In the music video This is America by Childish Gambino, the artist uses shock as a means to convey his point to the viewer. Within the first minute of the video, Gambino shoots a man in the back of the head with a handgun. Although this was difficult for the viewer to digest, his point was immediately laid out and understood. As the video continued on, Gambino tactfully included dancing and singing as a means of distraction. Just as the viewer began to overlook the tragedy at the beginning of the video, he murders a room full of gospel choir singers with a machine gun; the viewers attention is refocused. Gambino’s use of distraction is essential in communicating his theme at large; he is attempting to convey the functionality of current day society.
On what seems to be a daily basis, innocent individuals’ lives are compromised because of the lack of restrictions that have been placed on firearms. When these tragedies first began to occur Americans were shocked, but as time went on and these tragedies normalized, individuals continued with their lives. Just like in this video, quickly distracted by the lighthearted fun in Gambino’s dancing and smiling, the audience overlooks the prior tragedy. The purpose of Gabino’s video is to remind American’s of the society in which they sanction. Gambino also aims to remind Americans of their role in this epidemic, holding individuals accountable for their indifference. Gambino is raising awareness.
Throughout the video I found Gambino’s rhetorical implementation of lyrics and soundtrack to be particularly effective in communicating his message. Gambino’s lyrics mock the shallow and narcissistic society that we live in today. Individuals seem to be more preoccupied with their looks, status and material possessions than the issues of the world. Gambino’s lyrics are poignant and telling of the superficiality which exists today. Using words such as “I’m so pretty,” “Look what I’m whipping now,” and “I’m so fitted,” his message is clear. Moreover, Gambino is holding his viewers accountable by generating a video that mirrors the society that we all authorize. Furthermore, the dark music that Gambino selected was instrumental in setting the mood and tone of the video. Balancing between intense sounds while also staying catchy, the music matched the lyrics perfectly. The music created cognitive dissonance within the viewer, as they don’t know whether to sing along or to simply listen. The entire purpose of Gambino’s video was to incite conflict, as it is the driving force of all change.
As the United States has confirmed over 1.33 million coronavirus cases, the cross-generational impact upon individuals has been immense. As of May 11th 2020, over 79,606 individuals have died due to the virus. While exploring my site, I hope you gain a more intimate understanding of the effects of the coronavirus on individuals of varying ages.
Global Timeline
Personal Timeline
By Hannah Halford
Background
What is the coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, the “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.”
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COVER THIS TOPIC?
Considering the coronavirus has changed the course of my life, I thought it would be compelling to cover the virus as it will be a historical event in history. Adjusting to living at home with my parents has shed light onto the differing ways that individuals are being affected by the virus. Although this time has been exceedingly unsettling, it has given me a newfound sense of gratitude for my life. Covering this pandemic is not only important for future generations, but important for myself as it will serve as a sort of time capsule inciting deep reflection and understanding.
WHO ARE YOU INTERVIEWING AND WHY?
For my project, I will be interviewing both my grandfather and my mother. Given that my grandfather, age 84, falls in the at-risk population, I believe his narrative is essential in shedding light on the virus’s impacts. Additionally I interviewed my mother, age 58, because her narrative is instrumental in understanding the impacts of the virus on the retail industry. My interviews provide great insight into the cross-generational impacts of the virus.
DO YOU HAVE ANY BIASES? IF SO, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SET THEM ASIDE?
Considering the coronavirus has had a rather negative impact on my life, I would consider my attitude a bias in my project. With this in mind, I will be presenting my findings in an exceedingly subjective way that displays all of my information as both factual and comprehensive. Additionally, both my primary and secondary research will help alleviate this bias.
Driving Questions
1. What are the cross generational impacts of the coronavirus?
2. How has the corona virus impacted the retail industry, but more specifically the home furnishing industry?
3. How has the coronavirus impacted millennials?
Interviews:
EDWARD GOLDSTEIN
AGE: 84
STATUS: AT-RISK POPULATION
Conducting a rather relaxed conversation, my grandfather did not agree with the implications of ageism I discovered in my secondary research. Considering my grandfather is older, his life has not changed extensively as he spends a majority of his time indoors. Discussing a critical question posed in an article by The Atlantic, “Is the reality that elders are most likely to get ill and die from COVID-19 affecting the way countries—particularly the U.S.—are responding to the pandemic?,” my grandfather’s only criticism laid with the Trump administration; he was in disagreement with the projected ageism discussed in the article. My conversation with my grandfather provides valuable insight into the lives of the elderly during this unprecedented time.
MARTA GOLDSTEIN
AGE: 58
STATUS: MIDDLE-AGED POPULATION
While interviewing my mother, I noticed illuminating correlations between my secondary research from Forbes Magazine with her own personal statements about her company, Restoration Hardware. My mother’s take on the retail industry regarding the vast unemployment across America as well as in her own company aligned with the projected change in the commerce world that was stated in the Forbes article. Asking about her own personal predictions about the future of the retail industry post-pandemic, her declarations were very similar to the ones stated in Forbes, while they also followed the timeline displayed in a New York Times article I discovered. Forbes predictions for the future of commerce were these three developments: “permanent consumer behavior,” “new economic reality,” and “new competitive landscape and partner ecosystem.” In comparison to their projections, my mother discussed the numbers of her own companies online engagement as exponentially increasing, meanwhile explaining the major shifts the economy will have to adjust to in the future. Additionally she discussed the likely bifurcation of the retail industry based on necessity. Considering my mother works for a furniture company, the demand on outdoor furniture has increased as many individuals are looking to create a comfortable living configuration while quarantining with their families. Furthermore, my mother discussed the mental and physical impacts quarantine and the coronavirus as a whole has had on both herself and her company. The personal narrative she shared was powerful, in that it provided an in-depth exploration into her emotions, which I believe will be very relatable for viewers who listen to our conversation.
Blog Feed
Starting March 24th, I decided to journal once a week to track my mental health and outlook on the coronavirus. Below you can find my weekly entries!
Tuesday March 24:
In this time of uncertainty, I am especially worried about my grandpa. Although I know he will not be leaving his home, it’s hard to not consider the off-chance of him catching it considering the numbers are rising with each day; the possibility of it spreading becomes more and more likely for all of us. Is he just going to stay in his house forever? What life would that be? Time is too precious, even if you’ve been lucky enough to experience its fortunes. I just love my grandpa a lot and am not ready for him to go, not yet.
In this time, I find myself overthinking, and reflecting upon old relationships, conversations and more. My mental stability is crowded with these thoughts, and I feel trapped inside my head. It’s nice to know that we are all in this together, and that our cooperation in place is making a difference. I’ve seen a few of my friends snapchat and instagram stories, where they are hanging out as if the world is not in an epidemic; it seems selfish.
Monday April 6:
Today I am especially tired. I am not sure why today differs from the past days I have spent in quarantine, but I feel my mood especially negative; I do not remember the last time that I had nothing to look forward to, it’s a rather odd feeling. I wish I could see my friends, I haven’t seen anyone since the day I left Chapman; I’ve never felt this type of loneliness, it’s a sort of helpless feeling. I miss long conversations, hugging, going out to dinner, traveling, and I even miss school. Every day I wake up at 9:30am for my Zoom classes, and I can’t help but wish I was sitting in class. I miss the interactive aspect of it, the open discussions and the face to face contact; I feel unmotivated. Although I wish I was in class, I do appreciate my school work keeping me busy on a day to day basis.
Last night I heard my mother cry. Considering she is one of the Vice Presidents of her company, she has been ordered to furlough and fire some of her dear employees; my heart broke. Although my family and I are safe, hearing my exceedingly empathetic mother cry was a moment of clarity for me. I can’t imagine the devastating realities for families who are struggling, some who have even lost their jobs; I wish I could help somehow.
Monday April 13:
When I woke up today, I felt exceedingly peaceful. Unlike all the days before I find myself feeling grateful for the lack of busyness we experience in our everyday lives. I have been biking, running, and conducting my own physical workouts daily, which has improved my mental health and stability dramatically. Since being in college, I have never been this motivated to keep my body healthy and happy; I am making genuine efforts to make sure I stay active in order to maintain my mental health. I can see the monotony of this time period have a negative impact upon my mental health, so I am staying especially self aware. In regard to school, today is the first time I’ve truly felt unmotivated in terms of my schoolwork. Typically I am a very dedicated and organized student, and I have noticed my habits slipping while being at home; this change is very frustrating considering I have never struggled with my motivation.
Monday April 20:
Today I woke up feeling motivated for the first time since I’ve been home. I think the consistency of my workouts have sunk in, creating a more routine-like internal clock. Although my mood has improved, I find it difficult to be around my parents. Their verbalized anxiety is constantly projected onto me, sometimes hindering my mood. My mother incessantly checks the news which has an immense impact on her mental health; she is inflicting unneeded stress upon herself. Watching my mother work the way she has, nonstop, has arisen a strong sense of gratitude for all her efforts. Her unwavering commitment and dedication to her job is inspiring, especially considering the millions of individuals have been laid off or filed for unemployment. Overall, lately I am working on maintaining a positive and healthy mindset both physically and mentally.
Wednesday April 29:
Today I feel as though I finally have implemented a somewhat consistent daily routine for myself. Consisting of classes in the morning, working out in the afternoon, and regrouping before dinner, quarantine has become more manageable. Unfortunately, my friend Sydney called me today informing me that stay at home orders have been extended until the end of May. If I had heard this news a week ago I probably would’ve cried, but considering quarantine has become less uneasy on my mental and physical health, I feel less anxious than usual. In hearing this news the first thought I had was regarding how thankful I am that school is keeping me busy during this time; I have no idea what I am going to do once school ends and my time is endless.
As finals approach, I feel a bit stressed considering my motivation since I’ve been at home has been harder to access. Since I am not allowed to leave my house to find alternate places to study, I am less productive and easily distracted by my family. I hope that I can really dial into the internal study habits I’ve developed over many years.
Wednesday May 6th:
Today I feel stressed. With finals looming, I am frustrated with myself considering how deeply unmotivated I have been during this time; I guess the silver lining is I only have one more week of school left before it is summer. In typing the words summer, I feel confused; I have never had nothing to look forward to in my life. Summer is usually a time of freedom and exploration, yet this unprecedented time has given summer a new meaning. It is hard for me to find motivation, when summer is not even “real” summer. I miss the way life used to be.
Tuesday May 12th:
As this will be my final blog post during the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel a change in energy within me, an energy of extreme gratitude. As humans, we see life as this never-ending gift due to our deep repression of death in society; we believe we are immortal. This mindset causes individuals to take for granted all aspects of life, never allowing the space to take a step back and appreciate the moment for what it is, fleeting. The coronavirus has now given me the space to appreciate the gifts of life, embracing reflection and inner-growth. I am thankful for this experience as difficult as it has been to acclimate to it.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HANNAH’S QUARANTINE
CONCLUSION
I hope that in your time visiting my website you have come away with a better understanding of the Coronavirus and its cross generational impacts. With the insight of Edward Goldstein, Marta Goldstein and myself, I hope you have come to the realization that you are far from alone during this unprecedented time. While the future of America is uncertain in many regards, only time will be able to answer our questions. Stay safe, and thank you for visiting my site!
In conducting my primary research, I found a plethora of connections between my primary and secondary research. While interviewing my mother, I noticed illuminating correlations between my secondary research from Forbes Magazine with her own personal statements about her company, Restoration Hardware. My mother’s take on the retail industry regarding the vast unemployment across America as well as in her own company aligned with the projected change in the commerce world that was stated in the Forbes article. Asking about her own personal predictions about the future of the retail industry post-pandemic, her declarations were very similar to the ones stated in Forbes, while they also followed the timeline displayed in a New York Times article I discovered. Forbes predictions for the future of commerce were these three developments: “permanent consumer behavior,” “new economic reality,” and “new competitive landscape and partner ecosystem.” In comparison to their projections, my mother discussed the numbers of her own companies online engagement as exponentially increasing, meanwhile explaining the major shifts the economy will have to adjust to in the future. Additionally she discussed the likely bifurcation of the retail industry based on necessity. Considering my mother works for a furniture company, the demand on outdoor furniture has increased as many individuals are looking to create a comfortable living configuration while quaranting with their families. Furthermore, my mother discussed the mental and physical impacts quarantine and the coronavirus as a whole has had on both herself and her company. The personal narrative she shared was powerful, in that it provided an indepth exploration into her emotions, which I believe will be very relatable for viewers who listen to our conversation.
As for the secondary research I collected regarding the at-risk population, I found that it supported my grandfather’s statements. Conducting a rather relaxed conversation, my grandfather did not agree with the implications of ageism I discovered in my secondary research. Considering my grandfather is older, his life has not changed extensively as he spends a majority of his time indoors. Discussing a critical question posed in an article by The Atlantic, “Is the reality that elders are most likely to get ill and die from COVID-19 affecting the way countries—particularly the U.S.—are responding to the pandemic?,” my grandfather’s only criticism laid with the Trump administration; he was in disagreement with the projected ageism discussed in the article. My conversation with my grandfather provides valuable insight into the lives of the elderly during this unprecedented time.
In comparing both of my interviews, there was little to no overlap between the two perspectives my subjects shared. In exploring the cross-generational impacts of the corona-virus, their experiences in fact differ dramatically, but can be mostly attributed to age. Furthermore, the two interviews I conducted left me feeling informed and excited about my findings; the personal narratives I gathered strengthened my piece a great deal. Lastly, I have not found any outliers in my research thus far.
For my secondary research, I decided to gather a multitude of articles that brought to light the wide array of perspectives regarding the coronavirus pandemic. In doing so, I first identified my primary research: my mother and grandfather, which then allowed me to go into more depth by accumulating articles to support and refute their stances.
Considering my mother works in the retail industry, I searched through several websites that discussed the impacts of the coronavirus on the consumer industry as a whole. In doing so, many articles explored the long and short term impacts of the virus. In an article by Forbes Magazine, they examined the three major forces that will immensely change the commerce world in North America, post-pandemic. The first force being what Forbes referred to as “permanent consumer behavior,” the rise of online shopping due to social distancing may become habitual as individuals fear the contraction of the virus when outside. The second force they declared was a “new economic reality.” Given the economy has shut down due to the virus, it will most likely emerge in a state of recession post-pandemic; the rising unemployment rate continues to negatively affect the economy, reaching a record high level in United States history. The third force stated was a “new competitive landscape and partner ecosystem.” As a result of the pandemic, the retail industry has become bifurcated into two categories, high demand pandemic necessities and low demand pandemic necessities. The impacts of the coronavirus on the retail industry have and will continue to be extensive. Furthermore, after I have interviewed my mother, my secondary research will serve as a deeper understanding of the retail landscape.
An article by The Atlantic explored the impact of ageism in regard to the coronavirus. This article provides a needed perspective posing the question of: “Is the reality that elders are most likely to get ill and die from COVID-19 affecting the way countries—particularly the U.S.—are responding to the pandemic?” Highlighting the needed protocol in order to combat the virus fairly among all ages, this article provides several clear and unjust examples of prejudice and descirmination against the elderly. Given that my grandfather falls within the at-risk population, I found this article especially enticing and illuminating; it will provide additional depth into this aspect of the virus’s impacts.
Considering the virus has affected millions of communities around the world, I thought it would be engaging to explore the impacts of the virus on the Chapman community. As the sudden halt of classes was announced on March 12, the mental and physical impacts imposed upon Chapman students has been vast. Several articles by the Chapman Newsroom and Orange County Register have highlighted the effects on the college community, meanwhile supplying coping mechanisms for students experiencing an adverse time with the adjustment. Exploring the Chapman community will give a more in depth analysis of the virus’s impacts on students like myself; my blog posts will also contribute to this narrative.
As the coronavirus is ever changing, I will continue to update my statistics and timeline appropriately. Furthermore, the secondary research I included above is not my only research, as I will incorporate more articles in my website as the virus progresses.
Tell me about the purpose of your website. What would you like visitors to take away from your photo essay?
In envisioning the purpose of my website, I aimed to achieve an aesthetic that was both captivating yet highly personal. Considering I chose the topic of identity, I wanted to truly reveal myself to the viewer through comprehensive writing and images; I feel as though my website has captured my vision, transcending my purpose. My hope for my viewers is to take away a better understanding of who I am. I feel as though in college we tend to turn into a number or just another face, but with this assignment I have been given the opportunity to share a piece of myself.
What was this process like for you? Was it more or less difficult composing in a non traditional format?
This process was extremely exciting for me as I was given the opportunity to create a website for the first time. One of my closest friends is a graphic design major, and this project has given me a glimpse into her highly intricate world. This assignment led me to WIX, where I now feel as though I have gained an extremely useful tool that I will most definitely be using in the future. In regard to my own process, I found building a website both tedious and rewarding. Time stood still as I constructed my website, where I had not realized how many hours had passed by the time I finished. Building my website felt as though I was involved in an art project of sorts which was pleasurable for me; I consider myself an extremely creative and artistic person. Furthermore, I found this process as time consuming as writing an essay would have been, but instead I was able to be more creative with its end result. I believe these two formats are too different to compare; I enjoy them both.
Explain your decision making process as it relates to the visual representation of your website. Why did you select these particular images or videos to include in your project?
My visual representation goals were to captivate the viewer immediately. By adding a plethora of images on each page, and even a video of me singing, I felt as though I met my goal sufficiently. In selecting my images, I made sure that they truly gave the viewer a better understanding of the person I am; I tried to include more natural and relaxed photos in order to achieve this. Additionally, I aimed for an aesthetic that integrated the images I selected on each page by matching them with a fitting background provided by WIX.
Explain your decision making process as it relates to the layout of your website. How did you customize your page so that it fit your rhetorical purpose?
After looking through several past students websites, I chose a format that was the easiest for the viewer to navigate. Although the more complicated ones that I saw were very compelling, I was unsure if I had the tools to construct one myself; this was my first time making a website. After choosing my template, I made sure that each page encompassed a sense of pathos. Throughout my website I decided to pose myself with questions in order to captivate the reader’s attention; I feel as though writing with no introduction or initial questions can be daunting towards the viewer, so I strayed away from this. In answering these questions, my responses turned out to be rather personal, which ended up achieving my rhetorical purpose altogether. I believe that my original pictures especially assisted in my rhetorical purpose; I wish I could’ve been able to include only original photos throughout my entire website, but life happens!
Explain your decision making process as it relates to the written portions on your website. Describe the voice/persona you were trying to achieve in this project.
Using pathos, I aimed to achieve an honest voice. By disclosing more personal information, I felt my writing become more effective in its reach. The more I shared about myself and my identity, the more empowered and proud I felt about the outcome of my website. As I constructed potential questions about each aspect of my identity, I felt my writing taken on a natural flow. This repeated process I engaged in on each page achieved the honest voice I was looking to capture.
Living in a time of global pandemic, I find myself especially reflective. Pulled from my daily routine, I have become exceedingly aware of the influence that society has had on all aspects of my life; I have internalized a system of norms without even knowing it. With this realization, I have experienced a newfound sense of clarity; I feel extremely grateful for the everyday activities that I am able to participate in. Whether that be having a meal out with a friend, going to the market, walking down a crowded street or attending a yoga class, the COVID-19 crisis has given me a new perspective on my life; the activities I engage in everyday are a privilege, not a right. As humans, we see life as this never-ending gift due to our deep repression of death in society; we believe we are immortal. This mindset causes individuals to take for granted all aspects of life, never allowing the space to take a step back and appreciate the moment for what it is, fleeting. COVID-19 has now given us the space to do so.
In my time at home, I have made several transitions. After being away at college for a little under two years now, I have been forced to adjust to moving back home. This adjustment has been far from easy. Considering my parents still view me as their little baby, it is hard for them to comprehend the immense individualism I have developed while away. My freedom now stripped, I feel as though I have taken a step backwards by being here. Regardless of how much I enjoy my time with them, temporary visits versus an extended period of living are two vastly different concepts.
As for social distancing, I have found this requirement rather adverse to maintain and adjust to. My favorite aspect of returning home is reuniting with my best friends from my childhood. Knowing that I am in the same place as them yet unable to hug, catch up and spend time is torturous. In regard to the alone time that attaches to social distancing, I have not felt any difficulty here. Throughout high school and into college, solitude has been something I’ve made strenuous efforts to work on. The self reflection, growth, and personal discovery I’ve experienced through solitude has been an exceedingly gratifying feeling of individual progression. Although more alone time than I’d prefer, I have not struggled a great deal with this aspect.
The one major frustration I’ve felt during this time of confusion, is with my fellow millennials. The lack of seriousness taken by both my peers and friends is disappointing. The severity of the virus is now apparent, yet these individuals continue to gather in groups risking the infection of individuals more susceptible and vulnerable to the virus. Although this lockdown may be needed in American society as a form of self reflection and containment, I would prefer to return to my everyday life in a rather efficient manner. The selfishness of my fellow millennials is only perpetuating this state of emergency.
As for the future, I am worried about the lack of knowledge scientists have yet to discover regarding the COVID-19 virus. I wonder how long this state of panic, lockdown and social distancing will last. I am worried about my grandfather, as he is my last grandparent alive; I have a tremendously close relationship with him. Overall, I really miss the everyday fortunes I am used to.
Watching a four legged, heavy breathing and unconditionally loving canine brush past my leg on a narrow city sidewalk, I was stunned. Immediately spinning my head around to observe its backside wag back and forth, my jaw dropped at least ten inches. Proceeding to tap my father on the shoulder short of a million times, I yelled “Look, look, look!”
Alarmingly turning his head, he quickly responded uttering, “What? Look at what?”
Narrowing my eyes, I pointed my finger at the furry being that was now behind us. Initially confused, a small smirk began to formulate in the corners of his mouth. He said, “Do you mean the dog?” I nodded my head incessantly. Laughing for only a moment, he responded “Oh!” Crouching down to his knees, accommodating to my small height, he informed me of what a dog was.
From that moment on, my obsession fluctuated between a multitude of dog breeds. Beginning with a pug, my phases were not only intense but exceedingly irritating for my parents. What became an everyday tradition, eventually led to one of the best days of my life.
Looking out the backseat window of my mother’s car, I couldn’t seem to distract myself from the night ahead. Watching the sun intersect with the mountains, I witnessed the colors in the sky transition into a beautiful peach yellow sunset. Observing cars zoom by, each one became less and less distinguishable; their vehicles turned into blobs of light as my breath fogged up the window. Feeling a large jump in my stomach, I could not tame the erupting smile that stretched across my face. My father laughed as we made eye contact in the rear view mirror; he knew I had won. Time stood still for the entirety of the drive. Still, unable to concentrate, my leg began to bounce nonstop, pattering the floor of the car. Feeling my bum slide across the backseat, I realized I had not fastened my seatbelt. Hearing a click, my father pulled into a parking space, consequently notifying me that we had arrived. Feeling guilty yet rebellious, I unfastened my seatbelt and snickered to myself.
Walking into a small pickup area on the outskirts of the San Francisco airport, I felt impatient. Immediately checking in with the lady at the front desk, she informed us that our new puppy, Stella, had arrived. Elated from the inside out, my leg continued to bounce up and down; I decided to stand up. Glimpsing a small crate from the corner of my eye, I knew it was time; an employee handed the crate to my father. Lacing my hands between the gate, I opened its doors slowly. Feeling her soft paw in my hand, I felt my heart explode straight through my chest. For the first time in my life, I was in love.
Growing up in a society with an incessant number of distractions, it is often adverse to develop one’s sense of self. Today, the vast impacts of media on individuals in society has made it almost impossible to know oneself. The life long internalization of these sociological forces has created a lack of curiosity among individuals. We never stop to question why we do what we do. We are so deeply socialized to the point that most individuals are not even aware of its detrimental effects.
In learning about the rhetorical analysis unit, I found myself especially intrigued as I had never experienced a form of writing like this. McMurtrey’s detailed lectures broke down the rhetoric we are often unaware of in our own communication. The use of rhetorical strategies, diction, tone, mood, audience, and more are all intently planned in a way to persuade the listener. The information that Professor McMurtrey disclosed to the class caused me to reflect on the, likely numerous, times that I have been manipulated by an individual’s rhetoric; I was astounded. Had I manipulated someone with my own rhetoric before? Incrementally learning more and more about its effects, I was delighted to move forward in the unit and begin my own essay. As I have always been a rather introspective person, I was thrilled to uncover the answers to questions that are frequently overlooked or ignored in society.
In writing my own rhetorical analysis paper, I decided to analyze the rhetorical choices of Michelle Obama. The monumental impact that she has had on young women in America has been inspirational as a feminist myself; I look up to her immensly. Furthermore, as I picked apart her New Hampshire speech, I discovered many appeals within including: ethos, pathos, inclusive diction, logos, and more. Michelle’s tactful choices were interesting to analyze as a writer myself. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed this process as I was able to learn significant information regarding the power of rhetoric. I am looking forward to applying the skills I’ve learned into my future works.
The rhetorical expertise I’ve gained through this unit will be instrumental in all aspects of my life going forward. In both the working world and in my classes I participate in numerous presentations. Understanding and applying impactful rhetoric within these presentations will serve as an extremely beneficial tool. Furthermore, as a friend, daughter, and student, I find myself engaging in communication on a daily basis; I am a very social person. Applying the rhetorical strategies I’ve learned into my diction and syntax while speaking will improve my communication skills dramatically, while also improving my clarity.
Rhetoric is a privilege that we are all gifted with. How we choose to navigate and explore its depths is up to our curiosity. We must break through and desocialize ourselves in order to maximize this freedom.
From a young age, entering college was an event I knew I would partake in. Considering both of my parents attended college, their excitement towards my academic future was clear. It wasn’t until the college process was before me that I began to experience fears surrounding my self worth, my intelligence, and most importantly my capability to embrace change. After conversing about my future with both my college counselor and my high school counselor, reality set in; I was told which schools were possible, and which were not. While this information was thrilling, it most definitely came with disappointment. These conversations planted my first feelings of self doubt; I questioned whether or not I was smart enough, especially since my test scores were less than ideal. My identity for the first time in my life was challenged.
My testing experience throughout the college process was the driving force of my anxiety. Attempting to improve my score four separate times, my scores stayed stagnant. I was exceedingly disappointed in my lack of improvement, especially considering how heavily considered test scores are in an individual’s application. In navigating this challenge, I was not only forced to surrender my habitual need for control, but I learned to accept myself completely. Although this experience was adverse, it served as a vital lesson in life.
Another major fear of mine during the process was anticipating immense change. As exhilarating as the idea of college can be, leaving everything you’ve ever known is far from easy. Asking my college counselor, parents, and brother an excessive amount of questions, my anxiety failed to lift; I felt afraid. In coursing this uneasiness, I began to communicate with my close friends, role models and teachers; I soon learned that I was far from alone. This experience led me to realize the great support I had, whether that be near or far.
After discussing with the Orange High School students on Monday, I was left with a feeling of nostalgia. The uncertainty they displayed reminded me so vividly of myself; I emphasized with them deeply as the period of time that lays before them is rather tumultuous. The questions they asked made me feel old, as they have no idea of the wonderful experiences that lay ahead. Anxiety was most definitely an emotion they demonstrated, but the reassurance I shared felt as though it made a difference for them; I feel honored to be gifted with the opportunity to assist and support these students in theirs.
The lessons I gained after surviving my college process have shaped me into the person I am today, and I know that the individuals of Orange High School will soon feel the same way.
For those of you who are not familiar with the article by Heidi Huntington, “Subversive Memes: Internet Memes as a Form of Rhetoric,” it is an extensive research paper highlighting the underlying impacts of memes on the viewer. This article agues that memes are in fact a form of rhetoric. Within the text, you can find the three proposed theoretical approaches to use when analyzing the persuasive elements of visual texts. Whether an individual decides to use a semiotic, discursive, or rhetorical approach, all three vary in their comprehensive critique of the text. Huntington declares that memes draw the viewer in, meanwhile prompting an individual’s cognitive function. A meme serves as a “unstated premise” that the viewer must interpret and then decipher in order to comprehend the message. Furthermore, the three approaches above assist researchers in understanding the impact of memes in rhetoric.
As an meme fanatic myself, I found this article to be exceedingly engrossing. I have only ever been exposed to memes in the realm of comedy, but after reading this research paper I find myself intrigued. In my own experience when I am exposed to a remarkably funny meme, it has had the tendency of staying with me. Often times I share this type of meme with my friends or save it to my camera roll to keep and refer to in the future. In relation to rhetoric, one may question the appropriateness or relevance of a meme, but I believe that its impact if constructed properly is both impactful and effective as a visual text for the viewer.
Continuing to dive deeper into the subject matter, I have decided to analyze a meme for myself. You can find my meme attached.
The audience of this meme is definitely directed towards students in both high school and college, conceivably even middle scholars. The message that this meme is aiming to transcend to the audience is an experience that is relatable to the target viewer. This meme is effective because it puts forth an experience that most people have had, but would not dare to admit; the meme above is trying to create a sense of relatability while also providing a foreground for openness. Urging the viewer to embrace their embarrassing moments, the meme aims to foster acceptance. Moreover, this meme unquestionably reflects pop culture through its blunt approach in captivating the viewer.
This meme is one of my favorites because I have personally had a rather tumultuous relationship with math in my educational experience. I think this meme is very effective in capturing its message through the use of both words and images.
Composing The Self 