AT&T Texting and Driving Documentary

The AT&T Texting and Driving Documentary was made in 2010 to educate people the dangers of texting and driving. The video begins with a policeman sharing his story regarding a texting and driving accident and is followed with many testimonies from families and friends. The family and friends shared stores of the victim and expressed their emotions from what had happened. This story was clearly trying to appeal to our emotions. Next in the video a man who was in a car crash because of texting shares his story. The man had survived the crash, even after being declared dead three times, but he sustained several injuries and has become severely disabled. The story shared by the man himself not only appeals to our emotions, but appeals logically because it not only tells - but shows - the repercussions of texting and driving. Using multiply stories reiterates that crashes resulted from texting and driving are become common and horrific. At the end of the video they show the texts that changed the victims (and families) lives forever - comparing a life to a text. The video mainly relies on appealing to the audience's emotions to influence them not to text and drive.

How Things Mean

Peace Sign Buttons

1. What do they suggest?

The buttons suggest peace, and somewhat of an anti-war attitude.

2. How do do they suggest it?

Both buttons include the “peace” sign, one specifically says “peace” and the other says “make love, not war.”

3. Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

The image on the left, suggests a more playful, laid back attitude toward this notion of “peace,” versus the image on the right, is a more refined and professionally done organized logo/button. Both may appeal to differing audiences while still illustrating the same point.  

Rolex & Hello Kitty watches

1. What do they suggest?

Both suggest that the watch is somehow a fashionable and that the the consumer will be making a statement by wearing the product.

2. How do they suggest it?

They show off their features and their key feature (one being the Hello Kitty, the other being that it has diamonds and that it is a Rolex)

3. Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

Obviously the two audience's are significantly different, however toward their audience, both have the same point; to sell their watch.

Outline:

       Thesis: Each of the pairs of images illustrate the same point toward two different target audiences.

1. The watches have the same goal - to sell their product that do the same thing. The way they present each one is different.
1. The Rolex is more formal and sophisticated (aimed toward rich adults)
2. Hello Kitty is playful (aimed toward kids)
2. The buttons have the same goal - to advocate for peace and love. The way they present each one is different.
1. The “peace” button is more whimsical (aimed to more hippies)
2. The “make love - not war” button is more organized and simple (aimed at people advocate for peace and love but are not hippies)
3. The level of formality, style and appealing features differ depending on the audience, however within the pairs, the goal of the watch or button is consistent.

Reading Sources Critically

Tim Wise; “Use Of The N-Word”

1. What arguments does the author make?

The author makes all arguments toward the position of not verbally using the N-word. Multiple arguments are brought up from playground examples such as “I can talk about my mother, but you sure as hell better not talk about my mother!” Another example that Tim Wise used was about a particular comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his jokes regarding “rednecks.” He argues that because Jeff may somewhat fall into the category of group that he is making fun of, it is seen as acceptable. On the flip-side, if Jerry Seinfeld was to use these same jokes in a standup routine, it would be inappropriate. His main position is that white people should not use verbally the N-word, however it is at the discretion of black people to use freely.

2. How persuasive do you find the argument?

The argument is very persuasive. Tim Wise supports his stance on the topic with plenty of evidence. Wise is clear on why this issue is important, while giving his view of how it should be handled. He explains more than just the white man's point of view, and explains the point of view of a black man. The medium allows him to express his authority with a strong tone.

3. What is the author's stance?

The stance the author takes is that he believes it isn't his place to determine how and when it is acceptable to use the word due to him being a white person. Although he does take a firm stance that it’s not his place to determine the above points, he does voice very clearly that if you’re not black you shouldn't use the word.

4. Does the publisher bring a certain stance to the work?

His speech was part of Boston College’s FACES organization, which is designed to promote awareness about discrimination and racism. Boston College is interested in race relations and wants their community to be a part of discussions like this.

5. Do you recognize ideas you’ve run across in other sources?

To my limited knowledge on the subject, Tim Wise brought up some new original and very persuasive ideas to the table to help illustrate his point. Some of the more generic things he said about Mark Twain and his use of the N-word in his book Huckleberry Finn I had heard before.

6. Does this source support or challenge your own position - or does it do both?

I am in agreement with Tim Wise and his statements of when it is appropriate to use the word. As a white person, hearing other white people say the N-word sounds very inappropriate and out of place (being that this is not the 1950’s anymore). His examples only furthered my own belief/stance on the subject, and I think this was a very informative and explanatory video.

7. What can you tell about the intended audience and purpose?

The purpose of the piece is to educate and offer some solution on who/ how the “n-word” should be used. The intended audience is students and faculty members who attend Boston College. He also aims to further educate people like who are fans of his writing, take a particular stance on the subject, or raise awareness of his opinion on how the topic should be dealt with. Also, since Tim Wise’s video is on YouTube, it can be intended for the general public and anyone who is interested in being involved in the topic.

Think About Your Writing - Student Brag Sheet

Student Brag Sheet

Recently I filled out something called a “student brag sheet.” When applying to colleges the counseling office gives you forms to fill out in order for your counselor to recommend you to a school. In the sheet I am to follow a series of questions and respond to them in essay form. The questions are asking about my strengths and weaknesses as a student, my aspirations for college, etc. When responding to the questions I am quite serious - as the results go towards an essay going to my future college. I make sure to say positive qualities that I posse, what I have accomplished, and how I plan to do well.  I want to seem like a interested and motivated student who wants to succeed. When writing this I take a positive and selling position, as I am selling myself as a student.

I believe my position is very clear. I am clear and answer each question, making sure that I sound good as a student (while being truthful). I want to make sure that the counselor can vouch as to what kind of student I am.

Yes, We Can.

The purpose of the video is to promote Barack Obama. The video features many famous figures, such as singers and athletes. The voices are layered over each other to create an echo effect. The voices are a mixture of talking, singing, and a speech by Barack Obama. The video is shown in black and white, it creates feelings of simplicity and power. This also contributes to the multiple short clips of different people featured throughout the video, the performances seem more serious and meaningful because of the filter. The music in the background seems to highlight the words and clips that are playing. The film uses strong words such as “hope” to create a certain vibe that is representing Obama in the video. The phrase “Yes We Can” is repeatedly said, forming a name (in the case) phrase recognition that would be associated with Obama and what he wants to change in a positive light. A positive video combined with strong graphics creates an overall sense of power of unity. The purpose of providing all of the positivity and unity is to persuade people to vote for Obama. The use of famous figures also contributes to persuading an audience - if you saw someone you looked up to supporting a figure, you would be more likely to support the figure as well. The positivity, unity, and graphics all contribute to the power of the argument: vote for Obama.

In Class Lab Taking a Positon

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

This opinion does not appeal to me in the slightest for many reasons. The fact that he feels like he has to say “NOT” being racist is absurd. The only reason people say “not being racist but” is so they can go ahead and be racist. Additionally, he spelled Asians wrong, and his grammar overall is horrendous.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

It uses horrible grammar, ugly white people, and even more racist comments to “drive” his point. They are using their horrible opinions to bash on the statistically most intelligent demographic in the world, and further proving their ignorance. It’s posts like these that make me very pessimistic about the human race. Oh well.

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

I would revise it by burning it to the ground and giving this ignorant idiot a stern talking to. Opinions that denounce, degrade, or discriminate against any group or individual are not opinions, they are abuse. Although the internet is filled with things like this, ideally there is no place appropriate for content like this.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

I would burn it to the ground, then make a YouTube video of all the reasons this person is a racist A-hole.

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

The ad appeals to me because I agree with the message it is promoting. The ad was created during World War II to promote women to join the workforce.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

A powerful slogan is at the top of the page, “We Can Do It!” “Rosie” is the main focus of the poster, she is a working women flexing her arm to show her strength. A yellow background makes the poster pop.

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

If the poster was directed towards men, convincing them to persuade their spouses to join the workforce. I would change the color scheme to more patriotic colors of red, white and blue. Possibly have multiple women walking into the jobs as men was away from the jobs to symbolize the need for women to fill the empty jobs. As well as that women could work just as hard as men.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

If we were to turn the poster into a video, it might show multiple women working - showing strength in numbers. A patriotic song might be playing in the background since this was created in time of war.

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

This poster I find very appealing because of it’s wit, satire, and bitter truth. This gay rights protester is using one of the anti-gay rights major arguments against them.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

The quote directly from the bible is brilliantly chosen for the specific issue. I can say with confidence that many homophobes use the bible as an excuse for their intolerance, yet are sinning in many ways  similar to this ^ :)

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

I would not revise this sign at all. It is perfectly written, and the title above the quote is well placed and spot on with the issue.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

I would like to see many other quotes from the bible like these listed or made into a video. The bible argument for anti-gay protestors is absurd, and overused. Arguments like these help to dull that, and make them seem even more absurd. We need more brilliant minds and readers like this man in the fight for gay rights. BAM

How does it appeal to you - or why does it fail to appeal?

This political cartoon, like most, uses humor to illustrate (literally) a point or position on a particular issue. Generally the caricatures are given labels showing what aspect of government or politics they represent. Here the artist shows the difficulties for both the taxpayers and our future by supporting a large government. Two small children are dragging a cargo ship through the desert full of “out of hand” government activities.

What kinds of words, images, or sounds does it use as supports for its position?

The hot sun screaming down on the two small children attempting to drag the government (ship) through where it should not belong (desert).

If you were going to revise it for a different audience, what would you do?

I suppose for big government supporters you could potentially flip the positions of the ship and the kids. Aka the “big government” dragging the future and the taxpayers through the desert.

If you were going to create it in another medium, how would it be different?

If this image was to be say, a video, it would probably be much more informative, but a lot more work for an artist. It could include the loading of the ship and the heat waves of the desert to really give the full dramatic effect toward the issue.

Works Cited

"50 Funniest Protest Signs Ever - Funny Blog." 50 Funniest Protest Signs Ever - Funny Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.

"I'm Not Racist, But..." I'm Not Racist, But... N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.

Miller, J. Howard. “We Can Do It!” Poster. Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 1942. Print.

Varvel, Gary. "Political Cartoons." Teach-Learn-Explore. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2015.

Taking a Position

In everyday life we all take positions on something, when we take that position it requires reasoning and an explanation. A few things I have taken a position on are listed below.

Taking a Position:

• a controversial Instagram photo
• the campaign I worked on for Political Science
• writing tutorials junior year
• wanting my family to buy magazines to support my school fundraiser
• my reasoning for applying to certain colleges
• my reasoning for working with white clay not stoneware clay in sculpture
• daily homework
• political yard signs