E110 FA19 Class Blog

• Thesis
  • “it is up to festival officials to change the rhetoric and focus on absolute drug eradication within contemporary music festivals to a more hands-on, harm-reduction approach.”
  • Last sentence of the into paragraph
    • Makes it easy to find the author’s main argument
• Appeals to Ethos
  • Uses “advanced” vocabulary, appealing to an intellectual audience
    • However, she explains certain words to be able to appeal to a larger audience that may not understand the diction used
  • Citations show where the author got all of her information
    • Gives her credibility
• Appeals to Pathos
  • Talks about the extensive dangers of drug use
    • Makes the audience think about how drugs affect certain people
  • In her bio, the author mentions that she has been to music festivals and seen the dangers of drug use
    • Gives her a personal connection to the topic
• Appeals to Logos
  • Mentions government actions to crack down on drug use
  • Facts are backed up with citations and clear evidence
• Appeals to Kairos
  • Music festivals are very relevant to the times, and the author talks about how drug use increases at festivals every year, showing how the issue is constantly growing and is very relevant.

Analysis of “To Meme or Not to Meme”

Essay by Maya Walker

The thesis of this essay is about mental health in relation to social media, specifically memes. She makes this clear in the first paragraph, and continues to build off of it throughout the entire essay. 

This essay is targeted at people who may struggle with mental health issues and people who use social media. She links the two together in this essay and shows the problems that social media have on people’s mental health. 

The author shows her credibility (ethos) on this topic by talking about her personal experience with mental health (suicide) and social media. She claims that “internet memes played a role in my depressive spiral”. Since this is ultimately what the essay is about it shows her credibility on the topic. 

She shows logos by including specific examples of memes that back up her thesis. Pictures of them were included in the essay so that readers could view them and understand what she was talking about. She also includes quotes and statistics that support the claims and thesis in her essay. 

The author establishes pathos in her essay by talking about her personal experiences with mental health and suicide and how memes and social media played such a big role in it. The topic of mental health in general are usually very emotional, especially suicide. The fact that she told her story about it and how it affected her personally reached the audience on an even more emotional level. 

This essay also appeals to kairos because of how it is shown that it is a prominent issue in our world today and action needs to be taken right away to try and fix these problems.

Analysis by Jake Stein

Thesis: The author puts his thesis right at the beginning. From the first paragraph, the reader can tell that the essay will be about the ecological impacts of the technology industry.

Target Audience: This article is written for just about everyone who can comprehend it. The subject matter has effects on everyones lives. Technology is prevalent in our culture, therefore, this article is meant for everyone.

Logic: The author includes information from various sources throughout the text. He also uses current examples of companies and how they relate to the e-waste problems presented.

Ethos: The author shows his audience that he is a reliable writer because of his clear understanding of the topic and his sources to back him up. He doesn’t seem to doubt his argument.

Pathos/Kairos: By giving examples like the farmers in China, it plays upon emotion. It makes the reader feel bad for the poor farmer who is having difficulties with his crops because of the massive amounts of waste polluting the area. The author uses examples like this throughout to play on emotion. It is not manipulative in any way. He is just stating facts about the unfortunate scenarios brought upon by the pollution.

The argument being made in this essay is a rational one. He is trying to argue the fact that the e-waste is creating harm to environment. He has many pieces of evidence to support his claims, making this argument very rational.

• Thesis:
  • Bacteria are evolving into superbugs through the overuse and misuse of antibiotics
    • This public health crisis needs to be taken seriously before more people are killed by these superbugs
• Appeals to ethos:
  • Cites academic and professional sources
    • Gives him credibility – looks like he knows what he’s talking about
• Appeals to pathos:
  • Personal experience
    • Dad died from a superbug (MRSA)
      • Connects to the reader’s emotions
• Appeals to logos:
  • Offers statistics and facts, which are then backed up by further reasoning and sources
    • Provides a logical argument in order to prove his point: superbugs need to be stopped
• Appeals to kairos:
  • This is a very timely event occurring in our world today
    • Present concern for health and medicine

Thesis: society’s constant consumption of electronics is having bad ecological effects on the environment
Audience: society, the people who are the consumers
Logos: uses a lot of evidence and stats from reliable sources to back up the claims
Ethos: strong, clear, confident tone – can tell they know what they’re talking about which gives them authority over the audience
Pathos: gives examples of what the waste/pollution is doing to the places it is dumped in – makes the audience feel sympathy

Thesis: 

• “Unfortunately, bacteria are smart and hearty. If you are a microbe that has been bombarded by these drugs, what would you do? Like all living organisms, you would evolve. What has emerged from this evolution are bacteria called “superbugs,” which are resistant to most if not all antibiotics that we have today” (Finlay and Arrieta 104).
• Is it there because it tells the readers what they are going to be reading about and what the main issue that he is targeting

Audience:

• The audience is mainly towards the general public, but also towards doctors/pharmaceutical companies, and farmers
• He wants them to understand the crisis of the superbugs that are arising due to the negligence of pharmaceuticals and farmers use of antibiotics. He also wants the general public to understand the risk they are at for what could happen if a superbug infects them.

Logos:

• His facts hits the points of every topic he brings up which supports everything he is claiming. His tone is relatively calm and sophisticated, but strong enough to show he is passionate about what he is trying to get across. 
• “Recent research has demonstrated that the microbiome is essential for human development, immunity, and nutrition. Gilbert and Knight specifically note that ‘“There are at least one hundred microbial genes for every human gene, and they are responsible for many of the biochemical activities associated with your body, ranging \ from digesting carbohydrates in your food to making some of your vitamins”’ (8).
• “Over the past several decades, antibiotics have been indiscriminately prescribed and misused. Finlay and Arrieta note that ‘“Between the years 200 and 2010 alone there was a 36 percent increase in the use of antibiotics worldwide …. One troubling thing about these numbers is that the use of antibiotics peaks during influenza virus infections, even though they are not effective against viral infections”’ (7). Other researchers have confirmed that many antibiotic prescriptions in the United States are being prescribed for all types of illnesses such as viral infections (e.g. flus and colds), which cannot be treated with antibiotics” (Finlay and Arrieta).
• “A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed two survey data sets collected by the Centers for Disease Control (Fleming-Dutra et al.). These two surveys collected information on the diagnosis and treatment for patient visits to two types of facilities.”
• “In fact, about 70% of all antibiotics produced in the U.S. are given to livestock including chickens, pigs, cows, and pigs (Moyer).”
• ‘Empirical evidence, like that for humans, has documented the relationship between the overuse of antibiotics in livestock populations and the emergence of superbugs.”

Ethos

• The way he states who he is taking information from is credible. By using sources from government agencies, reporters, and his word choice in general when talking about these sources makes it sound credible, since it is. 
• “Empirical evidence, like that for humans, has documented the relationship between the overuse of antibiotics in livestock populations and the emergence of superbugs.” 
• “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did establish guidelines that discourage the use antibiotics in animal feed and/or water to promote growth, and these guidelines were implemented on January 1, 2017.”
• “A reporter from Scientific American investigating the use of antibiotics on pig feed lots describes this use: ‘“Beard [the pig farmer] planned to give them feed containing antibiotics – a necessity if they were to stay healthy in their crowded, manure-gilded home. Antibiotics also help farm animals grow faster on less food, so their [antibiotic] use has long been a staple of industrial farming”’ (Moyer).

Pathos

• His use of pathos is honest and relatable to why he chose this subject of choice to begin with. It puts the issue of superbugs into perspective and shows how it is crawling around hospitals, a place where people are meant to be better. Not a place where they could possibly die from a superbug. 

• “Antibiotic resistance in some parts of the world is like a slow tsunami, we’ve known it’s coming for years and we’re going to get wet” 
• “My father was admitted to Christiana Hospital on December 16, 2016 with a diagnosis of idiopathic pancreatitis [ . . .]  Ten days later, he was on a ventilator in the surgical Intensive Care Unit because he had been infected through his pic line by MRSA, a superbug, which quickly spread through his entire body. My dad was eventually taken off the ventilator, but he never made it out of the ICU. Another antibiotic resistant infection attacked his lungs, and he died on March 5, 2017.” 
• “Like thousands of people in the United States, my dad did not die from the illness that put him in the hospital. He died from a superbug, just one of several that now lurk in virtually every hospital in the U.S. waiting to find a new host. It is this personal tragedy that inspired me to investigate why superbugs have emerged and how to prevent more from developing.”
• “What can be done about this looming health crisis and how many people will have to die unnecessarily before our federal government takes the threat of superbugs more seriously?”
• “The soaring number of antibiotic-resistant infections poses such a great threat to society that in 20 years’ time we could be taken back to a 19^th century environment where everyday infections kill us as a result of routine operations” (qtd. in Whiteman).

1. Thesis: 

• That’s right: internet memes played a role in my depressive spiral.
• What caused her to be suicidal 
• Last sentence of first paragraph because it justifies the purpose of the paper

1. Target audience: 

• Teeangers/Gen Z
• Talking about memes which is on social media and teens use social media more
• “If young people are…normalising potential damaging behaviour, then it is vital that we better understand the nature, transmission and impact of health knowledge and health messages contained in Internet memes and shared on social media sites among 13-16 year olds” (Casey et al, 2018).
• Young people are at risk for normalizing mental health issues

1. Logos:

• 2011 meme of dog bottom text saying “Kill Me” : Inspired by the movie Alien where creature begs for life being taken away
• Tweets: Idea that internet/strangers on it are an acceptable replacement to therapy
• Author emphasizes these examples to show from normalizing memes people will not value each others mental health/take it seriously because of what is portrayed on social media/the internet

1. Ethos:

• Tone: Serious
• According to clinical therapist Meghan O’Flynn, dark humor “may be a type of cognitive behavioral strategy that serves a dual purpose of exposing individuals to the topics they fear the most along with [the positive physical effects of humor]” (O’Flynn, 2016). : Shows in her diction that she is informed/knows what she is talking about/Citation right after quote

1. Pathos: 

• “Internet culture and memes can easily manifest themselves in real life, and when that culture and those memes address such sensitive topics, that manifestation can be dangerous – fatal, in fact.”
• This shows the emotional aspect of making the audience care because it talks about how memes can be fatal
• Uses words to form a specific type of feeling
• Relevant examples are used from showing memes, pictures, and statistics=Honest

1. Moral argument:

• Based her argument on making society/internet better for teens 

By Marina Smolens

Logos 

• “Before there was language, there were drawings on cave walls. Then came the written word, and eventually, we arrived at photography”
  • Explanation of how the world has evolved to lead us to having photographs
• Uses a lot of resources to further explain their thesis
  • NPRA, code of ethics 
• “They warn photographers against being “harshly intrusive,” but the fact remains that exploitation is sometimes intrinsic to “good” photojournalism because the primary goal is to share important truths that the photographer feels the public should know about.” 
• “They are photographs of real people in real situations, and photographers are just doing their job when they pick up their camera and capture that moment.”
  • Reason for doing their job
• Susan Sontag
  • Victims want representation of own sufferings, although want suffering to be seen as unique 
• “While edited images can skew the reality of the situation, they allow the photographer to focus on specific elements of a picture that may lead to a deeper truth that would have been missed out on had the image remained untouched”

 Pathos

• Explaining how Salgado uses photographs of migrant and refugees and showing their ribs so you can see how skinny and weak they are
  • “starvation clearly from the ribs and shoulder blades”
• Shows an African woman and her children walking in the desert during a drought and war-stricken time period. 
• Pellegrin encourages documentation of historical and political events in order for the viewer to connect on a different level with his images; images usually contain a story that is unfinished/ untold
• Tim O’Brien discussion about war and how grotesque but beautiful war can be 
• Images meant for the viewer to make a personal connection with them
• “They deliver to us beautiful, haunting, informative, truthful, horrific, meaningful, profound images, and so what we do when we view them is just as important”
• Pellegrin wants to “produce an experience” in his work
  • Images explain human conditions that can be harsh, but also are meant to support hope and courage in one’s life 
    • Meant for the viewer to feel a sense of compassion
    • To be touched by these photographers

Ethos

• Mentions certain photographers and the purpose for their work; shows authority with authors many resources 
  • Sebastião Salgado explanation for his photographs
  •  Michael Kimmelman of the New York Times
• “As long as we remain engaged observers who are willing to consider, reflect, and learn, then the ethics of a photograph are upheld.”
  • Show of authority 
• Kimmelman states 
  • “ images are starting to have less and less effect on people, and therefore, elements of beauty are essential to hold our attention.”

Kairos

• “but it is another thing to try to do so now, when the number of images that flash across television and computer screens diminishes the value of any single image you may see.” Therefore, since the number of media that we see every day has increased greatly over the years, photographers now struggle to make a picture has a lasting effect.”
  • Explaining media today and how it impacts us

Thesis:

• “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. This allows for photographs to reveal truths about human activity and humanity as a whole, as well as encourage compassion and reflection within viewers.”
  • Explains that photojournalism is needed in order to emphasize on human activity that occurs today and a way for viewers to connect/ reflect about photographs/ events

Audience:

• Society 
  • Specifically people who view photographs; need to look closer and pay more attention to message trying to be revealed 

Solidity   

“There will be endless debate about the morality of photojournalism, but one thing is clear: no matter the manipulation, aestheticism, and exploitation, it is an image of real people and their realities, and viewers must always be mindful of that.” 

Clearly arguing to make a point about photojournalism, all using clear, straight facts to argue

Tone:

• Uses real life images that are very sad in order to hit our emotions about the impact photographs have on us
• Very honest and confident in beliefs/ thoughts 

Structure:

• Thoughts well organized 
  • One paragraph be about unedited photojournalism; next on edited 
  • Splits up examples of photographers and certain photographs throughout essay, not only in one part 
    • Examples very effective 

Diction:

• Very formal 
• Many comparisons 
  • This happens, BUT this can also result positively from it
• Uses sad words when explaining a sad photograph
  • broken , grotesque, scary
• When talking about photojournalism throughout
  • Hope, wisdom, communication, connection, truthful
    • All positive! 

Persona:

• Someone who believes photographs have a very large impact on our world and what we see 
• Photographs are needed in this world for us to make constant connections with
• Thoughtful and intelligent

Essay by Ben Schlusser, Analysis by Nina Freda

Thesis: increased consumption of electronics adds to the amount of waste produced by electronics. It uses a specific structure to help the reader identify the main subject of the essay. By putting this at the end of the first paragraph, it establishes reasoning and authority. The author provides initial factual information, and is ready to back up the thesis with the rest of the essay. 

The target audience is society. The author argues that society is obsessed with new devices and wants to get a new every time it comes out. The author wants society to realize that their obsession is what is causing an excess of electronic waste. The author’s diction addresses society as a whole in the thesis, thus creating more of a sense of authority.

The author uses logic and evidence throughout every paragraph of the essay. This structure is successful at providing enough evidence to support the author’s thesis. The author organizes the essay through separating each tactic companies use to keep customers coming back to buy more electronic devices. These tactics are separate, and then supported with a fact or instance where it has occurred. 

The author constructs authority by the amount of evidence they provide. Simply put, they have enough evidence to support their claim, thus providing them the authority that one would need to make a point. The author’s tone is strong, and they do not doubt themselves. The evidence they use is provided by major establishments, such as The New York Times and Consumer Reports. 

The author establishes emotion in their essay through the seeking of empathy. The author talks about the effect electronic waste has on workers in developing countries such as Kenya, China, Mexico, and Pakistan, using diction such as “disadvantaged workers”.

The author argues for more of a rational argument than a moral one. Because the author is arguing that the mass consumption of new products adds waste, thus creating pollution, it reveals the author’s concern for the planet. The author already created authority through their evidence and reasoning, and the occasion is precise due to this era’s addiction to electronic devices; therefore, the author establishes rationality.

By Cole Cantagallo

• The Thesis is Antibiotics and Superbugs
• The thesis is there because it’s the main idea and the topic of the essay.
• The author uses statistics and research as evidence all throughout the essay.
• The author uses a lot of sources, and the sources come from professors, administrations, and other authors.
• He lost his father to a superbug and after that he has been focused on research about good/bad bacteria and what superbugs can do. His emotional position on this topic is one hundred percent honest.