In this blog post I will be presenting three different topics from the documentary Where to Invade Next by Michael Moore. Prior to writing this, I completed blog assignment #9 Summary and Rhetorical Analysis of Where to Invade Next. For each topic I will create my own research question and write a brief argument that responds to each question.
Topic: The Prison System in America Research Question: Should America enhance and change their prison system to humanize inmates? Argument: America should enhance and change their prison system to humanize inmates because they’re citizens who make mistakes, on small and large scales, but deserve to be treated fair regardless. Many of these inmates are dealing with mental issues and other sources of delays and difficulties. America’s prison system seems to neglect these individuals, kicking them to the curb with nothing resulting in them giving up and not caring. They have nothing to lose, because we provide them with absolutely nothing to gain. America fails at preparing these men and women for the real world, leaving them to fall within the 80% of inmates that get rearrested within 5 years. Topic: Women’s Rights in America Research Question: Should America guarantee women equality regarding wage discrimination? Argument: America should guarantee women equality regarding the wage discrimination between men and women because there is no solid reasoning for there to be a difference. If a woman is intelligent and effectively able to carry out a job, just the same as a man then they should be on the same exact pay grade. Just like our prison systems and how we neglect the inmates, we also neglect women and dismiss the overwhelming research. Women are almost half of the workface, meaning if those same women were to quit tomorrow morning then we just lost about 75 million workers. We NEED women, believe it or not. Women also receive more college and graduate degrees than men. In 2016, female full-time, year-round workers made only 80.5 cents for every dollar earned by men, a gender wage gap of 20 percent! Topic: College Tuition in America Research Question: Should America provide free college tuition? Argument: America should provide free college tuition because it will benefit those looking to continue and expand their education. The average age to enter college normally is 18, months after graduating high school. Many of those students in America do not have a career, or a job that pays well enough to accommodate their college tuition and fees. Some students are forced to drop out and not finish their education, simply based on the fact that they can’t afford it. Especially because the average student loan debt is $37,000 taking away any contribution to the economy. Easily that $37,000 could have been a down payment on a house, spent towards books and living expenses, or maybe even a brand-new car! If this was the case, many more individuals would attend college, ensuring a more well-educated workforce and population. In addition, students would attend college and explore majors they would enjoy, not because it’s “practical” and pays well. I know someone who loves art, would currently probably be an art major, if it wasn’t for Americans insisting that “there is no money in it” and that it isn’t “realistic” since the odds are against you and it's "a waste of money".
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In this blog post I will be giving a summary based on the film Where to Invade Next by Michael Moore. I will also be responding to numerous questions surrounding the primary topic. My own personal rhetorical analysis of the film will answer my thoughts on Michael Moore’s use of ethos, logos, pathos, telos and kairos. In the documentary Where to Invade Next, Michael Moore visits various countries to examine how Europeans view work, education, health care, sex, equality, and other issues. Michael Moore is an American man who explores multiple countries in search for answers on how the United States could improve their own prospects. He “invades” places such as Italy, France, Finland, Tunisia, Slovenia, Germany, Iceland, Portugal, and Norway. During his travels, he speaks to average labor workers, employees of large corporations, teachers, and even leaders. He seeks answers to major dilemmas and downfalls that America deals with. In search for these great ideas, in the end he comes to the conclusion that many of these countries get their inspiration from America! Unfortunately, though America doesn’t take advantage and utilize these successful concepts. Michael Moore establishes ethos by physically visiting these countries and speaking to a wide variety of credible people who reside there. He has conversations with leaders and even CEO’s of large corporations. For example, he met with the CEO of Ducati, Claudio Dominicali. In addition, he speaks with the Finnish Minister of Education, Krista Kiuru from Finland, prison wards, and world leaders. Michael brings awareness to each culture, and visually shows us the dramatic differences of each way of life. Michael Moore uses logos by revealing expert testimonies, facts, and statistics. He mentions that 80% of American prisoners are rearrested within 5 years whereas only 20% of Norwegian prisoners are rearrested. Another example is that Finland is ranked #1 on the Global Education Rank and America is ranked #29 on the list! We explore the free educational system in Slovenia and the legalization of drugs to stop crime in Portugal. Michael Moore appeals to pathos by incorporating personal testimonies and audio tracks. When he speaks to the French chef, he shows him and the audience images of American food compared to what he serves to their students and it’s appalling. Through the use of comedic and various audio tracks he sheds light in a different and unique aspect. Michael Moore’s telos is to enlighten the American people, and how the United States can learn from other nations trials and errors. Turns out the solutions to America’s problems already exist and were even created in the United States, but they’re just waiting to be co-opted. The film discusses America’s social problems and explores great ideas that other nations have adopted. The kairos of this film is that it took place before the 2017 presidential election and he explored issues we are currently still facing. Bernie Sanders advocated for higher taxes, better wages and conditions for workers, even free college education and in the film prior to his campaign these same policies were highlighted. In this blog assignment we had to write about a time where you had to make an important life choice. We have to incorporate showing and telling writing, to give readers an understanding of the story and how I felt about my situation. But before we could begin, it was necessary to watch a YouTube video called Reflective Writing. This video talks about the three stage process that involves looking back, analyzing, and projecting into the future. They mention the critical questions you should ask yourself while writing, what to avoid writing about, and the benefits you receive like a boost in self confidence. I will be responding to a handful of questions related to my writing process as well.
Who did you work with to compose your life-choice memoir? Was this a good approach? I was unsure of what to write about initially for this particular assignment. I haven't experienced many tough life choices, where I had to choose a certain path. But once I sorted through my memories, I picked a topic to write about. I talked to my Mom about the situation and she helped me gain some clarity. I also discussed it with my older sister and by doing that, she validated my feelings. She aided in the process of simply understanding, being supportive of my decision, and giving structure to my story. I feel as though this was a good and positive approach because my Mom played a role in my story, and my sister is the person I often open up to and feel most comfortable around. What rhetorical mode and genre are you using? The rhetorical mode for my life choice memoir is a narrative and the genre I am using is creative nonfiction. When did you write this project? Good approach? I began writing this project probably about a week after it was assigned to the class. I struggled with finding a situation that was "high stakes" or major. I debated between the story I chose to speak about and another one. But, since this is reflective writing I ended up going with the more personal narrative. I think it was a good approach because even though I didn't know what to write about from the beginning I bounced my ideas back and forth. I didn't settle until I was content with my topic, feelings, and understanding the entire circumstance. Where did you write this project? Good approach? I originally attempted to write this project in class, but I was having trouble trying to pick a real life situation that was difficult for me on a bigger scale. So, I ended up writing this project at home in my bedroom. I think it was a good approach, because I was comfortable when writing this story so when I needed to go into detail I found it was much easier. I could think clearly, and visualize the past and everything that took place. Why did you choose to write about your chosen topic? Good choice? I chose to write about this topic because it was difficult for me and other family members. I think it's also very relatable in the fact that relationships end all the time, whether we want them to or not. Sometimes it's in your best interest to terminate a relationship with someone, especially when you know it's unfixable and not in your control. I think it's a good choice because for me personally, it was a tough and long-drawn-out issue that I ignored and never spoke about. I also believe it was a good and healthy option because it assisted in me reflecting back on the situation, my emotions, and my overall decision. How did it feel to write this narrative ("during, after, and since")? Do you have any "if only" moments that can help you revise the draft? While I was writing this narrative it was strange and definitely not easy. I was experiencing frustration towards the person I spoke about and as a result, my fingers did not want to stay on the keyboard but my anger sure did. I would go from writing at a speed of zero words per minute, to nearly fifty words per minute. It was a constant back and forth battle. After I was finished writing I was satisfied to get my thoughts and inner perspective into the world, which I very often shelter. Ever since I wrote my narrative I think about it more, but not in a negative way. I tend to remember the situation, and it's unfortunate but I'm confident and at peace with my decision. As of now, I do not have any "if only" moments that can help revise my draft, but if any occur I will use them to improve my writing. How will you revise your narrative? I revised my narrative multiple times through my drafts, and by critiquing my own work. I used helpful tips that the YouTube video mentioned and explained, and I also took inspiration from everything we learned in class. *UPDATED* In class we were to share our life-choice memoirs out loud during our last two classes. When I was listening to their meaningful pieces of writing and they were expressing raw emotion, it changed my mind. I reverted back to my original story that I wrote, which I felt very strongly about. I'm glad we had the group readings because if we hadn't, I would have stuck to my story called No Prescription. It made me want to open up and share a story that I was hesitant about. I thoroughly enjoyed both of my stories, but I did come to the conclusion that my story In Bloom held a deeper meaning. If my classmates could share their personal truths, so could I. |
AuthorHi, I'm Rebecca Stevens and this is my blog for my English Composition I class! Through my blog posts, I hope to show you bits and pieces of my life and character. Archives
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