Chapter 16 Analysis

This chapter is all about evidence and the different ways people present it and the different ways it can be seen. Some different kinds of evidence, such as one example mentioned that relates to college students, is quantitative data, which is basically evidence in numbers that can be observed. Also, it does matter to whom you are presenting your evidence to and the context of which it is in simply because some people, such as skeptics, would be less likely to believe something, rather than people who are already swayed into believing. This chapter also discusses how interviews are used as evidence because they are direct quotes taken from what should be a credible source. In addition to this, another type of evidence could be surveys taken because it represents a populous or set group of people pertaining to the claim. However, they do mention how surveys need to be extremely clear in order for participants to understand what is going on. Experiments are also another form of evidence discussed in this chapter. There is secondhand evidence, which is evidence that is collected from another source, such as a library source or online source. This kind of evidence is most familiar to college students because in English 101 and currently in English 102, we have had to use ASU's online library database, or even directly from books at the library.
The part of this reading which  I found most intriguing was the section about how evidence does not necessarily have to be words, but can simply be pictures-ones that are moving and inspiring that photojournalists base their career around. The example they use in the book is drawings done by children's eyes about the current actions in Darfur. The pictures are definitely moving and sometimes say more than words and other evidence would. The example I can definitely relate to and I think anybody can would be the sickening, frightening and dreadful pictures of the emaciated victims of the Holocaust. To me, these pictures speak louder than any words.

Chapter 13 Analysis

Basically, this chapter is describing how just as in the many outlets of life there are all kinds of styles, writing has many too. Style is how the way the argument is set up in order to make an effective claim. These can be found as ways of communication which the chapter classifies as high, which is formal, middle, which is understated, and low, which is every day talk. Using these gives a certain style and tone to the organization of the argument. This chapter also addresses word choice as very important for the style of the argument. Slang can be used for specific target audiences and jargon has the same effect too. The style can also have figures of speech, or use metaphors, similes and analogies to compare and contrast and further prove or disprove a point. Rhetorical questions, which most people are familiar with  help continue the argument on and also engages the audience to make assumptions. Another strategy that most people have heard of, but don't what it's called is "antonomasia," which is "George the Great," etc.
The part that I found most intriguing that reminded me of something I've seen on the web would have to be a combination of sentence structure and punctuation. The example I'm thinking of that makes a huge difference is "Let's eat Grandma!" as opposed to "Let's eat, Grandma!" because the meanings are completely different and affected by the smallest thing.
Also, I found the part about metaphors and similes interesting because I find this to be the easiest to understand for audiences of all types and are almost always effective as proving something. For instance, the advertisement below compares having a baby and being grounded. Most people can understand or relate to this because they understand what being grounded entails, or have experienced it themselves.

Chapter 7 Analysis

This blog was all about how to successfully structure a convincing and winning argument. There are many different types of arguments, such as Rogerian or orations. Rogerians being arguments that acknowledge there are other possible solutions to the problems, respecting them and not denying or arguing these other claims. Orations were used a little differently and did attack the other position. They were created on the basis of a simple, professional structure of an introduction, background, lines of argument, alternative arguments and the conclusion. The techniques are then used in such a way to push the audience onto their side. There are also effective ways to state your claims and bridge them using a warrant, which makes it easier for the audience to follow. This chapter also touches on how using evidence is important and effective to proving the claim.
I thought the section on rebuttal was the most intriguing part of the argument structuring because while all the other information elaborates on how to favorably create the argument, this section focuses on the reaction of skepticism from audience members. It states that to do this well, the speaker must already be prepared with possible rebuttal comebacks and have legitimate answers to the questions. This means already knowing and understanding the issues fully and standing ground on why your opinion is the right one, even in the face of other possibly effective alternatives.
To bring in kairos, I have an example of the sickening Casey Anthony trial. This is not exactly the same as the rebuttal described in the chapter, however, it is one of the many outlets to where well-structured arguments are successful. This is in a professional setting, so the set-up is slightly different too, but they are still using similar aspects such as evidence to back their claims.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GSQK0XO08U

Response

Response to Kmbonham:
This blog was very to the point and made everything clear and understandable. It was straight-forward and gives affective examples to help the reader understand. The only criticism I have would be to make the blog post longer than it is.
This blogger talked about how ethos, pathos and logos are all used in visual arguments, the effectiveness of each and examples of each. They talk about how these are the most obvious and most used in visual arguments as well. Ethos is using the stance of character as a visual argument. Pathos is using emotional appeal and logos is using logic or reasoning to get the point across. They give an example of how pathos is used, such as in a military commercial that makes the viewer seem insubstantial or fragile and make it seem the only way to be strong and respected is by joining the military.
A specific part of this blog I found interesting was the other example of pathos, using the image of a sad puppy in a humane society. The blogger talks about how the ad wants the viewers to sympathize with the dog, feel badly about it, and feel as if they need to do something about it. They also supplied a specific picture of a visual argument with a puppy and the message to "adopt."
This reminds me of a certain pathos visual argument I have seen that appeals to feeling happy and using the product in order to fulfill this need.

Response to Bianka's Blog:
This blog was also very easy to comprehend, well thought-out, and used specific examples and sources to back up their information. The length was very good and the voice was clear through the writing.
This blogger specifically talks about pathos, or emotion, as mentioned above. This is the use of feelings to appeal to the target audience as a way of getting the message across. They mention, directly from a source, how pathos is an extremely powerful and effective tool in visual arguments. These visual arguments can even make the viewers yearn for something or seek emotional pleasure. This blog also talks about how humor is often used to be memorable to an argument and opening up the viewers eyes in a relateable way.
Specifically in this blog, I found most interesting how the blogger brought their own opinion into how they find pathos to be a very effective way of making them want to do something to support the argument. However, the blogger thinks sometimes the visual arguments can be too strong and push the viewers to do the opposite of what the advertisement is suggesting. This is true in making the targeted audience uncomfortable instead of emotionally-driven to act.
I also can relate to how humor is used in making an argument extremely effective because by using laughter, the message is lessened if it is a touchy subject. It is also not as forgettable if it makes the viewers laugh because of the creative sense.

PATHOS-Chapter 2, Everything's an Argument

This chapter is solely based on using pathos, or emotion, as the focus of a visual argument. Using emotional appeal can be one of the most successful ways of swaying a target audience to feel a certain way and thus, the product or message sticks with them because of the powerful affect. Advertisers can play off our strengths or our vulnerabilities and make us yearn for something in return. The chapter talks about how these things stick with us because of the ability to send a "chill down your spine" just by one simple image. Emotional tactics are very persuasive, especially in the area of politics. Pathos-driven advertisements by candidates can make others in the run look scary or inept and use that to push audiences a certain way. By using pathos, advertisers can also paint a picture in a consumer's mind and make them more passionate about it. Many emotions, such as sadness or anger, can have a very large impact on the audience, but this chapter also makes a note that sometimes overwhelming pathos can make consumers or audiences uncomfortable. Due in part to this, advertisers are careful in selecting what emotion they are primarily trying to convey or trigger. In addition to these emotions, humor is also mentioned as an effective pathos which can ease the situation, or make it seem more amicable and relateable.
In this chapter, I found the section on Barack Obama most interesting. The book talks about how Obama uses one emotion-hope-as the push for his entire campaign. The pathos used was extremely effective in giving him a certain image that stuck with viewers all throughout the campaign. The way they portrayed him, using hope as the main focus, made him seem like a beacon of light to the otherwise dull future. He was even depicted on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, standing strong with glimmering light around him, signifying hope and in turn, giving off this strong emotion made him a powerful figure in the running.

Chapter 14-Everything's an Argument

Chapter 14 in Everything's an Argument is all about the power, push and pull of visual arguments in society for many years. They are significant and essential to our culture and establishing arguments for different standpoints. These advertisements have the power to sway people in one direction or another by the use of pathos, logos and ethos. The way the advertisement is presented, even by the tweak of coloring and positioning can make a substantial difference in the effect it has on an audience. In addition, the ad is usually designed with a particular audience in mind, which determines how they will present it. Some advertisements also display data in order to back up their claims and to portray a more professional demeanor.
In this chapter, I found most interesting the section about "how design reflects character." This section explains how something as simple as the type font can morph or convey the visual in a certain way. It is explained how when the text is larger, the advertisement appears to be yelling and may be overbearing, unless the ad calls for attention to the larger text. Relating to this, smaller text can be used to conceal information that does not need to be brought to attention. As an example of this, the chapter talks about how Michael Phelps's reputation was ruined by ethos in an advertisement showing him smoking a joint on a Wheatie's box, following his marijuana scandal. To elaborate on this, the advertisements are created in just a way to show the argument in the best (or least) possible way.

Also, for writing project one, I am probably going to do something with PETA's anti-fur ads. They have a lot of celebrities who pose nude for their advertisements against wearing animal fur. By using somebody of a credible standpoint, PETA attracts more viewers and listeners. This will include the arguments against animal cruelty. It also uses sexual aspects to draw the viewers in.

About me

I was born in Phoenix, Arizona and have lived in the same house my whole life. I went to Thunderbird High School in Phoenix and am now currently living in Hassayampa on campus at ASU. I dislike living in the dorms and can't wait to get my own place. I chose ASU because U of A sucks and NAU is too cold for my liking. I want to graduate on time in four years. I am hoping to get a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in Exercise and Wellness. I am not exactly sure what I want to do with my degree once I earn it. I also hope to get Dean's List as many times as possible. In addition, I have a tuition waiver which requires me to keep a GPA of 3.0 or higher. I basically worked my entire high school career, so for now I am unemployed and putting all my focus on school.

Random facts about me include: I love working out, especially running long distance, although I am not part of any sports teams. However, I recently completed my first marathon with my dad. I also love rap music, dislike math and probably have an addiction to shopping.