3rd paper 2nd/polished draft

 

Suffrage in Our Home Country-Homelessness and Living in Poverty

 

Approximately 3.5 million Americans, 1.35 million of them being children, are expected to experience homelessness in a given year. (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2003). Homelessness and poverty are two diverse situations, but both entail suffrage. No one deserves to be deprived of a home, but people are losing them daily. With the escalating costs of basic needs, it is becoming exceptionally challenging to earn a living in today’s economy. It just solely doesn’t seem fair that even with a job; living in poverty and/or being homeless is still a concern. But, in the United States this is a factual statement for many Americans. Children shouldn’t be deprived of a meal merely because their parent(s) cannot afford to feed them dinner that night. There are numerous amounts of reasons as to why people plummet into poverty; but there are also plenty of things America can do to help.

The most basic reasoning as to why people end up homeless or in extreme poverty is drug and alcohol abuse. In fact, two thirds of homeless people do have a problem with substance/drug abuse. (Leal, 2009). But, instead of shaming those who make these choices and suffer the consequences, there must be support provided to those in these circumstances. Mental illness, loss of a job, and/or highered cost of rent are also common causes for homelessness and poverty, which aren’t always that exact persons fault. We as a country need to tend to the needs of these people, instead of watching our brothers and sisters fall deeper and deeper into suffrage.

A major reason as to why this country has even gotten itself into this mess is that funding has majorly dwindled for low income homes. In 1970, there was a surplus of 300,000 affordable housing units in the U.S. But then, in the 1980s, affordable housing began to evaporate. The Reagan administration slashed funding. Federal spending on housing assistance fell by 50 percent between 1976 and 2002. At the same time, gentrification sped up, with cities getting rid of cheap housing like single room occupancy units and replacing them with more expensive stock, and units being built were more often for co-ops and condos for ownership instead of rent. (Covert, 2013) This explains the increase of people on the street. It simply is not right that low income housing options are not easily attained. The people in this country range from poor to rich, and everywhere in between. In order to care for our people we must give them options. If one cannot afford rent even with a job, why does it seem suitable for their only choice to be to live on the streets?

After discussing why it is crucial to put an end to homelessness and poverty as well as the trials and tribulations along the way, it is appropriate to confer how to take a stand on homelessness, as well as how to decrease poverty. The simple reasoning is that in order to aid to each other, we must first make sure we are secure. To elaborate, one cannot help another if that individual still needs to help oneself. Why is it that Selena Gomez can rack in 3 million a year, yet many Americans find it problematic to earn over 10 dollars an hour? The response is simple; our priorities are downright messed up. The millions of dollars shelled out every year to simply deliver entertainment must stop, and a surplus of money must be implemented to help the bulk of our people. There are more people homeless/living in poverty than there are celebrities, so why not direct our money towards assisting them?

The topic of homelessness and poverty will be never ending. It will always exist in America; because that’s the tone that was set many years ago. The idea that paying professional  football players millions, is more important than being confident that that high school football player will or will not be provided a meal that night, is simply devastating. Americans are too consumed with themselves and their blingy cars and gigantic homes to even open their eyes to those in need.

 

Works Cited

 

"National Poverty Center | University of Michigan." RSS. Ed. Robert Michael and Contance Citro.      National Academy Press, 2003. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://www.npc.umich.edu/poverty/#TOP>.

Covert, Bryce. "It Would Actually Be Very Simple To End Homelessness Forever." It Would Actually Be Very Simple To End Homelessness Forever Comments. Think Progress, 09 Oct. 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/10/09/3577980/end-homelessness/>.

Leal, Daniel, Marc Galanter, Helen Dermatis, and Laurence Westreich. "Correlates of Protracted Homelessness in a Sample of Dually Diagnosed Psychiatric Inpatients." Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 16.2 (1999): 143-47. Substance Abuse and Homelessness. National Coalition for the Homeless, July 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/addiction.pdf>.

 

3rd paper Rough Draft

Suffrage in Our Home Country: Homelessness and Living in Poverty

 

Approximately 3.5 million Americans, 1.35 million of them being children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year. (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2003). Homelessness and poverty are two different situations, but both entail suffrage. No one deserves to be without a home, but people are losing them daily. With the rising costs of basic needs like food, it is becoming extremely difficult to make a living in today’s economy. It just simply does not seem fair that even with a job, you can still be living in poverty and/or homeless. But, in the United States this is a true statement for many Americans. Children shouldn’t be without a meal merely because their parent(s) cannot afford to feed them dinner that night. There are numerous amounts of reasons as to why people fall into poverty; but there are also plenty of things we can do to help, as well as reasons to debunk why people become homeless.

The most basic reasoning as to why people end up homeless or in extreme poverty is drug and alcohol abuse. In fact, two thirds of homeless people do have a problem with substance/drug abuse. (Leal, 2009). But, instead of shaming those who make these choices and suffer the consequences, there must be support provided to those in these situations. Mental illness, loss of a job, and/or highered cost of rent are also common reasons for homelessness and poverty, which aren’t always being that exact persons fault. We as a country need to tend to the needs of these people, not just watch our brothers and sisters fall deeper in deeper in personal suffrage.

A major reason as to why this country has even gotten itself into this mess is that funding has majorly decreased for low income homes. In 1970, there was a surplus of 300,000 affordable housing units in the U.S. But then, in the 1980s, affordable housing began to evaporate. The Reagan administration slashed funding. Federal spending on housing assistance fell by 50 percent between 1976 and 2002. At the same time, gentrification sped up, with cities getting rid of cheap housing like single room occupancy units and replacing them with more expensive stock, and units being built were more often for co-ops and condos for ownership instead of rent. (Covert, 2013)

After discussing why it is necessary to put an end to homeless and poverty as well as the trials and tribulations along the way, it is appropriate discuss how we can take a stand on homelessness, as well as decreasing poverty. The simple trick is that in order to help each other, we must first make sure we are secure. Why is it that Selena Gomez can rack in 3 million a year, yet many Americans find it difficult to get over 10 dollars an hour? The answer is simple, our priorities are completely messed up. The millions of dollars shelled out every year to simply provide entertainment must stop, and more money must be implemented to helping the majority of our people. There are more people homeless/living in poverty than there are celebrities, so why not pay them the millions?

The topic of homelessness and poverty will be never ending. It will always exist in America, because that’s the tone we have set many years ago. The idea that paying professional  football players millions is more important than being confident that that high school football player will or will not be provided a meal that night. Americans are too consumed with themselves and their big cars and big houses to pay attention to those in need.

 

Works Cited

 

"National Poverty Center | University of Michigan." RSS. Ed. Robert Michael and Contance Citro.      National Academy Press, 2003. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://www.npc.umich.edu/poverty/#TOP>.

Covert, Bryce. "It Would Actually Be Very Simple To End Homelessness Forever." It Would Actually Be Very Simple To End Homelessness Forever Comments. Think Progress, 09 Oct. 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/10/09/3577980/end-homelessness/>.

Leal, Daniel, Marc Galanter, Helen Dermatis, and Laurence Westreich. "Correlates of Protracted Homelessness in a Sample of Dually Diagnosed Psychiatric Inpatients." Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 16.2 (1999): 143-47. Substance Abuse and Homelessness. National Coalition for the Homeless, July 2009. Web. 23 Nov. 2015. <http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/addiction.pdf>.

In Class Lab- Incorporating Sources Effectively

Quotation from an online magazine with no page numbers-


1)  In an interview with a man named Kirk on the Think Progress Magazine website, the homeless man states, "All the other stresses of not having any money, not having anything good happen to you in the last four or five days, these things weigh very heavily when you’re looking for work." 

Paraphrase from an online magazine with no page numbers-
2) In her Interview Magazine conversation with the Here To Help foundation, Emily Didenko spends her time helping the homeless youth.
Paired quotations from a book with page numbers-
3) According to James Jordan, author for religious based homelessness studies, "The basis of solving a hardship must begin with faith in our lord." (56). In his book The Dispossessed he tells us "I had a “guardian angel a friend , follow close behind me. I scouted out the areas I was going ahead of time so I would not go blind."

WORKS CITED

Collab: Similarities and Differences in Spriggs Essay

Similarities

·         

      All three articles state positions clearly

·         All articles similar to Spriggs’ essay include appropriate background information

·         All articles have authoritative tones which is similar to Spriggs.

·         All articles appeal to the readers values (pathos).

Similarities/Differences

·      

             Half of the group articles include responses to what others have said or done

·         A third of the group articles include clear indications of why the topic matters as does Spriggs.

·         A third of the group articles include evidence to their arguments which is similar to Spriggs’ essay.

·         A third of the group articles include more than one point of view which is similar to Spriggs’ essay.

·         Two thirds of the group articles address global issues which is similar to what Spriggs addresses. 

“On Buying Local” by Katherine Spriggs Reflection Questions

1)      Katherine Spriggs has convinced me that this is a topic of importance.  The author stated many valid reasons as to why buying local is better for the environment, more cost effective, and is smarter economically. She establishes the importance of her topic by providing readers with the “if we don’t do this, then this will be the outcome” kind of reasoning. For many Americans this is the kind of wake-up call needed in order to solve these kinds of issues.

2)      Spriggs considers several counterarguments to her statements. These include that buying local can have negative environmental effects. One source states that trying to grow food all around the world would be a waste of time and energy. Spriggs replies with “Buying local should instead focus on buying as much as possible from nearby farmers.” Another argument; buying local will be detrimental to the environment because small farms are not as efficient in their use of resources as large farms. Spriggs counters this argument by stating that “This is a common misconception and actually depends on how economists measure efficiency.

3)      I found the beginning portion of Katherine Sprigg’s essay especially effective. She opened with a striking statement about how it’s basically a luxury that we Americans can for the most part eat any fruit, any time of the year, anywhere.  She then dives into the importance of why that is so wrong, and how harmful it is to the environment and a bit of the economy. She also then begins to explain her main points on why buying local is so important. 

4)      The photos Spriggs includes in her essay provide an excellent visual to small monoculture farms vs. large ones. The argument about cost of transportation is included, as well as a counterargument about how large farms are more efficient in the total output of one crop per acre.

Similarities Between Impaired Driving Videos

·      

           - They all targeted their audience on a Pathos level.

·        - The other methods (logos and ethos) weren’t used as much.

·         -The music created the sad, wistful, and ambiance mood.

·        - They seemed like the deaths could have been easily prevented.

·        - Target audience: teenage drivers.

·         -Close-ups showed emotions on the family member’s faces.

·         -After the tragedies, foundations were created to help prevent other families from going through the same hardships

In Class Lab: How things mean

Peace Sign Buttons:

What do they suggest?

They suggest to have peace, and make love rather than war.  With one widely known sign for peace it can get the message across easier.  The slogan: “Make love, not war,” is widely known and provides a unified message of anti war, as well as suggesting a replacement for war.  These replacements being things such as love, art, and peace.

How do they suggest it?

They suggest these ideas by the famous slogan, as well as the widely known peace sign.  Making buttons and other campaign advertisements etc is a great way to get the word out and give the message attention.  

Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

The first button is overused and has been used for a while, and not as powerful on its own.  All it states is “Peace” which is a good message in its simplicity, but does not give a clear argument or stance.  However, the second button provides a clear stance or message to add on to peace.  It provides an alternative for war.

Symbols of Patriotism:

What do they suggest?

They suggest that their given countries are really great. They express pride in their country, and they want to cultivate that pride in any citizen who sees it. Each image represents a different ideal for that country, strength, power, toughness, and perseverance through time.

How do they suggest it?

The bald eagle is a symbol of freedom and power, and stamping the american flag over its face suggests that America is strong and free like a bald eagle. The bulldog looks tough and strong in a similar way, and showing it with the British flag connects Great Britain to the power and toughness of that animal. The French image shows France’s famous motto, “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite,” engraved into what looks like the side of a building. This motto comes from the French revolution, identifying France with the democratic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Visualizing this saying engraved on a wall shows that it will last a long time, saying that France’s ideals will last through time.

Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

Each visual shows something highly identifiable with a citizen of that given country. As an American, I know that the bald eagle is a huge symbol of my country and my country’s power and leadership. Likewise, the British flag and famous French motto are like that for a British or French person.  

Thesis: These images want to inspire patriotism by connecting symbols of their country to symbols of power, toughness, and perseverance.

• The bald eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom, and is connected to America by pasting the American flag physically on the eagle
• The bulldog is standing on the British flag,like a protector, embodying the toughness and strength of the country
• engraving the motto of France into stone represents the perseverance of the country, saying that their ideas and strength will never fade
• The peace signs are also a classic American message that convey the idea of positivity and love in place of war.  

Reading Sources Critically

Reading Sources Critically

1. What arguments does the author make?

Tim Wise has one position, the position that states that all white people simply don’t have the right to use ‘the n word.’  His argument states that he does feel a similar way when outsiders use the term ‘redneck,’ because he could be considered one, though the term redneck isn’t nearly as offensive as the n word because of its history.

2. How persuasive do you find the argument?

Tim Wise’s argument was very persuasive because his tone wasn’t necessarily demanding or angry sounding, the whole argument was laid back, relatable, and laughable.  It was this way so much so that it didn’t seem like an argument, though it was persuasive enough to get his point across.  Tim Wise paraphrases a conversation with a student who states; “Well my black friends use it... ...why can’t I use it?  It is a double standard to say!” Where Tim replies: “Well yeah, but history has been a double standard so get the hell over it”  This is a very laughable way to talk about it, but still gets the point across loud and clear.

3. What is the author’s stance?

Tim’s stance is honestly the only valid viewpoint.  The only other stance would be the one that states racism is okay, which is so unacceptable that there isn’t a point to argue it from that stance.

4. Does the publisher bring a certain stance to the work?

The “publisher” here is Boston College, the host of Tim Wise’s lecture. Boston College has had a division dedicated to diversity, the Office of Institutional Diversity, established since 2004. This program’s mission is to “ through effective management of our diversity, is to create a competitive advantage for the University, and at the same time to help us live out the social justice imperatives inherent in our Jesuit and Catholic heritage.” It is clear that they are trying to bring diversity into their school, shown here and in the fact that they hosted Tim Wise at all.

5. Do you recognize ideas you’ve run across in other sources?

Some of us have personal experience with this situation, and we find that it varies person to person who will be offended by that word. How offended an individual person will be will greatly differ depending on your relationship with them, and how they personally feel about it.  It also depends on the culture you are from, and where you are in the world. However, it is agreed that in general, you shouldn’t use that word.

6. Does this source support or challenge your own position--or does it do both ?

We agree with the position taken in the video. If someone or some group is being offended by the use of that word, it is right to respect their opinion, especially since we are not a part of that race and culture.

7. What can you tell about the intended AUDIENCE and PURPOSE?

The audience is intended to be for anyone who is not black. The main purpose is to talk about the use of the “N” word, more specifically how it should not be used. The historical connotation of that word is too strong for anyone other than black people to use it and not be inherently offensive. A person who’s not a part of that racial group doesn’t have the right to use that word.

Paper #2

The Ugly side of Beauty: An advertising analysis

 

Popular opinion would suggest that the modern era congests us with manipulating beauty ads, but advertisements have been at it much longer than 15 years. Ever since the 20’s makeup ads have been influencing young women into thinking “if I don’t buy that product then I can never be beautiful.” The three ads I have chosen all have one thing in common: each possess obnoxious catch phrases plastered on top of a high fashion model/actress addressing how glamorous you can appear with that one product. The ads are individually thirty years apart but still convey the same message. Advertisers only have one duty, that being to trick and sell. 36 companies in the U.S., according to Advertising Age.com (Austin), spend more than $1 billion a year on ads. An astonishing number, but well worth it considering Americans spend 8 billion dollars on cosmetics each year (Matters of Scale).

The first ad published in 1952 displays Marilyn Monroe, “one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars,” (as stated in the ad) striking a pose for Westmore Hollywood Cosmetics. The Tru-Glo liquid makeup is evidently supposed to vanish all of your imperfections, as most ads promise. On the outside, Marilyn is beaming. Either it’s her “supposedly” internal happiness or the makeup. Advertisers want us to believe that using their products will make you appear more glamorous, which in turn will make you happy. The irony in this is that the model they have used to sport their makeup is actually the best example to prove the falseness of that statement. The glamour factor of the ad though is very apparent. Marilyn’s face is not only showing, but also the top half of her body. Her yellow bustier looking top and bleach blonde hair give her extra glam, along with her glistening earrings. The ad basically promises a Hollywood approved makeup look, which proves the dishonesty of advertisers, and their willingness to trick consumers.

The second advertisement from 1983 presents a woman with a striking pure complexion, bright blue eyes, and pearly white teeth. It’s evident that the product being sold is foundation, but not just because there are six bottles of it on the ad. The main focus is her perfect spot-less skin which draws the consumer in immediately.

What captures the eye even further is the “It’s not just how good you look…but how long you look good.” This statement can only teach two things: If you aren’t wearing a long wearing foundation you won’t look good, but if you do you will look good and for the entire day. This message is obnoxiously self-conceited and doesn’t teach girls anything of importance. It merely teaches that “looking good” and for the whole day should be your only worry. Furthermore, the forged, tasteless smile daubed on the model’s face only makes the ad seem even more insincere.

The final words of the ad state that “Long Wearing make-up by Maybelline keeps you looking good all day.” But what does “looking good” really mean? Looking like the model? Wearing foundation? Or perhaps wearing a foundation that will stay on all day? This ad is misleading and targets naïve young girls that will buy the product because they believe it is the only way to “look good.” Not even considering what that really means and/or the importance of firstly feeling beautiful on the inside.

The third and final ad, published only two years ago highlights the ever so famous model, Kate Moss. She is demonstrating the Rimmel “Scandaleyes Show Off” mascara. The words “STEAL THE SHOW” are enlarged and in black with a pink background, adding additional emphasis on them. The level of self-conceitedness is disgusting. It seems that, to beauty advertisers their only goal is to make women believe that every day should be a competition of “who looks the prettiest.”

Something peculiar about the ad is that Kate’s lashes don’t even stand out much. It isn’t her lashes that “Steal the show” but the fact that she is Kate Moss. Her reputation is what gives her attention, not long, thick lashes. The description of the mascara exudes even more selfishness. A “Breakthrough show off brush” begins the description, and the closing “Don’t be shy!” really completes the whole ad. Like I have repeated throughout my entire analysis essay, it is obnoxiously evident that advertisers go as far as to guilt trip young girls into buying their products. By using catch phrases like “show off” and “steal the show,” young women believe that they must fall prey to those exact words or else they will not be beautiful.

All three advertisers successfully demonstrate their acquired skills to produce advertisements that particularly target young women; misguiding them along the way into believing untrue things. Advertisers only have money on their mind, and will stop at nothing to harvest numbers of ads per year, to reap in the profits.

Something I find extremely important to note, are the changing expressions of all three models throughout the sixty plus years of advertisements. Marilyn Monroe looks genuinely happy in ad number one. The model in ad number two looks like she is faking a smile. And in ad number 3 Kate Moss honestly looks angry, and snotty. She looks unapproachable and gives off the vibe that she is above everyone. It’s noticeable how throughout time, our appreciation for the consumer and product has declined. Although the ads are thirty years apart they still use the same skills and tactics to trick consumers into buying their products.

 Advertisers and sellers were much more genuine years ago, and the products were worth the money spent on them. Nowadays the advertising business is strictly money, which we have witnessed through the hire cost of products and lowered quality. The only way to stand up to advertisers is to not fall prey to their gimmicks, but instead purchase products for your own interest, not just because “Rimmel London” tells you it will make you happier. Instead of using tricks, advertisers would have a much more positive business if they used uplifting slogans to remind every consumer of their inner beauty and self-worth.

Taking Stock of your Writing

1) My thesis consisted of the main idea that advertisers were and are trying to trick us on a daily, to purchase their products. After researching ads, I found 3 all 30 years apart that all conveyed the same message. In order to be considered beautiful and happy you must strive to be the center of attention.

2) The audience I am targeting are mainly young women. As young people, we already easily fall prey to misleading ads that are  intended to make us think and feel bad about ourselves or that we aren't good enough. As young women ads use beauty and fashion to directly stem these thoughts and feelings. Quite frankly for some beauty and fashion make us feel best about ourselves, which is why the advertisers words typically do some work to a majority of young women. I can assume if young women were to read my essay, they would agree with my words.

3) I think I have organized my analysis quite well. I began with an introduction to clarify my main points and thesis. I also stated what all of my ads had in common, and then in their own individual paragraphs, explained them in great detail. I finished with a conclusion to restate my thesis and tie all the ads together.

4) In terms of evidence, I feel I could have included more examples. But, I felt satisfied with what I did include in my analysis.

5) I think that in every paper I write, I am especially talented with creating a lot of detail and throughly explaining my main points. Detail is very important to making your paper interesting to read, so I find that that really helps me in my writing.

6)  In writing there's always room for improvement. Not everything you produce will be perfect, and minor tweaks will always have to be made. I think the overall polishing could've been upgraded a bit, most likely because when I write on a limited time schedule, my best work doesn't always show.

7) For my visuals I included my three advertisements. They of course enhanced my analysis, because they were visual representations of what I was basing my thesis off of. Words to explain your main points always help, as well as having visuals so the reader can actually understand what you're writing about.

8) After having peers read my writing, I gained a bit of confidence knowing that my paper was an interesting read to them. Also, listening to what others would change helps so much with the final polishing process of the paper.

9)  The only thing I would do next time is allow myself more time to go through several editing processes for my paper. We all fall guilty to procrastination, but the reality is that if you allow yourself time to make changes everyday to your paper, the outcome will be much better.

10) I'm very happy with how my analysis came out, because I wrote a topic that I do actually feel strongly about. I learned how just one advertisement can contain so many other hidden messages, and the methods advertisers use to trick young women into buying their products are actually pretty evil.

11) The skills I can take away from this writing assignment are plentiful. First of all time management has to be number one. Reserving time for important assignments is the key to acing them. If you try and scramble at the last minute, your paper may not turn out how you wanted it to. 

Positions Expressed Around me/Citations Collaborative Exercise

Australian Government. Australian Dietary Guidelines. Canberra: Australian Government, 2014.              Healthy Eating for Children. Eat for Health, 2014. Web. 5 Nov. 2015.                                          <https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n55f_children_brochure.pdf

Analysis: This brochure takes a postion on childhood obesity and offers healthy eating tips, as well as an authoritative tone on the topic. They offer serving sizes, healthy habits, and foods you should stay away from for a healthy diet. This topic matters because children are developing many health problems because of obesity, and the Australian Government wants to take a stance on it as soon as possible with healthy eating plans and tips.




Bee, Sacramento, ed. "EBOLA." Abilene Reporter News. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2015.                                <http://www.reporternews.com/news/political-cartoons-10102014>.

Analysis: This cartoon takes a position on the general worries of popular North America. While obesity, tobacco, and alcohol take over 830,000 deaths combined per year, the general population is worried about Ebola. The topic matters because as Americans we are so disconnected with what is already upon us because we spend so much time worrying about what the media and news blows up.



Starbucks. Press Mag Media Launch Campaign to Promote First Starbucks Franchise in the UK.              N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2015. <http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/2/prweb10429058.htm>.

Analysis: This advertisement takes a position on spending more time with friends, while drinking Starbucks coffee. They are persuading the viewer to spend money at their store, but of course for a purpose. This topic matters, because although Starbucks is only making this ad to sell more of their products, the topic at hand is real. People nowadays don't nearly spend as much time with each other as they should, and Starbucks I believe has helped lessen that.

Taking a Position Nov. 5

In the last few days I've taken a position on-

-being a leader at work
-completing a test at school
-time managing homework
-studying for tests
-making time for friends
-what I will eat in a day/where
-what clothes/makeup I will wear


In one day everyone around me is taking a position on something. A mom could mentally be taking a position on what she will make for her family for dinner. A young boy could be taking a position on what car he is going to pull out of his backpack and play with. Everywhere people are making decisions which determine the position they will take to make them.