Interview with an active member of my Fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon.
David Otero: Pledge Class Fall 2011. Barry University. Miami Shores, Florida.
How long have you been an active member of TKE?
About a year and a half
When did you pledge?
Fall 2011
What made you decide to pledge?
Brother was a TKE and friends
Who has influenced you the most throughout your pledging process and brotherhood?
Prytanis Tyler
What role do you currently play in The Fraternity?
Histor - Held the duties of the Historian
How many active members are there?
27 in our Fraternity here at Barry. Biggest Fraternity in the Nation though
Does you consider yourself a fully active member?
Yes
What group activities or projects does your Fraternity have planned in the next few months?
Volunteering at Miami Marlins games when they start up. Chaptering. Formals. Red Carnation Ball.
What is your Fraternities motto?
Love, Charity and Esteem.
What does Love, Charity and Esteem mean as a member of TKE?
The way we should live our lives
What does Love, Charity and Esteem mean to you?
The characteristics exhibited by a true modern gentleman
Is there any jargon, lexis or word usage that is specific to your Fraternity?
Yes. Specifically the Roles we hold and in the meetings and gatherings we have
How can you identify active members?
Handshakes, certain sayings and responses that identify members
How do the members of your Fraternity communicate with one another?
Gatherings, texts, phone calls, skype
How does your Fraternity communicate with it's surrounding society and other branches of the Fraternity?
Volunteering, interacting with food drives and charities, conversing with other branches at national meetings such as Conclave
Did you have to change as an individual in order to join this Fraternity?
Not change, grew up but I am who I was
Has your values or identity changed as an active brother of TKE?
Yes, I am a part of something bigger than myself. My values are with the people I love, my family, friends and fraternal brothers. Of course my education and future are also large priorities
What kind of texts or forms of media does your Fraternity use in day-to-day happenings?
Teke Book, Teke Guide, internet, texts, cell phones, skype, etc.
What distinguishes you as a member of TKE?
My Fraternal beloning can be seen physically in what I wear, my jersey etc. and mentally in how I present myself to others
What distinguishes TKE from other fraternities?
Teke's are held to a higher standard. We are men for others.
Who has authority in The Fraternity and how was it gained?
The President and other active members of holding chair positions. Voting for positions are held every semester.
How does alumni stay involved?
Weekly conversations held with active members. Welcomed to TKE gatherings and meetings.
What costs, both monetary and physically/emotionally/mentally, are involved with affiliating with this Fraternity?
Semester dues as an active member. Sometimes there are situations that are demanding physically, mentally and emotionally.
What information is necessary knowledge upon becoming a brother?
There are tests that pledge brothers must pass in order to become a member. The Teke Guide must be memorized for the most part along with certain sayings
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Post 12
According to Wardle (citing Wenger), what are the three ways that newcomers try to belong in a new community?
According to Wardle, citing Wenger, the three ways that newcomers try to belong in a new community are engagement, imagination, and alignment.
Give a specific example to illustrate each "mode of belonging." Then try to apply these terms to the discourse community you've chosen to study for Project 4.
Each mode of belonging is distinctly different than the others. Engagement is a mode of belonging because each individual in the community must interact with one another in order for the group to successfully grow, develop, and prosper. Imagination is necessary for newcomers to a community because they need to add something to the group in order to prove their value and worth to the community. Using the individual's imagination will allow them to develop new ideas, activites, etc. for the community. Alignment is a mode of belonging because the individual must fit in with the community. In order to fit in, they must abide by the community's regulations, customes, etc. just as the pther members of the community do.
My discourse community, my Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon, exemplifies these three modes of belonging. Each member of Tau Kappa Epsilon must constantly be engaged with not only the other members of the Fraternity, but also the surrounding communityy in order to grow, develop and prosper. Each member of TKE contributes to the community by using their magination in the formation of group meetings, projects with the school and the surroundng society, and functions such as parties and banquets. Each member must properly be aligned with the Fraternity as well. This is done by following the Fraternity's rules and guidelines in our everyday lives.
How do newcomers enculturate in that group?
Newcomers enculturate into the group by pledging. Each brother of TKE has gone through the pledging process in order to become an active member. Once a brother, each individual enculturates into the group by adding their opinions and ideas through things like Fraternal meetings, discussions via text messages, facebook, phone conversations, and engaging possible pledges for the next incoming class of brothers.
According to Wardle, citing Wenger, the three ways that newcomers try to belong in a new community are engagement, imagination, and alignment.
Give a specific example to illustrate each "mode of belonging." Then try to apply these terms to the discourse community you've chosen to study for Project 4.
Each mode of belonging is distinctly different than the others. Engagement is a mode of belonging because each individual in the community must interact with one another in order for the group to successfully grow, develop, and prosper. Imagination is necessary for newcomers to a community because they need to add something to the group in order to prove their value and worth to the community. Using the individual's imagination will allow them to develop new ideas, activites, etc. for the community. Alignment is a mode of belonging because the individual must fit in with the community. In order to fit in, they must abide by the community's regulations, customes, etc. just as the pther members of the community do.
My discourse community, my Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon, exemplifies these three modes of belonging. Each member of Tau Kappa Epsilon must constantly be engaged with not only the other members of the Fraternity, but also the surrounding communityy in order to grow, develop and prosper. Each member of TKE contributes to the community by using their magination in the formation of group meetings, projects with the school and the surroundng society, and functions such as parties and banquets. Each member must properly be aligned with the Fraternity as well. This is done by following the Fraternity's rules and guidelines in our everyday lives.
How do newcomers enculturate in that group?
Newcomers enculturate into the group by pledging. Each brother of TKE has gone through the pledging process in order to become an active member. Once a brother, each individual enculturates into the group by adding their opinions and ideas through things like Fraternal meetings, discussions via text messages, facebook, phone conversations, and engaging possible pledges for the next incoming class of brothers.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Post 11
John Swales created a list of six general characteristics to help define a group of individuals as a discourse community. I will describe each of these six characteristics and relate them to a discourse community I am involved in, my fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon.
1. A discourse community has a broad set of common public goals.
- Tekes live by the motto "Men of Love, Charity and Esteem." Therefore, our set of common public goals is to pursue these three characteristics in and out of our Fraternal life in everyday situations.
2. A discourse community has mechanisms of intercommunication among its members.
2. A discourse community has mechanisms of intercommunication among its members.
-Tekes have a hidden language. There is a way we communicate that is private to our organization alone. We also communicate through weekly meetings and projects, and through technology such as text messaging and our Facebook group.
3. A discourse community uses its participatory mechanisms primarily to provide information and feedback.
3. A discourse community uses its participatory mechanisms primarily to provide information and feedback.
-Tekes share information and provide feedback in every meeting that is held. There is also discussions held on our Facebook page and the TKE homepage through nationals.
4. A discourse community utilizes and hence possesses one or more genres in the communicative furtherance of its aims.
4. A discourse community utilizes and hence possesses one or more genres in the communicative furtherance of its aims.
-Tekes aim to communicate both in our organization and outside our organization when looking for members to pledge. We hold ourselves to high standards so that we are presented to others as proper gentlemen, I see this as non-verbal communication.
5. In addition to owning genres, a discourse community has acquired some specific lexis or terminology.
5. In addition to owning genres, a discourse community has acquired some specific lexis or terminology.
-There is numerous terminology that only members of TKE know. Some may think of these terms to be secrets, but realistically it is our history. Some terms that we use are common of the English language, but hold different meaning in our context.
6. A discourse community has a threshold level of members with a suitable degree of relevant content and discourse expertise.
6. A discourse community has a threshold level of members with a suitable degree of relevant content and discourse expertise.
-TKE is the biggest Fraternity in the nation. Each member is required to know a certain amount of content regarding our history, our present, and our future as The Fraternity.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Post 10
In "From Pencils to Pixels," Baron admits that "How the computer will eventually alter literacy practices remains to be seen" (439). Twelve years later, there are many changes we can discuss that have altered literacy practices. One huge change is the onset and availability of new technologies. Technology has improved drastically over the past twelve years, offering new opportunites for individuals to develop their literacy through computer programs, applications and networking. The availability of text and information on the internet also increases the modern world's literacy because of how easy it makes it to access information that would have been nearly impossible for an individual to gather years ago. Modern technology has completely reformed my literacy practices. Instead of reading a textbook, I find most of the information I need online through my laptop or my Ipad. Even in an oral aspect my literacy has changed with the times. The availability of cell phones and texting has drastically reduced to amount of face time I spend talking with other individuals.
Besides alphabetic writing, there are numerous types of "compusing" I find myself using on a daily basis. I use video nearly every day as a form of literature through programs such as Skype. Skype is a program that allows me to have a personal, face-to-face communication with my family and friends through webcams. Also, I frequently compose music on my guitar, bass, drums and piano. Although I do not use alphabetical writing when composing my music, I still create a piece of literature through developing the musical notes and stringing together a song.
Another form of literature I use that does not involve alphabetical writing is my photography. As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words" and the pictures that I take are not exempt from this statement! I see photography as telling a story through images. A single photo can tell an individual more about a topic than a novel. It often just leaves the interpretation up to the beholder.
Besides alphabetic writing, there are numerous types of "compusing" I find myself using on a daily basis. I use video nearly every day as a form of literature through programs such as Skype. Skype is a program that allows me to have a personal, face-to-face communication with my family and friends through webcams. Also, I frequently compose music on my guitar, bass, drums and piano. Although I do not use alphabetical writing when composing my music, I still create a piece of literature through developing the musical notes and stringing together a song.
Another form of literature I use that does not involve alphabetical writing is my photography. As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words" and the pictures that I take are not exempt from this statement! I see photography as telling a story through images. A single photo can tell an individual more about a topic than a novel. It often just leaves the interpretation up to the beholder.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Post 9
A literacy event is defined by Heath as "any action sequence, involving one or more persons, in which the production and/or comprehension of print plays a role” (445). She believes that in order to have a better understanding and comprehension of the forms and functions of traditional orality and literacy in today's society as well as the connections between spoken and written language, one must examine the literacy events. Heath reaches the conclusion that more literacy events call for forms and uses of speech than reading and writing and that they often spend more time developing their oral communication skills, which better serve their daily needs.
In Trackton, Heath observes some of the literacy events amongst the children and the adults of the community. Heath says that children “achieve their meaning as communicators and their sense of their own worth as communicators through responses they obtain from their oral language, not in terms of response in a one-on-one siuation of reading a book with an adult” (462).
This is relative to Sherman's Superman and Me because it is a narrative that puts the reader in the perspective of Native Americans. It shares with the audience how Native Americans feel they are perceived by the rest of the world. The actions which effect this culture plays a role in the production and comprehension of the print.
Both of these readings connect perspectives of society with literature. The literacy events form a narrative just as the people in a society form a culture.
In Trackton, Heath observes some of the literacy events amongst the children and the adults of the community. Heath says that children “achieve their meaning as communicators and their sense of their own worth as communicators through responses they obtain from their oral language, not in terms of response in a one-on-one siuation of reading a book with an adult” (462).
This is relative to Sherman's Superman and Me because it is a narrative that puts the reader in the perspective of Native Americans. It shares with the audience how Native Americans feel they are perceived by the rest of the world. The actions which effect this culture plays a role in the production and comprehension of the print.
Both of these readings connect perspectives of society with literature. The literacy events form a narrative just as the people in a society form a culture.
Monday, February 6, 2012
A Rhetorical Analysis of The Most Interesting Man in the World
Grant-Davie views a rhetorical situation as a situation where the speaker or the writer sees a need to change reality and sees that change may be effected through rhetorical discourse. He attempts to establish a thoroughly developed scheme for analyzing rhetorical situations by distinguishing the exigence, rhetor, audience and constraints demonstrated in the work. He believes that there is much value in learning how to establish a rhetorical situation."Exigence, rhetor, audience and constraints can interlace with each other, and the further one delves into a situation the more connections between them are likely to appear." (119) He reaches this conclusion after examining Loyd Bitzer's, Richard Vatz's and Scott Consigny's contrasting definitions of a rhetorical situation.
Gender roles and gender identities are clearly the matter of discussion demonstrated in this Dos Equis advertisement. Grant-Davie establishes three key questions one must ask themselves in their attempt to define the exigence: What is the discourse about? Why is it needed? and What should it accomplish? The exigence is that men, at times, have trouble at finding woman and talking to them. The exigence is also focused on man's strive for perfection.
The rhetor would be the Dos Equis man himself, aka "The man all men wish they could be like." Grant Davie believes that many solutions involve many rhetors at times, and that figuring out exactly who the rhetor is may not be as easy as we think or would like it to be. Ironically, I believe Dos Equis made this rhetor obvious to establish a commercial and a character that is just completely outrageous. Dos Equis is almost poking fun at other commercials that show "men being men" by saying "Our guy is the most manliest man in the world!"
Although Grant Davie believes that the characteristics that define audience are highly unstable, the audience for this advertisement is clear cut. This advertisement is intended to appeal to men. Specifically, these ads target men that are of legal drinking age. It focuses on the audiences' insecurities. There seems to be many negative constraints, or liabilities, in this advertisement.
Grant Davie believes that constraints can be anything or anyone, except the rhetor and the audience, that makes an audience member more or less likely to agree with a particular discourse. The legal drinking age could count as a constraint considering it creates limitations on who the advertisement targets and reaches out to. The saying is somewhat of a constraint as well because some people may not be able to comprehend it. "Happy hour is the hour after everyone from happy hour has left." Even those who do understand this statement could see it as a constraint because it comes across as arrogance. The statement places an image in the audiences' perspective that Dos Equis drinkers believe that they are better than the ordinary beer drinker. His appearance can come across as both a negative constraint and a positive constraint, an asset to the advertisement. Again, his fine suit along with his cigar in hand makes him seem almost arrogant and cocky. At the same time, his appearance can be seen as a form of credibility or ethos. A well dressed man, who seems to exhibit all of the luxuries in life, comes across as both knowledgeable and trustworthy. Another negative constraint is the fact that it only seems to target heterosexual men, not reaching woman and the gay community. Although women and homosexual men might be physically attracted to the Dos Equis man, the commercials appeal to the pathos of heterosexual men. This advertisement specifically demonstrates the appeal to the pathos of heterosexual men by the way the two women are completely enamored with his manliness, while he stares away from them seemingly waving off their attention. Personal taste and opinion of the audience is a constraint that is basically uncontrollable, but could turn people away from Dos Equis as well.
The argument the rhetor/creator of this ad is trying to make is that the Most Interesting Man in the World is "intelligent, well versed in the ways of the world, detached, experienced, irresistible to females, physically capable and ultimately, a high class non-American that seems to be worlds apart from the average Budwiser drinker." The rhetor/creator of the visual wants the audience to desire to be like the Dos Equis man/with the Dos Equis man. They want the audience to think that he is what all men want to be and who all women want to be with. They give Dos Equis' drinkers this delusion of granger that by drinking Dos Equis they are desirable.
The "Most Interesting Man in the World" campaign exemplifies all three rhetorical strategies: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. Logos is simply an appeal to the logic of the audience. It is prevalent in this ad because it tries to make the audience assume that logically if you drink Dos Equis you will live the unbelievable life of the Dos Equis Man. Ethos is simply an appeal to the reputation and the credibility of the main character that is the focus of this ad. The Most Interesting Man in the World's reputation and credibility is developed through his appearance as well as numerous commercials shown on television. In these ads and commercials he is seen as a lady’s man, tough guy, party animal, and an all around admired person over and over again, building his credibility to consumers. RhetorsEquis man and think, "If he can do all this, why couldn't I?" Every human wants to be loved and adored, and almost every human feels as though they have a higher calling and wish they could experience more in life. This ad triggers these emotions subconsciously, rather the audience realizes it does or not.
I believe that this ad is somewhat successful considering how recognizable the Dos Equis man has become and the reputation this ad has made for the company. As far as it's popularity is concerned, I never even heard of Dos Equis prior to the beginning of this campaign. If you ask someone about the reputation of Dos Equis, they will almost immediately respond with an answer regarding the Most Interesting Man in the World ads.
Gender roles and gender identities are clearly the matter of discussion demonstrated in this Dos Equis advertisement. Grant-Davie establishes three key questions one must ask themselves in their attempt to define the exigence: What is the discourse about? Why is it needed? and What should it accomplish? The exigence is that men, at times, have trouble at finding woman and talking to them. The exigence is also focused on man's strive for perfection. The rhetor would be the Dos Equis man himself, aka "The man all men wish they could be like." Grant Davie believes that many solutions involve many rhetors at times, and that figuring out exactly who the rhetor is may not be as easy as we think or would like it to be. Ironically, I believe Dos Equis made this rhetor obvious to establish a commercial and a character that is just completely outrageous. Dos Equis is almost poking fun at other commercials that show "men being men" by saying "Our guy is the most manliest man in the world!"
Although Grant Davie believes that the characteristics that define audience are highly unstable, the audience for this advertisement is clear cut. This advertisement is intended to appeal to men. Specifically, these ads target men that are of legal drinking age. It focuses on the audiences' insecurities. There seems to be many negative constraints, or liabilities, in this advertisement.
Grant Davie believes that constraints can be anything or anyone, except the rhetor and the audience, that makes an audience member more or less likely to agree with a particular discourse. The legal drinking age could count as a constraint considering it creates limitations on who the advertisement targets and reaches out to. The saying is somewhat of a constraint as well because some people may not be able to comprehend it. "Happy hour is the hour after everyone from happy hour has left." Even those who do understand this statement could see it as a constraint because it comes across as arrogance. The statement places an image in the audiences' perspective that Dos Equis drinkers believe that they are better than the ordinary beer drinker. His appearance can come across as both a negative constraint and a positive constraint, an asset to the advertisement. Again, his fine suit along with his cigar in hand makes him seem almost arrogant and cocky. At the same time, his appearance can be seen as a form of credibility or ethos. A well dressed man, who seems to exhibit all of the luxuries in life, comes across as both knowledgeable and trustworthy. Another negative constraint is the fact that it only seems to target heterosexual men, not reaching woman and the gay community. Although women and homosexual men might be physically attracted to the Dos Equis man, the commercials appeal to the pathos of heterosexual men. This advertisement specifically demonstrates the appeal to the pathos of heterosexual men by the way the two women are completely enamored with his manliness, while he stares away from them seemingly waving off their attention. Personal taste and opinion of the audience is a constraint that is basically uncontrollable, but could turn people away from Dos Equis as well.
The argument the rhetor/creator of this ad is trying to make is that the Most Interesting Man in the World is "intelligent, well versed in the ways of the world, detached, experienced, irresistible to females, physically capable and ultimately, a high class non-American that seems to be worlds apart from the average Budwiser drinker." The rhetor/creator of the visual wants the audience to desire to be like the Dos Equis man/with the Dos Equis man. They want the audience to think that he is what all men want to be and who all women want to be with. They give Dos Equis' drinkers this delusion of granger that by drinking Dos Equis they are desirable.
The "Most Interesting Man in the World" campaign exemplifies all three rhetorical strategies: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. Logos is simply an appeal to the logic of the audience. It is prevalent in this ad because it tries to make the audience assume that logically if you drink Dos Equis you will live the unbelievable life of the Dos Equis Man. Ethos is simply an appeal to the reputation and the credibility of the main character that is the focus of this ad. The Most Interesting Man in the World's reputation and credibility is developed through his appearance as well as numerous commercials shown on television. In these ads and commercials he is seen as a lady’s man, tough guy, party animal, and an all around admired person over and over again, building his credibility to consumers. RhetorsEquis man and think, "If he can do all this, why couldn't I?" Every human wants to be loved and adored, and almost every human feels as though they have a higher calling and wish they could experience more in life. This ad triggers these emotions subconsciously, rather the audience realizes it does or not.
I believe that this ad is somewhat successful considering how recognizable the Dos Equis man has become and the reputation this ad has made for the company. As far as it's popularity is concerned, I never even heard of Dos Equis prior to the beginning of this campaign. If you ask someone about the reputation of Dos Equis, they will almost immediately respond with an answer regarding the Most Interesting Man in the World ads.
References
Grant-Davie, Keith. "Rhetorical Situations and Their Constituents." Writing about Writing. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2011.119. Print.
""Most Interesting Man in the World (Happy Hour)" Print Ad for Dos Equis Beer by Euro Rscg Worldwide-new York." Creative Advertising & Commercials Archive. Awarded Ads Database. Web. 06 Feb. 2012. http://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/prints/dos-equis-beer-most-interesting-man-in-the-world-happy-hour-11012255/.
"Dos Equis’ Most Interesting Man Sports Manliness in the Traditional Sense « Megafauna." Megafauna. Web. 06 Feb. 2012. <http://alexanderarmero.com/2011/02/28/dos-equis-most-interesting-advertisement-male-identity/>.
Post 8
A Literacy sponsor explains how larger economic and social forces impact the development of an individual’s literacy. One of Malcolm X's literacy sponsors was a man named Elijah Muhammad, the leader of Nation of Islam, who created a United States mailing campaign that gave money to prisoners that would write a one page letter to him. A prison educational program at that time provided the tools for prisoners to learn how to read and write. Therefore, his other sponsors were the prison workers along with the family members that visited him. On a side note, it is also known that Malcolm X copied an entire dictionary while in prison because of his fascination with learning and words. His socioeconomic conditions contingent on race and class determined his access to sponsors because of how limited his opportunities were to contact sponsors and to communicate with them. Malcolm X's literacy sponsors constrained and negatively impacted his literacy acquisition because he they were also limited in their abilities and honestly could only do so much to develop Malcolm X's reading and writing skills. Also, I could not see the educational system in a prison caring too much about furthering prisoners educational abilities. Prison wardens along with guards probably would not be too happy about an African American prisoner being educated in their prison system. It is a shame that racism was so prevalent in our country's history. It can still be seen, especially in our prison system, across our nation till this day. Malcolm X is a great example of an individual that had the will to strive and succeed against all odds and can serve as a role model for individuals of all races.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Yeah... Rough Draft
Gender Roles/Gender Identities are clearly the matter of discussion demonstrated here. The exigence is that men, at times, have trouble at finding woman and talking to them. The exigence is also focused on man's strive for perfection. The rhetor would be the Dos Equis man himself, aka "The man all men wish they could be like." The audience is men in general. Specifically, these ads target men that are of legal drinking age. It focuses on the audiences' insecurities. The legal drinking age could also count as a constraint. The saying is somewhat of a constraint because some people may not be able to comprehend it. The fact that it only targets heterosexual men creates a constraint not reaching woman and the gay community. Personal taste and opinion is a constraint that turns people away from Dos Equis as well.
The argument the rhetor/creator of this ad is trying to make is that the Most Interesting Man in the World is intelligent, well versed in the ways of the world, detached, experienced, irresistible to females, physically capable and ultimately, a high class non-American that seems to be worlds apart from the average Budwiser drinker. The rhetor/creator of the visual wants the audience to desire to be like the Dos Equis man/with the Dos Equis man. They want the audience to think that he is what all men want to be and who all women want to be with. They give Dos Equis' drinkers this delusion of dranger that by drinking Dos Equis they are desirable.
The "Most Interesting Man in the World" campaign exemplifies all three rhetorical strategies: Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. Logos is simply an appeal to the logic of the audience. It is prevalent in this ad because it tries to make the audience assume that logically if you drink Dos Equis you will live the unbelievable life of the Dos Equis Man. Ethos is simply an appeal to the reputation and the credibility of the main character that is the focus of this ad. The Most Interesting Man in the World's reputation and credibility is developed through his appearance as well as numerous commercials shown on television. In these ads and commercials he is seen as a lady’s man, tough guy, party animal, and an all around admired person over and over again, building his credibility to consumers. I found the campaign’s use of pathos very interesting, sneaky even. Pathos is simply an appeal to the audience's emotions. This ad attempts to connect to the audience emotionally by making the audience feel as though they need to feel loved, needed, affiliated and respected. It also makes the audience feel as though they should be doing more with their life. They see the Dos Equis man and think, "If he can do all this, why couldn't I?" Every human wants to be loved and adored, and almost every human feels as though they have a higher calling and wish they could experience more in life. This ad triggers these emotions subconsiously, rather the audience realizes it does or not.
I believe that this ad is somewhat successful considering how recognizable the Dos Equis man has become and the reputation this ad has made for the company. As far as it's popularity is concerned, I never even heard of Dos Equis prior to the beginning of this campaign. If you ask someone about the reputation of Dos Equis, they will almost immediately respond with an answer regarding the Most Interesting Man in the World ads.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Post 6
If you are a man, you drink Dos Equis. If you want woman, you drink Dos Equis. Gender Roles/Gender Identities are clearly the matter of discussion demonstrated here. Grant-Davie attempts to establish and distinguish the exigence, rhetor, audience and constraints demonstrated in the rhetorical situation. In the image posted below, the exigence is that men, at times, have trouble at finding woman and talking to them. The exigence is also focused on man's strive for perfection. The rhetor would be the Dos Equis man himself, aka "The man all men wish they could be like." The audience is men in general. Specifically, these ads target men that are of legal drinking age. It focuses on the audiences' insecurities. The legal drinking age could also count as a constraint. The saying is somewhat of a constraint because some people may not be able to comprehend it. The fact that it only targets heterosexual men creates a constraint not reaching woman and the gay community. Personal taste and opinion is a constraint that turns people away from Dos Equis as well.
In comparison to "Backpacks v. Briefcases," Grant-Davie's perception comes across a little more straight-forward. His definitions and examples paint a vivid picture in describing and explaining rhetorical situations.
In comparison to "Backpacks v. Briefcases," Grant-Davie's perception comes across a little more straight-forward. His definitions and examples paint a vivid picture in describing and explaining rhetorical situations.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Post 5
Honestly, this is a very difficult example to come up with! Since there has not been any political commercials released yet for the 2012 election, at least none that I have seen, the only example of rhetoric I can come up with that I come across on a daily basis are the signs that are put up in my apartment complex. These signs are somewhat typical for a complex completely occupied by college students: "Please dispose of trash properly, failure to do so will result in fines." printed above a cartoon showing individuals plaving trash in a steel can.
There are many factors that must be considered by the landowners and management before placing these warnings around the complex. First, the locations which they are placed must be carefully considered to make sure that all residents will be exposed to them on the way to their apartments. Second, they must consider the audience (residents). Clearly, there must be a problem with trash disposal, otherwise there would be no reason to put up all of these signs all of a sudden. Therefore, they must realize that the residents are either 1. Lazy or 2. Unsatisfied with the location or availability of the dumpster. Regardless, This exigence is the reasoning behind the signs being placed.
There are a handful of constraints that may restrict the persuasive strategy of the landowners and management. First, they cannot make the residents stop and read these signs, and there is a slight possibility that some of the residents do not pass them at all. They could take the time and make the effort to place a warning on every resident's door, but some residents might look at it as a threat considering they are try to persuade them with negative reinforcement in a fine. Another constraint is the fact that they cannot make the residents heed their warnings. If the residents do not bother to dispose of their trash properly after seeing the signs, then the signs clearly had zero affectiveness in persuading them. Although I do believe the majority of residents will make the effort to avoid the consequences, I guarantee there will be a select few that will blow it off.
There are many factors that must be considered by the landowners and management before placing these warnings around the complex. First, the locations which they are placed must be carefully considered to make sure that all residents will be exposed to them on the way to their apartments. Second, they must consider the audience (residents). Clearly, there must be a problem with trash disposal, otherwise there would be no reason to put up all of these signs all of a sudden. Therefore, they must realize that the residents are either 1. Lazy or 2. Unsatisfied with the location or availability of the dumpster. Regardless, This exigence is the reasoning behind the signs being placed.
There are a handful of constraints that may restrict the persuasive strategy of the landowners and management. First, they cannot make the residents stop and read these signs, and there is a slight possibility that some of the residents do not pass them at all. They could take the time and make the effort to place a warning on every resident's door, but some residents might look at it as a threat considering they are try to persuade them with negative reinforcement in a fine. Another constraint is the fact that they cannot make the residents heed their warnings. If the residents do not bother to dispose of their trash properly after seeing the signs, then the signs clearly had zero affectiveness in persuading them. Although I do believe the majority of residents will make the effort to avoid the consequences, I guarantee there will be a select few that will blow it off.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Post 4
*What harm is there, according to Porter, in imagining writing "as individual, as isolated, as heroic"? What problems does doing so cause?
Porter's writing is both intriguing and creative, yet highly debatable in my opinion. He holds a strong belief that all texts are intertextual, which means they rely on previous works to have meaning. I agree with him to this extent. One's writing is based on what they have learned or been exposed to in the past. In Porter's eyes, imagining writing as individual, isolated, or as heroic is imagining writing in a ignorant, almost uneducated perspective, at least that is how his opinion came across to me in his writing. He believes that in order for a work of writing to be successful it must be accepted by society or at least select readers. Therefore, their work cannot be inclusive.
He argues that intertextuality provides rhetoric with an important perspective, a perspective that is currently neglected according to him, and he sees this as a problem. Another aspect he points out is that the attention of authoritive figures is less significant than social context in our society. He believes the writer is simply a part of a discourse tradition, a member of a team, and a participant in a community of discourse that creates its own collective meaning. Rather we realize it or not, believing that our writings are not intertextual is nonsense. Having that prospective can cause complications in regards to plagiarism. Complications can also arise in the distrubtion of the work, connecting with the society around us, considering there would be no writings to relate their work to.
Porter's writing is both intriguing and creative, yet highly debatable in my opinion. He holds a strong belief that all texts are intertextual, which means they rely on previous works to have meaning. I agree with him to this extent. One's writing is based on what they have learned or been exposed to in the past. In Porter's eyes, imagining writing as individual, isolated, or as heroic is imagining writing in a ignorant, almost uneducated perspective, at least that is how his opinion came across to me in his writing. He believes that in order for a work of writing to be successful it must be accepted by society or at least select readers. Therefore, their work cannot be inclusive.
He argues that intertextuality provides rhetoric with an important perspective, a perspective that is currently neglected according to him, and he sees this as a problem. Another aspect he points out is that the attention of authoritive figures is less significant than social context in our society. He believes the writer is simply a part of a discourse tradition, a member of a team, and a participant in a community of discourse that creates its own collective meaning. Rather we realize it or not, believing that our writings are not intertextual is nonsense. Having that prospective can cause complications in regards to plagiarism. Complications can also arise in the distrubtion of the work, connecting with the society around us, considering there would be no writings to relate their work to.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Post 3
The following is based on the readings of Stuart Greene's "Argument as Conversation" and Michael Kleine's "What is it we do when we write articles like this."
Greene and Kleine speak of two different modes in regards to doing research. Greene focuses on a concept of research that is based on an argumentative approach. The individual conducting this research is aiming to find reason and meaning behind their stance in the argument, putting themselves in the argument in one side or the other. Kleine on the other hand focuses on a concept of research that is based on information and facts. Instead of choosing a side, the individual conducting this research is looking at the big picture, trying to figure out the most useful and valuable information.
I feel like each author prefers/recommends their own mode of research. Although they seem to be writing to individuals conducting research at all levels, Greene's writing seems to appeal more so to the average college student. While Kleine's writing comes across as appealing to individuals such as professors. These audiences vary and change the content of the writing just based on the structure that both Greene and Kleine have in getting their points across. Greene's structure is very opinionated and confrontational, which parallels the mindset of most college students. While Kleine's structure is more straight-forward yet open-minded to the big picture.
Personally, I enjoyed reading Greene's mode of research more so than Kleine's. I felt that his writing appealed more to me and honestly I could relate to his concept of seeing research as an argumentative conversation. Both articles were interesting and informative.
Greene and Kleine speak of two different modes in regards to doing research. Greene focuses on a concept of research that is based on an argumentative approach. The individual conducting this research is aiming to find reason and meaning behind their stance in the argument, putting themselves in the argument in one side or the other. Kleine on the other hand focuses on a concept of research that is based on information and facts. Instead of choosing a side, the individual conducting this research is looking at the big picture, trying to figure out the most useful and valuable information.
I feel like each author prefers/recommends their own mode of research. Although they seem to be writing to individuals conducting research at all levels, Greene's writing seems to appeal more so to the average college student. While Kleine's writing comes across as appealing to individuals such as professors. These audiences vary and change the content of the writing just based on the structure that both Greene and Kleine have in getting their points across. Greene's structure is very opinionated and confrontational, which parallels the mindset of most college students. While Kleine's structure is more straight-forward yet open-minded to the big picture.
Personally, I enjoyed reading Greene's mode of research more so than Kleine's. I felt that his writing appealed more to me and honestly I could relate to his concept of seeing research as an argumentative conversation. Both articles were interesting and informative.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Post 2
Prior to the reading, I thought of Wikipedia as a secondary source for information. I would take my chances browsing the internet through search engines such as Google for specific websites that related to the topic at hand. Over the years, I have only heard negative things about Wikipedia through teachers, students, etc. The website has somewhat of a stigma that comes along with it, since it appears to be very opinion-based and open to fault due to the freedom of postings. I have to admit it, despite the many warnings I have received, I have used Wikipedia numerous times as a source for varies papers. I also tend to use the site as a "quick fix" for getting immediate answers and information online. Wikipedia always seems to come up as the first link in a Google search, so I tend to click on it more often than not.
After the readings, I realize the valuable potential Wikipedia truly has as a source and finding sources through the website. I always saw the external links throughout my Wikipedia searches and at the bottom of the pages but I never really gave them a second look of took advantage of them. Although there is a common misconception that anyone can post anything on Wikipedia, I knew that the people that run the website check postings before they are officially placed on their website because I have tried to post something "goofy" about my brother on there in the past. I still believe that I should be careful when using Wikipedia as a source by checking the sources each page lists and maybe varifying the information on other websites, but the readings give Wikipedia a little more value and credit in my book. One thing that really stood out to me is the fact that you can see how a page has developed on the website, this was something I did not know prior to the readings. I also never knew about the five pillars that form Wikipedia's fundamental principles of operations. These guidelines make Wikipedia a more valuable source, more reliable, and provide freedom while maintaining regulations and a safe, user friendly environment.
There is much to learn about academic and research-based writing from the processes that happen on Wikipedia. The reviewing, conversing, revising, and sharing processes that Wikipedia uses can be seen as a valuable model for how we should base our writing process. Following these same steps will help us develop, refine, and broaden our work before submission. Overall, I found the readings interesting and informative. My outlook on Wikipedia has slightly changed and I can see myself using it more comfortably as a reliable source in the future.
After the readings, I realize the valuable potential Wikipedia truly has as a source and finding sources through the website. I always saw the external links throughout my Wikipedia searches and at the bottom of the pages but I never really gave them a second look of took advantage of them. Although there is a common misconception that anyone can post anything on Wikipedia, I knew that the people that run the website check postings before they are officially placed on their website because I have tried to post something "goofy" about my brother on there in the past. I still believe that I should be careful when using Wikipedia as a source by checking the sources each page lists and maybe varifying the information on other websites, but the readings give Wikipedia a little more value and credit in my book. One thing that really stood out to me is the fact that you can see how a page has developed on the website, this was something I did not know prior to the readings. I also never knew about the five pillars that form Wikipedia's fundamental principles of operations. These guidelines make Wikipedia a more valuable source, more reliable, and provide freedom while maintaining regulations and a safe, user friendly environment.
There is much to learn about academic and research-based writing from the processes that happen on Wikipedia. The reviewing, conversing, revising, and sharing processes that Wikipedia uses can be seen as a valuable model for how we should base our writing process. Following these same steps will help us develop, refine, and broaden our work before submission. Overall, I found the readings interesting and informative. My outlook on Wikipedia has slightly changed and I can see myself using it more comfortably as a reliable source in the future.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Post 1
Hello, my name is Mathew Simon Peters and I am currently a senior at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I am pursuing a Bachelor's of Specialized Studies Degree in Management and Psychology. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I am a huge Cleveland sports fan. If I am not watching sports, I am playing them! I have played travel baseball, city basketball, club football, collegiate varsity lacrosse, collegiate ultimate frisbee, indoor co-ed volleyball, co-ed soccer, and I was also a varsity bowler in high school. I have spent each year of my collegiate career at a different university. Freshman year I was enrolled at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. I then transferred to Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio where I played lacrosse. I returned to Xavier my second semester sophomore year. For my junior year, I transferred to Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida where my brother was attending graduate school at the time. Finally, this year I transferred to Ohio University to complete my Bachelor's degree.
Since this is my first year at Ohio University, I was never enrolled in English 151. I have taken numerous english classes throughout my collegiate career though, and one recommendation I can make is to give the students more freedom. Let us control our curriculum to a certain extent for this course! I believe that will bring out true creativity and our imagination in our writing. If we have the freedom to choose what we write about, there is a better chance that we will feel a deeper connection to our writing.
This course design, for the most part, is on par with english courses I have taken in the past. The workload seems to be significant, but the topics do not seem mundane and should keep our attention. In the past I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in my english courses. I have had courses that have exemplified my writing abilities and have truly sparked my motivation to write and participate. On the other hand, I have had courses that were like chewing on nails to get through. Boring, mundane, and structured to the point that my personality could not show through my writings. We were given tedious work that was at times completely irrelevant to the course's goals.
Honestly, I hope that this course is entertaining. I hope that this is a class that I look forward to going to twice a week. I understand that there is work to be done, and I also realize that there are topics that need to be covered at times that are somewhat boring and tedious, but I believe this course has a lot of potential to be both educational and entertaining from what I have seen thus far.
Since this is my first year at Ohio University, I was never enrolled in English 151. I have taken numerous english classes throughout my collegiate career though, and one recommendation I can make is to give the students more freedom. Let us control our curriculum to a certain extent for this course! I believe that will bring out true creativity and our imagination in our writing. If we have the freedom to choose what we write about, there is a better chance that we will feel a deeper connection to our writing.
This course design, for the most part, is on par with english courses I have taken in the past. The workload seems to be significant, but the topics do not seem mundane and should keep our attention. In the past I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in my english courses. I have had courses that have exemplified my writing abilities and have truly sparked my motivation to write and participate. On the other hand, I have had courses that were like chewing on nails to get through. Boring, mundane, and structured to the point that my personality could not show through my writings. We were given tedious work that was at times completely irrelevant to the course's goals.
Honestly, I hope that this course is entertaining. I hope that this is a class that I look forward to going to twice a week. I understand that there is work to be done, and I also realize that there are topics that need to be covered at times that are somewhat boring and tedious, but I believe this course has a lot of potential to be both educational and entertaining from what I have seen thus far.
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