Topics In Writing

End of Semester Reflection

2008-04-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

After looking back at my original definition of a protest, I would like to change a couple parts. First of all, I no longer believe that a successful protest must be comprised of a large group of people. As outspoken individuals like Michael Moore, Al Gore, and Cindy Sheehan have proven, a single determined and persistent person can cause quite an uproar which can lead to change. Moore has almost become a household name because of his documentaries, while Al Gore just won a Nobel Prize for his passionate fight against climate change. I'm particularly impressed by the impact that Gore has had; it seems like discussion about global warming, carbon credits, and the environment has exploded ever since the release of An Inconvenient Truth.
While Gore is helping to create a grassroots movement, I'd like to amend my earlier statement this semester that a movement must start at the grassroots level to enact real change. If Gore, or anyone else for that matter, can inspire Congress to change a law before the concept catches the attention of your average Joe, that is a concrete change and proof that the routes to a successful protest are as diverse as the tactics used to stage a protest. I'm amazed at the number of creative protests we've seen throughout the semester, and I'm much more aware of the more subtle protests that exist today. I did not think of Jon Stewart as a protester before, but now that I know his philosophy on the mass media and politics, I definitely see his show as a subtle type of protest which reveals all the hypocrisy that the government and major stations refuse to discuss. I've enjoyed this class and aam sure I'll think back to it whenever I see a future protest.

Billy Joel's 'Allentown'

2008-04-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Allentown by Billy Joel is a great example of a protest song. In choosing an example, I wanted to steer clear of anti-war songs, as these seem to be everywhere these days. I stumbled upon this song during my research, and its message of protesting against recession is something you don't hear every day so I found it interesting. In this song, Billy Joel reveals the concerns of small town factory workers in Pennsylvania (specifically Allentown and Bethlehem) as they lose their jobs. Bethlehem Steel was in decline and about to close down, and the resulting job loss was devastating in these small towns. The laid off workers felt cheated, like they had followed the promise that "if we worked hard, if we behaved," that they would be secure and well-off. Instead, these blue collar workers feel their American dream slipping away.

Joel witnessed first-hand this economic crisis, while he was performing at Lehigh Valley's many music venues. This track was placed first on The Nylon Curtain, which was the seventh best selling album of the year in 1982. Also, the song reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982, so it obviously appealed to fans and made an impact on people. However, a certain "call to action" is not made in this song, so while it may have been popular, I'm not sure that it inspired much social change. While the lyrics and song are not uplifting, the music does have a good beat that could get stuck in your head.

I agree with many of the comments made in class about the effectiveness of a protest song. Songs may help to finalize someone's opinion, but I don't think many people would be completely swayed one way or another solely because of a song. As The Australian article that we read argues, it is not enough to simply write the protest song and expect it to make a difference. The song must have a hook and draw listeners in, but many of the current protest songs are "bad music" and so may not be as effective.

Ann Coulter and Michael Moore

2008-04-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

After watching Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11, I was impressed with the research he conducted and his effort to interview a variety of subjects. It is obvious that he is biased, and this slanted take on all the events related to Bush can be a little off-putting at times, but I found the majority of the documentary shocking and thought-provoking. We have learned about fallacious arguments, and a common error is to use an appeal to an improper authority. Moore interviews many subjects, and most are qualified to speak on the subject matter (e.g. the Oregon border protection official on the topic of Oregon's border security). Fallacious arguments do not logically support their conclusions, but Moore is good at using facts and his research to back up claims. For example, he notes the difference in sources of income from the Saudis and from Bush's presidency ($1.4 billion vs. $400,000) to argue that there is a conflict of interest. I was impressed that he located an old military record that did not black out "James R. Bath" in order to raise suspicion about a recently released document. I have heard that some of Moore's statements are not factual, so I would want to do more research before completely accepting some of his claims. An example of his obvious bias is when he states that Bush went to sleep on "fine French linens" the night before 9/11. This is extraneous information that is a kind of personal attack- portraying Bush as rich, spoiled, and implying he is someone who sleeps soundly even though he knows our country is in trouble.

Moore's bias seems very tame after watching Ann Coulter's incessant word-flow. She comes across as a self-absorbed person who likes to hear her own voice. Throughout the multiple interviews we saw (except for the last where respect of the other speaker appeared to be a ground rule), she was constantly talking even while being asked questions! She relies on ad hominem way too much (e.g. calling Hillary Clinton and Lewinsky "chubby," and calling her opponent's revelation of an incorrect quotation as one of his "long boring stories"). Coulter lacks logos in her arguments, and it is hard to understand why her books have become best-sellers.

Viral Videos and Jesus Camp

2008-03-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

This week we have turned to viral videos and a documentary as other modes of protesting. The Will.I.Am music video used well-known people and good music to deliver its message about Barack Obama. The lyrics correspond to a song Obama delivered, and I think the music video is effective because it portrays Obama as inspirational, a visionary, and someone who is capable of leading the country. With the internet, I can see how this video quickly spread throughout the nation (and world), as it takes only a couple seconds to email someone the link. In the George Allen clip, our knowledge of Allen's Tunisian mother made me highly suspicious of his claim that he had no awareness of the derogatory nature of his remark to a cameraman. When he appeared on Meet The Press, he was well-prepared to answered the questions properly with political rhetoric. However, this still didn't repair his integrity in my mind, because his true feelings came out when he made the unrehearsed comments at the rally.

Jesus Camp is an eye-opening documentary at the lives of Evangelical Christian youths attending a religious summer camp. The kids appeared very isolated from the rest of society, and I would be concerned about their adjustment to the "real world" once they reach adulthood and their parents can no longer shelter them from everything. The camp atmosphere seemed cult-like, and it doesn't seem like these kids get the opportunity to have much of a childhood. They are reprimanded for telling ghost stories, and it is amazing to see how many break into tears and screams during the devotional sessions. While I respect the followers' devotion to their religion, their apparent disdain for other religions and people with differing points of view was a little disturbing.

The Writing Process

2008-03-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Starting the writing process is the hardest part for me. Once I actually sit down and get the first few thoughts on paper, the rest seems to flow much more naturally. In order to get these initial words down on paper (or on the PC), I need a relatively quiet environment, although complete silence can be distracting. Sometimes, I'll listen to music, and I seem to do my best writing when I listen to Mozart. Playing classical music is something that my teacher did for us during 4th or 5th grade during our journal-writing period, and that's a habit that has stayed with me.

It is best, during the drafting process, to just let the thoughts and words flow freely, and this is something that I sometimes have to remind myself of. I have not always made a rough draft in the past; oftentimes I would just try to write a solid "final" paper the first time. After experiencing the revision process, though, I realize how important it is.

I do not have any hard and fast rules when I write a paper -- it all depends on the assignment. Outlines are often a helpful way for me to organize my thoughts. Developing an outline also ensures that I will cover the most important topics without leaving anything out.

Once I start a draft or the revision process, I like to complete it in one sitting if possible. I find it easier to get something done the first time as opposed to coming back mid-way through and having to get back in the writing frame of mind. Once complete, if I have the luxury of time, I like to put it away for a while and return to it a day or so later to see if I have any fresh thoughts or edits to add.

How does appearance affect protest?

2008-02-28T04:21:00.000-08:00

Appearance can be an effective way to convey a message during protest. This week we examine the effects of appearance in the film The Yes Men and in the punk rock culture. Both groups are rebels, in a way, as they are protesting established norms. For Mike and Any of The Yes Men, this norm is the generally accepted practices of the World Trade Organization. It's amazing to see the outlandish claims these guys make at various presentations, and people just go along with them without even raising an eyebrow or appearing suspicious. The punk rock culture, on the other hand, uses its deviant look to send the message that it is protesting authority. Indeed, punk is many times only a stage in one's life that occurs during the rapidly changing times of adolescence.

Andy and Mike begin many of their pranks by dressing normally, only to quickly change into a comical figure such as one with the leisure suit. They use their respectable appearance at first to gain ethos with the media or conference organizers, and then once on stage their true motives come through as they try ridiculous and brave acts like talking about the Re-Burger or describing the invention of the Employee Visualization Appendage. Their presentation in Australia was the most sincere, and it was interesting to see how they did not have as much fun with this sincerity as with using satire and sarcasm.

The punk rock culture's style and appearance is a natural fit with their anti-authority attitude. By wearing violent-looking clothes and extreme make-up and hairstyles, they send a clear message that they do not want to conform with society. The culture has developed many violent and deviant stereotypes, which have been propagated by the media (nearly all negative portrayals), so that parents often become worried when their children adopt this lifestyle.

PETA and Guerilla Girls

2008-02-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

PETA effectively uses appeals to mainly logos and pathos. Its FAQ section is very thorough and presents solid reasoning behind its mission to protect animal rights. By using shocking statistics (such as the fact that 16 pounds of grain are required to produce 1 pound of beef), the organization presents a convincing case for vegetarianism and its benefits as far as the environment. Pathos are an obvious appeal whenever images and videos are shown of the meat industry. A criticism of PETA is that they are too extreme. The organization may be acknowledging this concern in its decision to distance itself from the radical Animal Liberation Front.

The Guerilla Girls are a secretive group that I had not heard of before. By not allowing new members and by being so elusive, I think they limit their effectiveness in a way. People that want to join are told on the website that this may not be possible. The protest approach taken by this group is appealing - the use of humor and sarcasm are often not associated with a feminist protest, yet those are some of their strategies. With eye-catching billboards and signs, as well as the strange gorilla mask, this group is definitely unique. Guerilla Girls are less likely to offend people than PETA, as PETA takes a more stern approach and is more apt to recommend a particular change, while Guerilla Girls uses humor a great deal and is more likely to let the audience draw conclusions.

Both groups use a variety of mediums to reach their audiences, and I think that's important to reach a broad group of people. Examples included billboards, videos, photographs, and demonstrations.

We Are Traffic

2008-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has struggled to maneuver a bike around a busy city will relate to the experience of the folks in We Are Traffic. As a xerocracy, the group known as Critical Mass has no central leadership, and anyone is free to suggest a bike ride to the group. A major objective of this group is to gain back the streets as cyclists, who are usually always the minority (and a pesky obstacle in the eyes of rush hour traffic drivers). I thought the documentary was revealing in the ways the mass media can avoid covering something (in this case, the police brutality used to stop a ride in San Francisco). This just goes to show how y0u must consult many sources to find the truth. And as our Main Building refers to at UT Austin, knowing the truth shall set you free.

It was refreshing to see Critical Mass take an entirely new approach to protest. Instead of angrily protesting, the majority in this loose organization viewed the ride as a time to let loose and have a great time with fellow members of the community. I particularly enjoyed the sign "Honk If You Love Bicycles" that was displayed at intersections full of honking cars, as well as the "Get Off Your Assphault" flyer. This comical, good-humored approach to the protest won over many people. Also, instead of viewing people in cars as the enemy, they were viewed as allies. The concept of Critical Mass proved to be hugely successful, as events were staged around the world. Each city has its own unique riding culture, as there is not a hierarchy of leaders and managers. I see that some cities (e.g. Chicago) still have a fairly active group of Critical Mass riders, but it appears that the heyday for Critical Mass was in the '90s. Future protesters can learn something by studying the tactics used by Critical Mass.

Ethos as a means of persuasion

2008-02-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Establishing ethos with an audience goes a long way in persuading people to adopt your viewpoint. Without ethos, a speaker or author may simply be viewed as a loud, opinionated orator without the background or reputation to back it up. In class, we have examined several acts of protest, and each has used ethos in a unique way.

Stokely Carmichael comes across as well-educated, referencing the philosophers Camus and Sartre. His use of "we" (first person plural), decreases the rhetorical distance and draws his listeners closer. The humor he uses throughout the speech shows a desire to keep his audience tuned in to his message.

Fannie Lou Hamer, in contrast, is a person of simple words and sentences. Word size is an ethos factor, and her short words make the speech sound more conversational and personal. Her credibility is aided by good character and good will, as evidenced by her nonviolent protest history with the SNCC. Furthermore, she comes across as an honest and straightforward person when she states her home address at the beginning.

The ethos for the Freedom Marches is strengthened by MLK’s involvement in the walk and in his subsequent speech. “Our feet are tired but our soles are rested” – this use of present tense by MLK gives more immediacy to the event, and he acknowledges that it has been a group effort. The participants’ good and peaceful character is implied in the President’s description of the Selma police retaliation as “an American tragedy.”

Malachai Richter, in my opinion, presents the least effective case of ethos with his self immolation. He did not establish the most solid background and character for this to be effective, as there is speculation that his alcoholism and depression may have contributed to the suicide. Only the aftermath of his protest was seen by most people. The common opinion that he was mentally ill makes many people only want to quickly forget this act of self-inflicted violence, rather than rally around his “anti-war cause.”

Cindy Sheehan, meanwhile, presents the most effective use of ethos, as seen from her overwhelming media response and the interest generated (sometimes 1,500 visitors daily to Camp Casey, including celebrities and members of Congress). She establishes good character by touring around the country and world giving speeches, and her peaceful demonstration near Bush’s ranch shows her perseverance and passion for her anti-war cause. Her research and education is apparent in her quoting of Thoreau during one of her speeches and in her decision to write a book. Finally, she demonstrates her intentions to better our country with her decision in December 2007 to run as an independent for Congress.

Locating Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

2008-01-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

Ever since Aristotle, we have sought to identify the ethos, pathos, and logos used to strengthen arguments and presentations. Indeed, we can find these forms of rhetoric when examining the speeches of Fannie Lou Hamer and Stokely Carmichael, as well as in non-violent protest videos.

Addressing the Credentials Committee, Hamer immediately establishes ethos by being straightforward and honest, stating her exact street address. By revealing her whereabouts, she sends the message that she has nothing to hide. Her involvement in the civil rights movement thus far (she has permanent kidney damage from a police beating) further establishes her credibility. She uses plain-spoken language and ample dialogue, which presents her as a personable, honest person.

Carmichael also commands respect because of his background (ethos), which includes becoming honorary prime minister of the Black Panthers and a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He is well educated in the great philosophers of Camus and Sartre; this contributes to his ethos. Carmichael reasons his way through several issues (logos), such as the assertion that recent legislation is for the white people, not blacks ("I knew that I could vote and that wasn't a privilege, it was my right... somebody had to write a bill for white people to tell them... don't bother him"). An example of logos also occurs when he mentions the statistic of 94% of black children still living in shacks.

The videos evoke emotions of sympathy and outrage (pathos), as we are shown how peaceful blacks at sit-in demonstrations were mercilessly beaten. The clips are credible (ethos) because they are a primary source of what occurred during that time, and involve interviews with whites and blacks (including some high ranking officials, like mayor of Nashville), and those for and against integration.

I Believe

2008-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

I believe travel is the best educator there is. I believe in family and friends. I believe that John Wooden has some of the greatest quotes of all time (e.g. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” and “Learn as if you’re going to live forever and live as if you’re going to die tomorrow”). I believe Tiger Woods will surpass Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors. I believe golf is the game of a lifetime, and that golfers at UT (and those wanting to learn the game) should check this out. I believe Elvis’s favorite food, the peanut butter and banana sandwich, is something I’ll never tire of. And I believe Nickelodeon had better shows in the ‘90s.

I believe in hard work, perseverance, integrity, and respect. I believe Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer of all time, and while he is eccentric, he may have been framed. I believe presidential debates are fascinating to watch. I believe Aussies are great people, the Great Barrier Reef deserves its title as a natural wonder of the world, and that Aboriginal art is terrific. I believe photos make the best souvenir. I believe kids should have PE daily, and that our society should focus more on preventive medicine. I believe Robin Williams is hilarious, Letterman has the best late-night show, TV news is infotainment these days, and most movies are too long. I believe SCUBA diving is an indescribable thrill (especially when you see a shark). And I believe that’s enough parallelism.

What is a protest?

2008-01-16T12:57:00.001-08:00

A protest occurs when at least one person is not satisfied with the status quo or current state of something in society or the world. The protest is conducted to bring about awareness, support for the cause, and ultimately change. While a group of protestors will ultimately be more successful, a single person is enough to spark a protest. If one person feels passionately about something, he or she can inspire others to join the fight (and this is not to imply that protests must be violent). There are many different tactics that may be used during a protest. Strikes, boycotts, and petitions are a few of the most common ones.

To be successful, a protest needs to generate sufficient support for real change to occur. This must happen at the grassroots level first. Many protest groups desire media attention, which can provide free publicity about a cause. In order to cause change, people must first become aware of and educated on an issue. Therefore, mass exposure to a particular issue via the media can expedite a protest campaign, especially if the media portrayal is positive or if the general public is already sympathetic with the protest’s concerns and arguments. Ultimately, a protest’s success is measured by its ability to instigate change and accomplish its goal. Once members of the public and politicians are educated on an issue, widespread support should be enough to facilitate the desired change because of our democratic system.