Research Sources

Fedorkhin, Alexander and Shiv, Baba. "Heart and Mind in Conflict: The Interplay of Affect and Cognition in Consumer Decision Making." Journal of Consumer Research (1998): 278-92. Print.
Ferguson, Leonard W. "Industrial Psychology." Annual Review of Psychology 9 (1958). Print.
Jacoby, Jacob. "Consumer Psychology: An Octennium." Annual Review of Psychology 27 (1976). Prin
Lynch, John G. and Zauberman, Gal. "Construing Consumer Decision Making." Journal of Consumer Psychology17.2 (2007): 107-12. Print.

Bonding Over a Mascot Response

I think for this article, the starting question was, “How do people feel about the N.C.A.A. edict?” Lapointe writes in his article about the N.C.A.A. decision to ban the use of “mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin.” The article, “Bonding Over a Mascot” focuses specifically on the reaction to the edict at Florida State. Much of the author’s research to answer this question came in the form of interviews. He begins the article with a quote from Toni Sanchez, a current student of Seminole ancestry who attends Florida State. She calls the ruling “beyond idiotic” and goes on to say, “I know what a real Seminole is. This Anglo guilt and regret doesn’t affect me.” T. K. Wetherell, the president of Florida State, also offered his opinion for the article. He calls the mascot a “marketing tool” and asserts that the Seminole tribe knows this and approved because they are “good businessmen” and “great politicians.”  Lapointe also gathers opinions from the side of the N.C.A.A. According to Myles Brand, the president of the N.C.C.A., the decision received more negative reactions than anticipated, but he still believes the decision was the right one.

In the end it seems that the mascot that was considered “hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin,” didn’t really offend those whom the N.C.A.A. suggested it would.   

Is Google Making Us Stupid Response

            I don’t know if being part of the “younger generation” makes me biased, but I do not entirely agree with Carr’s assertion that the Internet is making us stupid. As people have evolved, so has the technology that they use. Man has been continually finding ways to make things faster, stronger, simpler, and cheaper all throughout history. As times and tools have changed, people have adjusted to adapt to new ways of life.

            In the article, Carr’s main concern is that the younger generation and those who use the Internet on a very regular basis will lose the ability to read deeply. His argument is that because we bounce around from site to site on the computer, our abilities to concentrate and stay focused on a single thing, like a lengthy book, have diminished. With such short attention spans, we only have the ability to process small amounts of information at a time before moving on to the next thing.

            While some of his assertions may be true to a certain degree, they are not without flaws. It is true, while on the Internet it is easy to jump from page to page and become distracted, this does not mean that we cannot shift gears and sit down with a good, lengthy book once in a while. Carr also suggests that the Internet has changed the way in which we absorb information, and I agree. When my parents were in school they would need to pour over many different books in the library in order to find the right information for a project or a paper. What used to take hours decades ago can now be done almost instantly. When finding the right information is so quick, it’s so much easier to work efficiently. Having thousands of databases at your fingertips eliminates wasting time to physically search for the information. Even in an emergency that needs immediate action (like spilling a whole glass of red wine on your mother’s pristine white carpet) there is an immediate answer or solution.

            The Internet has also made the entire world more connected and younger people more globally conscious. The Internet has broken down physical barriers that once kept nations more isolated than they are today.  

Joy Response

            In the article “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us,” Bill Joy’s primary concern is exercising caution when it comes to the creation of new technology. The discoveries we have made, concerning technology, have helped to make our lives run a little bit more smoothly. We have the ability to constantly be in contact with one another, and we have the ability to access information almost instantly. New technological advances have also been beneficial in the areas of medicine and surgical procedures. Less invasive surgical methods have been developed, as well as treatment options that are more effective and less painful. However, we have made some technological discoveries, like cloning or genetically enhanced produce, that have raised questions about morals and ethics. And now, with new advances in the field of robotics, we are again encouraged to take a step back and consider the consequences of our actions. As more doors open, new dangers emerge. And while we humans are naturally inquisitive, which is no doubt a positive attribute, we also need to proceed with caution.

            As a writer, Bill Joy does an excellent job of appealing to ethos. The number of books he has read, the work he has done, and his knowledge of the field all work to convince readers that he is an authority on the topic. His quotes from various sources suggest he is well-read, as well as supply relevant support and examples for his argument. For example, “’Either of two cases might occur. The machines might be permitted to make all of their own decisions without human oversight, or else human control over the machines might be retained.’” He also quotes from George Dyson, “’In the game of life and evolution there are three players at the table: human beings, nature, and machines. I am firmly on the side of nature. But nature, I suspect, is on the side of the machines.’” Besides providing quotes to set up the problem, Joy also employs the help of parallel examples. He writes, “Our overuse of antibiotics has led to what may be the biggest such problem so far: the emergence of antibiotic-resistant and much more dangerous bacteria.” Examples like this show that technology that had been intended for good, has ultimately had an adverse effect. So although we cannot predict every single outcome some new technology will bring, we must at least entertain the idea that something bad could go wrong, and plan accordingly.

             Although this article was published 11 years ago, I think the issues are still relevant to today’s society, if not more so. We are continually making break through after break through, and all of this newfound knowledge has the potential to become dangerous if used improperly or carelessly. What is important is that we recognize the fact that there are potential negative outcomes, and exercise much caution. 

Topic Proposal

          In my hometown there are two Catholic high schools: Central Catholic and Holy Name. Central, founded in 1940, was the first of these two schools. The school is housed in the old Luden Mansion (of Luden’s Cough Drops) and until 1964 was the main Catholic high school in Reading. Then, in 1964, Holy Name High School was founded and a fierce rivalry was formed. The games pinning the Central Catholic Cardinals and the Holy Name Blue Jays were always the best attended. Even throngs of alumni religiously (pardon the pun) attended. My grandparents, who went to Central, even once chose to go to a basketball game instead of a birthday party for my sister, who is enrolled at Holy Name. Needless to say, the pride of alumni and of current students is strong.

Recently, however, a decision was made that would change things entirely. Two years ago, Father John Barres became the new bishop of the Diocese of Allentown. One of the youngest bishops to date, Barres has been very active in his new role, making more appearances than old Bishop Cullen ever did. And for the most part, he has been extremely well received and liked, that is to say until this decision came along. Starting now, measures would be taken to merge Holy Name and Central Catholic. For the last couple of years, Central’s enrollment has been dwindling. The old mansion that houses the school is small, out of date, and basically falling apart. Holy Name is by far the stronger school with 500 kids compared to Central’s 200, larger facilities, and stronger athletics (although that last one may be a little biased on my part). Although others foresaw the closing of Central Catholic, they did not think it would happen so abruptly or in the manner in which it is happening. The bishop has proposed to merge to two schools into one “Berks Catholic” and house the school at Holy Name’s current location. Needless to say, students and alumni couldn’t be more displeased. Both schools will be forced to lose everything that once defined them: their name, their mascot, their uniform, their colors, their teachers, and their rivals. Instead of stripping both schools of their identities, I propose a more unitive movement. Although there is no alternative to the actual merge, there is no reason that both parties have to be negatively affected. Instead of the generic “Berks Catholic,” the school could be called “Holy Name Central Catholic High School.” Students and alumni, instead of being pinned against one another, could come together under a unifying name. Many of the decisions made by the bishop so far have included rebranding and a massive overhaul of the schools’ identities. If the history and traditions of both of the schools could be retained, I think the whole community would be much happier.     

News Links

Friday, March 18, 2011

Radiation Fears and Distrust Push Thousands From Homes in Japan
- This article discusses the "advisory" evacuation that is taking place in Japan as a result of radiation fears. After an earthquake and a tsunami, the explosion of a nearby nuclear power plant raises concerns about harmful radiation.

U.N. Approves Airstrikes Against Libya
- This article talks about the United Nations Security Counsel's decision to authorize military action in Libya against the rebels headed by Colonel Qaddafi. Although the article concerns a foreign country, it is relevant because the U.S. is now considering taking military action and offering support.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Arizona Rejects Further Anti-Immigration Measures
- The State Senate decided to reject newly proposed anti-immigration measures despite its reputation for strict immigration laws. This harsh stance on immigration has very negatively affected Arizona's economy. The tourism and convention industries have taken a huge hit, with the damage ranging from $15 to $150 million.

Nonunion Construction Grows in New York City
- As the real estate market gets back on its feet, new buildings are being constructed in New York City. However these new building projects are being given to nonunion workers instead of union workers. Although union workers are traditionally consider the safer and more skilled of the two, the cheaper price for the nonunion workers has enticed companies to hire them instead.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Euphoric, Egyptians Vote on Future
- For the first time in decades, Egyptians flocked to the polls knowing that this time their vote would actually count. After dictator Hosni Mubarak was overthrown, lawmakers compiled a series of constitutional amendments that would be voted on by the people. With these amendments, the Egyptian people hope to move towards a nation that is more democratic.

Mixed-Race Growth in Mississippi Signals a Shift in Attitude
- In the deep South, where marriage between blacks and whites had traditionally been frowned upon, data has shown that multiracial populations have increased significantly over the last ten years. Such shifts suggest a change in the way people are thinking about race and ethnicity.

A Modest Proposal

The satiric “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift was written during a time when Ireland was suffering greatly. As Swift describes, “the streets, the roads, and cabin doors, crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags and importuning every passenger for an alms.” Aggravated by the conditions of his country, the author offers a proposal in order to ameliorate his afflicted home. Some of the issues he identifies are the vast number of beggars on the streets, the many instances of extreme poverty, voluntary abortions and the murdering of bastard children, and the country’s inability to do anything to fix these problems. The satirical mode that he utilizes supports his overall message. Because no one else has really made any attempts to come up with a solution, Swift creates his own sarcastic proposal in order to portray his aggravation and hopefully call others to action. The method he uses is effective because it shows how desperate the country is. It is also effective because it makes those in power feel foolish for not having made any steps towards improvement. Under the title, Swift gives his purpose for writing the piece: “For Preventing The Children of Poor People in Ireland From Being Aburden to Their Parents or Country, and For Making Them Beneficial to The Public.” However the true purpose is to get people to take notice and do something about the extreme poverty that has afflicted the nation.  

     One issue that is commonly debated in the United States is the nation’s debt. Spending money that we just don’t have has driven up the national debt into the trillions of dollars range. Politicians constantly talk about and debate over budget cuts that never seem to materialize. And as they waste time, the debt continues to grow and grow. Although taxes seem to rise more and more every year, the debt is not being lessened at all. Politicians and policy makers need to realize that we cannot continue to spend the way that we have for the last couple of years. There needs to be some sort of change made. In order to spend money, we need to have money, so for now, we are just going to have to get away with less. It’s as simple as that. Although long-term goals do need to be made, something needs to be done now. We can’t continually put this debt off hoping it will somehow work itself out in the future. That is just not realistic. Something must be done or soon we will see our country bankrupt.  

"The Fame Monster" Review

     Considering this weekend I attended Lady Gaga’s concert in Atlantic City, I think it is only appropriate to use her album "The Fame Monster" for my critique. An addition to her debut album "The Fame," "The Fame Monster" consists of eight new tracks. Ranging from dance tracks to a soulful ballad, the album blends dance/techno with some dark undertones. Although wildly popular, it is not another cheap bubble gum pop album; there is some substance to it. Often times, one buys an album for that one hit single. After playing that one hit song (I guess in this case it would be "Bad Romance") one finds that the rest of the album is lacking at best. Not this album. "The Fame Monster" has yielded three hit singles. Even the dissenters cannot deny that fact. 
     Gaga has been much criticized for her bizarre fashion choices and her provocative, attention-grabbing performances. Everyone, not just teens and the young twenty-somethings, has seen or heard of the pop diva and has something to say about her. She has been compared to Madonna and Queen, and has even been accused of ripping them off, copying their style or their music. However, on the basis of originality, I have to stand by Gaga on this one. Just as in fashion, nothing is truly original. Things that we wear now are based off of styles from previous decades, but have been reworked and modernized. To say that Lady Gaga has been influenced by David Bowie, Madonna, Andy Warhol, and the like, would be absolutely true. To say she she is merely copying this idols, however, I disagree with. As an artist, whether with music, paint, or whatever medium, it is completely normal to be inspired by other works or other fellow artists. The way you twist, turn, and recreate what has already been done is what constitutes your own style. And as far as Lady Gaga is concerned, it is hard to deny that she is one of a kind. 


"The Fame Monster" Review

Definition Proposal

1.      The word I am going to be defining is “friend.”

2.     According to Merriam-Webster, a friend is defined as “one attached to another by affection or esteem.”

3.     For the typical Penn State student, people are constantly being introduced to you all the time. Acquaintances are made, and the foundations of friendships are established. At what point does a person meet the qualifications of a “friend.” And what about those people from high school that occasionally write on your facebook wall, are they really living up the “friend” standard? Or when does a friendship receive “relationship” status? We deal with these questions about friendship all the time.

4.     The goal of the paper is to give a solid definition for friendship. Are we living up to our titles as “friends” to other people? Or have we attached more meaning to the word than is actually intended? What is a true friend?

5.     I will be writing to college students who maybe are not being true to their friends. My audience may also include college students who are in relationships, or for whom a relationship may be budding. 

Definitions

1.             According to Oswalt, a nerd or geek is typically an adolescent male who immerses himself in science fiction and pop culture. His interests usually include “post-punk music, comic books, slasher films, and video games.” Unlike other teenage boys, he had no aptitude for sports nor for getting girls. In Japan, people of a similar classification are referred to as otaku. Meaning “someone else’s house,” Oswalt defines otaku as “people who have obsessive, minute interests – especially stuff like anime or videogames.” In relation to the rest of the society, the geeks, nerds, and otaku, are somewhat outcasts. They have their own clique, which they consider exclusive. While “everyone else” vied for popularity, normality, and the all-important ability to “fit in,” the geeks thrived on being different, even mysterious.

            Now, however, what was once different, mysterious, unknown, and edgy, is now the norm. According to Oswalt, geek culture is dead. This is his reason for defining geek in the first place, to explain what it once was, and the meaning it used to have. The things that used to define them, have now become mainstream. Popularization of your “culture” cannot exist when the founding principles of your clique require you to be different and stray from “the herd.” Nerdery has been stripped of its most important feature: its “differentness.” In order to regain their status, geeks must find new ways to stray from what is considered the norm.

2.          In supermarkets today, even the not-so high end ones like GIANT and Redner’s, it is impossible to escape the “organic movement.” Soy chips, organic tomatoes, and Kashi frozen dinners line the shelves and beckon you to take a more “wholesome, natural” approach to dining. The organic food market has become a lucrative industry. According to Michael Pollan, it even has its own literary form: Supermarket Pastoral. The description on a box of Nature’s Promise cookies or bottle of Kombucha juice has become a literary style all its own. Your typical American shopper picks up one of these products, usually in earth-tone colored packaging with a picture of an idealistic farm, reads the description about the organic granola bars that “are made with only 5 simple ingredients, no preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup,” and feels reassured that he or she has selected food that is more wholesome, nourishing, and uncorrupted by industrial hands. And the premium price? Well worth the investment.

            But all of those who believe in the organic way, have really just bought into yet another brilliant marketing scheme, and I do mean BRILLIANT. The truth about processed foods and Tastycakes with enough preservatives to make them last ten years, has been exposed. The American population has decided to take a stand against the industry-tainted crap it calls food. This is where the lure of “natural, free range, hormone/steroid free” food becomes extremely enticing. People wish to rid themselves of the evils of industry, and instead support food that, as Pollan puts it, combines the best of the modern world and the natural world. It is surely a novel, admirable concept. However, it is a delusion. The organic strawberries that we think come from a quaint, mom and pop farm have their real origins in the farms of “corporate organic growers.” The increasing “industrialization of the organic food industry” is an oxymoron, and an ingenious plot for organic food producers to have it all. 

First Topic Proposal

The narrative I will write will be about some special moment with my mother because she just recently passed away. Writing about a special time with her would be very meaningful to me.
The purpose of the narrative will be to give an example or to support a thesis. I want people to look more closely at their lives and not take for granted the people they love as well as all the blessings they have been given.
The audience I have in mind are people who don't really appreciate the people in their lives or people who are dealing with a loss as well.

Response to The Rhetoric of Hitler's Battle

Burke looks at Mein Kampf from a rhetorical perspective because he wishes to examine how Hitler used rhetorical devices in order to convince the German people. By examining these devices, the author hopes to identify a pattern or model that Hitler adhered to. With this knowledge, Burke wishes to prevent similar politicians from having the same effect on a certain group of people.

For Hitler, the rhetorical exigence, or problem to be resolved or changed, was the poor state of the economy, and just life in general for Germany. After the loss of the war, the country was in serious turmoil. He wanted people to believe that Jews were the cause of the country’s misfortune, although the notion was completely untrue.

One strategy that Hitler used to appeal to the German people was the creation of a single “enemy,” or the Jewish people. Taking a distorted twist on Christian religion, Hitler took advantage of the idea of a common evil, or devil, that the people could all rally against in unison. Hitler also appealed to the German people’s desire for a scapegoat. People do not to like to admit that they are to blame for certain misfortunes, and in this situation, Hitler exempts the German people from blame and the fault falls upon the Jewish people. Also, by suggesting the Jewish people were inferior, Hitler appealed to the Germans’ desire to feel superior.

One piece of recent propaganda that I don’t care for, but is popular nonetheless, would be Obama’s “change” slogan. After having George W. Bush for two terms, the American people were ready for something different. Obama fed into this desire by assuring Americans that he was “change;” he was the embodiment of it. In this example, the exigence would be considered the old ways of Bush and the Republican Party. Obama’s rhetoric would appeal to those who did not particularly agree with the decisions made by President Bush in the past. Liberals would probably be most sympathetic towards Obama’s argument.