Carmen Mejia RWS 200/Professor Copeland Rhetorical Analysis 25 September 2011 Project One: Rhetorical Analysis Many individuals believe that American life is purposefully programmed by their leaders to be simple and easy, in order to "deprive citizens from having to actually think for themselves and be independent" (154). John Taylor Gatto, an award-winning educator and ardent libertarian, is one of those individuals who argues that “we,” as in Americans, “are a nation of children” (155). Through his usage of rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos and logos, Gatto can construct an effective, thorough argument in his essay Against School. Gatto effectively uses personal anecdotes and ethical appeals in order to establish a general validity with his audience. He would also establish his own ethos by including his support for dignified persons that would validate his argument.
Assignment One In Miles Benson article, Political consultants tailor candidates’ message to what the voters want to hear, he has several opinions and views on how political consultants, opinion polls and negative advertising affect how politicians want us to feel, react and ultimately vote. It seems that research has discovered that if a politician talks in platitudes he has a better chance of getting himself or herself elected. Being specific seems to detrimental because too many questions are asked. Bill Hillsman, a media expert said that, “obviously, a candidate seeking votes is going to emphasize shared concerns and issues that are popular. But all too often political leadership simply means finding out what the people want and telling them you’ll give it to them” (Benson A3).
American Government opinion The text defines an individual’s coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government as their political ideology; I like to think of it as their political identity. But no matter how you phrase it, it is something that makes up the core of who we are as people. Even if you do not feel that politics are important, or you have no political opinion, that is a huge part of who you are. I feel the most important factor in a persons political opinion is the influence their family, in particular their parents has on them. When you grow up around a particular opinion or a way of looking at the political system, that’s what you are going to be drawn to.
People obey laws and orders set by their government because they are subjected to do so under the Social Contract in order to protect themselves. In turn, the laws and orders the government pass should help to protect the people within the society. In this novel, the farmers face the cruel reality of losing their homes and jobs, forcing them to seek ways for them and their family to survive. In this case, the government has the very least responsibility of providing the citizens with basic needs of survival such as shelter. The government created camps in attempt to provide this basic support.
“A Talk to Teachers”, James Baldwin, P. 123 – 129. Juxtaposition In Baldwin’s essay, A Talk to Teachers, James Baldwin is specifically addressing the teachers of New York City. Baldwin also argues that the main purpose of education is to equip a student with the ability to look at the world for his own selflessness. It is obvious that Baldwin encourages the motivation that America requires in order for an education reform to develop. This is due to the fact that although we are a world power, we fall behind our diversified peers academically.
Under the direction of President Obama, his solutions such as regulating curriculums and student loans on a federal level is what caused this mess today. The President should not be in charge of our educational system, it should be parents and our local community. And how could I not forget hard work. Because we have required work to be a condition of welfare, employment has risen and poverty has decreased. However, President Obama’s policies such as waiving the work requirements have put us back into the era of dependency.
Barack Obama’s Speech The speech is about that the nation has a choice, a choice of which path America is going on. He is talking about history and what his grandparents did to live and fight for their country. Because they knew they were a part of something bigger. He talks about how the others not will help the middle class of America but the one who’s got money enough, that he will take money away from the students and put family’s on the street just so the wealthy can have lower taxes. But not Obama he will cut taxes for those who needs it, like middleclass and small businesses.
I always believe that whatever party is ruling the society the change should be gradual and effective rather than rapid and ineffective. Liberals always believe that people can improve their lives through the use of reason whereas conservatives always believe in defending status against changes. I always believe that whatever party brings in a major change which is essential to the public at that point of time should be in power for the betterment of the society. There are liberal and conservative Democrats as well as liberal and conservative Republicans. So I believe it is really essential for the younger citizens to make their decisions as to which party they are going to vote for based on the major changes bought by the parties.
One can see why Michael J. Petrilli thinks as he does because President Obama inspires all to take personal responsibility for one’s own education and that in doing so success is guaranteed. You only get out of it what you put into it. This idea is supported by my own experience. For example, I know a lot of teachers who want to see NCLB go away. I think if those in charge would listen to the teachers more often our educational system would improve tremendously.
Not only does media impact the bias but so does public education, growing p in public schools you hear how the government is not funding enough money to education, teachers aren't getting enough money , yet we still stand for the pledge. This is an influential part of political socialization because it molded me going onto the future, having a state of mind where government is not perfecta and it should not stay this