Summer 2010

Summer...to me and probably most non-working people is a chance to relax and enjoy a break from school or stuff. Well for me it hasn't been so far, and I know I shouldn't be the one to keep complaining since I was the one who decided to take summer school classes. First off, if anyone is planning on taking a class over the summer in a month, I do not recommend General Chemistry part 2 with lab, for that is you sitting in class basically all day (5 hours or so) to get one full semester shoved into a month. Next off, I did choose to take Gen Chem in the month of June, but I also decided to take Physics in the month of July. I guess I wasn't quite thinking when I planned it in the spring but so far it seems to be working out. Almost done, and not to mention I will probably have a week before I head back to school for the fall.

I guess the main reason I am writing this at the moment is because summer is what you make of it, no matter what you have going on. I originally started this blog for an English class but my friend just mentioned to me that she had a blog and so I went and found her. I went ahead and decided to follower her, and she was surprised that I didn't tell her that I already had a blog of my own. So this post is mainly for her, so that she knows what I am up too. Yet on her blog she posted something about where does celery come from...and I have no earthly idea...but for me the grocery store counts as a place where celery comes from.

Will try to continue typing stuff on this blog but at the moment nothing is that new, except can't wait to get done with this Physics class that seems to be flying by compared to chemistry. Yet as this class flies by so does the summer, meaning harder classes to come, with school friends, but leaving friends that go elsewhere. Well...I will try to post more, but might not. :)

This Semester

This semester has quickly flown by even though I know that at times it certainly did not feel like it. I can close my eyes and effortlessly visualize Mr. Mitchell, my teacher, explaining the importance of English. He encourages us to write with structure, passion, and most importantly our voice. He often mentions the word ethos, and asks us to individually search for our interpretation of the word. To me, the term ethos means ethically adding your own personality into your writing.

I remember my very first blog post as if it were yesterday. I had never done anything like this before, so the entire concept was new, interesting, and a little intimidating to me. It was amazing to create something from nothing. The ultimate feeling of success upon posting a blog, complete with graphics and hypertext, is indescribable. Initially I created a name for both myself and the webpage. I chose Sooner Words as the webpage title because I am currently a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, and the mascot is a Sooner. My signature, WrittenWithoutInk, is representative of my love of writing; however, since the written words are on a computer there is no need for ink. I was appreciative when Mr. Mitchell gave me access to my classmates' links, Performing Composition, because I could now officially comment on other blogs. I took my responsibility seriously, but allowed my ethos to be incorporated into each response.

My initial blog, Sooner Words, rhetorically analyzes a commercial advertisement that clearly reflects me. I evaluated the Coca-Cola snowball fight commercial that aired during the time of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The commercial message illustrates drinking a Coke provides happiness, laughter, and good sportsmanship. It represents me because I enjoy being with friends and acting a little impulsive. I critically examine the commercial through color usage, character development, and marketing appeal. Additionally, I focus on the director's message, intent, and methods. My ethos shines through as I closely identify with this marketing marvel of spreading joy and camaraderie.

Later on during the course of the semester, we were assigned our second paper, an Aristotelian argument. My topic dealt with the positive correlation between technology advancements and global communication. I wrote a newspaper article targeting University of Oklahoma students. I took great pride in the commentary, and once again relied on my ethos. Although it was enjoyable to write, it made me realize I no longer miss being on my high school yearbook staff.

The third paper, a Rogerian argument, caused me to jump through a few hoops due to the complexity of the subject matter. A Rogerian argument attempts to reach a compromise between two opposing perspectives. I chose simple living versus consumerism. I discovered that the Simple Living Network is an organization that motivates its followers to live simply by examining their individual core values and needs. An opposing perspective of simple living, The Ayn Rand Institute, advocates that an Objectivism philosophy is best achieved by a capitalist society thoroughly enjoying all of its rewards. To me, the most difficult concept was finding common ground between the two. After meticulous research, I determined that the common ground is the well-being of the individual. Once again, my ethos enabled me to explore my consumer habits while in pursuit of a simpler lifestyle.

The fourth assignment was a group project that was difficult at times. Requiring four strong-willed individuals to communicate and complete their work in a timely manner was stressful. Once we overcame these obstacles, we were quickly able to select photos and capture our "together" voice. The Collection Depot is my group's website. Overall, the website is a shinning masterpiece of our accomplishments and implements ethos in each of our collections.

Now it is the end of the semester, and I am definitely glad I fully participated in everything that my English class had to offer. I learned a considerable amount about myself, how to blog, how to write various forms of arguments, and most significantly how to use my ethos. Thank you Mr. Mitchell for a great semester!

A Day Without Digital Technology

A day without using a significant piece of modern digital technology such as a cell phone, a laptop, Facebook, or even the Internet should be simple and stress free, but it is truly more complex than one would imagine. Could you last a day without one of these technological marvels? I attempted to go one day without my cell phone. Initially it did not seem more than the emptiness in my pocket or the dreaded feeling that I had forgotten something. However, not having my cell phone seemed to inconvenience others wanting to contact me. My roommate begrudgingly acted as my answering service, constantly relaying messages to me. In turn, I had to locate friends during the course of the day to communicate subject matter that could not wait any longer. Although I felt having to search for friends was a waste of time, I did enjoy the outdoors. Throughout the school day, I could not text anyone to finalize plans, take pictures, or play games for entertainment when I was bored. I am definitely more dependent on my cell phone than I anticipated.

Wendell Berry, author and farmer for over thirty years, views technology as an unwanted expenditure of money, time, and energy. After reading his article, "Why I Am Not Going To Buy A Computer," detailing his opinions on computers and technology, I believe he could effortlessly complete a day without technology. Berry's wife types his writings on a typewriter instead of using a computer. According to Berry, the price for computers is prohibitive. While the monetary cost for computers may decline, the sacrifices are just too great. Berry notes public schools have computers, but not enough money to purchase textbooks. He also laments that computers do not promote world peace, solve ecological ailments, or encourage integrity. He masterfully argues using a computer would also compromise his relationship with his wife since her skills would no longer be required.

I can somewhat agree with Berry's belief that technological dependence is excessive. Integrating computers into the educational system seems to be going too far if students do not have access to books. I understand his perspective on spending quality time with loved ones; however, a cell phone allows me to quickly contact more people than if I had to personally locate them.

In my life today, removing all forms of technological devices would be disastrous. All of my college instructors place information, alerts, assignments, and grades on an Internet website, Desire2Learn. Teachers send out mass emails to the class documenting significant dates and revising assignments. Email is the preferred method for corresponding with teachers. I feel integrated advanced technology in college life is necessary. Teaching students hos to successfully manage the technology will provide basic skills needed to survive after graduation.

I do appreciate Berry's handwritten work using pen/pencil and paper since I too enjoy writing. I used to write by hand, but then it became too cumbersome transferring thoughts from paper to computer, so now I primarily use the computer. I do envy the fact that he can write whenever and wherever he desires, but because of my growing affinity for the computer I no longer have that luxury. I feel as if technology is constantly changing, and I am becoming addicted. The only reason I wish technology changes would slow is so that I could possibly start a journal and hand write stories, just as Berry does.

Website Project

Last Friday in my English class, we were asked to break into small groups of approximately three to four people to create a website documenting our attitudes toward technology. The title of the assignment is Hypertext. The project requires inclusion of different hypertext links to support our technological message. At first glance, the task seems interesting and fun, but after meeting with my group twice so far, I believe we have a lot of work to do.

We have found a solid connection among our technological opinions and writings; however, combining everyone's text will be the primary challenge. We begin by collaborating on the basic outline of our website. We all positively agree that technological improvements provide many advantages to our lifestyle, and this is clearly the foundation for our website. We have also discovered that as in any group project communication between participants is paramount.

This assignment can be done; it will simply require extra effort from the group members to compromise and agree on the various details. Unfortunately at the rate we are going, it may take a while. I realize that we are probably not as far as the rest of the class, but I do feel that we have an excellent understanding as to what needs to be accomplished, how each of us think, and how ideas for the project could be further developed. Since everyone on the team contributes, this project will be a success. I just cannot wait to see our completed website!

Simple Living vs. Consumerism

For my previous English writing assignment, I was asked to research organization in which I could implement the Rogerian argument to reach a potential compromise between two differing perspectives. The two groups that I selected were simple living and consumerism, represented by SimpleLiving.net and the Ayn Rand Institute respectively.

When I first viewed the SimpleLiving.net website, I immediately grasped their perspective. The philosophy encourages discovering true happiness by indulging in life's simple pleasures. Simple living followers do no promote poverty, but rather encourage fiscal accountability and perhaps to some extent frugality. I can relate to the simple living lifestyle because I easily find satisfaction in life by spending a day outside in the park without any monetary expenditure.

Consumerism, on the other hand, follows a completely opposing philosophy. Consumers spend money to delight in life. The Ayn Rand Institute advocates Objectivism and that the individual has a moral right to pursue happiness. A strong capitalistic economy is the cornerstone for this philosophy.

Somehow, I feel as if I belong to both mindsets. I enjoy the simple pleasures in life, yet I also enjoy purchasing items that are purely frivolous and unnecessary.

My writing task is clear; provide the audience a perspective from both sides, while not favoring one over the other. Can an individual live simply and at times be a voracious consumer? After extensive research and some necessary soul-searching, I have found common ground between the two different ideologies. The individual is the key component. Everyone should follow his or her own principles. A free capitalistic society can easily support both consumers and simple living advocates.

Do We "Need" Technology?

Okay, so for English class we were assigned a paper today, dealing with the whole issue of "need" and whether or not we actually "need" technology. Technology is something that helps us or doesn't help us. Technology is also something that can have consequences, but what do we consider the consequences? Below are a few possible topics that I might cover for my paper, along with some of my reasoning behind the topic itself.

One possible topic could be to address the increased speed of technology by examining the evolution of a certain technological product or digital media. The question that many people get asked often is: how has the pace and speed of technology changed our way of living? There are both pros and cons for the way technology has changed our lives, and how technology continues to impact our everyday lives. For a con is that every few months a new form of technology is being advertised on televisions, radios, and the Internet. The pieces of technology that I will examine are that of computers of the 50s and 60s to the laptops and smart phones of today. I feel that technology as a whole has helped life move forward with the new inventions being created every few months to a year, but there are also disadvantages to the speed and pace that technology moves at. One disadvantage to the speed and pace is that other companies are constantly making more and more to keep up with other businesses. Another disadvantage is the fact that by the time you become accustomed to one piece of technology by a year's time, there will most likely be a newer version of the piece of technology out. However, even though I have only listed off disadvantages, there are advantages to the speed of technology. With the increase in the newer technology, people today are able to get their hands on some of the newest technology of the year. With newer technology, everything is going to be more personalized along with the fact that it keeps people up to date on the newest things coming out into the society.

Another possible topic that I could cover for my English paper is that of Facebook and the notion of privacy (is your profile your own?). Facebook is a more recent innovation used to communicate with others, through the web. On Facebook, everyone can sign up and make an account, free of charge, where people can go and meet friends, talk to friends, post pictures/videos, play games, and much more. But the question that continues to rise is the notion of privacy, is your Facebook profile your own? Different people who use Facebook these days are able to chose how private and how open they want their profile to be. The owner of the profile gets to choose which information they want to be shown on their profile along with who people accept to be friends with or not. However, there is a risk of someone being able to break into their Facebook page, along with if someone else gains access to their password and email address. Such occasions have happened before, and therefore, I feel they have come to the question on whether or not your profile is of your own?

Above I have mentioned two possible topics that I might cover for my English paper dealing with the rhetorical "need" and whether or not we actually "need" technology or not. There are many unanswered questions dealing with the fact that technology is changing and whether or not we believe technology is impacting us in a good or bad way.

Snowballs and Coca-Cola

The advertisement that best depicts me is one that Coca-Cola Company sponsors in a cleverly crafted commercial depicting the Winter Olympics, a snowball fight and of course the actual product itself, Coca-Cola. The commercial message conveys drinking a Coke provides happiness, laughter, fun, camaraderie, and of course good sportsmanship. It is representative of me because I enjoy being with friends and acting a little impulsive. Smiling always makes me feel better, and I love a good snowball fight. In fact, I have seen more snow this year than I have in my lifetime, and I have quite a reputation for dragging my friends out for a fun-filled day in the snow.

The purpose of the commercial is subtly persuading people to drink Coca-Cola while having a fun. As the advertisement begins, a playful snowball fight quickly erupts when a Coca-Cola soda bottle tumbles to the ground in the middle of the Olympic village. A white Canadian male abruptly assumes someone threw a snowball at him in a devious attempt to snatch the prized soda. As a result, his protective teammate throws a snowball at an athlete assumed to be the guilty culprit. Many Olympic athletes quickly become active participants in the winter mayhem by playfully throwing snowballs at one another while instantly having a great time. Simultaneously, the Canadian carefully maneuvers through all of the various fights occurring within the village in an ongoing and frantic search of reaching another Coca-Cola vending machine. His only mission is to obtain another soda. The advertising message is clear, concise, humorous, and important because the producers' primary goal is for viewers to consume more Coca-Cola products. By light-heartedly demonstrating that drinking Coke provides fun and happiness, others will want to drink the soda and share in the good times.

Although the primary focus of the commercial is the Canadian's desire for another Coke, the advertisement also portrays that individuals from different nationalities enjoy the beverage as well. The Canadian is desperately searching for another vending machine while the snowball fight continues. Somehow, a snowball does not strike him until the very end. The audience, on the other hand, is most likely representative of the majority of Coke drinkers and those wanting a drink that tastes good and brings happiness. Textual clues from the commercial include the Canadian searching the Olympic village for another Coke vending machine while dodging most of the snowballs. Once he obtains the Coke, he displays a broad smile of true satisfaction and happiness. Unfortunately following that long awaited sip of Coke, the bottle falls to the ground after being struck by a snowball. The audience understands both the contentment and humor of the concluding scene in the advertisement.

In yet another attempt to appeal to the target audience, the commercial methodically invokes both emotional response and common ground reactions. Watching people from various parts of the world having fun and drinking a Coke provides a visual argument for individual happiness and playfulness. The viewer will easily conclude these responses directly result from drinking Coke.

The colors manifested throughout the commercial are extremely vibrant and representative of the many different Olympic athletic teams participating in a non-competitive activity. Prominently featured with the Coca-Cola brand name and its packaging are bright reds. The color quickly produces the desired response by attracting the viewers' attention. The powdery white snow surrounds everyone and is dominant throughout the actual snowball fight. White typically symbolizes purity and honesty. The Olympic rings are also clearly present in the commercial. The snowball fight participants are all athletes that have trained to compete at the highest level, yet also know how to have a good time with one another. Athletes will be attracted to this commercial since the advertisement depicts Olympic athletes drinking Coca-Cola products.

Coca-Cola Commercial

I find it a little unusual that we experience the commercial through a Canadian white male, but that also helps enforce the belief that in the Olympics different people from around the world can compete against one another yet still have fun. To help further exemplify the sense of being one community, the advertisement portrays everyone enjoying the snowball fight. I feel that drinking the Coca-Cola product makes you happy.

Marketing Coke to people of all ages and nationalities requires that the commercial must appeal to a broad audience. Therefore, the advertisement is comical in its depiction that nothing will keep you away from Coca-Cola after taking just a single sip. However, I am still not completely convinced that after viewing this commercial I would be persuaded to purchase the product. I do like the soda because of its sweet taste, and I also like the creativity of the commercial.

I truly believe the main reason I enjoy the commercial is due to the simplicity of the message and its intent: making me laugh, making me smile, and noticing that it is a Coca-Cola product. Even though I thoroughly enjoy watching all of the Olympic events, I do not have the same athletic ability as the Olympians. Unfortunately, my athletic ability consists of being on my high school bowling team and playing recreational volleyball. I identify with the happiness that simple pleasures can bring. Whenever, I tend to drink Coke, I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

After methodically evaluating the Coca-Cola advertisement, I understand the many benefits of rhetorical analysis and now plan to use this methodology in many of my future endeavors. I will attempt to market myself more proactively during job interviews. By thoroughly reviewing the prospective company's literature, I can determine how I identify with the company and how to be most beneficial to them. In addition to performing company analysis, these skills are beneficial for marketing and demographic research when attempting to advertise products in the future. Finally, as technology advances rapidly progress, I plan to use rhetorical analysis from a consumer perspective to determine which products I feel more closely related to before making my purchase.