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.

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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.