Exordium: Social networking sites are difficult to avoid. Virtually every media outlet uses networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to connect with their tech-savvy audience. The use of these forums drastically changes the classical approach to the canon of delivery in rhetorical discourse. Ancient Greek rhetors traditionally utilized the major components of delivery by oral presentation and argumentation. The technology of Ancient Greece is vastly different than the technology of modern times. Aristotle, Cicero, Plato, and all the other key players in societal development of Ancient Greece would, undoubtedly, be astounded by virtually everything produced by Apple. They certainly would gawk at the availability of argument and the loss of rhetoric’s sanctity in academia and society. Technology changes and along with it, the audiences receive information and arguments much differently. Technology—and more notably, social networking sites—change the way delivery is received in contemporary rhetoric.
Narrative: The fundamental make up of arguments are codified by Cicero in the five canons. The five canons are composed of invention, style, arrangement, memory, and delivery. Social networking sites and technology as a whole impede on the classical structure of these canons. Contemporary rhetoricians use technology and social networking sites to invent arguments, devise a style based off examples and computed advice, arrange an argument from a computed template, save and store the data and information, and deliver their arguments in an entirely different way than ancient rhetoricians. The delivery of arguments is an inescapable routine on social networking sites. Routinely on Facebook, contributors update their statuses with their latest “epiphanies” regarding anything from the habits of their pet to the state of the political climate. Arguments are easy to access. The simple accessibility to arguments often leads to convoluted distinction between true, academic argumentation and uninformed banters. Delivery entails a few strokes of the keyboard and a click of the mouse and the entire world is instantly connected to yet another argument—informed or idiotic.
Partition: Delivery of arguments has changed. The severity of its change and its positive or negative implications are debatable, but one thing is certain: the instant access to global communication changes the way the canon of delivery is presented.
Peroration: The change and development of delivery is imminent. As more social networking sites are created and more people join the popular ones in existence, more arguments will be formed, more statements will be made, more beliefs will be strengthened, and more people will be informed. The clarity and value of arguments are lost in the overwhelming capacity of information. Contemporary “rhetoricians” forming arguments and posting them to various Facebook walls typically do not follow a structure. These alleged “arguments” are biased opinions that rarely provide the ethos, pathos, and logos needed to take a believable stance on an issue. Forming arguments on social networking sites is not necessarily a bad thing. An important concept to take into consideration before posting argumentative rants is the canon of delivery and the awareness of the global audience. An effective rhetor is constantly reminded of its audience, purpose, and occasion as well as the five canons—especially the media used for the delivery of an argument. Develop arguments for the world to see, but approach with caution and knowledge.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Rhetorical Activity #1 page 282: Data? What data?
I’ll admit, I can be pretty addicted to hearing the latest celebrity gossip, whether it’s about the latest rumors on Jon and Kate, the travesty of a relationship between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, or the outrageous party habits of a teeny bopper celebutant. What is most interesting about how much the American public thrives on trash gossip is that we don’t require factual evidence to believe what is splashed over the tabloids at the checkout counter at Wal-Mart. Paparazzi take horribly unflattering photos of celebrities at the beach or out and about with their families then post ridiculous captions that don’t make logical sense. I will be the first to admit I flip through the magazines as I’m waiting (and sometimes—if it seems really juicy—I’ll add it to my cart) and I become instantly captivated by the stories and the pictures to go with them. Most of the “testimony” comes from “an undisclosed source” or “close family friend.” Rarely do the celebrities actually defend themselves and testify on their behalf in the tabloids. As a culture, we do not always need to hear the actual evidence or testimony as long as the argument or proposition being presented is interesting and can hold our short attention spans. I’ve noticed with my own interests and by observing my family’s behaviors, we question things when it seems like a serious issue, but rarely do we go the extra mile to find the supporting evidence behind the claims that Reggie Bush has actually cheated on Kim Kardashian with a mystery blonde. The National Enquirer makes enough money to continuously publish its smut by pasting claims throughout their pages without supporting evidence. The article “Kim K Betrayed! Reggie’s Sleepover with Hot Blonde” provides two photographs and four sentences on its online publication. The article is presented as follows:
Reggie Bush's secret rendezvous with a mystery gal ignites split with Kim Kardashian, The Enquirer reports, after catching him red-handed with his hand in a blonde cookie jar.
Reggie has been caught red-handed spending the night with a hot-looking blonde waitress - and The ENQUIRER has the spy photos to prove it!
Reggie's sleepover is only the latest incident in an ongoing cheating scandal, and pals say it's sure to end his romance FOR GOOD with the reality TV
beauty, who was reduced to tears by his philandering.
The ENQUIRER has discovered that the New Orleans Saints running back has set up an elaborate system to hide his two-timing from Kim - including the use of multiple cell phones.
This small amount of “evidence” and supporting claims is enough to be published in a print magazine as well as published online. Clearly, the American public does not always demand testimony and data in pop culture rhetoric. When it comes to rhetoric of the political scale, however, the American public goes back and forth with the demands of factual information. If strongly affiliated with a particular political party, the only evidence most Americans need is to see their party aligned with a certain policy, then they completely support it. If not strongly affiliated with a particular political party, most logical Americans demand evidence that sometimes is satisfying and sometimes is less than satisfying.
When I write an article, I am one of those Type A people who have to have everything in order. I carefully and very meticulously examine my statements and try to find evidence to support that claim. Rereading some of my essays, I know that I do not always provide testimony or data and I know if I would have taken the extra effort to find them, it would have greatly strengthened my argument and my grade.
Reggie Bush's secret rendezvous with a mystery gal ignites split with Kim Kardashian, The Enquirer reports, after catching him red-handed with his hand in a blonde cookie jar.
Reggie has been caught red-handed spending the night with a hot-looking blonde waitress - and The ENQUIRER has the spy photos to prove it!
Reggie's sleepover is only the latest incident in an ongoing cheating scandal, and pals say it's sure to end his romance FOR GOOD with the reality TV
beauty, who was reduced to tears by his philandering.
The ENQUIRER has discovered that the New Orleans Saints running back has set up an elaborate system to hide his two-timing from Kim - including the use of multiple cell phones.
This small amount of “evidence” and supporting claims is enough to be published in a print magazine as well as published online. Clearly, the American public does not always demand testimony and data in pop culture rhetoric. When it comes to rhetoric of the political scale, however, the American public goes back and forth with the demands of factual information. If strongly affiliated with a particular political party, the only evidence most Americans need is to see their party aligned with a certain policy, then they completely support it. If not strongly affiliated with a particular political party, most logical Americans demand evidence that sometimes is satisfying and sometimes is less than satisfying.
When I write an article, I am one of those Type A people who have to have everything in order. I carefully and very meticulously examine my statements and try to find evidence to support that claim. Rereading some of my essays, I know that I do not always provide testimony or data and I know if I would have taken the extra effort to find them, it would have greatly strengthened my argument and my grade.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Rhetorical Activity #3 page 283: My experience trumps your knowledge.
Many “intellectual” conversations I have had with others typically start positively with general discussions on philosophy and politics, but somehow evolve into discussion on religion. It just so happens that the majority of these religious topics ring distant bells of the Protestant Reformation and ideologies of Edward VI. As a Catholic, I vehemently defend my religion as best as I can because, after all, “I’m Catholic. I should know how my church works.” My argument rests heavily on my experience and growth as a Catholic and what I have learned as truth in my life. When arguments are posed to me such as, “Catholics worship Mary” I tactfully refute, “No, we don’t worship Mary. We honor Mary and we pray to her.” Sometimes, after much more rhetorical persuasion on my end, the conversation ends on a pleasant note with an imaginary tally mark added to my side of the argument as a win. However, sometimes the weight of my experiences do not hold enough credibility and authority to sway the opposing viewpoint. For instance, a recent discussion on religion in general which ultimately turned into a discussion on Catholicism as a concept of truth versus fiction brought to light issues such as provability. Many opponents of organized religion use this tact to prove their side of the issue and this is one area where my personal expertise in my religion can be refuted, and in this instance, refuted quite well. The only experience I could offer that was relevant to this experience was my own personal Catholic epiphany that cannot be related to others who are not open to this sort of experience or feeling. The comfort my religion has brought and my knowledge of the development of the church does not mean that it can be scientifically proven. The weight I attach to my pro-Catholic and pro-religion argument can easily be refuted when issues of provability come into fruition.
In some aspects, I truly believe that personal experience can serve as an authority to a given situation because personal experiences reflect a more human aspect than what data and statistical analysis can present. However, there will always be some facets of argument and discourse that cannot be supported by personal authorities.
In some aspects, I truly believe that personal experience can serve as an authority to a given situation because personal experiences reflect a more human aspect than what data and statistical analysis can present. However, there will always be some facets of argument and discourse that cannot be supported by personal authorities.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rhetorical Activity #3: Appropriate Appeals
Appealing to people’s natural emotions is beneficial in many rhetorical situations. The art of manipulation through exploiting emotional responses is delicate, but effective. An appropriate use of appealing to anger would be to rally a group of people to act on something. As a member of the Associated Students’ Government, I have used this tactic many times when trying to gain students’ interest in issues they should be gravely concerned with. Last year, ASG put together a rally on campus to get a student voting right on the Board of Governors because we felt students should have a voice in the search for the new Chancellor. (If you have not heard, we are currently advocating for a student voting right with the Colorado state legislature. Our voices do matter.) To get students’ attention, prior to the rally we talked to our classes and to students we saw around campus about the atrocity of not being allowed a vote with things regarding our financial investment. The topic that generated the most appeal to anger was the second rally at the state capitol regarding proposed budget cuts to higher education. We researched the statistics and passionately emphasized the financial toll it would take on our education. We roused the classrooms and generated interest on campus that perpetuated into student activism in Denver. Appealing to anger was incredibly beneficial to achieving something wonderful for the students of Colorado State University-Pueblo.
An appeal to shame would be most effective in any position of authority. Parents use shame to generate positive results from their misbehaving children, oftentimes with nothing more than a disapproving look. Teachers use shame to inspire slacking students to work harder with facial expressions and tone of voice portraying disappointment and encouraging higher expectations. Churches—most notably and with which I have the most experience, Catholic churches—use shame to encourage moral rightness by explicitly laying out commandments and promising eternal damnation if the sins are committed and not atoned for. The manner in which I use the appeal to shame most is during my piano lessons in my role as teacher. One student came to lessons claiming to have practiced their goal of thirty minutes per day. By reaching their goals, (at that point; I have since restructured the system) the students would get a reward. As promised, this student got a reward. After the lesson, it was blatantly obvious that the student did not practice nearly as much as stated. I politely asked with my best teacher look, “Did you really practice this much?” The student guiltily looked at the practice record and as if suddenly struck by new memory responded, “Oh, I meant to only put twenty minutes on that day. I thought I did thirty, but I guess I didn’t get it.” The student slowly returned the reward. Ever since this incident, the student has always been completely truthful with the amount of time practiced.
Appeals to compassion are effective in efforts to help people. Late night television frequently displays advertisements showing poor, innocent children living in horrendous conditions. These images bring pity to the hearts of people which result in compassion for those less fortunate. Similarly, natural disasters and images related to the aftermath of the earth’s fury appeal to the compassionate side of humans to do everything they can to make a difference and help.
An example of this appeal in a composition:
We spend each day without taking the time to really appreciate what we have in our lives. We drive to school or work, not thinking that in an instant this all can be gone. We say goodbye to our families in the morning, noting that we will see each other when the day’s tasks are done. These are some of the thoughts that went in people’s minds not too long before the devastating earthquake shook Haiti to its core. Smiles were replaced with tears of agony and despair. Fighting erupts just to gain simple day-to-day items like water, food, and shelter. We need to stand up and engage in helping this nation rebuild their foundation.
An appeal to shame would be most effective in any position of authority. Parents use shame to generate positive results from their misbehaving children, oftentimes with nothing more than a disapproving look. Teachers use shame to inspire slacking students to work harder with facial expressions and tone of voice portraying disappointment and encouraging higher expectations. Churches—most notably and with which I have the most experience, Catholic churches—use shame to encourage moral rightness by explicitly laying out commandments and promising eternal damnation if the sins are committed and not atoned for. The manner in which I use the appeal to shame most is during my piano lessons in my role as teacher. One student came to lessons claiming to have practiced their goal of thirty minutes per day. By reaching their goals, (at that point; I have since restructured the system) the students would get a reward. As promised, this student got a reward. After the lesson, it was blatantly obvious that the student did not practice nearly as much as stated. I politely asked with my best teacher look, “Did you really practice this much?” The student guiltily looked at the practice record and as if suddenly struck by new memory responded, “Oh, I meant to only put twenty minutes on that day. I thought I did thirty, but I guess I didn’t get it.” The student slowly returned the reward. Ever since this incident, the student has always been completely truthful with the amount of time practiced.
Appeals to compassion are effective in efforts to help people. Late night television frequently displays advertisements showing poor, innocent children living in horrendous conditions. These images bring pity to the hearts of people which result in compassion for those less fortunate. Similarly, natural disasters and images related to the aftermath of the earth’s fury appeal to the compassionate side of humans to do everything they can to make a difference and help.
An example of this appeal in a composition:
We spend each day without taking the time to really appreciate what we have in our lives. We drive to school or work, not thinking that in an instant this all can be gone. We say goodbye to our families in the morning, noting that we will see each other when the day’s tasks are done. These are some of the thoughts that went in people’s minds not too long before the devastating earthquake shook Haiti to its core. Smiles were replaced with tears of agony and despair. Fighting erupts just to gain simple day-to-day items like water, food, and shelter. We need to stand up and engage in helping this nation rebuild their foundation.
Progymnasmata #2: Comparison
To the untrained ear, a piano sounds the same regardless of the style. Traditional spinet pianos and grand pianos will be compared for quality in size, tone, and affordability. While both styles of pianos exhibit the basic qualities of a piano—eighty-eight keys, sets of strings, and hammers (in most modern versions of each piano), two to three pedals, and identical key organization—the fundamental differences lie within the acoustics built into the pianos.
Spinet pianos are designed to fit in smaller spaces and can rest flush against walls, while grand pianos occupy a much larger space and rest much farther away from walls. The design of each piano plays an enormous role in the quality of tone resounded by the instrument. Spinet pianos are designed with the strings running vertically and the wooden casing surrounding the strings in a rectangular shape. In contrast, the strings on grand pianos run horizontally with the wooden casing surrounding the strings in a more rounded shape. The enclosed acoustic casing around spinet pianos results in a much more dull tone. The feature of an opening lid on the grand piano allows for the acoustics from the strings to resound and project much more vibrantly, resulting in brilliant tones. Prices vary greatly between spinet pianos and grand pianos. Spinet pianos are much more affordable because the amount of work producing the pianos is much less than that of producing a grand piano. Depending on the brand of the piano, the prices of spinets—both new and used—vary from several hundred dollars to a couple thousand. In contrast, new and used grand pianos range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Spinet pianos are designed to fit in smaller spaces and can rest flush against walls, while grand pianos occupy a much larger space and rest much farther away from walls. The design of each piano plays an enormous role in the quality of tone resounded by the instrument. Spinet pianos are designed with the strings running vertically and the wooden casing surrounding the strings in a rectangular shape. In contrast, the strings on grand pianos run horizontally with the wooden casing surrounding the strings in a more rounded shape. The enclosed acoustic casing around spinet pianos results in a much more dull tone. The feature of an opening lid on the grand piano allows for the acoustics from the strings to resound and project much more vibrantly, resulting in brilliant tones. Prices vary greatly between spinet pianos and grand pianos. Spinet pianos are much more affordable because the amount of work producing the pianos is much less than that of producing a grand piano. Depending on the brand of the piano, the prices of spinets—both new and used—vary from several hundred dollars to a couple thousand. In contrast, new and used grand pianos range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ecomium to HB 10-1206
Colorado’s House Bill 10-1206 should be approved by the Colorado House Education Committee because it gives student members of the Colorado State University system a voting right on the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors oversees the CSU system and makes crucial decisions that affect everyone within Colorado State University Fort Collins and Colorado State University Pueblo. Two students already represent the voices of the student body at the respective universities. These students are elected and chosen by the votes of the students in the student government elections. However, these student members do not currently hold any right to cast a vote; a right that is crucial to the success of student advocation. The approval of this bill will incorporate two elected faculty members—one from Fort Collins and one from Pueblo—who are members of their university’s faculty council with advisory member positions that hold no voting right. In addition to the approval of this bill, one student member from each university in the CSU system will have the right to vote on issues concerning the CSU system. According to csusystem.edu, the intent of the BOG concerns “development as separate and distinct institutions through planning and resource development…maintain each institution's flexibility to address challenges and opportunities that arise as the institutions seek to fulfill their statutory missions…support opportunities for cooperation in program and resource sharing between the institutions…facilitate system-wide financial accountability through annual financial audits as well as the program of the internal auditing unit within the CSU System structure…promote administrative efficiency through a small central system staff, relying upon the expertise of institutional personnel where necessary and appropriate…[and] measure and promote administrative efficiency consistent with the policies of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.” In other words, they vote and determine the outcome of all issues that directly affect each and every one of us at CSU-Pueblo. This bill is a tremendous opportunity for the Board of Governors to actively engage the student voice in its policy.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Progymnasmata IV: Common-Place
Prologue: Since acts of terrorism impede upon the right to live by individuals harmed in said acts, and since there are laws in place by nations rendering acts of such violence and terrorism illegal and punishable by law, those who commit acts of terrorism must be condemned.
Contrary: Terrorism is assumed as an act of violence and hatred from one group or individual to another group or individuals, usually with conflicting beliefs and ideologies. Condemnation of terrorists is not a new practice. The intentions and establishment behind condemning terrorists is designed solely to protect the lives of the innocent bystanders who are most affected by this violence.
Exposition: However, acts of terrorism are committed by people who clearly exhibit no regard for laws of morality and the preservation of life. The hatred that resides within those who commit acts of terrorism is absolutely condemnable because they blatantly disregard the laws put in place that are meant to establish order and preserve life. The wrongful act is found solely in the destruction of peace and social order. The lives lost from acts of terrorism is the clear demonstration of evil put forth by terrorists.
Comparison: Existance of hate within individuals or groups is an unfortunate crime against humanity in itself, but when the internal hatred manifests into outward hatred and acts of terrorism, innocent people suffer unnecessarily.
Intention: When all is said and done, a crime is a crime. However, the difference in severity of crime as well as punishment lies within the intent. Lesser crimes involving death such as manslaughter are not always voluntarily. However, the intent behind committing acts of terrorism is to instill fear and gain a sense of power, locally and globally. Those who commit acts of terrorism do so with every intent of destroying an economy, a group, and in the instance of 9/11, destroying a nation's sense of security. The extensive amount of planning that went into the events that took place on 9/11 proves a complete disregard for the preservation of life and laws of morality.
Digression: Civil disobedience has proven to be an effective way of breaking the law for a cause that benefits humanity. But any group who willingly plans and participates in the destruction of the target of terror is not utilizing the means available for improvement or attention to their cause. These people clearly could not have had positive results from appropriately addressing an issue and must not have lived a satisfactory life.
Rejection of Pity: It is all too simple to feel pity for the poor souls who were never given a chance to succeed as the rest of society has. It is even easier to find empathy within ourselves to feel compassion for those who were not afforded the same opportunities that we have and in a frenzied fit of frustration concluded that terrorism is the only option. However, the consequences for dismissing these acts of terror will only perpetuate the disregard for laws of morality and humanity.
Legality: As a society we understand that those who follow the rules are rewarded in the long run, and it is likewise true that those who do not follow the rules should be punished in the end.
Justice: It is therefore just for those who commit acts of terrorism to be condemned in a court with appropriate punishment.
Advantage: Condemnation for those who commit acts of terrorism is advantageous because it demonstrates to people who find themselves in similar situations that there is no justification for committing acts of terrorism and the rammifications of doing so comes with dire consequences.
Possibility: Though it is currently difficult to apprehend every individual who is affiliated with groups reigning terror on our nation, the possibility of punishment in court is strong because the power within the judicial system is more than sufficient to administer ample punishment.
Contrary: Terrorism is assumed as an act of violence and hatred from one group or individual to another group or individuals, usually with conflicting beliefs and ideologies. Condemnation of terrorists is not a new practice. The intentions and establishment behind condemning terrorists is designed solely to protect the lives of the innocent bystanders who are most affected by this violence.
Exposition: However, acts of terrorism are committed by people who clearly exhibit no regard for laws of morality and the preservation of life. The hatred that resides within those who commit acts of terrorism is absolutely condemnable because they blatantly disregard the laws put in place that are meant to establish order and preserve life. The wrongful act is found solely in the destruction of peace and social order. The lives lost from acts of terrorism is the clear demonstration of evil put forth by terrorists.
Comparison: Existance of hate within individuals or groups is an unfortunate crime against humanity in itself, but when the internal hatred manifests into outward hatred and acts of terrorism, innocent people suffer unnecessarily.
Intention: When all is said and done, a crime is a crime. However, the difference in severity of crime as well as punishment lies within the intent. Lesser crimes involving death such as manslaughter are not always voluntarily. However, the intent behind committing acts of terrorism is to instill fear and gain a sense of power, locally and globally. Those who commit acts of terrorism do so with every intent of destroying an economy, a group, and in the instance of 9/11, destroying a nation's sense of security. The extensive amount of planning that went into the events that took place on 9/11 proves a complete disregard for the preservation of life and laws of morality.
Digression: Civil disobedience has proven to be an effective way of breaking the law for a cause that benefits humanity. But any group who willingly plans and participates in the destruction of the target of terror is not utilizing the means available for improvement or attention to their cause. These people clearly could not have had positive results from appropriately addressing an issue and must not have lived a satisfactory life.
Rejection of Pity: It is all too simple to feel pity for the poor souls who were never given a chance to succeed as the rest of society has. It is even easier to find empathy within ourselves to feel compassion for those who were not afforded the same opportunities that we have and in a frenzied fit of frustration concluded that terrorism is the only option. However, the consequences for dismissing these acts of terror will only perpetuate the disregard for laws of morality and humanity.
Legality: As a society we understand that those who follow the rules are rewarded in the long run, and it is likewise true that those who do not follow the rules should be punished in the end.
Justice: It is therefore just for those who commit acts of terrorism to be condemned in a court with appropriate punishment.
Advantage: Condemnation for those who commit acts of terrorism is advantageous because it demonstrates to people who find themselves in similar situations that there is no justification for committing acts of terrorism and the rammifications of doing so comes with dire consequences.
Possibility: Though it is currently difficult to apprehend every individual who is affiliated with groups reigning terror on our nation, the possibility of punishment in court is strong because the power within the judicial system is more than sufficient to administer ample punishment.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Progymnasmata: Confirmation and Refutation
Confirmation
Assertion:
The United States was justified in re-locating the Native Americans during the Manifest Destiny.
Ecomium:
The United States government held the well-being of the nation and the American people as a high priority. Expansion of the United States was absolutely necessary in growing a stronger nation for the great people of the country. The decision to expand westward was based on sound political ideologies looking to benefit the American people.
Exposition of the Situation:
When Napoleon Bonaparte sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, exploration by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the territory informed the American government of the vast land to the west. By the 1840s, expansion to the west was well under way and many U.S. citizens spoke of a “manifest destiny” to occupy the land of North America from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past, 849). The expansion to the west forced many indigenous people out of their land. The people of the United States were the “chosen people” whose destiny was within the expansion of the west (www.u-s-history.com).
Certainty:
Territorial expansion is a natural process of developing nations. The United States’ decision to expand westward and further national growth was absolutely necessary to become the prosperous nation of today.
Credibility:
The land west of the Mississippi River was previously owned by France. The United States conducted a legal transaction and purchased the land from France. By law, this territory belongs to the United States. Many nations before the United States gained control of land occupied by indigenous people in order to expand their national territory. The role of the president is to make decisions that progress the well-being of his constituents and by making the decision to expand, the well-being of the American people in terms of prosperity benefited greatly.
Possibility:
It is true that many indigenous people were uprooted from their land. It is possible that the Americans at this time were not the “chosen people” as they believed.
Consistency:
The decision to expand westward was consistent with policies of colonialism and previous acts of expansion in developing countries.
Propriety:
The government’s decision to expand was appropriate because the United States was growing rapidly and expansion was more than necessary to grow as a prosperous nation.
Convenience:
The expansion was convenient because the land had been purchased from France and explored by Lewis and Clark. Enough time elapsed from the initial purchase and exploration to decide on what could be done with the land.
Refutation
False Assertion to be Refuted:
The United States was not justified in re-locating the Native Americans during Manifest Destiny.
Exposition of the Situation:
When Napoleon Bonaparte sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, exploration by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the territory informed the American government of the vast land to the west. By the 1840s, expansion to the west was well under way and many U.S. citizens spoke of a “manifest destiny” to occupy the land of North America from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past, 849). The expansion to the west forced many indigenous people out of their land. The people of the United States were the “chosen people” whose destiny was within the expansion of the west (www.u-s-history.com).
Uncertainty:
It is not certain that the American people were in fact the “chosen people.” It is also not certain that the American people have the right to force the indigenous population out of the land they inhabited for years.
Incredibility:
The United States stands for freedom and equality. It is hard to believe that these inherent rights did not apply to the natives.
Impossibility:
It is impossible to apologize enough to the Native Americans for destroying their lives and forcing them to leave their land. No amount of reservations and government gifts can make up for the loss their people suffered.
Lack of Consistency:
The United States’ claim to stand for freedom of oppression and equality is inconsistent to their treatment and forced removal of Native Americans during this time period.
Impropriety:
Removing Native Americans from their homeland was beyond inappropriate because they established their lives on this land years before the British came to America. If the roles were reversed, the people of the United States would feel oppressed because it is unethical and immoral to uproot people from their home just because the stronger nation wants the land.
Inconvenience:
The expansion was inconvenient for the Native American people because it forced them out of their homes and away from their sacred land.
Assertion:
The United States was justified in re-locating the Native Americans during the Manifest Destiny.
Ecomium:
The United States government held the well-being of the nation and the American people as a high priority. Expansion of the United States was absolutely necessary in growing a stronger nation for the great people of the country. The decision to expand westward was based on sound political ideologies looking to benefit the American people.
Exposition of the Situation:
When Napoleon Bonaparte sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, exploration by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the territory informed the American government of the vast land to the west. By the 1840s, expansion to the west was well under way and many U.S. citizens spoke of a “manifest destiny” to occupy the land of North America from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past, 849). The expansion to the west forced many indigenous people out of their land. The people of the United States were the “chosen people” whose destiny was within the expansion of the west (www.u-s-history.com).
Certainty:
Territorial expansion is a natural process of developing nations. The United States’ decision to expand westward and further national growth was absolutely necessary to become the prosperous nation of today.
Credibility:
The land west of the Mississippi River was previously owned by France. The United States conducted a legal transaction and purchased the land from France. By law, this territory belongs to the United States. Many nations before the United States gained control of land occupied by indigenous people in order to expand their national territory. The role of the president is to make decisions that progress the well-being of his constituents and by making the decision to expand, the well-being of the American people in terms of prosperity benefited greatly.
Possibility:
It is true that many indigenous people were uprooted from their land. It is possible that the Americans at this time were not the “chosen people” as they believed.
Consistency:
The decision to expand westward was consistent with policies of colonialism and previous acts of expansion in developing countries.
Propriety:
The government’s decision to expand was appropriate because the United States was growing rapidly and expansion was more than necessary to grow as a prosperous nation.
Convenience:
The expansion was convenient because the land had been purchased from France and explored by Lewis and Clark. Enough time elapsed from the initial purchase and exploration to decide on what could be done with the land.
Refutation
False Assertion to be Refuted:
The United States was not justified in re-locating the Native Americans during Manifest Destiny.
Exposition of the Situation:
When Napoleon Bonaparte sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803, exploration by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark of the territory informed the American government of the vast land to the west. By the 1840s, expansion to the west was well under way and many U.S. citizens spoke of a “manifest destiny” to occupy the land of North America from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past, 849). The expansion to the west forced many indigenous people out of their land. The people of the United States were the “chosen people” whose destiny was within the expansion of the west (www.u-s-history.com).
Uncertainty:
It is not certain that the American people were in fact the “chosen people.” It is also not certain that the American people have the right to force the indigenous population out of the land they inhabited for years.
Incredibility:
The United States stands for freedom and equality. It is hard to believe that these inherent rights did not apply to the natives.
Impossibility:
It is impossible to apologize enough to the Native Americans for destroying their lives and forcing them to leave their land. No amount of reservations and government gifts can make up for the loss their people suffered.
Lack of Consistency:
The United States’ claim to stand for freedom of oppression and equality is inconsistent to their treatment and forced removal of Native Americans during this time period.
Impropriety:
Removing Native Americans from their homeland was beyond inappropriate because they established their lives on this land years before the British came to America. If the roles were reversed, the people of the United States would feel oppressed because it is unethical and immoral to uproot people from their home just because the stronger nation wants the land.
Inconvenience:
The expansion was inconvenient for the Native American people because it forced them out of their homes and away from their sacred land.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Chapter 2 Rhetorical Activities (4)
Patient safety is a primary concern during a patient’s stay in a hospital. Ensuring that each patient is safely monitored to prevent unnecessary injuries resulting from falls is an expensive practice. Prior to the development of more technologically advanced solutions, the most logical resolution to ensuring patient safety has been to hire additional staff to physically monitor the patient in the room. The cost associated with hiring additional employees is counter-productive when analyzed on a larger scale. An alternative to additional staffing for hospitals is to install a video monitoring system. Video cameras provide a centralized and focused set of eyes for constant patient observation. Monitoring creates an added sense of security and confidence for hospital staff, physicians, and families that their patients are being observed. Patient privacy would not be an issue because monitoring cameras are not designed to record, but are instead intended for uninterrupted monitoring. The monitoring would be no different than that of a sitter or other hospital employee being present in the patient’s room. The difference would be that one individual can oversee multiple rooms. Installing video cameras significantly increases patient safety and satisfaction. Patients can recover safely and quickly allowing families to remain confident that their loved ones’ needs are met with trained technicians monitoring the cameras day and night. A local hospital’s medical unit should invest in the use of video camera monitoring to improve quality outcomes regarding patient safety including reduction in falls and other risk situations.
Chapter 2 Progymnasmata: Chreia (5)
Blindness affords the unique ability to form judgments based on fact and knowledge rather than physical or visual biases. The representation of justice as blind alludes to the notion of fair and equal judgment based solely on fact rather than visual aspects. Images of “justice” donning a blindfold decorate buildings worldwide where acts of justice are performed: courthouses, government offices, some schools, law enforcement agencies, etc.. The intention is to inform those who see this representation of “blind justice” that these agencies utilize the tactic of fair judgments. Statues of Blind Justice date back to ancient Roman and Greek times.
The woman in the statue is Themis, the goddess of justice and law. The most known detail in the statue is the blindfold covering her airs, but Themis also wields a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword is representative of the power of her decisions, while the scale is representative of the impartiality of justice. It was not until the 16th century that artists began blindfolding Themis to represent that justice is not subject to influence.
Works Cited:
"Themis, Dike, Justitia and Lady Justice." Ancient / Classical History - Ancient Greece & Rome & Classics Research Guide. Web. 22 Jan. 2010..
Image:
http://www.abeautifuldifference.com/bronzeladyjustice.JPG
The woman in the statue is Themis, the goddess of justice and law. The most known detail in the statue is the blindfold covering her airs, but Themis also wields a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The sword is representative of the power of her decisions, while the scale is representative of the impartiality of justice. It was not until the 16th century that artists began blindfolding Themis to represent that justice is not subject to influence.
Works Cited:
"Themis, Dike, Justitia and Lady Justice." Ancient / Classical History - Ancient Greece & Rome & Classics Research Guide. Web. 22 Jan. 2010.
Image:
http://www.abeautifuldifference.com/bronzeladyjustice.JPG
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
My turn.
As you can see from my profile, my name is Sara Crowe. I'm a sophomore English major with a Professional Writing minor. I plan to continue with the Masters program CSU-Pueblo offers after I get my Bachelor's degree. I hope to be a college professor or a book editor. I have taught piano lessons for three years which initiated my love of teaching that I hope to carry on as a professor. I have always loved reading and writing in any forum and the idea of doing that for the rest of my life is very exciting. I hope to gain a more thorough understanding of the concept of rhetoric through Dr. Souder's class. Last semester I took English 303 Advanced Composition and Rhetoric where the primary focus was on composition and argumentation style. Through this course, I hope to further the skills I have started developing and gain the ability to speak and write using the concepts and tools I have learned.
I am involved in the English Club on campus as the Treasurer/Historian. Next year I hope to be President or Vice President and continue making the English Club an enjoyable organization. I am also a member of Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society). I was a member of the Associated Students' Government as Senator for Residence Life. I have since resigned my position but continue to work with ASG in various activities around the state. I am currently working within the ASG cabinet as a Director of Higher Education and am planning rallies on campus and in Denver to continue awareness for higher education's need of funding from the state and federal levels. Being a student activist is extremely important because our voices determine the future of higher education.
I am involved in the English Club on campus as the Treasurer/Historian. Next year I hope to be President or Vice President and continue making the English Club an enjoyable organization. I am also a member of Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society). I was a member of the Associated Students' Government as Senator for Residence Life. I have since resigned my position but continue to work with ASG in various activities around the state. I am currently working within the ASG cabinet as a Director of Higher Education and am planning rallies on campus and in Denver to continue awareness for higher education's need of funding from the state and federal levels. Being a student activist is extremely important because our voices determine the future of higher education.
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