Finding and Evaluating Research Sources

One of the most common places to find research sources is the internet. However, people often forget to look for signs to show that the website is a reliable source. The main thing I look for on the website is the author or sponsor. The safest websites are the ones supported by large corporations. If I can't find an author I look for a date next, to see if the source is at least current. Usually, if the website lacks both of these features I consider the site to be unreliable and I will go look for another website. Although websites are the easiest sources to reach, books are still important to use as resources. It is necessary for us to be able to find useful information out of books because using the internet is a shortcut, and for some sources that is fine, but in order to get the full effect of creating a research paper we need to research the "old fashioned" way as well. By using printed resources and researching normally our brains can grow in a way that is different from the growth from internet research. Even though we take in information while reading online, we can use short cuts so that we don't have to read unnecessary information, which allows our brains to slack off a little bit.

Virtual Worlds and Gaming Life

The gaming world has it's own social hierarchy within itself. There are games that are considered lame and/or nerdy, and then there are games, when played, the player is automatically considered "cool." Some how the gaming systems have even evolved their own hierarchy.. The PS3 and Xbox360 are the top tier gaming systems, while the GameCube would be considered to be the bottom of the food chain. Even though there is a common misconception in the every day world that "old" is "uncool," or as the generations above us would say "not hip," the classic game systems have swag points of their own, such as the N64 (the best system in the history of gaming). It is odd to think that people can be judged or judge others solely on the fact that they might play games on their computer or on an outdated gaming system. However, I have to admit that I am at fault for judging people for the games they play. I wouldn't say that I am proud that I do that, but there are definitely strong stereotypes that go with certain gaming methods, which I have often found to be true. That being said, there are always exceptions to stereotypes and I have made it a point in my life to avoid "fitting" certain stereotypes.

1500 Word Paper..

I think that this paper is a good idea for an assignment, as in dissecting an advertisement, however I think that it is unnecessary that we have to write 1500 words… I don't see why it wouldn't be acceptable to just right about three pages on an advertisement. I mean 1500 words wouldn't necessarily be that many if we were writing about whatever we wanted, which it could be argued that we are, but I feel like there are many topics that I would rather write 1500 words on. And I chose an advertisement that means something different to me than what it was supposed to target, so I have a strong topic to write about. It's just that I am not a very strong writer; therefore it can be a struggle for me to find 1500 words to say without any debate. If I am having a discussion with someone, then it isn't hard for me to come up with plenty of things to say because I have someone to feed off of and help shape/change my thoughts. I prefer to share ideals and opinions in person, instead of using the internet, paper, and words. I am a people person and always will be.

"There Is No Shame in Watching YouTube"

Michael Strangelove pointed out in his writing that we shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed about watching YouTube videos because we see a little bit of ourselves in the videos, which I disagree with. I mean sure I will connect with several of them, but for the most part I watch videos because they have been talked about a lot recently or because I find them humorous. I would definitely say that I don't finish some videos because I think they are stupid or I would be embarrassed if someone found me watching them. A lot of people view what they watch as an extension of their ideals and a lot of the time people will judge others based on what they have or haven't seen. It's almost as if television and videos on the internet is an extension of our personalities and social lives. Which is why I think that people could be ashamed of watching certain videos on YouTube. Many of them are not worth the time of our day, nor the humiliation of admitting you watched a really dumb video.

Advertisement

The ad is selling the idea that women can be viewed as a piece of meat, instead of being viewed as a human beings. By packaging the women and showing that she is dead even though she has makeup on, jewelry on, and her hair done strengthens the message of the ad. And on top of the human being a woman, it is a woman that is a common age to go on dates and might go home with another man. Therefore, displaying that she might have been raped and mistreated. It is demeaning to women the way she was wrapped in plastic to be "sold" as human meat, but really I think she is being sold for another reason. Also, the fact that underwear is all that she has on, is strengthening my viewpoint. The author, whether a man or a woman, was trying to make his/her audience aware that people need more respect and that too many people go unnoticed in life. Which makes me think that the main audience is for people who don't give enough love, for the amount they receive. However, it is ironic that a lot of the time these are the people that wouldn't pay any attention to an ad like this. One day they will notice the message and learn from it.

Comics: Banana Triangle

This comic points out how hygiene plays a big part in our lives today. It is considered unattractive and disgusting to not keep up with your hygiene. I think the comic was trying to make a point that it is really odd for girls to not regulate their hygiene and any time one doesn't, it is noticed and usually becomes a big deal; that is in the United States of America. In other parts of the world such as Europe, it is common for women to not shave and the cultural difference is shocking to each part of the world. I think that this comic is aimed towards Americans and that Europeans might find it offensive since this is a natural part of their culture for women to not shave. However, Americans would probably consider this to be comical. It appeals to women to make them control their hygiene better, so that they will be attractive to men. As well as strengthening men's opinion of girls needing to be clean shaven at all times! And the fact that it is disgusting for girls to not take care of their hygiene. It is another representation of how strict the expectations of beauty are in the world today.

Example of Rhetoric

Prompt- Give some examples of rhetoric you see on a daily basis.  Try to consider what you see on your way to class.  If you can, post some photos of some you see as well.


Everywhere I go, there are examples of rhetoric. I see billboards, bumper stickers, ads in magazines, commercials, posters, graphic t-shirts, and statues. However, one of the main examples I see around campus are flyers. All over Clemson University there are flyers to get involved in first week events, workshops for success, intramural sports, greek life, and several church programs. There are many different authors posting the flyers, and the audience is broad as well. I would be surprised if someone couldn't find something that persuaded them to join or at least go to an interest meeting. This is one thing I really like about this school. I feel as if all the people here want all students to succeed, and are very willing to assist students in any way they can to help us achieve that goal. And the flyers share that message with us. It is comforting to know that we have such a great support system here. It is a positive place to be, where there is an activity for everyone. The rhetoric around campus persuades us that we are wanted here and that the more involved and balanced we are, the more likely we are to succeed.