"Why We Crave Horror Movies" by Stephen King
2. When King compares and contrasts horror movies to roller coasters, public lynchings, and sick jokes it helps reinforce his thesis by proving that everyone has a desire to show that they are not afraid to do or say certain things and explains how society rewards positive emotions but punishes us for negative emotions. By comparing horror movies to public lynchings it describes how people would eagerly watch a lynching even though it is such a cruel and disturbing act for the same reason they sit in a movie theater to watch someone get tortured and mutilated. Sick jokes are similar in a way that some people will listen and maybe even laugh at a disgusting joke, even though it's not something "normal" people would find to be okay to laugh at. Riding roller coasters provide the same excitement and thrill that watching horror movies brings to most people.
"Innocents Afield" by Buzz Bissinger
2. Bissinger uses the word "just" several times in the paragraph to express how simply and plainly they are spending time and money in things that aren't really important. I think it works effectively by sounding sarcastic and a matter-of-fact, because it shows clearly the other side of things that should be addressed above all else.
"Black Men and Public Space" by Brent Staples
2. Staples opens with an intentionally misleading narrative to prove his point that most people want to automatically stereotype him as a dangerous person, when really he's not harmful at all. It is a strong and effective way to prove his thesis that because he looks a certain way, he always has to be careful about the way he may be perceived to others who are quick to judge and label him as a threatening person.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
HW: Chapter 15, Pg. 373, Questions About the Writer's Craft #1-3
1. It seems that the author is using the point-by-point method for her comparison-contrast, because it shows the distinct similarities/differences between the game show "Cupid" and the two books by Jane Austen and Edith Wharton. It also gives the reader information that they may not have remembered right away, making the transitions clear about the similarities/differences.
2. I don't think she is writing specifically to an audience that agrees or disagrees with her, but that she is simply pointing out the similarities and differences. Toward the end of the article she writes about the major difference nowadays with people getting a quick divorce, which is not something they did often back then.
3.The author uses qoutes from the books "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "Emma" by Edith Wharton, as well as the tv show "Cupid". I think choosing to quote rather than summarize, gives the similarities/differences emphasis and makes them more distinct and easily compared.
2. I don't think she is writing specifically to an audience that agrees or disagrees with her, but that she is simply pointing out the similarities and differences. Toward the end of the article she writes about the major difference nowadays with people getting a quick divorce, which is not something they did often back then.
3.The author uses qoutes from the books "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "Emma" by Edith Wharton, as well as the tv show "Cupid". I think choosing to quote rather than summarize, gives the similarities/differences emphasis and makes them more distinct and easily compared.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
HW: Pg. 292, #2, #3 & Pg. 298 #2
Pg. 292
2. Questions to ask yourself when trying to identify doublespeak are who is saying what to whom, under what conditions and circumstances, with what intent, and with what results? Asking these questions will help give you an idea of how high a probability it is that the author is using doublespeak.
3.
2. He knew about the black convicts he saw when he was a child, fathers, workers, soldiers, and his own father. They were damaged physically from working hard, but were also damaged emotionally on the inside.
2. Questions to ask yourself when trying to identify doublespeak are who is saying what to whom, under what conditions and circumstances, with what intent, and with what results? Asking these questions will help give you an idea of how high a probability it is that the author is using doublespeak.
3.
- Euphemism is an inoffensive or positive word or phrase which avoids directly mentioning a painful reality, or to avoid discussing a topic subject to a social or cultural taboo. An example is to say "I'm sorry your father passed away" instead of "I'm sorry your father is dead".
- Jargon is the specialized language of a trade, profession, or similar group. An example is how someone would refer to a crack in metal as a "discontinuity".
- Gobbledygook is a matter of piling on words or overwhelming the audience with words. An example of this is when Dan Quayle explained the need for a stable strategic-defense initiative by saying "Why wouldn't an enhanced deterrent, a more stable peace, a better prospect of denying the ones who enter conflict in the first place to have a reduction of offensive systems and an introduction to defense capability? I believe this is the route the country will eventually go" which sounds great, but doesn't really make any sense.
- Inflated language is designed to make the ordinary seem extraordinary. An example of this is how Chrysler said they "initiates a career enhancement program" which really means they are laying off five thousand workers.
2. He knew about the black convicts he saw when he was a child, fathers, workers, soldiers, and his own father. They were damaged physically from working hard, but were also damaged emotionally on the inside.
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