Rules: Essays, Letters, Other Text

Interesting --> meaningful and insightful
Flow --> ideas proceed naturally and logically; prose is clear and appropriate
On topic 
"Correct" grammar --> usually standard English
Mechanically correct
Clear purpose
Clear audience
Tone --> appropriate to your purpose and your audience

Civil Rights Photos pg. 476

"The Plaintiff Speaks" sheds light on the obvious contrast between black and white, particularly in people. While this article does not regard racism that still exists, I can't help but let my mind go there, particularly today. I volunteer at predominantly black high school in Knoxville. I hang out there (in a non-creepy way), tutor kids, mentor high school girls, and have recently become involved with the teen moms found within the school. As a white girl mentoring black girls, I constantly insist on not playing the race card and do not allow my high school friends to, as well. However, as our mentorships/friendships have developed and grown, I have become blatantly aware of the racism that still exists. It baffles people, including members of my own family, that I genuinely hang out with black girls. I do not understand how people have a certain type of love for black people and a certain type of love for white people. It is almost as if their love for black people is a charitable kind. People are people and love is love? Cliche and maybe naive, but true nonetheless. Interracial dating-I don't see the problem? I think it is a beautiful thing. However, my family friends strongly disagree. For my friend's sake, I cannot help but be angry with her family for their traces of racism. Racism is wrong and cannot be justified.

Lynda Barry

I find Lynda Barry's comics enjoyable and easy to read. I particularly enjoyed "Common Scents." The play on words within the title captured me and I found myself laughing out loud at the comic itself. The comic brings attention to something I was extremely intrigued by as a kid- how all people smelled different. I used to come home from friends, neighbors, and babysitters houses and ask my mom, "Why does 'so-and-so' smell funny?" As I got older, I remember becoming seriously aware and self-conscious, that I too, smelled funny. I used to ask my friends, "Do I have a scent?" This makes me laugh; as we have grown older it just becomes a known and common part of life. As a young child, it was a mind-blowing concept. Just the other day a friend borrowed a shirt of mine and said "This smells like you." I asked her if she meant my perfume, my shampoo, my detergent, etc. She claimed that it was not any of those things, it just simply smelled like me. This made me laugh as I had forgotten about the 'common scents' we all have.

The Partly Cloudy Patriot

The Partly Cloudy Patriot had me laughing out loud. I both admired and enjoyed the honesty within Sarah Vowell's voice. Vowell makes a good point in how the word "patriot" can often make people flinch. I went through a "patriotic" stage when I was younger. In elementary school, both before and after September 11th, I wanted everything red, white, and blue. When it was time to buy lucky pencils for my EOGs in 3rd grade, I wanted them to be American flag pencils. When I told Santa what I wanted for Christmas, it was socks with red white and blue stars on them. When I had a birthday party, I wanted it to be American themed, including jello resembling the American flag. When I got my first training bra, what was it? Red, white, and blue. I took what I thought to be "patriotism" to the extreme. I sincerely felt patriotic, inside and out. It was like something within the inner core of my 10 year old body that couldn't help but love my country. Looking back, I wonder if I just really liked the colors red, white, and blue. Or if I just thought that's what you did in the south; because, as I got older and continue to do so, I am realizing there is so much more to being patriotic than knowing all of the words to the Star Spangled Banner. The Partly Cloudy Patriot sparked memories of my naive thoughts in regards to what I thought was my perfect country.

After Seattle

"Your body just tingled with hope, to be around so many people so committed to making a better world."

I loved this quote from the reading "After Seattle." The reading portrays the exhilaration that comes with standing up for something you believe. The reading also defines politics as they are intended to be, the people's voice. I thoroughly enjoyed the point made in politics being largely consumerism in which people rode around waving American flags from the back of pickups. I like how there is no trace of shame in Beck's arguments and personal beliefs. Her passion portrayed within the reading is obvious and intellectual. The reading makes her sound both smart, as well as personable- something that is worth being noted and appreciated.

Prestigious or Provocative: The Mystery is Still Unsolved

Think back to your high school homecoming. The annual tradition is a renowned part of the cliché All-American high school experience, as many find themselves searching for the perfect dress or decorating the campus in the school’s colors, among other celebratory activities. You may be able to picture yourself with those flowers in hand and your head itching for the crown, or you may be reminded of dreading the ordeal altogether, staying home to avoid the commemorative festivities. At Austin-East Magnet High School, found in local east Knoxville on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, homecoming coronation is a big deal. The week before is spent in anticipation, as boys and girls alike prepare for the community affair following the parade at the end of the week. Coronation night seems magical for all high school participants involved, as the Austin-East high school family crowds in to the decorated auditorium to see their beautiful loved ones receive recognition. The stage is filled with both anxiety and excitement as students wait in hopes to hear their friend’s names or their own names. And then finally, the moment they have all been waiting for- a name is called. And then a scream is heard. The scream then suddenly progresses into a chant. The mantra is continuously repeated as the message is received, “So, so, so, pretty. You want to be me! So, so, so pretty. You want to be me, b****!” And the Esquires are here.

            According to Omar Jackson, founder and director, the Esquires Junior Fraternity is a young people’s leadership development organization. However, to many others the organization is viewed as a glorified gang, or even a cult. Omar Jackson was a former member of a fraternity at the University of Tennessee Knoxville; however, was asked to leave by fellow brothers, who have attempted to make unknown charges against him. Omar Jackson failed to be reached for comment. The Esquires are affiliated with various schools in Knoxville, but particularly Austin-East High School. The organization targets high school students with the use of bulky promises, from instant popularity to prestigious scholarship opportunities. The Esquires follows the model of a typical college fraternity or sorority in many ways, such as the requirement for useless knowledge regarding other members (parent’s names, birthplaces, etc.) and memorizing the Greek alphabet. The Esquires follows the model of a typical street gang scandal in other ways.

            Being a member of the Esquires does not come with an open invitation. Unlike other high school extracurricular activities, the alleged fraternity does not accept everyone. The members of the Esquires are particularly selected, and when selected, it is done in secret. When selected, a student is considered to be “on line” and the unclear course of hazing begins. At many of the functions Omar Jackson is not present, as he is aware of the bad that occurs but turns a blind eye towards what he has created. The chanting that took place at the homecoming coronation is not uncommon of the Esquires. The “so, so, so pretty chant” is among many that promote and enforce a condescending and manipulative attitude, all using profanities to reinforce the message. As the chants are learned throughout the initiation process, a degree of fear is instilled in those participants on line. All students, both males and females, are forced to dress a certain way every day. More often than not, this also forces kids to spend unnecessary expenses on new clothes, suitable for the Esquires. These expenses are minimal, however, compared to the initiation fee, monthly dues, and cost of the official and coveted Esquire jacket that is approximately $250.

While there is little parental involvement in the Esquires, when they are involved they are deceived and manipulated. Omar Jackson promises parents abundant scholarship opportunities and prestige for their beloved child. After a long ten-year history, there is still no evidence of a known scholarship fund through the Esquires and students are told to not mention their association with the fraternity when applying or communicating with colleges. Any money that is handled within the Esquires is the money given by the members themselves, which is also known as Omar Jackson’s main source of income. As Austin-East Magnet High School is found within the inner-city projects of east Knoxville, the vast majority of students involved in the Esquires are raised in low-income homes. These low-income homes and lifestyles simply cannot afford the financial requirements of an Esquire, but the desperate students still find a way. This leaves high school students searching for ways to acquire the funds, even if it means engaging in dangerous and harmful activity. While on line, Omar Jackson offers to cover lifestyle expenses of new members. This grown, and what some consider generous, man offers to pay for everything for these students, from their cell phone bills to their school fees. As long as they call him “daddy.” Yes, the Esquires must refer to Omar Jackson as “daddy” or “daddy O.”

 As the newly invited members of the prestigious Esquires continue to remain on line, they are placed under an intense set of restrictions and rules. “Daddy” does not allow the new members to be seen in public places (including Kroger with their real daddy), involvement in any social functions outside of Esquire meetings (particularly religious affiliated activities), and friendships or relationships outside of the Esquires (all members must cut ties with those who are not their future ‘brothers’ or ‘sisters’). Barbara Hill, an Austin-East parent of four, makes the claim that by placing these restrictions on the students, the Esquires are encouraging and forcing children to live a lie, as their parents, loved ones, and friends are unaware of what is really going on. A level of secrecy is drilled into the minds of all participating students, as they are threatened upon the mere thought of talking to anyone outside of the Esquires and refusing to follow the rules of “daddy.” All conversations with or without other members of the Esquires must be recorded by those participants on line and then shared with Jackson, so that he can review them. Tyrone*, a male alumni, was a part of the Esquires throughout his years as an upperclassman. While on line, he was enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) course, in which a group project was due. However, according to Esquire rules, Tyrone could not talk to members of the opposite sex and thus could not complete his project, as he was put in a group with girls. A self-proclaimed scholarship and college promoting organization would allow a student to fail an AP course project in order to meet irrelevant initiation guidelines.

            According to Jackie Smith*, Austin-East faculty member, countless number of fights have been instigated by the Esquires. Smith has spent many of her school days along side of her coworkers, escorting various members of the fraternity from class to class, as they cannot be left alone without triggering violence. This violence originates outside of school, as the Esquires meet at the local park on Skyline Drive to meet other organizations to fight. The Esquires are also known for their loud and notorious party hop, in which they hold up a party to perform a step and chant and then challenge a targeted group to fight. Rachelle*, a female sophomore at Austin-East, states, “If one of the Esquires does not like you, then none of them like you…and they will gang you. They will gang you.” Rachelle, as well as her sister, have both been targeted victims of the Esquires. Rachelle’s family, as well as many in the Austin-East community, has witnessed members of the Esquires dressed up in all black and running around their local church at night. The members of Esquires are not allowed to attend this church, however. Church is chosen by Omar Jackson, himself, and can only be attended if in a group of Esquires at the same time and place.

            Many rumors continue to surface in regards to the Esquires, from the promised scholarships that are never seen to the darkness and confusion found within teens after being initiated into the fraternity. As the rumors continue to surface and turn into credited facts, questions still remain. Who is “daddy” Omar Jackson and what is a grown man doing with so many students money? What happens within the guarded meeting rooms in which no one else is allowed to see? What is the sole purpose behind the rituals and restrictions placed by the Esquires? Who are the Esquires and what are they doing to our children?

A Runner's Dream

Advertising Campaign 2012

            Can you recall when the original version of Nike Shox athletics sports shoes first released approximately eleven years ago, in 2001? The renowned shoe features four round cylinder-like columns on the heel that provide cushion, absorbing the impact of the heel when striking the ground and falsely claiming to provide “spring back” support. The shoe was inspired by the spring indoor running track at Harvard and inaccurately convinced athletes, inspiring athletes, and myself that the shoe contained athletic ability and skill within the springs themselves. The Nike Shox athletics sports shoes are a prime example of how advertising and a considerable play of special features significantly affect consumers, thus increasing sales. However, Rasics athletic sports shoes are better and this must be displayed through our advertising. Through “The Runner’s Dream” campaign, Rasics will increase sales, as well as revolutionize running as a whole.

            Both beginner runners and veteran runners alike, take purchasing a pair of athletic running shoes very seriously. The pair of running shoes can make or break a run, as a bad and cheap pair of running shoes can harm a runner’s body. Likewise, people tend to believe that a good and expensive pair of running shoes can only improve a runner’s body, making them a faster and better runner. This perception is not entirely false and is one that we, as the Rasics product market, should use to our benefit. Rasics has been voted second best as the runner’s favorite shoe, by Runner’s Magazine, consistently for four years as of November 2011. This year, 2012, Rasics athletic running shoes, will stay ahead of both Nike and Brooks athletic running shoes and beat out our number one competition and the leading manufacturer of running shoes, Asics.

            When looking for a reliable running shoe, every individual wants to feel catered to, by both the company and the shoe. Every consumer wants to feel as if the product was made specifically and especially for them. This is imperative to runners. Every runner wants to feel as if the running shoe was created particularly for their precious feet, designed by knowledgeable runners themselves. This year’s advertising campaign for Rasics athletic running shoes will not only consist of selling the running shoe itself, but rather selling the running experience as a whole.

            According to Sir Roger Banister, the first recorded runner in history to run a sub four minute mile, “The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, ‘You must not run faster than this or jump higher than that.’ The human spirit is indomitable.” Rasics athletic running shoes will provide and maintain the resources necessary for this coveted and craved freedom and hopes to advertise this in the advertising campaign for 2012. In order to portray running as a sacred and rejuvenating experience rather than a task, Rasics advertising campaign will consist of providing the ultimate running experience package. “The Runner’s Dream” will be the full experience package. The package will be included with the purchase of every pair of Asics shoes for a limited time only; we plan to include the package for approximately six months following the release of the Runner’s Dream series athletic running and training shoes. The Runner’s Dream package will contain two books, a free downloadable running soundtrack on iTunes, a cleaning kit for the shoes, a Rasics water bottle, a Rasics t-shirt, and a Rasics sweatband. The two books featured in the package will both be from the Rasics Company; one being an inspirational running quotes book and the other being a running manual and guide to better running. The Runner’s Dream package is intended to allow all Rasics consumers to feel equipped, eager, and at ease with the running experience.

            Prior to purchase a pair of shoes from the Rasics “Runner’s Dream” series, a manual will be provided in participating stores for all Rasics consumers. This manual will help inform customers on how to decide on the right running shoe. Similar to magazine questionnaires, the guide will start at the top with the type of running an individual plans to perform, whether it be long-distance, all-terrain, sprinting, and so on. The questionnaires will simply then continue with arrows pointing to the next question based off the participant’s answer. This guided questionnaire will lead accordingly to one of the five different types of athletic running shoes features in the Rasics Runner’s Dream series. Customers will be able to then tear out a perforated image and title of the shoe, bring it to a sales assistant, and receive a ten percent discount on the specific shoe for using the Rasics questionnaire. This promotion will gain consumer attention and benefit Rasics customers.

            Along with The Runner’s Dream package and promotional questionnaire discount, the 2012 Rasics advertising campaign will also feature many visual advertisements as well. The majority of actual visual advertising promotion will take place at community parks, membership gyms, and community workout facilities. College campuses will be included as well, as students will receive a ten percent discount with the presentation of his or her student ID. The visual advertisements will be black and white only, as it can be eye catching if portrayed correctly and is also cost efficient. The running quotes featured on the advertisement will be somewhat cynical and humorous as to gain attention. By placing these visual advertisements at community parks, membership gyms, and community workout facilities, the targeted population of runners will be reached.

            The 2012 advertising campaign for the Rasics Runner’s Dream series athletic running and training shoes will benefit the consumer, as well as help the Rasics company make it’s way to the top of running manufacturers. The advertising campaign is intended to provide the fundamental gear and materials for the ultimate running experience. 

The Longest Four Years Without Enough Time: In class writing

College. It is hammered into the minds of young school children from the moment they purchase their first pack of Number 2 pencils. The concept of graduating and attending college is something that has become almost a necessity to “make it” in the grown up world. Because of this, college and all of the promotion it envelops can often confuse students on where or why they would have the desire to attend college in the first place. Sometimes it is portrayed as a raging party that never ends, while other times it is portrayed as a prison in which your parents sentence you to. However, college is neither. College is a privilege that is too often taken for granted. While being told “education is a privilege” is a phrase that has become highly too cliché in the United States, it is a phrase that an individual finally begins to grasp as soon as college has passed them by.
            College is not mandatory. While many students often feel the pressure from their parents to attend, the truth is no one can make you do anything. College benefits in helping you understand this. When in college, it becomes blatantly obvious that the only person essentially responsible for you is you. Almost every single day to day aspect of your life is thrown into your hands at once. College is a fresh start with a clean slate. You decide when to attend class. You decide when and what to eat. You decide when and what to wear. You decide who to hang out with. Ultimately, you decide who you are, who you are becoming, and what you want to stand for. Many students often fall victim to the illusion that college is a time that will eventually be reflected on as an excuse, “Oh, well it was college. It didn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, that statement is false. While college may seem like an endless chaperone-free party, it is four years of your life. And those are four years that cannot be replaced or erased. These four years are fundamental in shaping you as a person, as well as beneficial in helping you figure out what you have to offer this world. Have fun and make memories, but discover who you are in doing so.
            Adolescence, 11-19 years of age, is considered to be an individual’s formative years. This may be scientifically true; however, college can be some of the most formative years of your life, if you let them. College is one of the only chances you will have to be surrounded by such a wide variety of people, cultures, beliefs, and ideas. It is also one of the only chances you will have to be invited to a local bar for a daily special and handed a copy of the New Testament with a three easy step pamphlet on how to get to heaven, all within fifteen feet. College enables you to be immersed in endless knowledge and opportunities. It is all about the exploration and discovery of life, your options, and yourself. Being thrust into such a diverse and fulfilling environment allows your future to be limitless.

As crazy as it seems, the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding about subjects of your choice, to meet people and experience culture, and to get involved and develop beliefs is a privilege. College entails the unknown, but it is waiting to be discovered by you personally. Having no parents can simply be seen as a bonus. There will be long nights of parties, laughter, and friends, as well as long nights of studying, extra caffeinated coffee, and a large stack of textbooks. Some days it will seem like you are stuck in school forever, while other days you begin to swallow the realization that college is going by all too fast. Attending college allows you to decide and develop opinions for yourself. It is the ultimate growing experience, in which you will never stop sharing in life changing experiences and learning. College is not just something to take part in to get your parents off of your back or to please former primary school teachers; it is an opportunity to take hold of your life with everything you need conveniently at your fingertips.
            

Photographs CDA pg. 347-380

Photographs enable people to capture much more than just a new profile picture for Facebook. Photographs allow people to vividly capture particular moments in time. The reading in CDA focuses on documentary photography and it how it is analyzed. The reading suggest that photographs do not "capture" reality. The essential idea of the reading claims that photographs are always rhetorical, in which they consist of a photographer making decisions about how an audience's attentions will be directed and shaped as the audience looks at a photograph. While this is true of much photography, particularly documentary photography, I argue that it is not true of all photographers.
At one point in my continuous battle of "what do I want to be when I grow up," I thought being a photographer was in the cards. However, it was this very idea that drove me away from the industry. I love photography. I love the way an image can spark something in an individual, similar to an old song or familiar smell. I love the way an eery photograph can haunt an individual, a touching photograph bring tears, and a beautiful photograph inspire a loss of words. However, I do not love the idea of throwing a watermark on a photograph and calling yourself a professional. I do not love the idea of enhancing, boosting the color, changing some contrast and lighting, and calling yourself a professional. No, that's not what photography is. Photography for me is candidly capturing the real moments. The hollow moments. The moments where you catch people or things being who or what they really are.
The reading in the book tells us how to analyze photography, something I love. Real photography is an art form in itself. A photograph can speak volumes.

Kronkzilla: Comic

The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Roommate

At least once in every individual's life, he or she will live with another person. Because this is a very normal and familiar concept, people often do not realize or understand how easy it is to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad roommate. With these simple and easy steps, any individual can master the art of being an awful roommate.

*These steps are in no way a bitter recollection of a bad roommate experience...

The Trick

1. Fool your prospective roommate(s) into believing you are an easy person to get along with, as well as reside under one roof with.

      a. Make sure to take this to the extreme. Examples include, but are not limited to: meeting the prospective roommate(s) family, taking vacations with the prospective roommate(s), hanging out often, and essentially acting involved and invested.

     b. Be sure to make empty promises to your prospective roommate(s). Examples include, but are not limited to: what you will contribute to the house in regards to furniture, food, and simple decor, shared television time, and equal driving time when traveling together. 

     c. Take necessary precautions so that your prospective roommate(s) do not communicate with your former roommate(s), in order to assure that your former roommate(s) will not warn your prospective roommate(s).

2. Be sure everything you have convinced your prospective roommate(s) is false and break any and all promises made.

The Trap

1. After a given amount of time living together, your roommate(s) may begin to notice your deceit. When the first traces of this begin to occur and your roommate(s) begin to question you and even pull away from your 'friendship,' flip the switch. 

     a. Tell your roommate(s) you have felt disgusting living in such a nasty house and whenever you are home alone you spend your time cleaning up the house. However, make sure this is a lie.

2. Bring emotions into the mix.

     a. Tell your roommate(s) how you have experienced feelings of loneliness. 

     b. Proclaim that you feel left out and abandoned by your roommate(s).

3. Declare change.

    a. Suggest that the house should spend more time together.

    b. Suggest house bonding activities and suggest times that particularly work for you, but keep no one else's schedule in mind.

4. Feel incredibly sorry for yourself and make your days revolve around your pity parties.

5. Make sure your roommate(s) feel extremely guilty.

After mastering the trick and the trap, begin the sabotaging schemes of your choice. Examples include, but are not limited to: lying, stealing, leaving for long periods of time, and contributing nothing.

The Sabotage

1. Never tell the truth about anything.

     a. If asked about borrowing or taking an item, always say NO (even if you did, in fact, borrow or take it).

     b. Lie consistently about your family life. Family always reaches people an emotional level. Use this to your advantage. * Never let your roommates actually meet or communicate with your family- this could end badly for you.

     c. When asked where you are going, never give specifics and always leave out major details. Go as far as to give wrong locations and fake people. 

2. Take your roommate(s) belongings. This is the best form of sabotage, as stealing hurts people emotionally far more than materialistically. 

     a. Begin by stealing food. This can easily be blamed on someone else early on. In particular, take items that are your roommate(s) favorites and cannot be found everywhere, such as their favorite pineapple salsa or their specialty morning breakfast shakes. When taking food, finish the last of everything and never replace it.

     b. Take your roommate(s) clothes. Whether you can or cannot actually wear them, take clothes and make them your own. Hang them in your closet, fold them in your drawers, wash them with your laundry. By doing this, you can attempt to fool your roommate(s) into thinking it was his or her clothing item to begin with. Try not to take too many pictures in your roommate(s) clothes, as they catch on via Facebook. However, when confronted- DENY, DENY, DENY.

3. Never drive anywhere. Always make your roommate(s) drive when traveling to the same location, as you do not want to use your own gas. This is particularly useful when taking long road trips. Be sure to not offer gas $.

4. If you break something, do not fix it.

5. If you spill something, do not clean it up.

6. Do not even think about putting your dishes in the sink, let alone rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher.

7. Always leave your belongings in the communal living space. 

8. Turn on the lights every time you enter a room. Do not turn them off when you exit the room.

9. Cook a pot roast, leave it on the counter uncovered, and go out of town for approximately 6 days.

10. Never contribute anything.

     a. Do not buy paper towels, as well as other various cleaning supplies. However, be sure to complain when they are out.

     b. Suggest "house dinners" but do not buy any food items. Offer to cook, but somehow disappear when it comes time to help. Be sure to reappear when the food is on the table.

     c. Use the television your roommate paid for to watch programs no one else is interested in, such as the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (feel sorry for yourself and fish for compliments via social networking sites after watching this).

     d. Do not contribute any furniture to the house, including your own bed, but complain about all of it. 

11. Drive drunk often.

12. Have random men spend the night. Make sure to walk around in your undergarments in front of everyone when they are over, in order to assure everyone else is uncomfortable.

13. Lock the door to the laundry room while your roommate(s) clothes, towels, etc. are in the wash. This will ensure that they have to their laundry more than once, as it will have sat in the washing machine for far too long....because of course, you do not have time to come home and unlock the laundry room door in which you hold the key.

14. Complain as much as possible.

15. Again, feel extremely sorry for yourself.

*The Sabotage can be refined according to your personal preference. Whatever you decide, take it to the extreme.

The Goodbye

1. Sob obnoxiously and uncomfortably when your roommate(s) communicate that they are moving out.

2. Use the guilt trip to your extreme advantage.

With these simple and easy steps, you can become a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad roommate TODAY! 

Posters

My first thought when I hear the word "posters" is the song by Jack Johnon.

Well I'm a superficial, systematic, music television addict
Check out my outsides there ain't nothing in

Here comes another one, just like the other one
Looking at himself but wishing he was someone else
Because the posters on the wall they don't look like a him
And so he ties it up he tucks it in, he pulls it back and gives a grin
Laughing at himself because he knows he ain't loved at all
He knows he ain't loved at all

I think of this song for two reasons: one being the obvious, the song is entitled "Posters" and two because I had a large collection of Jack Johnson posters in my room throughout middle and high school. Posters are arguably the most effective form of propaganda. They are able to reach a large audience and are extremely cost efficient. Posters can be used to present new ideas or to promote causes. I can remember the endless poster project assignments throughout elementary, middle, and high school. When creating a poster, it is all about appearance. A poster needs to appropriately regard and glorify the idea or topic it is presenting. In the same way, much of what is advertised on posters is all about appearance. While many posters are significantly useful, the song by Jack Johnson sheds some light on the negative aspects of posters. Posters often present us with an idea, manipulating us into believing we need to own, purchase, or be something we are not or do not have. A good poster requires meticulous work, taking color, font, language, images, style, size, and placement all into consideration. While the use of internet and other technology are rising causing the use of many "old-fashioned" mediums to decrease, posters are a form of propaganda that remain.

Awesome

Energetic Prose
Adjectives: positive, dynamic, avoid cliches and overused language
Adverbs and other modifiers
Verbs: active, simple verb forms

"I believe that people might be interested in a concept like this one."

vs.

"Conscientious people believe in existentialism.

Be specific!
Avoid self-reference

AFFIRMATIVE to Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is a policy that benefits minorities experiencing discrimination or those who have experienced extreme discrimination in the past.

Affirmative action is necessary. Hands down. Racial discrimination is a serious issue, often downplayed in our "open-minded" and "free" society. Racism can only truly be experienced by people of that race, themselves. Racism is not to be taken lightly and significantly alters the way people live. Affirmative action counteracts that alteration. Affirmative action is an attempt to make up for the serious issue of racism. Affirmative action grants opportunities that racism has and still continues to take away. Affirmative action benefits those who have been or are still being disadvantaged. Those who do not experience racial segregation are able to take into consideration the lasting effects of racism through the use of affirmative action; it is a steady and constant reminder of the seriousness and negativity that comes with discrimination of minorities. Affirmative action can simply be seen as justice.

the SANDMAN

I can remember my parents being thrilled when I began to show interest in reading the newspaper at a very young age, as I started reading the comics section. I can also remember continuing to show that interest at a very young age even after realizing I wasn't that interested at all in "the funnies." I decided I would much rather be reading the front page headline story, but I was always too afraid to admit that I didn't particularly love the comics as much as I let on. Now, as a young adult, I was not especially interested in analyzing or studying comics of any sort. However, I was pleasantly surprised as I began reading the comics, particularly The Sandman. Upon beginning this comic, the mysterious, dark, and somewhat revealing pictures freaked me out. I warned myself that I most likely would not enjoy the read, but after the first page I caught myself subconciously turning to the next page and then the next and then the next. It is shocking how much you can understand or grasp comics at an older age. As a kid, I thought it was all about the punch lines and funny pictures. Now, I can see there is much more to comics than that, from the detailed images to the underlying messages. I found myself continuing to read The Sandman for it's dark and make-me-cringe behavior and images, particularly the treatment of the women in the comic. What people now say about video games and their negative effects on this generation, I feel about comics.I think comics have a huge effect on the way people perceive society and other people, and in the story of Calliope found within The Sandman, the idea of negative and degrading treatment of women is planted into the minds of readers. The comic made me feel dirty and angry, rather than entertained. While justice is somewhat served and the comic is successful in investing my emotions, the provocative and unethical thoughts even put into the minds of readers is chilling. It is extremely interesting to see how much comics affect other social mediums, as well as behavior.

Labels

Female
Hawaiian
Daughter
Sister: younger sister
Friend
Christian
Young Life leader
Student: out-of-state student
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Foody
Roommate
Young Adult
Traveler
Photographer
Blogger
Short
Heterosexual
Hiker
Brunette
Mentor
Mentee
High School graduate
Licensed Driver
Neighbor

Brochure

Book Question Response: CDA Pages 33-49

My motivation in this communication situation is to persuade the study abroad committee in their decision prohibiting me to study abroad. After reading my appeal I hope that my audience, the study abroad committee, will feel as if they had made the wrong decision; thus, changing their minds, as well as their decision, and therefore allow me to study abroad. I will discuss my reasoning for why I deserve to study abroad and describe to them the experience and knowledge I hope to gain through studying abroad. I will describe my excitement, anticipation, and desire to travel and experience another culture through studying abroad. The best possible outcome of the communication would be for the study abroad committee to change their mind and allow me to travel and study abroad. The worst possible outcome of the situation would be for the study abroad committee to prohibit me from studying abroad entirely throughout my college career. My communication will change the situation by allowing me to express my feelings, thoughts, and desires in regards to study abroad. My appeal will help to further the study abroad committee's understanding of why I would like to study abroad. 

Baby Sign Language Brochure

Hogue's brochure captures readers first with it's engaging title, "Why Wait to Communicate With Your Baby?". This brochure could be placed in doctor's offices, as well as preschools, where parents of young children are guaranteed to be present. The title is sure to capture the targeted audience because what parent would not want to communicate with his or her children. The picture on the front is also very captivating, as it features what appears to be a loving mother and happy baby, who understand each other. The use of colors throughout the entire brochure is extremely effective, as it includes an arrangement of pale yellow and primary colors. These colors are useful as pale yellow is a neutral baby color and the primary colors trigger thoughts of learning and developing. The brochure includes all necessary information, including intentional questions that are sure to get parents attention, contact information, frequently asked questions, benefits for the child, and my personal favorite- "There's An App for That!". The section features information how to find useful tools through smart phone applications. Because this is featured in the brochure, it reassures the reader that the brochure and it's organization are up to date and in tune with technology, thus leading parents to believe they know the best information regarding communication with one's child. A variety of racial backgrounds are represented in the brochure, through the use of pictures of different children.

Writing Sample

While my current major is Communication Studies and will most likely entitle me to a career choice that requires much public writing, I prefer creative writing. I enjoy English and particularly writing; however, the technicalities of public writing can sometimes intimidate me. Thus, throughout this upcoming course, I hope to discover intriguing topics that can be found within the realm of public writing. One particular subject that interests me is the public writing skills used in the advertising market. I am extremely unsure of what type of career I plan to pursue with a degree in Communication Studies, but public relations and advertising are two industries I find interesting and exciting. I intend to use this class for my benefit in preparing for a possible career in public relations and I hope to practice writing in a professional and business manner. Because I enjoy creative writing so much, I would like to learn a way of incorporating the freedom and expression found within creative writing with public writing in a professional setting. 

Higher Education

As cliché as this may sound, I think the “Higher Education” article is a prime example of how one person truly can make a difference. At the beginning of the article, I had no idea where the story would lead. I was shocked when I realized that the racism first portrayed took place in only the 80’s, a time when racism was supposed to be diminished. It is hard to believe how far we have come since that time, with a black President now presiding over the United States. However, traces of prejudice, including racism, definitely still remain throughout society today. The story of Ohio’s Amish country being forever changed by one black man is both inspiring and heart wrenching, as his impact and then death gives hope to so many and leaves a gaping hole with his passing. His life not only changed the players he coached and students he taught, but also their families and all those who heard about Perry Reese Jr. In education today, there is so much “red tape” and rules that one in authority must follow in order to remain appropriate, politically correct, and safe. I firmly believe that some of these “red tape” sort of rules should be eliminated, as there are many who teach and coach to change lives, like Perry Reese Jr. It would be hard to come across an area where kids could stay at their coaches house, eat dinner with them at sports bars after practice, or just simply have meaningful conversation with them, without it being considered inappropriate. By prohibiting this for the necessary safety of our children, we may also be prohibiting what Coach Perry Reese Jr. preached, possibility.