Obama’s presence at the Magness Arena was an amazing experience. He is a great speaker and his words really reached out to the hearts of the people. What an inspirational guy! On January 30, 2008, Barack Obama told 18,000 people how he could unite the country. He said that he would make a good president because he would work on building America’s future rather than dwelling on the past. “Change” was the theme of Obama’s speech. He made notice to the destruction and mistakes in which George W. Bush has made while in office, and insisted that America needs change. These changes included education and rewarding all college students with $4,000, health care reforms, environmental reforms such as the global warming issue, soldiers being withdrawn from the war in Iraq, increase in jobs and the economy, lower tax cuts, better pay for teachers and other hard workers, and just unity as a growing nation. Obama made many promises to the nation on January 30, 2008, and has been making promises since he has been campaigning for president.
Obama really reached out to the hearts of the people. Better pay, lower tax cuts, education reforms, health care reforms, and other key points were all things in which we as United State’s citizens wanted to hear. He instilled a sense of trust within us. He seems so real, as if he is in our shoes and knows what we are going through. With every word that he speaks, he establishes rapport, and accountability. His ability to empathize with us and be not only an ally for our wants and needs, but an advocate for them means a lot. These are all pathos or emotional appeals meant to reach our hearts and develop a trusting relationship where we will feel comfortable with him as leader of our country. Also, his argument was ethical because he talked about our rights to have education and afford health care. He discussed the soldiers rights to have disability if hurt and be able to come home to their families. These were all ethical, common sense points which made his argument strong. Obama told us what we wanted to hear, but also what needed to be done, which demonstrated both pathos and ethos within his argument.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Tim Masters
The article “We should be ashamed”, contained a number of pathos. Gail Schoettler wrote about the case of Tim Masters, a man who was convicted of a crime in which he did not commit at the age of 16. Masters spent over 10 years in prison, serving time for a crime in which he had nothing to do with. Upon the discovery of new DNA evidence, Tim Masters was found not guilty and was released from prison. Gail Schoettler brings up a good point. If all this time Tim Masters was innocent but was sentenced to being guilty, how many other people over the past years have been convicted for crimes that they did not commit? How many innocent people have received the death penalty for nothing? If Tim Masters was an adult at the time rather than being 15 years of age, he could have received the death penalty, and now that DNA evidence has proven him not guilty, it would have been a shame to see an innocent man gone. Although he wasted 10 years of his life, a time when he could have been establishing a career and a family, Gail suggests that we should take this incident and make it a learning experience. “No one should be imprisoned or executed because of false testimony, incompetent investigators, withheld evidence or inept attorneys.”
This is a matter of fact. I personally am glad that Masters has been released from prison and was not executed. It would be devastating to know that an innocent soul had been taken. As I sit and think about the number of death penalties that are issued every year, especially in Texas, and think about the many people who are shouting “I didn’t do it”, I become sad. Questions such as “was that person really innocent” and “are they sure they have the right person” all enter my mind. It should not be like this. When someone is issued the death penalty, authorities and the justice system should be 100 percent positive as to having the right person. Our justice system should do a better job with evidence, making sure nothing is withheld and the person convicted is really guilty. I know that mistakes happen and a lot of time evidence may point to the innocent person, but with increasing technology and DNA testing, there is no excuse. Gail was taking a bit of a sentimental appeal, but the constructive pathos was definitely obvious. She stated a lot of emotions, which were factual and invited the reader to take a stance and understand where she was coming from. I was able to connect with Gail and I feel that she did a fabulous job on illustrating how pathos are great tools for constructing arguments.
This is a matter of fact. I personally am glad that Masters has been released from prison and was not executed. It would be devastating to know that an innocent soul had been taken. As I sit and think about the number of death penalties that are issued every year, especially in Texas, and think about the many people who are shouting “I didn’t do it”, I become sad. Questions such as “was that person really innocent” and “are they sure they have the right person” all enter my mind. It should not be like this. When someone is issued the death penalty, authorities and the justice system should be 100 percent positive as to having the right person. Our justice system should do a better job with evidence, making sure nothing is withheld and the person convicted is really guilty. I know that mistakes happen and a lot of time evidence may point to the innocent person, but with increasing technology and DNA testing, there is no excuse. Gail was taking a bit of a sentimental appeal, but the constructive pathos was definitely obvious. She stated a lot of emotions, which were factual and invited the reader to take a stance and understand where she was coming from. I was able to connect with Gail and I feel that she did a fabulous job on illustrating how pathos are great tools for constructing arguments.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
"King's vision through education" response
This article has sparked my awareness to education and how it is not being utilized by students of color. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for justice and opportunity, stressing the importance of education. King stressed how education is a tool for crossing any boundaries, whether it is to increase opportunities, financial earnings, or just to overcome any circumstantial endeavors. Education has been made available to all who are willing to obtain it. However, recent studies and statistics have shown that minorities are not taking advantage of what King calls the great equalizer, in other words, education.
The articled showed how white students are receiving a more competent education than students of color. More white students graduate from high school, attend better accredited colleges, and even graduate at a faster rate than minorities. The article presented an excellent point on how minorities are underrepresented, especially in Colorado which is ranked in the top five per capita for college degree holders but near the bottom in the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds who go to college. I found this interesting. On our campus here at the University of Denver, we are one of the highest ranked schools for international students and from having students from all across the country. However, what about the minorities within Denver? It seems a bit obscured how DU branches off into other states and countries, but neglects the minorities and students of color in its own neighborhood. I am personally torn and angered by this information. However, it is reality, a reality that needs to be altered. Better outreach programs for education would be beneficial in keeping King’s vision alive. As a society, we need to do a better job in increasing the education of minorities and encouraging students of color to obtain a high school diploma and a college degree as well. Keeping King’s dream alive will help our economy and decrease the poverty rate.
In Benton Harbor, my home town, people think that high school is where it ends. They have fallen into this mindset that a high school diploma is all you need and their mission has been accomplished once they have graduated from high school. That is all that they know, so they settle for less. Keeping King’s dream alive would mean not only promoting higher education, but educating minorities on what is out their and their options. We should urge people that a college education is not an option, but is a responsibility and an expectation. The only way America can strive for equality is through education. Decreasing these disparities in education and closing the gaps would better the future for minorities. These are things that we see in our community and must not sit and watch as the education of our minorities worsens.
The articled showed how white students are receiving a more competent education than students of color. More white students graduate from high school, attend better accredited colleges, and even graduate at a faster rate than minorities. The article presented an excellent point on how minorities are underrepresented, especially in Colorado which is ranked in the top five per capita for college degree holders but near the bottom in the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds who go to college. I found this interesting. On our campus here at the University of Denver, we are one of the highest ranked schools for international students and from having students from all across the country. However, what about the minorities within Denver? It seems a bit obscured how DU branches off into other states and countries, but neglects the minorities and students of color in its own neighborhood. I am personally torn and angered by this information. However, it is reality, a reality that needs to be altered. Better outreach programs for education would be beneficial in keeping King’s vision alive. As a society, we need to do a better job in increasing the education of minorities and encouraging students of color to obtain a high school diploma and a college degree as well. Keeping King’s dream alive will help our economy and decrease the poverty rate.
In Benton Harbor, my home town, people think that high school is where it ends. They have fallen into this mindset that a high school diploma is all you need and their mission has been accomplished once they have graduated from high school. That is all that they know, so they settle for less. Keeping King’s dream alive would mean not only promoting higher education, but educating minorities on what is out their and their options. We should urge people that a college education is not an option, but is a responsibility and an expectation. The only way America can strive for equality is through education. Decreasing these disparities in education and closing the gaps would better the future for minorities. These are things that we see in our community and must not sit and watch as the education of our minorities worsens.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"I Just Wanna Be Average"
“I Just Wanna Be Average” by Mike Rose was a great story about the life of a young boy rising out of his circumstantial difficulties as a child. Born in Pennsylvania but raised in California, Mike Rose grew up in poverty. Having to share a room with his parents, his childhood was financially deprived. The small town in California was also impoverished and very sullen. The houses were barren, children were scarce as most of the people were older than fifty, violence was spreading and becoming an issue, the air was thick and polluted, and most of the citizens were from the working class.
The story went on to discuss how Mike Rose’s future was bleak. Mike was a student who didn’t understand much in school. Having problems with mathematics and grammar lessons, he usually zoned off and day dreamed during school lessons and lectures. He presented himself as one of those kids who you would think was not going to go far in life. Someone who would be in the working class is what I would have associated him with. School was not much of a concern for Mike Rose, and he just did not take it seriously.
In the midst of his academic troubles, his father’s health was deteriorating. His arteriosclerosis had worsened and became the cause of his death. At this time, an English teacher named Jack MacFarland came into his life during his senior year in high school. MacFarland inspired the children’s interest in literature, especially Mike’s. “The man immersed us in language,” was how Mike felt about Jack MacFarland. “He tapped my old interest in reading and creating stories. He gave me a way to feel special by using my mind. And he provided a role model that wasn’t shaped on physical prowess alone, and something inside me that I wasn’t quite aware of responded to that” (Rose, 34). Not only did MacFarland inspire Mike’s studies and interest in academics, but he aided in his admittance into college. MacFarland knew the potential in Rose, and served not only as a teacher, but a person who cared and was willing to make a difference.
After reading this story, I felt a sense of sympathy for Mike Rose. The story was one that intended to reach out to souls and hearts. However, after analyzing things and participating in an in class discussion, I came to realize that the story was not just one that started off sad and ended happily, but one that was inspirational to all. For children who are or were brought up in this environment and was offered the short end of the stick, there is still hope. Anyone can rise above their circumstances and become a significant body in society. “I Just Wanna Be Average” was Mike’s way of empathizing with others and letting the audience know that he’s just a man who overcame, and nothing is impossible. No matter how bleak the future might seem, there is hope and possibility. Also, for people who may have not experienced the same childhood as him, you can make a difference in the lives of those who are in that situation. Like MacFarland who brought academic change, instilled hope, and went out of his way to see that Rose made it into college, other people can do the same. To parents, teachers, friends, or even bystanders, when you see a need for change, be the change you wish to see. Lend a helping hand. You never know what difference you can make in somebody’s life. This is why I enjoyed the story. It is universal and everyone can read, learn, and be inspired.
The story went on to discuss how Mike Rose’s future was bleak. Mike was a student who didn’t understand much in school. Having problems with mathematics and grammar lessons, he usually zoned off and day dreamed during school lessons and lectures. He presented himself as one of those kids who you would think was not going to go far in life. Someone who would be in the working class is what I would have associated him with. School was not much of a concern for Mike Rose, and he just did not take it seriously.
In the midst of his academic troubles, his father’s health was deteriorating. His arteriosclerosis had worsened and became the cause of his death. At this time, an English teacher named Jack MacFarland came into his life during his senior year in high school. MacFarland inspired the children’s interest in literature, especially Mike’s. “The man immersed us in language,” was how Mike felt about Jack MacFarland. “He tapped my old interest in reading and creating stories. He gave me a way to feel special by using my mind. And he provided a role model that wasn’t shaped on physical prowess alone, and something inside me that I wasn’t quite aware of responded to that” (Rose, 34). Not only did MacFarland inspire Mike’s studies and interest in academics, but he aided in his admittance into college. MacFarland knew the potential in Rose, and served not only as a teacher, but a person who cared and was willing to make a difference.
After reading this story, I felt a sense of sympathy for Mike Rose. The story was one that intended to reach out to souls and hearts. However, after analyzing things and participating in an in class discussion, I came to realize that the story was not just one that started off sad and ended happily, but one that was inspirational to all. For children who are or were brought up in this environment and was offered the short end of the stick, there is still hope. Anyone can rise above their circumstances and become a significant body in society. “I Just Wanna Be Average” was Mike’s way of empathizing with others and letting the audience know that he’s just a man who overcame, and nothing is impossible. No matter how bleak the future might seem, there is hope and possibility. Also, for people who may have not experienced the same childhood as him, you can make a difference in the lives of those who are in that situation. Like MacFarland who brought academic change, instilled hope, and went out of his way to see that Rose made it into college, other people can do the same. To parents, teachers, friends, or even bystanders, when you see a need for change, be the change you wish to see. Lend a helping hand. You never know what difference you can make in somebody’s life. This is why I enjoyed the story. It is universal and everyone can read, learn, and be inspired.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Two or three things I know for sure
After reading "Two or Three Things I Know For Sure", I began to see the development of Allison and how she began see things in a different perspective. Allison experienced so many obstacles and defeats, which made her stronger as a person. She began to realize things about herself. For example, she soon realized that you have to love yourself first, despite how others think of you. She was able to learn and grow through her personal experiences. She used them as building blocks which enabled her to rise above her circumstances, accept reality, and still progress through hard times.
This really reminded me of myself. Growing up, there were a few things in which I began to know for sure. One that stands out the most was my determination to be somebody and not be another statistic. I could see the mistakes that my family had made. Dropping out of high school, and living on government assistance, they began to fall into a slump in which they couldn't get out of. I vowed to acquire success. I knew for sure that I wanted to go to college, earn a degree, and set myself apart from my family. I knew for sure that I wouldn't make the same mistakes that they have made. Life in general and being able to analyze other's mistakes and failures has taught me valuable lessons. I feel as though I can connect with Allison to a certain extent. Reading the story about her, whether it being totally truthful or not, I have a sense of empathy for her and can relate on a personal basis. Both Allison and I know some things for sure, and speaking for myself, it has made all the difference. Although she experienced things firsthand, I can honestly say that secondhand experience was life changing as well.
This really reminded me of myself. Growing up, there were a few things in which I began to know for sure. One that stands out the most was my determination to be somebody and not be another statistic. I could see the mistakes that my family had made. Dropping out of high school, and living on government assistance, they began to fall into a slump in which they couldn't get out of. I vowed to acquire success. I knew for sure that I wanted to go to college, earn a degree, and set myself apart from my family. I knew for sure that I wouldn't make the same mistakes that they have made. Life in general and being able to analyze other's mistakes and failures has taught me valuable lessons. I feel as though I can connect with Allison to a certain extent. Reading the story about her, whether it being totally truthful or not, I have a sense of empathy for her and can relate on a personal basis. Both Allison and I know some things for sure, and speaking for myself, it has made all the difference. Although she experienced things firsthand, I can honestly say that secondhand experience was life changing as well.
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