Ad Group Project Summary

• initially looks like a smoking ad, shaped like lungs, rivers/streams look like veins
• forest is cut/burned down like how smoking destroys lungs
• “Before it’s too late” message for stopping smoking, and clearcutting
• comparing the awful, long lasting effects of smoking and damage of deforestation
• comparing human body to ecosystem
• destroying the environment is just as bad as destroying our own bodies

Summary, Paraphrase, Quote

Mad Men: Stillbirth of the American Dream –Heather Havrilesky

Summary: This analysis of the popular television show Mad Men perfectly depicts the infatuation that Americans had, and still have with the “American Dream.” Heather includes the struggles of life in the 60’s that most likely came from the advertisements telling us “we need more.” She also provides great detail about each of the main characters in the television show, including the type of people they are. The characters each give a little piece to the confused American puzzle everyone fell into. Consumer goods began to overrun the lives of some, “and what got lost in the hustle was our souls.”

Paraphrase:  Don is on his way to jump start his career, but the worry is if he can actually commit to something this important when the time is right. He’s also got his marriage to Betty behind him, but struggles with staying with a woman whose intellect matches his.  Roger falls for any woman that makes him feel dominant, a juvenile way to go about a relationship. He has been brainwashed into thinking that you must always go for more.

Quoting: “What’s missing on both a personal and a broader scale is empathy, of course—embodied…in the self-involved funk of Joan’s doctor fiancé, in the cruelty that springs from Pete’s existential desperation.” (Pg. 175)

Mad Men Analysis Response

1)      Heather Havrilesky’s main insight about Mad Men is that it is a perfect portrayal of what went wrong with America.  How stereotypes about the “American Dream” were formed and the expectations that were made. She specifically states, “As absurd as it seems to cobble together a dream around a handful of consumer goods, that’s precisely  what the advertising industry  did so effectively in the 50’s and 60’s, until we couldn’t distinguish our own desires from the desires ascribed to us by professional manipulators…”  This further proves her main insight about “Mad Men.”

2)      Havrilesky establishes her authority by giving solid reasoning and evidence to her claim (example above) when writing about this show. It’s reasonable and easy to agree with that those advertisers intentions were and still are not for our advancement, but rather so they can make a dime.

She also introduces opinions that can be agreed with because they’re things we’ve all noticed. America set a standard for us 60+ years ago that in order to be happy you must have a husband with an excellent job, 2 perfect children, and a house with a white picket fence. (Obviously this didn’t all have to be true, but the idea is what matters.)

3)      Heather appeals to readers emotions with specific points she make. First off she calls this a “modern tragedy” and sets the scene for Don and Peggy. “Don sighs deeply and unlocks the door to his lonely apartment, Peggy whiles away her waking hours trading casual quips with co-workers, but happiness is still just a shiny kitchen floor or a sexy bikini or a cigarette away.” This is all still true in this day and age, which is why when I read it I felt almost annoyed that as a country and soon a whole world, we still haven’t fixed the standards we are “supposed” to live up to. In the end it’s all a pile of nonsense advertisers are feeding us, and America especially eats it all up.

4)      I had heard of the show Mad Men because it is on the same network as my favorite show, The Walking Dead! But after reading this analysis I seem to have no interest whatsoever in watching it. I definitely understand its main premise, and I am interested in the time period it is set in, but I really have been steered against it just from this analysis alone.

An Analysis of Change and Continuity in Advertising Aimed at Women

The author (Doug Lantry) begins with stating the main thesis of the essay. His thesis sets the stage for the whole essay, and every example he gives reverts back to the main idea that "in order to find happiness a woman must be physically attracted to men."

Furthermore, the author proves his thesis by using evidence to support it. He takes three ads and breaks them down by stating the audience they are directed to, and how the advertising appeals to that audience; along with the message trying to be conveyed.

Lantry describes the untruthfulness of the ads and that their facts aren’t backed up by real evidence. By analyzing the essay in this way, he connects with readers in the sense that he recognizes the falsehood we’ve all seen in ads.

Collaborative Writing Talk: Oct 20

Need to know what you’re talking about

be passionate

convince your audience to be passionate about your subject

know your audience

establish to your audience that you know what you’re talking about

Litercacy Narrative Final Draft

Molly O’Brien

October 19, 2015

Personal Narrative Essay

 

The subtle chewing of the peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich counteracts with the obnoxious Lay's potato chips being crunched. I tuck a loose hair behind my petite ears, and adjust my collared shirt. My skirt, tan of course, since Vinland has a strict dress code, fits effortlessly over my cream knit tights. All purchased from Gap Kids of course. Inside, sprawled on my lap lay a book, almost certainly already half read, though only checked out the day prior. In the distance, blurs of hunter greens, navies, and more khakis and creams are spotted. The minuscule legs gallop across the bark to the forest and the monkey bars to the basketball court. Let’s be real, a handful of the time I was one of those kids running from the jungle gym to the hopscotch game. But, when I wasn’t at recess, I can guarantee you that a book was clutched in  the palm of my hand.

As I tumbled out of our Hyundai and into the warmth of my neighborhood home, my eyes would first be engaged towards the kitchen, where my dad would soon begin to prepare a snack. After having munched on goldfish crackers, and gulped down Mott’s apple juice, I hightailed it to my bedroom, plopped on the bed, and unwrapped another Nancy Drew mystery book. Several hours later I would hear my mom call out “Molly dinner is ready!” and I’d reply with “Okay two more seconds!” which basically meant, “Okay two more chapters.” This was a routinely scenario in my home for my fifth grade year.

About 7 years ago was when my passion for reading really blossomed. I was in about fifth grade, and adored reading the Nancy Drew novels. They were full of mystery, anticipation, and fantasy I loved to entwine myself in. Other than the books I was obligated to read for school, all I can vividly remember are reading Nancy Drew novels. I fell in love with the characters and each individual plot each book entailed.

Being a 10 year old, fantasy was what I lived for. Of course some of the scenarios in the series could honestly happen in real life; but many were fictional. But, as I grew older I started to lose touch with my passion for reading. The older you get, the busier you get. And reading didn’t become a priority like it used to be. I remember even in elementary and early middle school having to sometimes turn to a new book series until they got in a new Nancy Drew book that I hadn’t read yet.       

Before my interest for reading blossomed, at the tender age of seven I wrote my first novel. The book was about a group of girls that journeyed to Paris for a modeling opportunity. I was fascinated with French culture and the fashion industry, so the book was a perfect fit. After writing it, my drive to write became stronger and I launched endless amounts of stories. None of them I actually ended up finishing, but the feeling I felt when words gushed from my brain through my body to my hand, and eventually onto the paper through my pencil was the driving force for my writing. Scenarios and characters stemmed from simple thoughts and ideas in my head became mini pieces of work. Clogging my time with fictions was one of the finest ways I could spend my time as a seven year old. My knowledge expanded greatly, and my ideas flowed freely into Microsoft word or my beat up spiral bound jotter.

Fast forwarding to 2015, I can with all honesty admit that I haven’t read a book or written a story for my own joy, since sixth grade. The truth is this is the reality for many people, even people years and years older than me. It’s interesting, because hundreds of years ago reading was such a routinely activity. When you don’t read merely because you don’t take the time to, you really are taking your ability to read for granted. It’s also sad, because there are so many that would be honored to be given the gift to read, or choose a story of their liking and be able to comprehend it and appreciate it; the same goes for writing.

Reading and writing essentially fit into the same category of indispensable skills we need in every aspect of our lives. They are taught to us as soon as we begin school, and maybe even sooner. Reading and writing are the fundamental tools to knowledge in life. Although most can admit this, most won’t use this to the best of their ability. I’ve had the pleasure of being gifted a wide variety of books, and have the freedom to write whatever I please. But, I take it for granted. The ironic thing is that although we complain when we have to read a novel for class or write a paper, we are doing it every second of every day. We read our emails at work, we read receipts, and we read the latest article on the Kardashians. We also write text messages, and notes to our husbands (ex. “There’s casserole in the fridge, just heat at 400 degrees, see you at 8, don’t forget Abby’s soccer game!”), and we write in search bars when looking for new recipes on FoodNetwork.com. We do all this without thought, so why is it that it has become such a chore for people in school? The answer is quite simple: lack of appreciation. Ask any child that hasn’t been gifted an education what they would appreciate in life. 99/100 times they just want to know how to read a story and write sentences.

Through the two stories I have shared about reading and writing, it has been learned and understood that as a child I had an immense gratefulness for reading and writing stories, and that throughout the years my love for both have faded. I have forgotten how blessed me and so many other people are to have been raised with a book in one hand and pencil and paper in the other. Reading will take you to an unlimited amount of lands, and writing will allow you to create them all.  As a substitute to seeing writing and reading as a chore, I encourage myself and readers to open your eyes to the prospects that could stem from each. If you cannot appreciate the subject of the novel, pay close attention to the words and development of the storyline. Seize the sensory words and attend to the voice of the author. When writing from a prompt, never just focus on the solitary words you’re being tested to write about. Inflate on exactly what is being asked, and entangle yourself in the prompt, making it your own. Losing touch with two of the greatest gifts in life, that have made the world become what it is, should never be taken for granted. Reading and writing have helped us communicate, and without communication 7 billion stories could never be told.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” -George RR Martin

“Writing is a calling, not a choice.” –Isabel Allende

Literacy Narrative Rough Draft

Molly O’Brien

Personal Narrative Essay

 

The subtle chewing of the peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich counteracts with the obnoxious Lay's potato chips being crunched. I tuck a loose hair behind my small ears, and adjust my collared shirt. My skirt, tan of course, since Vinland has a strict dress code, fits perfectly over my cream knit tights. All bought from Gap Kids of course. Inside, sprawled on my lap lay a book, probably already half read, though only checked out the day prior. In the distance, blurs of hunter greens, navies, and more khakis and creams are spotted in the distance. The short legs run across from the bark to the forest and from the monkey bars to the basketball court. Let’s be real, most of the times I was one of those kids running from the jungle gym to the hopscotch game. But, as soon as I arrived home, a book was in my hands.

As I tumbled up the stairs my eyes would first be directed towards the kitchen, where some treat would lie. After munching on a crisp Fuji apple, and gulping down Mott’s apple juice, I hightailed it to my bedroom, plopped on the bed, and opened another Nancy Drew mystery book. Several hours later I would hear my mom call out “Molly dinner is ready!” and id reply with “Okay two more seconds!” That was my most common line.

About 7 years ago was when my passion for reading really blossomed. I was in about fifth grade, and adored reading the Nancy Drew novels. They were full of mystery, anticipation, and fantasy I loved to entwine myself in. Other than the books required to read for school, all I can vividly remember are Nancy Drew novels. I fell in love with the characters and each individual plot each book entailed.

Being a 10 year old, fantasy was what I lived for. Of course some of the scenarios in the series could honestly happen in real life; but many were fictional. But, as I grew older I started to lose touch with my passion for reading. The older you get, the busier you get. And reading didn’t become a priority like it used to be. I remember even in elementary and early middle school having to sometimes turn to a new book series until they got in a new Nancy Drew book that I hadn’t read yet.           

Before my interest for reading blossomed, at the tender age of seven I wrote my first novel. The book was about a group of girls that journeyed to Paris for a modeling opportunity. I was fascinated with French culture and the fashion industry, so the book was a perfect fit. After writing that book, my drive to write became stronger and I started endless amounts of stories. None of them I actually ended up finishing, but I miss the feeling I got when words flowed from my brain through my body to my hand, and eventually onto the paper through my pencil. Clogging my time with stories and words was one of the best ways I could spend my time as a seven year old. It helped me expand my knowledge, and let my ideas flow freely into Microsoft word or my beat up spiral bound notebook.

Fast forwarding to 2015, I can with all honesty admit that I haven’t read a book or written a story for my own joy, since sixth grade. The truth is this is the reality for many people, even people years and years older than me. It’s interesting, because hundreds of years ago reading was such a routinely activity. When you don’t read merely because you don’t take the time to, you really are taking your ability to read for granted. It’s also sad, because there are so many that would be honored to be given the gift to read, or choose a story of their liking and be able to comprehend it and appreciate it; the same goes for writing.

Reading and writing basically fit into the same category of essential skills we need in every aspect of our lives. They are taught to us as soon as we begin school, and maybe even sooner. Reading and writing are the fundamental tools to knowledge in life. Although most can admit this, most won’t use this to the best of their ability. I’ve had the pleasure of being gifted to a wide variety of any book I want, and have the freedom to write whatever I please. But, I take it for granted. The ironic thing is that although we complain when we have to read a novel for class or write a paper, we are doing it every second of every day. We read our emails at work, we read receipts, and we read the latest article on the Kardashians. We also write text messages, and notes to our husbands (ex. “There’s casserole in the fridge, just heat at 400 degrees, see you at 8, don’t forget Abby’s soccer game!”), and we write in search bars when looking for new recipes on FoodNetwork.com. We do all this without thought, so why is it that it has become such a chore for people in school? The answer is quite simple: lack of appreciation. Ask any child that hasn’t been gifted an education what they would appreciate in life. 99/100 times they just want to know how to read a story and write sentences.

Through the two stories I have shared about reading and writing, it has been learned and understood that as a child I had an appreciation for reading and writing stories, and that throughout the years my love for both have faded. I have forgotten how blessed me and so many other people are to have been raised with a book in one hand and pencil and paper in the other. Reading will take you to so many lands, and writing will allow you to create them all.  Instead of seeing writing and reading as a chore, open your eyes to the possibilities that could stem from each. If you can’t appreciate the subject of the novel, pay attention to the words and the storyline. Capture the sensory words and listen to the voice of the author. When writing from a prompt, never just focus on the single words you’re being asked to write about. Expand on what is being asked, and entangle yourself in the prompt, making it your own. Losing touch with two if the greatest gifts in life, that have made the world become what it is, should never be taken for granted. Reading and writing have helped us communicate, without communication 7 billion stories could never be told.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” -George RR Martin

“Writing is a calling, not a choice.” –Isabel Allende

Angie's List vs. Zomato

Both websites are very useful, but for different reasons. Angie's list is terrific if you are looking for a painter, cleaner, plumber, or even an interior designer. They have over 723 categories of different business owners, and they provide ratings for them. On the other hand, Zomato provides ratings as well but for restaurants. You can search any town/city and be provided with food attractions, and again ratings and reviews of the restaurants. I think that because they are both so different, both are very effective ways to find the best company for your renovation/project or the best restaurant to cure your craving. All in all, the design of the two websites and format is laid out with clean lines, but colors to draw people in. They’re both quite simple, and are arranged in an organizational fashion. (Categories on Angie’s List, and a broad search bar on Zomato.) If I could change something to either of the two though, I would add categories to Zomato’s website. I think it would be much more efficient if there were categories for different cuisines. (Mexican, Italian, Chinese, etc.) And/or if there were categories for strictly bakeries/dessert shops, or any other specialty markets. 

My own use of analysis

Decisions made (from little to big)	What areas of my life they affected
What I decided to wear today/makeup	(Personal life) They affected my level of confidence
If I should go out to lunch today	(Financial life) The more I spend, the less $ I’ll have
How many hours I will put into work this week	(Financial life) The # of hours I put in dictates how much I’ll be able to save and spend these next two weeks
How much time I should leave for my English essay, art work, and math work	(School life) By putting more time aside for school work, I will perform better this quarter which will help me in the long run.
If I should quit my job and find a new one	(Personal, school, and financial life) If I quit my job initially I will have more time for school and friends, but I won’t have any money to spend or set aside and save.
If/where I’m going to college	(School and financial life) Not going to college right away will save me money, because I’ll have more time to save for it, but the chances of returning to college after taking a year off are slim.

This chart tells me that school and work are big priorities for me, and when I make decisions I keep school in mind first and work in mind second. But, I also want to make sure I keep up with my social life and allow myself to have one. Friends and family are just as important to me, but sometimes making time for them has to come after school work, and sometimes my job.

Responding to other definitions of rhetoric

Reading the other definitions of rhetoric didn't change my thinking about my own definition. Of course everyone can have their own definition of a word but, at the end of the day there is the correct definition; which everyone's definition including mine, fit closely to. People can write rhetorically, but in a different manner. Because to write rhetorically means to write with persuasion, it can be done in different ways. There are endless ways to use persuasion in your writing. That’s why writing rhetorically is a skill, and a vital one to use in your writing.

Definition of Rhetoric

To define the word rhetoric is quite simple; to write or speak rhetorically means to write/speak in a way that is persuasive in an effective way. When writing rhetorically, typically it is for a persuasive essay perhaps, or there is some need to draw a reader in through persuasion.

Definitions:

1.     The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.

2.     A treatise or book discussing this art.

3.     Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.

4.     A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric.

5.     Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous:

The first definition definitely sums up my definition of rhetoric. Also, what I didn’t include in my definition was that writing rhetorically is not just a way to write, but it can also be a skill or an art. Therefore, the word rhetoric is quite broad.

For example, if you ask someone “Why don’t you help me out here?” you aren’t giving them a reason as to why you need help; you are just posing the question. By using this direct language in an effective way, is to speak rhetorically.

"Literacy: A Lineage" Essay annotation

-Luken opens her literacy narrative by reciting a poem that was one of the leading parts of her and her father's relationship.

-At the bottom of page 132, a short bio is written to provide the reader with more detail about the author.

-The first paragraph on page 133 provides an explanation for the poem, and the importance it had to Luken and her father.

-Luken states her definition of literacy, (last sentence of first paragraph pg. 133) which is an important central theme to the story.

-In the second paragraph pg. 133 Luken summarizes a bit about her father, and how his interest in literature inspired hers.

-In the second paragraph on page 134, an early passion for reading is summarized. Luken describes how her father wished for her to read books from strong female authors.

-In the last paragraph (page 134) the moment when Luken discovered a drive to write poetry, is declared.

-Throughout the next few paragraphs Luken describes why she loves to write poetry, and the English language.

-In the last paragraph (page 135) Luken again gives her definition of literacy. The fact that she wrote twice about this entails that it is the central idea of her story.

Lydia's Story Questions

1)      Brideau’s main point was to tell a remarkable story about a woman who “represents the essence of hope and determination in the face of terrible adversity.” This is indicated at the end, but throughout the story Brideau hints at how courageous Lydia was, and how she stayed so strong-minded in the most daunting of times.

2)      The point of view was past tense and written mostly in third person, but at the ending paragraph, first person. Brideau told Lydia’s story for Lydia. The impact it has is less shocking then how it would be if Lydia were telling it. Anytime someone experiences something as intense and petrifying as Lydia did, the story told first hand is always more remarkable.

3)      Brideau made her narrative “come alive” because every detail of the story she was telling, left you on the edge of your seat. (“Struck by, toxic, illuminated, eager, cramped, cracked, dry, terrified, strong current, rushing like the Colorado River, determination, terrible adversity.”) All these words appeal to the readers’ emotions because they depict such audacity and strength, but also heartache and grief.

4)      The audience for this piece could possibly be people like Brideau who wanted to come and be of assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Or anyone involved of serving the victims of Katrina in health care. Brideau’s tone suits those readers because workers in health care are sensitive to stories and situations like these. Brideau shows heartache for Lydia in how she tells her story, and health care workers would also be sensitive to those emotions. “It’s Lydia’s story that stays with me most…” “We were struck by the chemical order of a cleaning solution so strong that it seemed toxic.” (Shows sympathy for the victims.)

Rhetorical situations chapter 2

Writing done in the past week-

Texting

Blogging

Poetry writing for fun

Writing out math equations

Facebooking

 

Texting- The intended audience in texting is whomever you are texting to. Typically when you are texting it’s either to a friend or family member. So the age range can differ as well as occupation, income, religion, etc. In terms of “how much your audience knows about your topic” and “can you assume your audience will be interested in what you say,” is all dependent on what you happen to be texting about with them in that very moment. Typically in texting there are two possible purposes for what is being said. 1) A quick favor needs to be asked, or a quick question. 2) You are engaging in a full conversation with someone or multiple people about some kind of topic. Under the category of “context,” the amount of independence you have as a writer in texting is completely unlimited.

Blogging- The intended audience for this particular blog is my professor mostly, but also classmates that are following my blog. The purpose of blogging is to complete assignments and share my thoughts about them. Also the primary goals are to stay caught up with the weekly blogs and fulfil all the necessary requirements on them; and thinking about your design when blogging can also contribute to the overall presentation and quality of it. Adding photos or colors that pop can make blogging more enjoyable and your blog more interesting to read.

Poetry writing- When writing poetry for fun, the only real intended audience is I. In terms of “stance” my attitude towards the topic depends on the type of poetry I am writing. If it is a sad poem, my attitude will be more negative. But if it is a happy poem or a poem about romance, my attitude will be more jolly and charismatic; the tone is all dependent on the genre of poem. Also, the medium won’t have much effect on the poem, because writing for fun leaves you not many restrictions.

Literacy Narrative Prep

“Lydia’s Story” by Jan Brideau

1.       Visual description: “When she opened the front door, the whole street looked like a river, and water poured in. She described it as “rushing like the Colorado River.” She knew that if she went outside, she would be swept up in the current and drown. There was no one in sight.” (p 129, par. 2)

 

“Proficiency” by Shannon Nichols

2.       Dialogue: “That time I did cry, and even went to my English teacher, Mrs. Brown, and asked, “How can I get A’s in all my English classes but fail the writing part of my proficiency test twice?” She couldn’t answer my question.

 

“How in the World Do You Get a Skunk Out of a Bottle?” by Robert J. Connors

3.       Sensory Descriptions: “The sandy dirt of Canterbury Road is just right as I pant my way past Johnson’s hayfield. The air cool enough for delight but not cold enough for long johns and stocking cap, the early sun slanting low. No sound but my labored breathing and the chunking noise of sneakers on dirt.”

4.       Loved to read mystery books in fifth grade

Used to love to write stories to express myself

Never really liked reading things I didn’t want to read

Don’t like being forced to write

 

Consider your Rhetorical Situation:

5.       I want to tell this story mainly just to complete the assignment, but also to reflect on how my enjoyment in reading began but faded throughout the years.

6.       Often time’s people fade out of things they used to enjoy so I think it will be quite easy for my classmates to relate to my narrative.

7.       I wish to be sincere in my narrative.  I want to provide all the details necessary about my joy for reading at an early age. But, I also want to convey the fact that in some ways it’s a bit sad I don’t keep up with something that was once a passion of mine. Also, reading is one of the best ways to gain intelligence, which makes it even more important for me to start up with it again. Also, I want my readers to see me as someone who has lost touch with something that is vital to early education, but that I am also determined to “pick up a good book” again.

8.       This literacy narrative will be posted on my blog, which should make it very easy to attach photos and provide colors and other details.

9.       Inside there are bright colors of yellows, blues, and purples. The alphabet in one corner and a number chart cattycorner. Books are on a large shelf next to the little backpacks diagonal from the little chairs and desks.

10.   Sounds of children screaming and laughing fill the room, as the teacher just as loud, tries to hush them.

11.   The smell of glue and construction paper are prominent in one corner, where peanut butter and jelly sandwiches fill the other. The soft smell of a library book and juice swarm where I am sitting.

12.   I feel joy yet also await the next line of the suspenseful novel. Ultimately whenever I read a Nancy Drew book I felt excited, because every page was filled with mystery and anticipation. I also felt content. Just a little 10 year old awaiting each new chapter of her favorite book series of all time.

13.   Again, I would taste juice almost every day as an elementary student. PB&J and little cookies also made their way into my tummy sometimes before lunchtime.

14.   I see mostly children with colors of navy blue, white, hunter green, and khaki. All between the ages of 5 and 11, either learning, playing, or chatting. Their chirping voices were quick but tiny, as they swung on the swing set and played tag on the basketball court.

15.   “What’re you reading?”

“Nancy Drew, my favorite!”

16.   When I was in elementary I absolutely adored reading. Especially the Nancy Drew series. But, as I grew older I started to lose touch with my passion for reading. The older you get, the busier you get. And reading didn’t become a priority like it used to be. I remember even in elementary and early middle school having to sometimes turn to a new book series until they got in a new Nancy Drew book that I hadn’t read yet.

17.   Writing about this topic is significant to me now because I hope that it will allow me to jump back into reading. By reflecting on what reading did for me, especially as a young child, may encourage me to pick up a book again and step into the fantasy world that allowed me to be creative and express myself. Also, now that I am much older I have so many more options and choices for literature. I can read a fantasy novel; or I can find a book about a religion that I am interested in. The possibilities are absolutely endless. This story matters to me because reading mattered so much to me as a child. I’d like to connect with novels again like I did years ago.

Is Everyone an Author?

If our whole life is a story, then we all must be authors. The only person that can narrate our life happenings are our own selves. Although not all of us literally write out our life story, mentally we are narrating it every single second of every single day.

Everyone is an author, because everyone has a story to tell. Whether it is published or not, we are all filled with stories, and events, and emotions that can be written as chapters in our book.

There shouldn't be a specific criteria for what it takes to be an author. Obviously authors are typically people who publish their writings, but on the inside we all are.

Lastly, being an author isn't just about writing a book or poem for someone to read. Being an author is telling a story, about whatever you feel interested in telling. Being an author is sharing with your friends and family the small things in life to the big chapters in life that have caused happiness and heartbreak. To publish ones work only means that more people can read the story, so why should someone suddenly be given the title of an author just because they write their stories down?

Rhetorical Situations-Narratives

List of Stories:




-In rap music similar stories are told about difficult upbringings and other hardships over Youtube
-In movies multiple stories are told about any kind of subject/genre
-On facebook people complain about their everyday drama/relationships
-On instagram people are telling stories through their photos
-At the dinner table events of the day are being discussed
-At school lectures are happening and subjects are being taught
-With my friends, personal happenings are being discussed and shared over texting or in person
-In books, again like movies, multiple stories of every topic are being written about

We discussed areas that we've read/seen/heard stories online, in person, in TV or others. Generally the idea was that we've seem stories everywhere and they are very prevalent in our society.

Think Beyond Words Exercise:

To me the videos presented by seniors held more importance to me than videos presented by younger people. I believe these were more powerful because of the people presenting it, their stories were longer and were told better than those told by younger people.

 

Videos and written stories, both provide a powerful message, and emotions can  be conveyed in both forms of story telling. But, personally I find videos more powerful for two reasons. First off, music can be added to videos which can dramatize the story. And secondly, seeing the person tell the story, and their emotions that they have while telling it, definitely makes you connect more with them.

My group believed that it depends on the person whether you find videos or written stories more influential and then which age group/setup catches your attention more.

Compare Narratives Exercise:

For me, the most prominent forms of media I consume would be video games and the text books I read/play on a daily basis. The similarities between the two are few and far between but from games we're told a story through interaction and visuals which textbooks have none of, but each of these are telling you a story to learn. For video games it's to understand the world/story better but for textbooks it's to process information for learning in school/for you own personal enrichment. A few of the differences are that Video games tell a story through visuals, audio and interactivity while textbooks tell it through explanation, facts and statements. 

  

THINK BEYOND WORDS

Videos and written stories, both provide a powerful message, and emotions can  be conveyed in both forms of story telling. But, personally I find videos more powerful for two reasons. First off, music can be added to videos which can dramatize the story. And secondly, seeing the person tell the story, and their emotions that they have while telling it, definitely makes you connect more with them.

THINK ABOUT- Everyday Narratives

-In rap music similar stories are told about difficult upbringings and other hardships over Youtube
-In movies multiple stories are told about any kind of subject/genre
-On facebook people complain about their everyday drama/relationships
-On instagram people are telling stories through their photos
-At the dinner table events of the day are being discussed
-At school lectures are happening and subjects are being taught
-With my friends, personal happenings are being discussed and shared over texting or in person
-In books, again like movies, multiple stories of every topic are being written about