chosen to abort feels that abortion itself exploits women. a statement by this woman could easily be turned into the quote we see above. If women chose to abort, then how can they feel like property?
False Analogy
The article concludes with the statement, "Because the bill is so radical, experts don't expect it to make it out of the House of Representatives." What makes the bill so radical? Comparing it with one other state's bill hardly gives the true view of the topic. To say that because this bill is so radical that it won't make it past the House compares it with other "radical" bills that didn't pass. This bill is completely different than other bills in content and purpose. A fair comparison would account for that.
All of these problems give little credibility to the author. This makes it harder to build good ethos, pathos, and logos.
Michael Vick Back In Action!
Matt Mosley writes about Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. It seems he is giving reasons for Andy Reid (head coach for the Eagles) signing Vick. He uses logos to explain his major points. Michael Vick was recently released from prison for dog-fighting. He was there for eighteen months.Matt portrays Andy Reids' motives to be out of jealousy and that is why he signed Michael Vick. Though this is a reason, it is not one that has evidence behind it. Logos can be very effective, but one needs to have significant evidences for each individual point. This can be seen logical, which agrees with logos. Another reason he gives is that Andy Reed has sons, who have been in trouble with the law and everyone needs a second chance. This point definitely has more evidence than the last one. He assumed one point and actually has evidence for the second one. He also states later in the article that Michael Vick will not be listed as the second string quarterback, therefore he is not fully prepared to be the full-time quarterback. Preparation has different meanings, but he has not talked to Reid or Vick, so he has no association with them. He then goes so far to say that Andy Reed signed Vick only because his pride. That he wanted to prove his critics wrong and "rub in their face", so to say. He is another reason for signing with no actually evidence. He gives a comparison between Reid and another NFL coach, but it is not valid. In the end one must have evidences to show reasons.
Global Warming and Eating: Linking with Language Tools
An article published by Jennifer Wilkins and Anna Lappe addressed the link between global warming and the way Americans eat today. To make their point the authors use several language tools that invoke sympathy for the planet and arouse a desire to eat better in order to save it.
Personification was well implemented in this article to give our planet an identity. Word usage such as, "The danger the planet faces..."(par. 2) and "...we'll all be healthier and so will our planet"(par. 16). The planet obviously is not able to literally "face" anything, but by implying that the Earth is going up against something or seeing some kind of opposition causes us to naturally feel sympathetic. The Earth, though treacherous in things such as natural disasters, is often seen as an unarmed, helpless woman that can't defend herself from those who pollute and damage her. The second sentence helps us identify that our actions will help protect the Earth, and this will not only make our motherly-benefactor healthier, but we will be better off as well.
Metaphors with imagery also helped make the point of needed opposition towards global warming through eating healthier. The phrase, "...driving an 18-wheeler to the moon and back 13 times"(par. 5), was used to describe how far New Jersians drive, burning fossil fuel and causing global warming, to satiate "fresh tomato carving[s]." Though completely illogical, driving to the moon in an 18-wheeler creates certain images and connections in the reader's brain: 18-wheelers require a lot of diesel fuel which creates extremely toxic fumes; the moon is extremely far away and driving there and back 13 times would amount to a large, almost incomprehensible distance. Therefore, it is understood that citizens of New Jersey drive significant distances, warming the globe, all because they want to eat fresh tomatos. Put in this light, the reader would see New Jersey's global warming participation as something ridiculous and easily avoidable.
More imagery was used in order to describe how much land is used to grow corn for corn-syrup that goes into highly consumed junk foods in relating the size of the fields to "twice the size of Rhode Island"(par. 13). Though Rhode Island is known as the smallest state in the U.S., saying that any amount of detrimentally-used land is larger than a state immedtiatly wows the reader and puts into persepective that the earth is being misused to feed us junk food.
Citation
Wilkins, Jennifer and Lappe, Anna. "Think Globally, Eat Locally," Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 17, 2007. Web, 23 Sept. 2009.
Personification was well implemented in this article to give our planet an identity. Word usage such as, "The danger the planet faces..."(par. 2) and "...we'll all be healthier and so will our planet"(par. 16). The planet obviously is not able to literally "face" anything, but by implying that the Earth is going up against something or seeing some kind of opposition causes us to naturally feel sympathetic. The Earth, though treacherous in things such as natural disasters, is often seen as an unarmed, helpless woman that can't defend herself from those who pollute and damage her. The second sentence helps us identify that our actions will help protect the Earth, and this will not only make our motherly-benefactor healthier, but we will be better off as well.
Metaphors with imagery also helped make the point of needed opposition towards global warming through eating healthier. The phrase, "...driving an 18-wheeler to the moon and back 13 times"(par. 5), was used to describe how far New Jersians drive, burning fossil fuel and causing global warming, to satiate "fresh tomato carving[s]." Though completely illogical, driving to the moon in an 18-wheeler creates certain images and connections in the reader's brain: 18-wheelers require a lot of diesel fuel which creates extremely toxic fumes; the moon is extremely far away and driving there and back 13 times would amount to a large, almost incomprehensible distance. Therefore, it is understood that citizens of New Jersey drive significant distances, warming the globe, all because they want to eat fresh tomatos. Put in this light, the reader would see New Jersey's global warming participation as something ridiculous and easily avoidable.
More imagery was used in order to describe how much land is used to grow corn for corn-syrup that goes into highly consumed junk foods in relating the size of the fields to "twice the size of Rhode Island"(par. 13). Though Rhode Island is known as the smallest state in the U.S., saying that any amount of detrimentally-used land is larger than a state immedtiatly wows the reader and puts into persepective that the earth is being misused to feed us junk food.
Citation
Wilkins, Jennifer and Lappe, Anna. "Think Globally, Eat Locally," Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 17, 2007. Web, 23 Sept. 2009.
A Prophet's Plea
Often in the Church we don’t give heed to all of the counsel from prophets. If we did they wouldn't be telling us to read our scriptures everyday, hold family home evening, and attend the temple often because we'd all be doing it. Sometimes we find ourselves thinking the talk isn’t for us or that it’s a good idea but our circumstances exempt us from that counsel. We need a reason to listen to the prophet's voice because being a prophet sometimes isn't enough. The prophet, just like any other speaker must give us a reason that we should heed his message. Speaking as the prophet, President Benson tells us that something is different about this talk, "Beware of Pride". We need to listen. We have to listen. He draws us in and motivates change in us to be more humble. How did he do it?
President Benson first alludes to other prophets found in the Book of Mormon to remind us who he really is, “This message has been weighing heavily on my soul for some time. I know the Lord wants this message delivered now.” A few other prophets have used similar language, for example Jacob says in Jacob 2:3, “I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been.” This allusion places him in the same position as Jacob and other ancient prophets. We as members of the church tend to place more trust and obedience to old ancient prophets, many times because we read the stories of what happens when the people didn't listen to that bit of counsel. By placing himself with them, he is telling us that he has seen, just as Jacob, Nephi, and Mormon saw what the people needed. We begin listening because we actually believe this message is not an old man's counsel, but comes from the Lord.
President Benson talks to us as if he were not exempt from pride. That he is one of us. This makes us want to listen to him. If he comes in accusing us of being prideful we’ll prove him right by being offended. Instead he allows us to convict ourselves by defining pride by using phrases such as "The proud are not easily taught,” and, “The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment than of God’s judgment.” Then when discussing the effects of pride he uses “we” and “us” to make it ever more personal. This diction moves all focus off of him as the speaker and towards us and our pride. His credibility is greatly increased because we see him as one of us who has worked hard to overcome his own pride.
Two anaphora are used to motivate us to action. In the first one, President Benson implores us to think again and again how much better our lives would be if we were to eliminate pride. By not defining the specific blessings he allows us to think about what we want. How it would affect us personally. Then playing off of those emotions he uses another anaphora by telling us we can choose to eliminate pride from our life. By continuing to speak as “we” and “us” we feel like we are going to try with everyone else to improve ourselves.
President Benson uses language tools such as anaphora, allusion, and diction in order get our attention and realize that he is the prophet, and that this particular message is from him as a prophet, and not your everyday grandpa.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"Ich bin ein Berliner"
"I'm a jelly doughnut," may not seem like the word choice you would use to win Berlin's love, but President John F. Kennedy did just that. His goal was to build ethos in himself and the U.S. His accent in German may have not been like a fluent German speaker, however, he identified
himself with the German people by using their own language. "Lass' sie nach Berlin kommen." Those who didn't feel a connection with the United States gained an appreciation for President Kennedy, and thus the U.S.
He identified himself in the first sentence as a proud guest of the Mayor of West Berlin. This relationship automatically gave him a good sense of ethos with his German audience. He praises and recognizes the Chancellor who has worked for democracy in Germany to tell them that he also supports this alongside their leader.
He identified himself in the first sentence as a proud guest of the Mayor of West Berlin. This relationship automatically gave him a good sense of ethos with his German audience. He praises and recognizes the Chancellor who has worked for democracy in Germany to tell them that he also supports this alongside their leader.
He made a series of statements contrasting the view of communist sympathizers and all those involved in anti-communist movements. All of these remarks were followed by "let them come to Berlin." Repeating this phrase gives the audience a continual feeling that he supports Berlin's drive to be free. After he said, "There are some who say that communism is the wave of the future. Let them come to Berlin," the crowd went wild with applause. He effectively gained ethos for himself and for the United States with the German people.
Mike Stanley
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Mrs. Bill Gates on AIDS
IN 2004, an article called AIDS and India was published in The Seattle Times by Melinda French Gates, the wife of billionaire Bill gates.
Ethos
There are examples of ethos on many different levels in Mrs. Gates' editorial. One is her name. It isn't clear that she is Bill Gates' wife until the end of the article. It is as if mentioning the name of her famous husband gives her some kind of credibility or that her opinions matter more than an average person's. But her hesitation to admit that her husband is a billionaire helps her in two ways. One way is that she avoids offending those who may not like Bill Gates and/or Microsoft, thus broadening her audience of readers. She develops a trust with the reader by concealing her identity until the very end. The second way her name helped her was soley dependant on how she reavealed herself and her identity to the reader. Her sentence of admittance was the following: "Bill and I started our foundation based on the firm belief that every child in our world deserves a chance at good health"(par. 18). Now, the reader understands who she is credibility is not lost, but gained because the context in which Mrs. Gates reveals herself is that of charity.
Despite her name, Mrs. Gates established herself as a "regular person" by writing in a way that
helps the reader identify her as someone normal. Her words and phrases are simple and to the point. She writes in the first-person as if it is two normal people having a regular conversation, yet she maintains the air of knowing a little more on the issue at hand, the problem of AIDS in India, than you do.
She establishes her credibility of knowledge on the issue because she traveled to India with her husband and saw firsthand the problems with the AIDS epidemic in India. Also, her use of statistics and quotes of experts with whom she spoke give her argument substantial credibility and believability.
Pathos
The expression of Pathos in this article was ultimately through word choice. In India, the AIDS epidemic has a lot to do with the "sex trade." Mrs. Gates refers to the women who sell themselves to men as "sex workers" rather than "prostitutes." The word "sex worker" gives the impression that the women were forced to make a living this way, while the word "prostitute" arouses very negative feelings and presumptions. She appeals to the reader's ability to pity.
Mrs. Gates also used the word "empower" in the context of educating these sex workers on AIDS and HIV. If women have to be empowered, that means they are powerless. The idea of women being helpless and powerless definitely induces certain emotions that wouldn't be there if she had said "educate prostitutes."
The last major word choice was the implementation of "we" and "us." Mrs. Gates made it seem like we were on a team, that we were all in this together, and that each of us not only has a responsibility to feel sorry for these AIDS victims, but also act to help them.
Logos
Mrs. Gates through logos connects chains of opinions, thoughts, and arguments in order to help us see implications in her argument.
In the very first paragraph, she says, "India's emergence as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with a highly skilled workforce and climbing literacy rates, has fueled optimism that the country could one day overcome its crippling poverty. But as I recently saw firsthand, India is on the brink of an AIDS catastrophe that could undermine the country's potential for progress"(par. 1).
This is the main connection she wants the reader to make. India is a growing, improving country which can potentially help with the problem of poverty. However, progress towards solving the poverty problem is stunted by the "AIDS catastrophe."
Mrs. Gates does very well in providing evidence for the terrible effects of AIDS, but she does not have sufficient facts, statistics, etc. to support her claim in India being an up-and-coming economic power. Had she provided information on rates of growth in annual income per capita or any other economic measures, it would have been more convincing that India is becoming stronger. That would have provided a great contrast which would facilitate our understanding that AIDS is indeed threatening a growing nation and something must be done.
Though she fails to connect well her primary argument, Mrs. Gates does succeed in helping us make other connections. For example, we know that Microsoft and Bill Gates are rich, powerful entities. However, without evidence, no one would make the assumption that Bill Gates is charitable. Mrs. Gates' mentioning that the Bill Gates foundation has donated $200 M to fight AIDS in India link these two idea for the reader: Bill Gates, though rich, is a philanthropist.
She also helps us understand the "sex workers." The ideas that seemingly have no link are 1)women in developing countries are not educated, 2) in such countries there is bound to be prostitution, which we sometimes see as the woman's own choice, and 3) rate of AIDS infections can be decreased significantly. What Mrs. Gates does is help us see that lack of education forces women into the sex trade. That ignorance carries over into the sex trade itself and as a result,"shockingly, 70 percent of Indian women have never even heard of AIDS." But, once the women are educated, there is a drastic increase in HIV-prevention.
The most powerful connection that she makes is related to how the reader can make a difference. The bad effects of AIDS in India caused by poverty and lack of education can be combatted by the efforts of outsiders. Mrs. Gates proves this by stating, "Individuals can make a difference, too — there are things that each of us can do to help stop AIDS around the world. For example, you can educate your friends and family about the disease, volunteer for a local AIDS organization, or ask your lawmakers to increase funding for global AIDS programs. You can also donate to organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, which supports AIDS programs in the hardest-hit countries throughout the world"(par. 20).
Citation
Melinda French Gates, "AIDS and India," The Seattle Times, April 11,2004.
Ethos
There are examples of ethos on many different levels in Mrs. Gates' editorial. One is her name. It isn't clear that she is Bill Gates' wife until the end of the article. It is as if mentioning the name of her famous husband gives her some kind of credibility or that her opinions matter more than an average person's. But her hesitation to admit that her husband is a billionaire helps her in two ways. One way is that she avoids offending those who may not like Bill Gates and/or Microsoft, thus broadening her audience of readers. She develops a trust with the reader by concealing her identity until the very end. The second way her name helped her was soley dependant on how she reavealed herself and her identity to the reader. Her sentence of admittance was the following: "Bill and I started our foundation based on the firm belief that every child in our world deserves a chance at good health"(par. 18). Now, the reader understands who she is credibility is not lost, but gained because the context in which Mrs. Gates reveals herself is that of charity.
Despite her name, Mrs. Gates established herself as a "regular person" by writing in a way that
helps the reader identify her as someone normal. Her words and phrases are simple and to the point. She writes in the first-person as if it is two normal people having a regular conversation, yet she maintains the air of knowing a little more on the issue at hand, the problem of AIDS in India, than you do.
She establishes her credibility of knowledge on the issue because she traveled to India with her husband and saw firsthand the problems with the AIDS epidemic in India. Also, her use of statistics and quotes of experts with whom she spoke give her argument substantial credibility and believability.
Pathos
The expression of Pathos in this article was ultimately through word choice. In India, the AIDS epidemic has a lot to do with the "sex trade." Mrs. Gates refers to the women who sell themselves to men as "sex workers" rather than "prostitutes." The word "sex worker" gives the impression that the women were forced to make a living this way, while the word "prostitute" arouses very negative feelings and presumptions. She appeals to the reader's ability to pity.
Mrs. Gates also used the word "empower" in the context of educating these sex workers on AIDS and HIV. If women have to be empowered, that means they are powerless. The idea of women being helpless and powerless definitely induces certain emotions that wouldn't be there if she had said "educate prostitutes."
The last major word choice was the implementation of "we" and "us." Mrs. Gates made it seem like we were on a team, that we were all in this together, and that each of us not only has a responsibility to feel sorry for these AIDS victims, but also act to help them.
Logos
Mrs. Gates through logos connects chains of opinions, thoughts, and arguments in order to help us see implications in her argument.
In the very first paragraph, she says, "India's emergence as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with a highly skilled workforce and climbing literacy rates, has fueled optimism that the country could one day overcome its crippling poverty. But as I recently saw firsthand, India is on the brink of an AIDS catastrophe that could undermine the country's potential for progress"(par. 1).
This is the main connection she wants the reader to make. India is a growing, improving country which can potentially help with the problem of poverty. However, progress towards solving the poverty problem is stunted by the "AIDS catastrophe."
Mrs. Gates does very well in providing evidence for the terrible effects of AIDS, but she does not have sufficient facts, statistics, etc. to support her claim in India being an up-and-coming economic power. Had she provided information on rates of growth in annual income per capita or any other economic measures, it would have been more convincing that India is becoming stronger. That would have provided a great contrast which would facilitate our understanding that AIDS is indeed threatening a growing nation and something must be done.
Though she fails to connect well her primary argument, Mrs. Gates does succeed in helping us make other connections. For example, we know that Microsoft and Bill Gates are rich, powerful entities. However, without evidence, no one would make the assumption that Bill Gates is charitable. Mrs. Gates' mentioning that the Bill Gates foundation has donated $200 M to fight AIDS in India link these two idea for the reader: Bill Gates, though rich, is a philanthropist.
She also helps us understand the "sex workers." The ideas that seemingly have no link are 1)women in developing countries are not educated, 2) in such countries there is bound to be prostitution, which we sometimes see as the woman's own choice, and 3) rate of AIDS infections can be decreased significantly. What Mrs. Gates does is help us see that lack of education forces women into the sex trade. That ignorance carries over into the sex trade itself and as a result,"shockingly, 70 percent of Indian women have never even heard of AIDS." But, once the women are educated, there is a drastic increase in HIV-prevention.
The most powerful connection that she makes is related to how the reader can make a difference. The bad effects of AIDS in India caused by poverty and lack of education can be combatted by the efforts of outsiders. Mrs. Gates proves this by stating, "Individuals can make a difference, too — there are things that each of us can do to help stop AIDS around the world. For example, you can educate your friends and family about the disease, volunteer for a local AIDS organization, or ask your lawmakers to increase funding for global AIDS programs. You can also donate to organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, which supports AIDS programs in the hardest-hit countries throughout the world"(par. 20).
Citation
Melinda French Gates, "AIDS and India," The Seattle Times, April 11,2004.
The Influence of Rightous Women
In Elder Uchtdorf’s Address to the Church, he exclaims the importance of women. By using pathos he is able to reach each individual sister on a personal level. He first establishes the principle of womanhood by giving biblical examples of women such as Mary, Eve, or Elizabeth. He explains the crucial role these women play in history.
He then creates pathos by speaking directly to the women of the church. This way everyone feels like she is being spoken to. He describes women from the past above and relates to the women in the audience that they too can make a huge difference. Every person needs to feel needed, so he then asserts, “We call upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities.”
Towards the end of the introduction he expresses his love for the sisters of the church, therefore giving him credibility because each knows that he genuinely cares for each of them.
Most individuals like an invite to be better. His tone in pathos lets each sister know that she is able to achieve the Lord’s goal for her. He then gives each sister a challenge,” Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.”
Each sister now feels the need to be better than before and change their lives. He speaks very persausive and on a personal level. He also relates special experiences he has hade over the years with significant women in his life.
He then creates pathos by speaking directly to the women of the church. This way everyone feels like she is being spoken to. He describes women from the past above and relates to the women in the audience that they too can make a huge difference. Every person needs to feel needed, so he then asserts, “We call upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities.”
Towards the end of the introduction he expresses his love for the sisters of the church, therefore giving him credibility because each knows that he genuinely cares for each of them.
Most individuals like an invite to be better. His tone in pathos lets each sister know that she is able to achieve the Lord’s goal for her. He then gives each sister a challenge,” Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.”
Each sister now feels the need to be better than before and change their lives. He speaks very persausive and on a personal level. He also relates special experiences he has hade over the years with significant women in his life.
Those Who Heard Lincoln's Words
His audience was his country. All those present and all those who would read his words later in the newspapers across the North. They were tired and ravaged from a vicious civil war that was killing more of their men than the enemy even though they were spending more money than the enemy. Many were beginning to doubt the war effort and wanted to end the conflict. Friends and loved ones were falling like flies. Many were forgetting the very reason this war had started, or at least now felt that the cost to preserve those principles was too high. After suffering major casualties in a battle they won, many wondered if they would ever win. Then Abraham Lincoln steps up to the podium.
President Lincoln begins his short Gettysburg Address by remembering the audience of the causes they were fighting for—to preserve liberty and freedom and show that such a country can survive. The people undoubtedly wanted freedom to work. They wanted liberty to work. They wanted freedom to work. They wanted
Then he addresses the deaths of those lost in all the civil war as having been lost to preserve the cause of liberty and that now the responsibility rests upon the living to continue their cause so that they may not die in vain. As the people ponder on the deaths of loved ones and friends they undoubtedly want to see those deaths result in success and victory rather than failure. It is clear from
Brandon Hellewell
Flood Kills 8 Georgians
Language tools used in The New York Times address on the flood in Georgia.
Imagery
In the opening paragraph, the authors help the readers visualize the rescuers searching "water-logged houses", while floating down the streets in "mucky red-brown waters." Readers see "spewed sewage in the Chattahoochee River" as a huge problem. Saying that the flood caused significant damage to a sewage plant doesn't help the columnist keep our attention like spewed sewage does.
Overstatement
The word "deluge" used in the first paragraph references the great flood in the Bible. Comparing Georgia's flood with the one that covered the whole earth makes the circumstances in Georgia seem much more bleak.
Metaphor
"The basement was an aquarium,” was quoted from a well known doctor in the area. I say he was well known because he was my doctor on two occasions. I'm sure that his basement wasn't literally transformed into an aquarium, but readers see the connection between what a basement should look like and what aquariums are.
Click to see the video: http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/09/22/multimedia/1247464768531/georgia-floods.html
Mike Stanley
Imagery
In the opening paragraph, the authors help the readers visualize the rescuers searching "water-logged houses", while floating down the streets in "mucky red-brown waters." Readers see "spewed sewage in the Chattahoochee River" as a huge problem. Saying that the flood caused significant damage to a sewage plant doesn't help the columnist keep our attention like spewed sewage does.
Overstatement
The word "deluge" used in the first paragraph references the great flood in the Bible. Comparing Georgia's flood with the one that covered the whole earth makes the circumstances in Georgia seem much more bleak.
Metaphor
"The basement was an aquarium,” was quoted from a well known doctor in the area. I say he was well known because he was my doctor on two occasions. I'm sure that his basement wasn't literally transformed into an aquarium, but readers see the connection between what a basement should look like and what aquariums are.
Click to see the video: http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/09/22/multimedia/1247464768531/georgia-floods.html
Mike Stanley
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Effects of the Times on a Man's Argument of War
Stephen Staples in 2000 published an article entitled The Relationship Between Globalization and Militarism. He argues that the extension of large corporations, especially defense and arms manufacturers, fuels the fire of war that burns all around the globe. Interestingly enough, he wrote this article the year before a radical terrorist group launched an assault on the United States. Features of Mr. Staples’s argument would definitely have been influenced in a variety of ways had he written and published the article after the 9/11 attacks, that is assuming he decided to even maintain the same argument.
One argument Staples makes is that corporations that manufacture weapons are expanding their business from nation to nation, making more readily available the means to start and fight a war to small interest groups such as rebels fighting a civil war. However, the hijackings of September 11th prove that weapons made by such companies aren’t absolutely necessary in instigating war. Evidence shows that the men who took over the flights that crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania only used box-cutters to complete their mission. It seems that relative to the time (kairos) in which Mr. Staples wrote, his argument seemed substantial in accusing large corporations of weapons manufacturers. However, such an accusation would not have held much ground post-9/11.
Staples also implemented the use of statistics in his article, particularly to illustrate how much money our country spends on military and defense operations. However, after the terrorist attacks in 2001, there were deafening cries for retaliation and retribution. Many people temporarily adopted a Machiavellian way of thinking towards the government’s military spending habits and what they saw as “making things right”: it doesn’t matter what it takes to get there, let’s just get some payback. Staples’s appeal to the human eye’s fixation with the dollar-sign was definitely stronger in the time when he wrote the article than if he had written in a time where people just wanted President Bush to do something about 9/11.
Though the effects of 9/11 would seemingly be detrimental to Staples’s argument, there is also a way he could make his point even sharper. After the World Trade Center fell, the U.S. was turned back on to military mode and most likely many weapons manufacturers jumped at the chance to be significant suppliers to the military and take advantage of the situation to become “the company that fought the war on terror.” Staples could underline this fact, that arms corporations used the deaths of thousands to turn a profit and possibly exacerbated the situation by giving America the means to fight a bigger war than it would have fought had there been less of a pool of suppliers to chose from who were willing to make thousands of bombs and tanks.
On the whole, Staples’s article would have been looked at in a completely different light after 9/11 than in 2000 when it was actually published. And yet, just a few years after 9/11, his article could have been even more powerful than in 2000 with Bush’s approval rating plummeting and most congressmen and citizens lamenting our involvement in first Afghanistan and then Iraq. The effects of kairos without a doubt contribute to the strength of Mr. Staples’s article.
Citation
Steven Staples, "The Relationship Between Globalization and Militarism," Social Justice, vol. 27, Winter 2000, p. 18. Copyright G 2000 by the Crime and Social Justice Associates.
One argument Staples makes is that corporations that manufacture weapons are expanding their business from nation to nation, making more readily available the means to start and fight a war to small interest groups such as rebels fighting a civil war. However, the hijackings of September 11th prove that weapons made by such companies aren’t absolutely necessary in instigating war. Evidence shows that the men who took over the flights that crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania only used box-cutters to complete their mission. It seems that relative to the time (kairos) in which Mr. Staples wrote, his argument seemed substantial in accusing large corporations of weapons manufacturers. However, such an accusation would not have held much ground post-9/11.
Staples also implemented the use of statistics in his article, particularly to illustrate how much money our country spends on military and defense operations. However, after the terrorist attacks in 2001, there were deafening cries for retaliation and retribution. Many people temporarily adopted a Machiavellian way of thinking towards the government’s military spending habits and what they saw as “making things right”: it doesn’t matter what it takes to get there, let’s just get some payback. Staples’s appeal to the human eye’s fixation with the dollar-sign was definitely stronger in the time when he wrote the article than if he had written in a time where people just wanted President Bush to do something about 9/11.
Though the effects of 9/11 would seemingly be detrimental to Staples’s argument, there is also a way he could make his point even sharper. After the World Trade Center fell, the U.S. was turned back on to military mode and most likely many weapons manufacturers jumped at the chance to be significant suppliers to the military and take advantage of the situation to become “the company that fought the war on terror.” Staples could underline this fact, that arms corporations used the deaths of thousands to turn a profit and possibly exacerbated the situation by giving America the means to fight a bigger war than it would have fought had there been less of a pool of suppliers to chose from who were willing to make thousands of bombs and tanks.
On the whole, Staples’s article would have been looked at in a completely different light after 9/11 than in 2000 when it was actually published. And yet, just a few years after 9/11, his article could have been even more powerful than in 2000 with Bush’s approval rating plummeting and most congressmen and citizens lamenting our involvement in first Afghanistan and then Iraq. The effects of kairos without a doubt contribute to the strength of Mr. Staples’s article.
Citation
Steven Staples, "The Relationship Between Globalization and Militarism," Social Justice, vol. 27, Winter 2000, p. 18. Copyright G 2000 by the Crime and Social Justice Associates.
None were with Him.
Elder Jeffery R. Holland picked a perfect opportunity to talk about being alone in this challenging world, inwhich we live. Why? Because everyone feels alone in certain aspects of life. In his General Conference Talk "None Were With Him" he explains the suffering that Jesus Christ went through alone and likens it to his audience. He chose this topic because everyone has felt alone before and most likely everyone, who is in the audience believes in Jesus Christ. He knows his audience and especially in the church. He states in his talk that we do not have to walk alone because he did. He addresses the Sisters in the church searching for a spouse and can not find one. He addresses the men and tells them that they need to go find them, therefore he is speaking to both parties inviting them to both do their part. Living righteously is the answer he gives to both parties and for the men to seek out these righteous women. Through righteous living we will not need to feel alone because Christ will be there for each one of us.
He exclaims that Jesus Christ alone took upon the hardest task in bringing about salvation. He stated that he had to do it alone. Through this act we are able to receive the most precious blessings such as: salvation, eternal life, resurrected body, and complete happiness. Elder Holland, being an apostle, obviously knew that this was a subject that people were struggling with at the time in their lives. He knew his audience.
At the same time Monica F. Helms argues that one can be homosexual or heterosexual and have the same relationship. She claims that one just needs somebody. Elder Holland and the LDS Church argue that this is not the case. He probably knew of some of the challenges people in the church were facing. Maybe people, in the church, who were having the problem of finding somebody of the opposite gender, wanted to give up and just find anybody. Elder Holland does not directly discuss, but explains that we need Christ and through that we will not feel alone.
Joel Stephens
He exclaims that Jesus Christ alone took upon the hardest task in bringing about salvation. He stated that he had to do it alone. Through this act we are able to receive the most precious blessings such as: salvation, eternal life, resurrected body, and complete happiness. Elder Holland, being an apostle, obviously knew that this was a subject that people were struggling with at the time in their lives. He knew his audience.
At the same time Monica F. Helms argues that one can be homosexual or heterosexual and have the same relationship. She claims that one just needs somebody. Elder Holland and the LDS Church argue that this is not the case. He probably knew of some of the challenges people in the church were facing. Maybe people, in the church, who were having the problem of finding somebody of the opposite gender, wanted to give up and just find anybody. Elder Holland does not directly discuss, but explains that we need Christ and through that we will not feel alone.
Joel Stephens
Divine Love
In Russel M. Nelson's General Conference address he touches on the importance of love in these days. He knew that the members of the church were familiar with the prophecy in Matthew 24 about love growing cold. He also knows that members of the church esteem him as an apostle, especially when reading from the Ensign. This gives him a special ability to use that scripture as a springboard to give readers the idea that now, more than ever, love is important.
As church members, we are encouraged to share our beliefs with others. This can be a very difficult task if a member doesn't know exactly where to initiate a gospel conversation. The article in the Ensign gives members the perfect topic at the perfect time to start gospel directed conversations with their acquaintances. Not only the LDS culture was interested in issues having to do with love. Obviously the news during that time depicts the lack of love in society, but larger issues were at hand as well.
In this same month in 2003 millions of protesters gathered in close to 800 cities to voice their opinions against the War in Iraq. His address on love concludes with the question "Can our love for others really approach divine love?" He answers in the affirmative stating that it is very important that we gain this love by giving service to others. As the issue of the war was at a peak he gives the Lord's solution by inviting us to love one another.
Nelson, Russel M. "Divine Love." Ensign Feb 2003: 20
As church members, we are encouraged to share our beliefs with others. This can be a very difficult task if a member doesn't know exactly where to initiate a gospel conversation. The article in the Ensign gives members the perfect topic at the perfect time to start gospel directed conversations with their acquaintances. Not only the LDS culture was interested in issues having to do with love. Obviously the news during that time depicts the lack of love in society, but larger issues were at hand as well.
In this same month in 2003 millions of protesters gathered in close to 800 cities to voice their opinions against the War in Iraq. His address on love concludes with the question "Can our love for others really approach divine love?" He answers in the affirmative stating that it is very important that we gain this love by giving service to others. As the issue of the war was at a peak he gives the Lord's solution by inviting us to love one another.
Nelson, Russel M. "Divine Love." Ensign Feb 2003: 20
Celestial Marriage
The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement in June 2008 too all of its church members in support of Proposition 8 in
Elder Russell M. Nelson from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave and address titled, "Celestial Marriage" in General Conference in early October. As he prepared for his address slated for the first weekend of October, there was no doubt he was looking at the poll results (Sept. 9-16, Sept. 23-24) for the impending referendum that showed a resounding “NO” to Proposition 8. If the proposition were to be passed, more effort would be needed to sway the vote the other direction. General Conference also has as diverse audience of 13 million people, more than half of whom live outside the
He begins his address with an analogy of shopping and marriage. Some marriages are of the best quality, some less, and then some are shoplifted, which would include homosexual relationships or marriages as well as those who choose not to be married but are living together. By associating these marriages with something as distasteful as shoplifting, the audience is more disgusted with the low morals of the world. Shoplifting is a crime that we are trying to prevent in
He then continues to expound on the role of gender and family in the exaltation individuals, “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose…The earth was created and this Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally…the man [is not] without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” In other words he is saying that our gender matters because without our families we cannot be exalted and live with our Father in Heaven again and families are formed with a man and a woman bonded in marriage. Homosexual marriage is an obvious opponent to such values. His bold declarations leave no other viable option than that of eternal marriage.
This address was used to morivate the members of the Church to take a stand at a time when the going would be very rough. By having their testimonies of the doctrine strengthened and fortified, they were willing to act. The timeliness of his message no doubt played a big part in getting the bill passed, considering that over 40 % of the out of state contributions to support Proposition 8 came from Utah, the headquarters of the Church.
Brandon Hellewell
Monday, September 14, 2009
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