TOW #28: Park Avenue: Money, Power, and the American Dream

     Park Avenue: Money, Power, and the American Dream is an enlightening film that illustrates the great social divide between the rich and poor, the inconsiderate attitude of the many billionaires, and the manipulative power the wealthy have in politics. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney asserts that because of the growing income gap in society, the possibility for social mobility is sharply declining, putting the American dream out of reach for the poor. Gibney goes into great detail of the many billionaire's lifestyles, influence on society, and their treatment of others. Prosperously living on Park Avenue, these people have no need to worry about food, shelter, and a comfort and regularly compares such a life to that of the poor. Gibney most likely made this film for the middle and upper classes of American society. Because he believes that the rich are the cause of this disastrous problem, they should be the ones to fix it. Through donations, charity, policies in favor of the underprivileged, the rich and congressmen can make a significant change in society. 

     The most effective rhetorical strategy that Gibney incorporates throughout his film is juxtaposition. From beginning to end, he makes a clear distinction between the rich and the poor. Even in a simple study with the game of monopoly, a discerning attitude towards the other player was noticeable. The "poorer" player, who was only allowed to roll one die, started out with less money, and lacked the advantageous opportunities the "wealthier" player had within this experiment. Surprisingly, the winning player felt no sympathy for the losing player and only believed in winning. By juxtaposing the results to Park Avenue itself, the conclusion turned out to be the same. The prosperous side of Park Avenue is filled with billionaire who care about nothing but themselves. And just across a bridge, 10 minutes away from the wealthy area, is South Bronx, a poverty-stricken city in which people struggle to acquire proper food and education. No one is willing to help these penniless people by sparing even a $50 bill. This great disparity between the two social classes ultimately shows that aid from the wealthy is necessary, and without it, fighting for the American dream is a futile effort.

     Further accomplishing Gibney's purpose are his many interviews. The entire documentary is based on the statements said by Jack Abramoff, Bruce Bartlett, Michael Gross, as well as other acclaimed people. From the very beginning, this continuously establishes the credibility of Gibney because he can corroborate his assertions with facts, statistics, and statements made by these people. From these interviews, anecdotes were also provided, adding a more personal element within this multitude of information. On the of the bellmen who worked at a luxurious hotel on Park Avenue described his experiences carrying luggage for the wealthy people. He said that the rich were some of the cheapest people to live due to their self-centric behavior, money-hungry attitude, and greedy personality. After 3-4 bellmen carried many heavy bags into a car, various affluent men did not even give a tip! The poor continue to face an even greater crisis as the rich get even richer while the poor remain/get even poorer. Again, showing how the rich are the ones creating the social problem and that only they have the power to stop it. 

     Indeed, Alex Gibney successfully achieved his purpose of letting his audience understand the social dilemma taking place and that the rich need to help the lower classes. Even with business magnates donating some part of their wealth to charities, that is not enough. The rich show that it is possible for everyone to become just like them, but those same people act as a barrier to social mobility. 

TOW #27: TOW Reflection

TOW Posts Re-read: #1, #13, #20

     Throughout the school year, I have made a lot of progress in writing my TOWs. After reading through previous posts, I was surprised to see how much my writing has improved and developed every week. In the beginning, I remember struggling with how I was suppose to organize the necessary content in each post (ie. context, audience, rhetorical device...). Slowly, I was able to eventually come up with a "TOW template" that I followed for each one. It helped me organize my thoughts and ideas, resulting in better TOW posts as the school year went on. One major change I noticed was that I went back to the thesis after analyzing each rhetorical device. For the majority of my earlier TOW posts, I failed to do that, and now, I understand what I need to do to write an effective analysis essay.
     Right now, I think I have mastered how to write a brief yet concise introductory paragraph. Quickly after the hook, I transition into the context, audience, purpose, and the rhetorical devices used in the text. Another aspect I feel I have mastered is being able to pick out rhetorical strategies and explaining the author's purpose of adding them. I used to just summarize them, but that eventually changed into actually analyzing them.
     Even though there are some things I feel confident with, there is still more I need to work on. Firstly, I need to make sure I remember to tie my analysis back to my thesis and stating how/why the rhetorical device helps the author achieve his/her purpose. In my current writing, I always make the attempt to do that, but I don't feel like I do it adequately enough to produce great body paragraphs. Additionally, I could also improve my conclusion paragraph. I can quickly summarize my essay in that paragraph, but I have trouble ending my essays with a "so what."
     Given that the purpose of the TOWs was a way to practice and improve our analysis of a text or image, I felt that I benefitted a lot from them. Evident through my progression, my writing improved and so did the perspective in which I analyze texts. Instead of looking for rhetorical devices first, I instead search for the author's purpose and then find the devices. Having that approach in mind, I was able to apply it to our analysis essays we did in class and at home. In the beginning, I thought that TOWs would be an unnecessary waste of time, but now I realize how useful they have been toward my writing. 

TOW 26 - Article: Snapchat Steps Up Its Game With Sophisticated New Messaging Features by Karissa Bell

Writing Goals:
Have analysis be concise and go back to the thesis

Reading Goals:Analyze a piece relating to current trends

     Excited and overwhelmed by the possibility of things, I was extremely animated when I learned about Snapchat's most recent update. Rather than just sending pictures and video in real time, this app is enhanced with a new look, messaging capabilities and video chatting. Karissa Bell, a journalist who writes about new apps and software programs for Mashable, praises the new features Snapchat has to present. By strategically incorporating simple format and illustrative pictures, Bell encourages smartphone users to get the latest version of Snapchat.
     To make it easy for readers to understand the information and message she is trying to give, Bell formats her article in a simple yet intelligent manner. Bell first organizes each section of her writing by each of Snapchat's newest features: "A New Look," "Text Messaging," and "Video Chatting." Within each of those sections, Bell includes a description of each feature as well as incorporate an image of what that component looks like. Complemented by her enthusiastic tone, this uncomplicated structure quickly and efficiently channels Bell's message to the readers. By showing how "great" the new specs of Snapchat are, Bell makes a strong appeal to pathos and makes audience feel excited about the new Snapchat.
     The simple structure of her article is further compounded by her use of illustrative pictures. Words can easily give a description of anything, but a picture can tell an entire story. Within each section of the article, Bell adds in a picture that enhances the readers understanding of what she is explaining. For instance, under the text messaging section, there is an image of two people sending messages to each other as well as pictures. This image alone portrays what the new features of Snapchat are like. Additionally, there is a caption under each image giving a brief overview of each new Snapchat features. This complemented by the praise given by Bell about this trending app is powerful enough to convince smartphone users to get this app.
     Karissa Bell, an enthusiastic journalist who approves of Snapchat's new update, successfully achieved her purpose of encouraging smartphone users to download this popular app. By integrating a simple structure and informative images, Bell was able to have her audience take Snapchat into consideration, allowing her to promote Snapchat to the public.

Link: http://mashable.com/2014/05/01/hands-on-with-the-new-snapchat/

TOW 25 - Article: It’s Time for a Rational Perspective on Wi-Fi by Peter Rysavy

Writing Goals:
Have analysis be concise and go back to the thesis

Reading Goals:
Analyze a piece relevant to technology

     Children, teenagers, and even adults have all become obsessed with the current technology. Everywhere you look, someone is either holding an iPad, smartphone, and/or computer. It is even safe to assume that, no matter where they are, such people will continuously attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi. Assuming that global Wi-Fi will exist, the general public is unaware of Wi-Fi's limitations. Peter Rysavy, a wireless technology analyst and president of Rysavy Research, argues that a Wi-Fi-only world is not possible. By strategically incorporating counterargument and powerful analogies, Rysavy was able to make clear that global Wi-Fi is not possible.
     To enhance Rysavy's credibility, he includes counterargument to attack assertions made against his claims. Rysavy first brings up a statement made by Comcast in its recent pleadings to acquire Time Warner. It involves a the theory that "if government were to give innovators sufficient unlicensed spectrum, a global Wi-Fi network, available everywhere, built by hundreds or even thousands of entities, would materialize." Seeing as public hotspots are becoming a more common trend in today's society, it only seems respectable to extrapolate and assume that Wi-Fi will soon be present all over the world. However, Rysavy simply argues that assumption by stating that there will be many coverage gaps and congestion. He provides examples of times at hotels and airports, places where an escalating number of people connect to Wi-Fi. By adding counterargument into his article, Rvsavy makes his points seem more believable and true. Attacking and disproving claims opposing his not only strengthen the allegations he is making, but also improving his credibility as a wireless technology analyst, making his audience consider what Rysavy says.
     Counterargument is further complemented by his use of powerful analogies. Near the end of his article, Rysavy compares LTE and Wi-Fi networks to roads by saying, "LTE networks are like well-planned freeways that use dedicated land and provide broad transportation coverage. Wi-Fi is like the mishmash of all other roads, providing great local access but not serving as a viable substitute for freeways." Everyone knows the difference in convenience between a highway and a local road. So by relating wireless networks to roads, Rysavy strongly appeals to ethos because he establishes a common ground between his readers and himself. In this case, both parties are able to understand what is being discussed. Such an analogy makes it easier to channel his arguments through his simplification.  

     Peter Rysavy, a dogmatic yet credible analyst, successfully achieves his purpose of convincing his audience that global Wi-Fi existing in the future is not a possibility. Through his extensive use of counterargument and relatable analogies, Rysavy was able to qualify himself as a person allowed to make such claims, but also as a realist who speaks from facts, not blinding emotions.

Link: http://gigaom.com/2014/04/27/its-time-for-a-rational-perspective-on-wi-fi/

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama

Barack Obama, the current president of the United States, wrote a book called Dreams From My Father. He published his book in July 1995 as he was preparing his political career in a campaign for an Illinois office. This book entails details of significant events in Obama's life (growing up, losing family, etc) up until he entered law school, and this quality of his book qualifies it as a memoir.

I chose to read this book because I have not yet read a memoir as an IRB. Additionally, it seems like a very interesting book since it does talk about the past of the first African-American president in the U.S. I have read and watched a little bit about Obama, but by reading Dreams From My Father, I intend to fill in the gaps and just enjoy learning about our president. 

TOW 24 - Visual Text: AP Chemistry CliffsNotes Prep Book

Writing Goals: 
Have analysis be concise and go back to the thesis

Reading Goals:
Analyze a piece relevant to current teenagers

     I am stuck in my room, preparing and studying hard for all of my upcoming mocks and AP exams. Utilizing my notes from class and online resources, I start to wonder why I bought a prep book. What was most shocking was the fact that I bought one by CliffsNotes rather than one by The Princeton Review or Barron's. It occurred to me that CliffsNotes, primarily a series of student study guides, strategically employed attention-grabbing colors, large font, and appealing information in order to have students buy its books.
     Going through the bookshelves containing a lot of preparatory material, I see books colored white and/or blue. CliffsNotes, however, intelligently designed its books to be black and yellow. Of all the material present, the bright yellow cover page of these prep books stands out from the rest. This gives CliffsNotes the ability to subtly force customers to pick up a CliffsNotes book and take buying one into consideration. Though it may not be the only factor determining a buyer's decision as to which book to buy, CliffsNotes indeed ingrains a mental note regarding its prep books in a consumer's mind.
     The luring quality of CliffsNotes prep books is further compounded by the large font on the front cover, back cover, and the spine of the book. The huge letter spanning across the book reveal the subject it entails, its edition, and its makers. Combined with its unique colors, the large text continues to play a role in having students consider CliffsNotes as a viable option. The book immediately informs people of what it covers and makes people think something along the lines of, "I have found what I was looking for" and plays a role in having people buy it. However, there is one last aspect that aids customers into actually buying CliffsNotes.
     The final strategy that convinces students to buy these prep books is the basic information regarding the material. By adding "proven test-taking strategies" and "focused reviews of all exam topics," CliffsNotes explicitly tells potential buyers its books contain everything they need to know for the AP exams. Inadvertently, buyers will flip through the book, and after seeing the detailed pages filled with pictures, they will most likely have a strong urge to buy CliffsNotes prep books.
     CliffsNotes, a successful company that provides academic aid to students, can successfully achieve its purpose of persuading consumers to buy its preparatory materials. By being created with attractive colors, large text, and appealing facts, CliffsNotes was able to become a prosperous service to students as it is able to help students do well on AP exams while profiting at the same time.

TOW #23 - Article: "Vertical Farming Explained: How Cities Could Be Food Producers of the Future " by Nicola Davis

Writing Goals: 
Have my analysis support the thesis

Reading Goals:
Analyze a piece that is not just informative

Farm Up!

     During the American Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, cities started booming. the economy flourished, and the people moved cities. However, this resulted in increased urbanization, thus a smaller number of farms. Nicola Davis, the commissioning editor of Tech Monthly who has a degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oxford, has a solution to this predicament: vertical farming. Rather than presenting us with a bland and boring article, Davis strategically employs essential questions and a conversational tone to encourage cities to consider vertical farming as a solution.
     Beginning her article, Davis first introduces the context for which she decided to write this by asking, "could we soon see skyscrapers turned into centres for crop production?" This provides the audience with something to think about, which effectively allows Davis to transition through her article and provide necessary information. To do this, however, Davis divides her article into sections that each answer an essential question. Questions include the following: what is vertical farming, why do we need it, how high are we talking-skyscrapers, etc. Such questions set the reader up with something to expect and it even leaves them thinking about some potential answers. In turn, thinking about vertical farming subtly forces Davis's audience to consider it as a possible solution.
      However, an article that continuously questions its audience will make the readers feel as if they are being interrogated for a crime they did not commit. In order to make sure her purpose is successfully achieved, Davis speaks in a conversation tone. By using the words "we" and "you," Davis is able to establish a sense of ethos, making it seem as if she is directly talking to her audience. Additionally, she avoids jargon, making her tone more colloquial. Doing so allows Davis to easily convey her thoughts and ideas, which results in the encouragement of cities to start considering the use of vertical farming.
     Nicola Davis, an advocate of vertical farming, successfully achieved her purpose of encouraging cities to integrate this method. By using essential questions, Davis was able to have her audience think about the current situation of farms. Furthermore, her conversational tone created an atmosphere in which ideas were casually shared. To conclude, Davis asserts that with the given technological capabilities nations currently have, vertical farming is very huge possibility.

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/feb/06/vertical-farming-explained-erik-murchie