E110 FA19 Class Blog

In the essay Drugs, Death, and Rock n Roll, the author argues that festival officials need to make changes in order to reduce/eradicate the use of drugs at festivals. The author states that music festivals used to be outlets for artists at the forefront of entertainment to perform for festival goers and has now shifted focus to recreationally using illegal drugs. Daniels believes that festival officials need to make changes to their festivals that don’t give people the impression that drugs should be used at festivals. Lauryn Daniels states that many people have died at these types of festivals due to drugs. Its reported that festival officials are trying to combat the use, but it does not seem to be working. What many are hoping works is that educating the masses on the dangers of these drugs especially at festivals may reduce the use. The government has been getting involved in the issue of illicit drug use at festivals however the RAVE act that had been put in place threatens to penalize any festivals that take initiative towards drug education. The issue is that hosting events for drug education show that festival officials are aware that drugs have been at their events. In today’s age so many people rely on festivals as their place to take these drugs, so it is important to find ways to combat drug use without losing festival goers. Recently, officials have been looking into ways to recognize that people are doing these drugs but to provide ways to minimize the harm from them. 

After reading the essay Drugs, Death, and Rock N Roll by Lauryn Daniels I can conclude 

that she had convinced me of her argument. This essay did a good job of informing the reader the 

reader on the horrifying drug use at music festivals and the actions being done to combat the 

situation. Daniels was very clear on her side of the argument and why she felt the way that 

she did. She used credible sources to back up her claims and recent articles that talked about this 

issue to show the relevance of the argument. The author clearly states her thesis in the first 

paragraph allowing the reader to understand what they will be reading about. Daniels organization skills were very concise making it easy for the reader to follow the essay. She was also good at appealing to the readers emotions by talking about the untimely deaths that can occur from drug intake at music festivals. However, not many people go to music festivals very often so it may not connect to as many people. Some of the language Daniels uses, for instance by explaining some of the chemistry behind the drugs, may not be understood by some readers. Overall, the author did a very good job of proposing her argument and we could all learn to use emotion and good facts to back up claims in our argument essays. 

            Drugs, Death, and Rock N Roll takes a in depth look into the intense drug use at music festivals and the ways people have been trying to stop it. Having festival fans staying educated and alert will help them stay out of harm’s way. Changing the tone of the festivals, it can create a safer environment for people to enjoy good music and good company. 

Contemporary music festivals are a hot commodity in the United States, but one with a severe drug problem. In Daniel’s paper about the drug problem at contemporary music festivals, she makes a very good argument. She uses robust vocabulary to establish her command over the drug crisis going on at contemporary music festivals. This strong vocabulary is seen throughout the duration of the paper. Daniels is also reliable at demonstrating her command and authority by backing up her facts with quotes from valuable sources. An example of this is when she mentions how drugs are a crucial part of much contemporary music festival attendee’s experience with her quote from Franciotti. Her essay is also effective at helping the reader understand by sympathizing with some victims of the drug crisis. Her paper, “The Drugs, Death, and Rock “N” Roll” is perfectly timed. Right now, contemporary music festivals are more popular than ever, and the legalization of drugs such as marijuana across the United States makes this very relevant. Overall she did a very effective and compelling job getting her argument across to the reader.

Daniels wrote an influential paper with a solid argument. She asserts her authority throughout the essay. Daniels is very good at demonstrating her knowledge of Drugs, Death, and Rock’  N’ Roll by being assertive. She is also good at using people who have established their authority to develop her own. Her logic is sound and is easy to follow. She consistently breaks pieces down to help the reader understand the individual elements of her rather complex argument. The only part of the paper I would have recommended she improve upon was that personal connection to the reader. I feel that she could have been much more effective by including a short story of someone affected by music festivals that was not all facts. I think this would have helped the reader relate to her argument, especially if they have never attended a music festival before. Adding this emotional element would be the only thing I would change. Her lack of emotion made it difficult for the reader to relate to the essay, but did not take away from quality of her wiring.

Alex Arellano, in his essay “Putting a Price on Life,” illuminates the internal struggle that every prospective medical student today is faced with: is medical school worth the overwhelming cost? Arellano displays his argument through an array of facts, statistics, specific examples, and personal experiences, which all come together to reveal the direness of the situation. The amount of doctors coming out of medical school is decreasing, yet the amount of patients who need them is growing constantly. The proposed solution to this problem, close to the end of the essay, feels weak due to its out-of-the-blue nature and lack of specific evidence, which undermines its goal. The essay, while thorough with its logistical information and emotional impact, tends to be somewhat repetitive in its main points and overall message.

The conclusion, which leaves the reader with their final impression of the essay, holds a powerful force of emotion within this essay. The use of emotionally-charged language dominates the final paragraph, with Arellano using contrasts such as “dream” and “nightmare”, and weighted words such as “crisis.” He highlights America as “the land of opportunity,” and then describes how he is left confined by the “price tag” of his dreams (Arellano). The emotional impact that this enforces is great, and the reader is left with a feeling reminiscent of guilt, wondering how this problem grew so large without anyone doing something about it. It is a question that leaves one feeling hopeless, ironic due to the inclusion of the word “hopeful” in the very last sentence. More importantly, it is a question that gives the reader something to feel, whether it be anger or sadness or inspiration, and it makes the essay mean something more than just numbers and studies.

In the article “Antibiotics and Superbugs: The Future of Health?” by John Bachman-Paternoster, we learn how we misuse and overuse antibiotics. All around the world this misuse is causing a worldwide epidemic of the creation of superbugs. A superbug is a bacteria basically on steroids. When medicine is used too often or not enough, the bacteria becomes immune to the medication and adapts to withstand that medication the next time it is used. These superbugs are causing deaths and illnesses, and Bachman-Paternoster claims we need to put an end to this abuse of what should be used for good. In his article the author grabs the audience’s attention by asking them questions and using a personal anecdote about the death of his father. This is a form of pathos that helps draw out emotion in his reader. Another way Paternoster formats his argument to appeal to the reader is by establishing credibility. He uses reliable sources and quotes with statistics that prove his take on the subject of antibiotic misuse. For example he quotes “In fact, about 70% of all antibiotics produced in the U.S are given to livestock including chickens, pigs, and cows” (Moyer in Paternoster) to prove a point. Along with reliable sources and facts, he also chose a topic that is very relevant in today’s world which also helps the author connect to his audience. Medicine everyday is evolving so for people to be informed about superbugs is a necessity. Antibiotics are also being used in livestocks, which eventually winds up in our food that we eat. Knowing this is appeals to even more people especially health enthusiasts. In conclusion, Paternoster did a great job on displaying his argument to his readers.

Maya Walker wrote a very clear and well written essay about how she believes that the new trend in memes have played a large role in many peoples mental illness. She uses ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos to strengthen her essay. Throughout her writing, she attempts to appeal to the readers emotions by explaining her own struggles with depression. This causes the reader to feel empathetic towards her and makes her argument stronger. The reader will trust Walker’s opinion more because she has gone through it herself. She also explained that when she was having a hard time, she tried reaching out for help, however, no one knew she actually needed help because of how normal it was to talk about mental health. Walker also chose an extremely relevant topic. The memes that Walker describes are growing in popularity. They have caused teens to have casual conversations about topics such as mental illness and suicide. She argues that these memes are causing people with serious mental illnesses to use them as a coping mechanism instead of going to see a therapist. Walker also uses very credible resources throughout her writing. One thing that could have been improved upon is how repetitive the essay was. Other than the repetitiveness of the essay, She is able to argue her point very clearly throughout the entire piece.

In the essay “To Meme or not to Meme”, Maya Walker speaks upon the harsh reality of depression and suicide, and her own experience with them. Mental illnesses can stem from many different things. However, in Maya’s case, her depression came from social media- memes, in particular. A meme is a picture, commonly shared on social media, that is funny, relatable, or brings someone joy. In the past several years, accounts have started to make light of depression by making memes about them. She goes into great detail explaining how the severity and importance of these illnesses is made fun of and diminished on different internet platforms. People will say “kill me” or “this makes me want to die”, with the drop of a hat, making it seem like it’s a laughing matter. Maya does a very good job explaining how these issues need more attention, and not in the light that she speaks about. By telling a personal story and giving reasons that are backed up by her own life, she grasps the audience’s attention and seemingly forces them to believe what she is saying.  This essay does a great job of portraying the importance of depression and suicide, and Maya gives sufficient evidence that help support her own story. An example of when she uses this evidence is when she says “According to Loughborough University, the practice of negative meme-sharing may even be “indicative of a larger apathy” (Casey et al, 2018), which suggests underlying issues more significant than “just a joke” from both the producer and the consumer.” Maya is straightforward with saying that there is fact based evidence that these memes are downplaying the significance of suicide. 

Another element that stuck out in her essay was Maya’s genuine concern for the younger generation that might be seeing these memes. What if a child with a family history of depression sees them, and begins to compress their own feelings? In her paper, she quotes “‘Direct and indirect exposure to suicidal behavior has been shown to precede an increase in suicidal behavior in persons at risk for suicide, especially in adolescents and young adults’”. This fact from the United States Department of Health and Human Services is perfectly placed with her argument that young adults are at risk. By seeing these memes making a joke out of mental illnesses not only shows them that people their age are depressed, but that their depression is something to push aside, or laugh at.  She then goes on to say that we live in an unfortunate time where the internet is a place to go for people to escape.

In this essay, Brandon Bell writes about climate change and its possible negative consequences like what has happened to Syria in recent years. Bell explains and outlines how water mismanagement, drought, and government inaction led to economic hardship in Syria causing people to lash out in violent acts of change. He supports his argument by citing multiple scientific sources and researchers, such as Martin Hoerling, a research meteorologist at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He uses these sources to how climate change affected Syria and what has happened because of it, and to build ethos and his credibility about his topic. He builds his credibility in the beginning of his essay by explaining his view on climate change in Syria and the turmoil it has created in the country. He does this to show he has a professional understanding about the topic and that he won’t waste the readers time. His use of logic and statistical facts from trusted sources is to present that the reason why Syria is experience longer droughts, agriculture losses, and economic problems is most likely due to climate change. He writes, “Extreme weather events, such as the extended drought, are often attributed to climate change, which helps explain why the resulting conditions are abnormally fierce,” to show that this recent drought was likely possible due to climate change and diminished water supplies. Bell does not show much emotion about the topic as he wants to keep a professional image but does express some concern at the end of his paper. He says that we should focus more on understanding climate change’s affects on our world to express that he is concerned about it and that we should take action. Overall, Bell’s use of rhetoric and informative tone does a good job of informing the reader of possible consequences of climate change if we don’t act now

In his paper, Separate But (Un) Equal: Education of Slaves in the Antebellum South and Blacks in America Today, Daniel Scanlon addresses racial segregation regarding the educational system. He mentions how the racist south started this educational segregation because they did not want educated black women or men to coexist with them. He also mentions the Brown vs. Board of Education in a sense that it was a steppingstone for African Americans to become somewhat equal but since this essay exists, we know that it did not do what was intended for some Africans Americans.

 The author uses pathos to push his argument forward which was a good decision. Scanlon adding his own personal testimonies made the subject hit home for those directly in the circumstances stated in the paper. Scanlon became a credible when he mentioned big cases relating to the topic such as Brown vs Board, Board of Education of Oklahoma City v. Dowell, Missouri v. Jenkins and more. These cases pushed the argument that the educational system is participating in inequality practices. Scanlon addresses the general population and the resources and opportunities given to those of different minorities and classes.

Scanlon’s essay was successful in informing the public of the continuous battle of those of a different color as the whites. His evidence was equipped and used effectively to build his case.

Emma Rigaud successfully makes an argument for the defense of public protest through historical perspectives.

Rigaud begins by addressing the increasingly controversial nature of modern protest and discusses the reasons for the many protests seen today, such as the political climate. Many people say that protesting against the actions of one’s government or one’s country is unpatriotic. However, she asserts that the United States was born out of protest and that continuing to protest is a celebration of that tradition and, therefore, patriotic. Rigaud uses the American values of freedom and democracy to show that the right to protest needs to be protected.

 One of her strongest arguments is the way in which she shows that not only is protesting not unpatriotic, but it is actually patriotic. She links protesting and patriotism by showing that the reasons for protesting in the first place are a desire to make one’s country better.

Rigaud uses emotion most effectively when talking about the American history of protest, particularly in reference to the Civil Rights Movement and Civil Rights leaders. Dr. King is venerated in American history so comparing those who disapproved of King’s protests then and those who disapprove of modern protests is particularly compelling.

Rigaud knows that because of the emotional appeal of Martin Luther King, him being called a “troublemaker with ill intentions” in his own time will be upsetting to modern readers.

The author wrote this essay specifically to address the current perception of many recent public protests.

Her use of logic and emotion are especially effective because of the way she concisely dismantles the opposing points and uses well-known figures, movements, and events to invoke an emotional response from the reader. The audience cannot help but listen to the author carefully due to the competent research evident and the sophisticated resources used.

Rigaud appeals to American values and how they need to be protected through protest, a true form of patriotism.

Through her article “The Ethics and Aesthetics of Photojournalism,” Marina Smolens explores the differences between photojournalism and photographic art. In brief, society views photographic art as an expressive and creative outlet. Photojournalism, on the other hand, is branded serious and informative. But what happens if aspects of photographic art merge with photojournalism? It is this concept, according to Smolens, that lead to the excessive criticism and eventual debate concerning the ethicality of aesthetically pleasing photojournalism. The works of photojournalists have become increasingly “beautiful” (somethingsomethingsomething i really can’t think of a good transition lol). Smolens claims that “while photojournalism may be [exploitative], this exploitation is not always unethical and sometimes even necessary in creating an image that is both beautiful and impactful.” Smolens’ clear thesis is enough to persuade any reader of her opinion, but her effective use of ethos, pathos and logos make her argument successful.

Smolens provides an abundance of evidence from both professional and reliable sources to support her claim. Her references to well-known photojournalists, such as Sebastião Salgado, suggests she is well informed within the topic of photojournalism. Citing sources within her work reassures the audience that the information provided is reliable. An argumentative article crumbles without the use of correct grammar and formatting; however, Smolens proves her credibility and captivates the audience with her flawless writing. The formatting of her paragraphs keeps the reader interested. The success of this article relies on Smolens’ ability to connect to the reader’s emotions and create a deep feeling of responsibility. She uses trigger words such as “struggle,” “beautiful” and “suffering.” Smolens also does an exceptional job incorporating both personal stories and quotes of others to draw out more emotions.

Marina Smolens creates a successful argument through the use of her reliability as well as her emotional and logical appeal. While the quotes provide support for her argument, the sheer amount of them is overwhelming when they are placed so close together. It is easy to confuse her own words with the words of others. I do not believe, however, that this impacts the effectiveness of her argument. And if I were to change one thing about this essay, I would suggest incorporating more of her own personal stories (if any) into this article.