We were a wounded country after 9/11, screaming for the blood of Osama Bin Laden, and because nothing so horrific had happened on American soil in living memory, we were shocked and scared. This, in combination with many other factors, led to the unjust invasion of Iraq. I believe that we invaded on false pretenses, and that America made a grave mistake. This was my opinion before class started and before I had ever read a milblog.
After reading the milblogs in class, my opinion about whether or not the war has been just has not changed. It has if anything, strengthened that belief, because of the many accounts of the hardships suffered by our troops that could have been avoided had we not invaded. What has changed is my opinion on the troop withdraw. Before class began, I was in favor of a total troop withdraw effective immediately, but I’ve found that after reading this blog and reading the news, I am now against it. I am definitely against a troop increase, but to leave Iraq in its current state to the Iraqis would be irresponsible on our part. Too many of our troops have died overseas, but the number of Iraqi citizens who have died as a result of this war is inconceivable and even higher. Their innocent blood is on our hands, and when we invaded we unwittingly took all of their problems as our own, for better or for worse. We owe it to the un-stabilized Iraq we created to see this through to the end, whatever that may be.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Pink Think
Lynn Peril discusses and defines a concept she calls pink think using several different defining techniques. Firstly, she defines pink think using the formal, dictionary definition as, “a set of ideas and attitudes about what constitutes proper female behavior”. She then goes on to define pink think by citing several different examples, such as when she explains that when a woman acts scared of mice to make herself appear more feminine, she falls prey to pink think.
I think Peril defined a concept that is still in operation today, because ‘proper female behavior’ is still a subject that still looms in society for women to compare themselves to. We as a class have been discussing the ‘perfect’ idealized woman and how that concept has permeated American society. I believe that the image of perfection is part of pink think, and another example of pink think in today’s society is the double standard concerning one night stands. If a man sleeps around, no red flags are raised, but if a woman follows the exact same pattern of behavior, she has demeaning and ugly names attached to her.
The power pink think has on American women reveals itself in the number of eating disorders in today’s society, because it defines how a woman should be and leaves little room for differences. It forces women into a box of femininity and meekness, and is often cruel when a woman refuses to adhere to its rules.
Chick think is something that is influenced heavily by pink think. It is a stereotypical type of thinking that focuses on looks. The stereotypical chick is often the girl with a very intricate hairstyle, complete with fashionable clothes and make-up. Girls who associate themselves with chick think are characterized as not being very smart, who also can be ruthless and unkind to their peers. Chick think is all about fitting in and trying to stay with the pack.
One can tell that chick think affects the way girls think and behave by visiting any high school. The girls there are at a crucial point in their lives and are searching for an identity to define themselves by, and one of the easiest identities to attach to is chick think. For instance, when a girl decides that she would rather wear a slutty outfit that makes her feel uncomfortable, but helps her fit in with the other girls is an example of chick think. It is a sort of ruthless pack mentality that often pushes girls to do things far earlier than they are comfortable with.
I think Peril defined a concept that is still in operation today, because ‘proper female behavior’ is still a subject that still looms in society for women to compare themselves to. We as a class have been discussing the ‘perfect’ idealized woman and how that concept has permeated American society. I believe that the image of perfection is part of pink think, and another example of pink think in today’s society is the double standard concerning one night stands. If a man sleeps around, no red flags are raised, but if a woman follows the exact same pattern of behavior, she has demeaning and ugly names attached to her.
The power pink think has on American women reveals itself in the number of eating disorders in today’s society, because it defines how a woman should be and leaves little room for differences. It forces women into a box of femininity and meekness, and is often cruel when a woman refuses to adhere to its rules.
Chick think is something that is influenced heavily by pink think. It is a stereotypical type of thinking that focuses on looks. The stereotypical chick is often the girl with a very intricate hairstyle, complete with fashionable clothes and make-up. Girls who associate themselves with chick think are characterized as not being very smart, who also can be ruthless and unkind to their peers. Chick think is all about fitting in and trying to stay with the pack.
One can tell that chick think affects the way girls think and behave by visiting any high school. The girls there are at a crucial point in their lives and are searching for an identity to define themselves by, and one of the easiest identities to attach to is chick think. For instance, when a girl decides that she would rather wear a slutty outfit that makes her feel uncomfortable, but helps her fit in with the other girls is an example of chick think. It is a sort of ruthless pack mentality that often pushes girls to do things far earlier than they are comfortable with.
Definitions
Defining topics can be troublesome, especially when it comes to controversial issues. Before any judgments can be made about a certain subject, criteria must be established. There are many different ways to establish these; for example, one could formally define a topic by using the dictionary definition, or one could use the operational definition where what the topic does or the conditions that created it are the established criteria. Another way would be to define a topic by using examples or individual case studies to show what it is. All of the aforementioned practices are legitimate ways to establish criteria to define a topic, and all can be employed to define the following controversial topics.
SERIOUS LITERATURE: literature that covers a serious topic, is addressed to adults, and embraces a universal theme such as the interconnectedness between all people.
HATE CRIME: a crime which is committed with evil intent, meant to harm another person based on personal beliefs that center on bigotry and prejudice.
ROYAL FAMILY: a family that contains strong and charismatic leaders, much like the Kennedys.
JOURNALISTS: a person who gets first hand information and relays that information to the public.
BIG BUSINESS: a business venture in which lucrative amounts of money can be made.
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE: disobedience in which a law is broken, but it is broken with the intent to change an unjust law.
RELIGION: a set of organized rules on how to live, with a large focus on the afterlife.
FREE SPEECH: speech that is protected in the Bill of Rights and includes anything short of defamation, including hate speech.
STATE: a piece of land that is part of a larger government.
MARRIAGE: a legal contract between two people combining their individual assets into one.
SERIOUS LITERATURE: literature that covers a serious topic, is addressed to adults, and embraces a universal theme such as the interconnectedness between all people.
HATE CRIME: a crime which is committed with evil intent, meant to harm another person based on personal beliefs that center on bigotry and prejudice.
ROYAL FAMILY: a family that contains strong and charismatic leaders, much like the Kennedys.
JOURNALISTS: a person who gets first hand information and relays that information to the public.
BIG BUSINESS: a business venture in which lucrative amounts of money can be made.
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE: disobedience in which a law is broken, but it is broken with the intent to change an unjust law.
RELIGION: a set of organized rules on how to live, with a large focus on the afterlife.
FREE SPEECH: speech that is protected in the Bill of Rights and includes anything short of defamation, including hate speech.
STATE: a piece of land that is part of a larger government.
MARRIAGE: a legal contract between two people combining their individual assets into one.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Don't Blame Brit
It seems no matter where I turn, I can’t escape Britney Spears, and it’s tragic that her life, complete with a breakdown, has to be so public, but that is the life she chose. Nisey Williams composed a very well written argument against Ms. Spears, and if I would grade it, I would give her an A.
All throughout the course of her argument, Williams brings up valid points against Spears, such as how she dresses scantily and she dances provocatively and she wields major influence over 15 year olds. She also doesn’t miss the fact that ultimately it lies with the parents to guard their children from the evils of society and teach their children morals.
Williams goes on to say trying to insulate their children from society is like trying to fight a tornado, but she fails to see the point that its not Spears that she should be mad at, rather she should rage at the whole mainstream media. All of the singers out in the mainstream music have their images already made for them by their managers, who know that nothing sells better than sex. Williams brings up Avril Lavigne as an antidote to Spears, but I would have to disagree with her on the point that Lavigne is a better role model than Spears: Lavigne is a high school dropout who wears too much eyeliner coupled with her dye job hair and miniskirts and I hardly think she is any better than Spears. Both Lavigne and Spears are merely tools to sell records for their company.
I disagree with Williams on another point, when she states that none of the trashy clothes would sell if Spears wouldn’t promote that, but again that ties back to the mainstream media. Even though I disagree with several of her points, I still believe Williams composed a very well written, thought provoking essay.
All throughout the course of her argument, Williams brings up valid points against Spears, such as how she dresses scantily and she dances provocatively and she wields major influence over 15 year olds. She also doesn’t miss the fact that ultimately it lies with the parents to guard their children from the evils of society and teach their children morals.
Williams goes on to say trying to insulate their children from society is like trying to fight a tornado, but she fails to see the point that its not Spears that she should be mad at, rather she should rage at the whole mainstream media. All of the singers out in the mainstream music have their images already made for them by their managers, who know that nothing sells better than sex. Williams brings up Avril Lavigne as an antidote to Spears, but I would have to disagree with her on the point that Lavigne is a better role model than Spears: Lavigne is a high school dropout who wears too much eyeliner coupled with her dye job hair and miniskirts and I hardly think she is any better than Spears. Both Lavigne and Spears are merely tools to sell records for their company.
I disagree with Williams on another point, when she states that none of the trashy clothes would sell if Spears wouldn’t promote that, but again that ties back to the mainstream media. Even though I disagree with several of her points, I still believe Williams composed a very well written, thought provoking essay.
A Healthy Evaluation
Over the course of my life, my parents have participated in countless diets and subsequently, my house has been stocked with everything from protein bars that taste like death to vegetables. Having been forced to eat what they buy, I’ve developed certain criteria for evaluating all the different health foods I’ve come in contact with.
The first criteria I use when judging health food is its overall nutritional content. So many of the diet bars out there are nothing more than sugary bars, filled only with empty calories. A good health food has to contain balanced nutrition, with ample amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all while keeping its calorie content in check.
The second criteria for judging health food is how long the food keeps hunger at bay. The biggest diet killer out there is hunger, which leads to overeating if left unchecked. A good nutritional supplement is something that will satisfy hunger pangs, not only the current meal, but also for a good part of the day.
Last, and most importantly, the taste must be considered when one deals with health food. It seems like there is some unwritten rule which states that healthy food must taste like stewed boots, but it is my experience that this is simply not true. I will concede the fact that vegetables aren’t nearly as delicious as a bowl of ice cream, but that doesn’t automatically mean that they’re disgusting. A great alternative to using fatty oils and butters in food dishes would be to use herbs and spices, which not only add aromatic flavors, but also gives the dish another dimension.
If I were to critique spoken word poets, I would have to do a lot of research before I began. For one, I would have to watch a couple of their shows, to see how well they perform live and how they deal with their audience. When reading or listening to their work, I would have to research how well they get their meaning across and how easily it is understood, but in order for me to even pick up on the meaning of their words, I would first have to research common poetry mechanics and devices to see what they would use. Even though it would be very interesting to watch a spoken word poet, I would first have to commit to a lot of research before I could even think about evaluating the poet.
The first criteria I use when judging health food is its overall nutritional content. So many of the diet bars out there are nothing more than sugary bars, filled only with empty calories. A good health food has to contain balanced nutrition, with ample amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all while keeping its calorie content in check.
The second criteria for judging health food is how long the food keeps hunger at bay. The biggest diet killer out there is hunger, which leads to overeating if left unchecked. A good nutritional supplement is something that will satisfy hunger pangs, not only the current meal, but also for a good part of the day.
Last, and most importantly, the taste must be considered when one deals with health food. It seems like there is some unwritten rule which states that healthy food must taste like stewed boots, but it is my experience that this is simply not true. I will concede the fact that vegetables aren’t nearly as delicious as a bowl of ice cream, but that doesn’t automatically mean that they’re disgusting. A great alternative to using fatty oils and butters in food dishes would be to use herbs and spices, which not only add aromatic flavors, but also gives the dish another dimension.
If I were to critique spoken word poets, I would have to do a lot of research before I began. For one, I would have to watch a couple of their shows, to see how well they perform live and how they deal with their audience. When reading or listening to their work, I would have to research how well they get their meaning across and how easily it is understood, but in order for me to even pick up on the meaning of their words, I would first have to research common poetry mechanics and devices to see what they would use. Even though it would be very interesting to watch a spoken word poet, I would first have to commit to a lot of research before I could even think about evaluating the poet.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Milblog Reflection #4
On the Milblog this week was a slideshow, which was a nice change from the usual text based blog posts. The slide show displayed pictures of soldiers participating in everyday, routine activities, and it was heartening to see something positive come out of Iraq. The “Alive Day” post was another story that caught my eye, because it reminded me to appreciate every day and not to take my life here in America for granted.
THE X-FILES WAS RIGHT (I BELIEVED YOU THE WHOLE TIME MULDER)!!
My dad is a firm believer in UFO’s and extra-terrestrials, so for this assignment I chose http://www.circlemakers.org/ so that I can learn more about my dad’s beliefs. The first thing the reader sees when the website is opened is a graphic design that is reminiscent of a crop circle. The use of the graphic is appealing to the reader because it not only sets the website apart from the multitude of others, but it also supports its reputation by providing various endorsements from different reputable sources, like the BBC, as a part of the design. The website ‘chunks’ the information in a way that is easy to navigate and also easy to read. The ample use of pictures in conjunction with the different articles makes this site not only more interesting, but also adds visual proof to it's claims. The only problem I’ve found with the website is it's use of white words on a dark blue background. While the effect is very artistic and creative, it puts a strain on the eyes if the site is read for too long. To end this post, I will leave my audience with this sentiment: THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE!!
Pulitzer Pictures
Visual arguments are often the most effective at creating empathy, because even though a written argument can be stirring and inspirational, it can never replace a picture’s ability to expose the details of the situation. Words can never quite describe what a refugee’s face looks like after they’ve lost their home.
The bombing of the US embassy in Kenya was horrific; it was one of immense tragedy and the above pictures are able to convey this sentiment because of their honesty. The first picture shows a woman helping injured Kenyan citizens to an ambulance. The background is panic-stricken and slightly hazy from the rubble. The woman looks haggard, with her hair messed up and her clothes covered in dust, but on her face is a look of quiet determination and conviction, as if to reassure the citizens that they will get the help they need. This picture is truly a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
The bombing of the US embassy in Kenya was horrific; it was one of immense tragedy and the above pictures are able to convey this sentiment because of their honesty. The first picture shows a woman helping injured Kenyan citizens to an ambulance. The background is panic-stricken and slightly hazy from the rubble. The woman looks haggard, with her hair messed up and her clothes covered in dust, but on her face is a look of quiet determination and conviction, as if to reassure the citizens that they will get the help they need. This picture is truly a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Milblog Reflection #3
This week, the blog post Faith on a Shoestring really resonated with me. It seems like at every turn, the military fails to adequately support our troops, whether it concerns mental health or spiritual needs. I understand that the majority has needs as well as the minority, and I don’t wish the services to stop if the majority of people are benefiting from them, but to shove religion down a person’s throat who was alienated by that same religion seems contrary to our very Bill of Rights.
My Wiki!!!
When I first created my wiki, I had some trouble figuring out how to use the program, but after I watched the informational video a couple of times, it was so much easier! I figured out how to manipulate the program, and now I feel very comfortable with using my wiki.
casema.pbwiki.com
The wikis have a lot of potential, not only for giving us an ability to express ourselves any way we choose, but also to let the rest of the class get to know each individual on a more personal level. The wikis, in addition to the blogs, should provide a suitable vehicle to let each person express themselves individually.
casema.pbwiki.com
The wikis have a lot of potential, not only for giving us an ability to express ourselves any way we choose, but also to let the rest of the class get to know each individual on a more personal level. The wikis, in addition to the blogs, should provide a suitable vehicle to let each person express themselves individually.
Political Blogs
Of the many political blogs, I picked the blog [andrewsullivan.com] to study. I chose this blog because of the clean, easy to navigate design of the website, and after browsing this site, it seems to be an eclectic mix of both serious responses to the daily news and funny little tidbits and videos. For instance, he has posted videos from youtube making fun of famous newsworthy figures, such as Bin Laden and Hitler, and also several poems about what happens when one drinks too many martinis. He has had an extensive journalistic career, as listed in his biography, and has published several best selling books. He has worked for the top news agencies in America and has also spoken at many prestigious American Universities.
Sullivan has a disclaimer at the top of his blog, claiming to be nonpartisan and belonging to “no party or clique”, and as one reads his blog, he does seem to try and uncover the truth along no party lines, but there is also an air of conservatism about his blog as well.
Sullivan critiques his blog, but in a way that is not overtly obvious to the reader. Many times, he will post a funny cartoon or an email from one of his readers, and his audience is supposed to catch onto the gist of the argument without him saying a word. Other times, he links to an article and explains his position, while, at the same time, revealing the holes in the story/argument.
For example, in his post titled Neoconservatism and Violence, he quotes a scholarly article by Ian Buruma, who uses an allegory to compare how conservatives’ love of power is rooted to a dogmatic way of thinking. He illustrates how their faulty line of reasoning states that, as opposed to the weak liberals, the only true way to deal with terrorists is to allow torture to occur, and the article says something about the love of power, and wanting to appear strong, and the only way to appear strong is to allow prisoners to be tortured. This very misguided way of thinking was pointed out by Sullivan, who sees the fallacy in the argument and disagrees strongly with the sentiment.
Another fallacy uncovered by Sullivan is in his post titled, Time to Ridicule. In the post, he quotes a reader, who realized that the message the Bush administration was sending to the public was one of “…fear instead of confidence”, whose message, “should frighten American into giving up our civil liberties.” This is a blatant use of scare tactics, and the reader can tell that Sullivan agrees completely with the speaker, because he doesn’t write any amendments to this e-mail.
The last I will discuss is the fallacy Sullivan noticed in the media is present in the post Surging For Partition? In this post, he points out that the use of Equivocation, or half truths, was used by not only the Bush Administration, but also by Charles Krauthammer, who Sullivan quotes in this post. Krauthammer argues that the troop increase will finally be able to stabilize Iraq into 3 distinct areas, and also points out that even though that is not the ideal solution, stability can finally be achieved in Iraq because of the troop surge. Sullivan points out that Krauthammer brings up some very good points, but fails to properly predict the outcome of a troop surge, and uses equivocation to cover up the lack. Scattered all throughout Sullivan’s blog are comments revealing what the people in power don’t want uncovered, and it is because of blogs like his that this nation can reveal the fallacies in their arguments.
Sullivan has a disclaimer at the top of his blog, claiming to be nonpartisan and belonging to “no party or clique”, and as one reads his blog, he does seem to try and uncover the truth along no party lines, but there is also an air of conservatism about his blog as well.
Sullivan critiques his blog, but in a way that is not overtly obvious to the reader. Many times, he will post a funny cartoon or an email from one of his readers, and his audience is supposed to catch onto the gist of the argument without him saying a word. Other times, he links to an article and explains his position, while, at the same time, revealing the holes in the story/argument.
For example, in his post titled Neoconservatism and Violence, he quotes a scholarly article by Ian Buruma, who uses an allegory to compare how conservatives’ love of power is rooted to a dogmatic way of thinking. He illustrates how their faulty line of reasoning states that, as opposed to the weak liberals, the only true way to deal with terrorists is to allow torture to occur, and the article says something about the love of power, and wanting to appear strong, and the only way to appear strong is to allow prisoners to be tortured. This very misguided way of thinking was pointed out by Sullivan, who sees the fallacy in the argument and disagrees strongly with the sentiment.
Another fallacy uncovered by Sullivan is in his post titled, Time to Ridicule. In the post, he quotes a reader, who realized that the message the Bush administration was sending to the public was one of “…fear instead of confidence”, whose message, “should frighten American into giving up our civil liberties.” This is a blatant use of scare tactics, and the reader can tell that Sullivan agrees completely with the speaker, because he doesn’t write any amendments to this e-mail.
The last I will discuss is the fallacy Sullivan noticed in the media is present in the post Surging For Partition? In this post, he points out that the use of Equivocation, or half truths, was used by not only the Bush Administration, but also by Charles Krauthammer, who Sullivan quotes in this post. Krauthammer argues that the troop increase will finally be able to stabilize Iraq into 3 distinct areas, and also points out that even though that is not the ideal solution, stability can finally be achieved in Iraq because of the troop surge. Sullivan points out that Krauthammer brings up some very good points, but fails to properly predict the outcome of a troop surge, and uses equivocation to cover up the lack. Scattered all throughout Sullivan’s blog are comments revealing what the people in power don’t want uncovered, and it is because of blogs like his that this nation can reveal the fallacies in their arguments.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Milblog Reflection #2
Of the new blog entries this week, one of my favorites was “So it goes forward”. The relationship that soldiers have with each other is something that transcends the ordinary, and that blog entry truly illustrated that principle. The story was one of hope and luck, which is something that the soldiers need more of in this troubled war.
Another post that was memorable was the “Recreational Warfare”. The soldier’s ability to appreciate what he was given, no matter how slow the internet ran, was truly an eye opener. It really made me thankful for everything I possess, because those soldiers gave up their own comfort for a cause that may not be their own. I only hope that every single one of them makes it home.
Another post that was memorable was the “Recreational Warfare”. The soldier’s ability to appreciate what he was given, no matter how slow the internet ran, was truly an eye opener. It really made me thankful for everything I possess, because those soldiers gave up their own comfort for a cause that may not be their own. I only hope that every single one of them makes it home.
Exercise #4
For this assignment, I went to http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/, which is a music site. A website is the best way to present this material, because of the multitude of information the site contains. The site has different sections for breaking news, music reviews, and interviews among other things, all of which are hyperlinked and can be accessed at the click of a button. If this was in a biweekly magazine, much of the new content would still be there, but the archives wouldn’t be as readily available, and that would be a shame because the archives are one of my favorite things about this website. I can access different music reviews for both a new and upcoming band, and also an older band I missed the first time around.
The advantages the website has over other forms of communication, such as a print text, are readily apparent. For one, as I mentioned before, the user has full access to the archives of the website, and can access anything from an old interview, to an old music review. It also has the capability to be extremely up to date on the breaking news, because new information can be added relatively easily very quickly. The information can be accessed as many times as the reader would like, because all of the information is written down, and that is an advantage to a live oral/multimedia presentation. Another nice thing about the internet is the unlimited capability to be creative. The information is presented on a computer screen, so that allows the different musicians to be able to be as creative as they want, because they won’t have to pay extra to print it in color or incur other additional charges that are commonly found in printing.
To translate the information on this site to fit into a printed text or oral presentation would not be very difficult, because the majority of the information is text based. For one, the new interviews, music reviews, and other items found in paragraph form could be put into a magazine, or summarized in a PowerPoint presentation. Overall, the efforts to make this site print based would not be that difficult.
Once the move has been made to printed media or oral presentations, the connotations associated with the website also change along with it. The portability would drastically increase if the site was move to print based, as it is easier to move a magazine than a computer. The ‘breaking news’ feature of this site would have to be sacrificed because information can’t be updated as soon as it’s printed. The size of the articles and amount of pictures/design elements would also have to have a word limit, so as to make sure to fit in the limited space of a printed text or the limited amount of time in an oral presentation. If this site went to a different medium, the end product would look and feel drastically different than what it is today.
The advantages the website has over other forms of communication, such as a print text, are readily apparent. For one, as I mentioned before, the user has full access to the archives of the website, and can access anything from an old interview, to an old music review. It also has the capability to be extremely up to date on the breaking news, because new information can be added relatively easily very quickly. The information can be accessed as many times as the reader would like, because all of the information is written down, and that is an advantage to a live oral/multimedia presentation. Another nice thing about the internet is the unlimited capability to be creative. The information is presented on a computer screen, so that allows the different musicians to be able to be as creative as they want, because they won’t have to pay extra to print it in color or incur other additional charges that are commonly found in printing.
To translate the information on this site to fit into a printed text or oral presentation would not be very difficult, because the majority of the information is text based. For one, the new interviews, music reviews, and other items found in paragraph form could be put into a magazine, or summarized in a PowerPoint presentation. Overall, the efforts to make this site print based would not be that difficult.
Once the move has been made to printed media or oral presentations, the connotations associated with the website also change along with it. The portability would drastically increase if the site was move to print based, as it is easier to move a magazine than a computer. The ‘breaking news’ feature of this site would have to be sacrificed because information can’t be updated as soon as it’s printed. The size of the articles and amount of pictures/design elements would also have to have a word limit, so as to make sure to fit in the limited space of a printed text or the limited amount of time in an oral presentation. If this site went to a different medium, the end product would look and feel drastically different than what it is today.
Exercise #3
In the online video, “Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising’s Image of Women”, Jean Kilbourne lectures about the subversive effects of today’s advertising on young women in America. Her arguments are not only sound and logical, but she also uses visual aids. Overall, her arguments were very effective, and she got her point across.
Kilbourne delivered her speech in a way that was both professional and fun. Her occasional humor lightened up a considerably heavy subject, making the presentation more fun for the listener. She used several different oral presentation strategies, such as memorable opening and closing statements and also timing her presentation, so as to make sure her presentation was not too long. The listener could also tell that she was well versed in her material, because of the quiet confidence she emanated while speaking.
Throughout the lecture, Kilbourne kept herself from using circuitous language, which not only helped the listener better understand the material, but also better held their interest as well. Her use of signpost language made the lecture transition from topic to topic very smooth. After citing some statistics, she would revert to the core issue, which was advertising, and then move on with the rest of her argument.
Her use of visual aids really made her argument so poignant. One could drone on and on about the transgressions of the advertising industry and not convince a single person, but as soon as that same skeptic is given actual evidence to see with their eyes, and it is put into context, then the strength of the argument becomes so much greater. The visual elements were both effective and well integrated into the lecture. She never skipped a beat; the pictures really drove the point home that she was trying to make. She would continue talking about the subject while the pictures were on the screen, but they were never irrelevant to the subject. The pictures were also the most memorable part of the presentation. The advertisements were created to be eye catching in the first place, but as soon as Kilbourne puts them into context with how they can perpetuate an unhealthy stereotype, they sear into the listener’s brain.
Certain aspects of Kilbourne’s tone, eye contact, and movement really underscored her overall statement. Her tone was confident, yet not overly so. She did not come across as a militant feminist, whose main goal in life is to make sure that men never get the upper hand against women; quite the contrary. Rather, she emitted a calm, confident understanding, and she seemed to say that this phenomenon in advertising occurs far too often and is far too widespread, and if it takes root in the minds of the young women of America, then they risk losing the ability to have “authentic and freely chosen lives”, whose only future is to become a slave to the media.
The way in which Kilbourne addressed the audience was straightforward and easy to understand, and the way in which she conducted herself onstage served to enhance the audience’s understanding. Both her dress and the background of the stage were subdued and casual, but not so much as to appear sloppy and unprofessional. That ensured the audience didn’t get distracted and had an easier time focusing on what was said. Her tone was steady and confident throughout the presentation. She made nearly constant eye contact, except when she was looking at her notes, and her movement up on stage was low key, so as not to distract from her topic. With all of the aforementioned factors combined, the listener could easily appreciate what was being said.
Overall, the presentation was very effective at convincing its audience of the evils of the advertising industry. Through her use of visual aids, knowledge of the subject, and her quiet confidence, she really drove home the point. Professional dress, stage set-up and presentation skills added to the presentation’s effectiveness. I was convinced of the presenter’s sincerity and validity of subject matter and I plan to be more aware in my assessment of advertising motives in the future.
Kilbourne delivered her speech in a way that was both professional and fun. Her occasional humor lightened up a considerably heavy subject, making the presentation more fun for the listener. She used several different oral presentation strategies, such as memorable opening and closing statements and also timing her presentation, so as to make sure her presentation was not too long. The listener could also tell that she was well versed in her material, because of the quiet confidence she emanated while speaking.
Throughout the lecture, Kilbourne kept herself from using circuitous language, which not only helped the listener better understand the material, but also better held their interest as well. Her use of signpost language made the lecture transition from topic to topic very smooth. After citing some statistics, she would revert to the core issue, which was advertising, and then move on with the rest of her argument.
Her use of visual aids really made her argument so poignant. One could drone on and on about the transgressions of the advertising industry and not convince a single person, but as soon as that same skeptic is given actual evidence to see with their eyes, and it is put into context, then the strength of the argument becomes so much greater. The visual elements were both effective and well integrated into the lecture. She never skipped a beat; the pictures really drove the point home that she was trying to make. She would continue talking about the subject while the pictures were on the screen, but they were never irrelevant to the subject. The pictures were also the most memorable part of the presentation. The advertisements were created to be eye catching in the first place, but as soon as Kilbourne puts them into context with how they can perpetuate an unhealthy stereotype, they sear into the listener’s brain.
Certain aspects of Kilbourne’s tone, eye contact, and movement really underscored her overall statement. Her tone was confident, yet not overly so. She did not come across as a militant feminist, whose main goal in life is to make sure that men never get the upper hand against women; quite the contrary. Rather, she emitted a calm, confident understanding, and she seemed to say that this phenomenon in advertising occurs far too often and is far too widespread, and if it takes root in the minds of the young women of America, then they risk losing the ability to have “authentic and freely chosen lives”, whose only future is to become a slave to the media.
The way in which Kilbourne addressed the audience was straightforward and easy to understand, and the way in which she conducted herself onstage served to enhance the audience’s understanding. Both her dress and the background of the stage were subdued and casual, but not so much as to appear sloppy and unprofessional. That ensured the audience didn’t get distracted and had an easier time focusing on what was said. Her tone was steady and confident throughout the presentation. She made nearly constant eye contact, except when she was looking at her notes, and her movement up on stage was low key, so as not to distract from her topic. With all of the aforementioned factors combined, the listener could easily appreciate what was being said.
Overall, the presentation was very effective at convincing its audience of the evils of the advertising industry. Through her use of visual aids, knowledge of the subject, and her quiet confidence, she really drove home the point. Professional dress, stage set-up and presentation skills added to the presentation’s effectiveness. I was convinced of the presenter’s sincerity and validity of subject matter and I plan to be more aware in my assessment of advertising motives in the future.
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