Persuasion

I found the second essay, Inter Arma Leges, to be the most persuasive. When I started reading the essay I was already skeptical to his argument because I previously considered myself a supporter of the suspension of rights of suspected terrorists. After 9/11 and the numerous other threats from Al Qaeda and the Taliban, I felt that if someone was suspected of being a terrorist, detaining them was paramount because they could prove to be a huge threat to Americans. I also felt that since protecting Americans was the main concern of C.I.A and the government, one should not question their methods; the results were the only significant factor. However, Norman opened my eyes to the other side of the story. For every one detained, guilty terrorist, it is possible that there are two non-guilty ones in imprisonment.
While reading his argument, I found myself searching for a response or a sufficient rebuttal to all of his points. He also buffered all of his points with sufficient evidence. For example, when he said the view of America had been tarnished, he provided statistics from various polls from around the world. Norman also made sound analogies, comparing the policies of this government to the mistakes of the post- Pearl Harbor government of the Roosevelt administration. Thousands of Japanese were unjustifiably imprisoned and put into camps. This is certainly something that our government regrets, and is now repeating the same mistake.
I think Norman was successful mainly because he changed my view on the treatment of suspected terrorists. He provided reasonable arguments with evidence that specifically validated each of his points. The statistical point that really convinced me was the fact that 75% of the detainees during Vietnam were innocent. This figure was only determined through fair trial, something not possible at Guantanamo Bay due to the restraining of rights. This data put me over the edge, and now I can say that I am against the new policies on terrorists and their treatment.

Orwell

I found Orwell’s essay and its critique on politics to be very interesting. After reading his essay, I felt as if my eyes were opened to the truth. I have to say that I found myself guilty of a lot of his criticisms. For example, his criticism of pretentious language and its role in “fashionable writing” definitely had some truth. I’m not going to accuse anyone of this, but I sometimes find myself searching for bigger, longer and more advanced words to express my meaning. In my view, these words give credibility to my writing while making me seem more intelligent. The truth, however, is that simply knowing these words makes me no smarter than someone who uses less advanced alternatives. Also, a lot of the time when we think we are using intelligent words or phrases, they most likely have been recycled throughout literature by many different people. And like Orwell said, these words probably have the same vague meanings that can be applied to various situations.
The connection between the decline of language and politics by Orwell was also logical. Using vague metaphors and ambiguous language not only buffers the argument, it hides the true purpose and conceals hidden points. I do disagree with him that language as a whole is declining though. I feel that this type of writing has always been present. There are negative aspects, but it is in our nature to present versions of ourselves that make us seem better than what we actually are. Using pretentious words or phrases is just a manifestation of that desire in our language. This will also not change. I feel that if all writing was short and to the point, some of the beauty of language will suffer. I feel that Orwell’s critique of language was correct, but solving the problem would be impossible.

Letters from Birmingham

Right from the outset of the outset of his persuasive argument, Martin Luther King does a great job of setting up the audience he was arguing against. He also did so in a civil manner, acknowledging the severity of the matter by explaining how answering criticisms was such a rare occurrence for him. Also, he initially makes sound analogies between his crusade and the convictions of others, such as the prophets of the old testament, Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul.

In my opinion, Martin Luther King writes a successful persuasive essay because he employs all of the necessary devices. He literally views his audience as a panel of Jurors, taking into account all of their arguments and criticisms and making adequate rebuttals. In one particular section, he anticipated not only the questions of his direct audience, but of the skeptical Americans he was trying to win over. He utilized "cause and effect" to explain why direct action was necessary and how it pushes non-violent negotiation as a by product.

King also did a good job of referencing scholars and using history as evidence for his position. Although for the most part his analogies were effectual, there was one section where I felt his analogy was not accurate. He likens the possibility of his actions precipitating violence to a robbed man being condemned for having too much wealth, or Jesus being crucified because he chose to be too divine. To me comparisons such as these are way too grand. These comparisons were too much of a stretch. It is perfectly logical to assume that a non-violent demonstration in a completely unstable part of the country could lead to violence. That was my only criticism, however.

Writing on Research

A successful research paper, in my opinion, captures the reader’s interest right from the outset. Even if the topic is incredibly boring, the writer’s main objective is to keep the reader interested and engaged. Changes and writing style as well as using sources other than books and websites and using less conventional sources, such as interviews, aid in this. A good research paper also remains mostly objective throughout with a largely general thesis. A good amount of interest in the subject matter should be exhibited by the writer throughout the paper as well. If the writer enjoys the paper, the reader most likely will too. In a research paper it’s also always important to back check important data and facts from other sources to make sure the information is reliable.
Remaining objective does not mean silencing yourself and delivering a bland “copy-paste” paper, however. A good research paper will still have the voice of the writer imbedded in the writing. When writing a research paper, some just gather information from their sources and reproduce all of it in their papers virtually unchanged. The actual pros may be different, but the writing has no distinct voice or style. It is just a lumped group of data and facts. On the other hand, some write too much with their own voices, not relying on outside sources. This form of writing is also dangerous because it lacks evidence and support. Basically, a good research paper incorporates the writer’s voice and distinct style all the while remaining objective.

The Impact of Facebook

The community I decided to write my second paper on was facebook. As we all know, Facebook was a social networking website established by Harvard grad Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, and has since exploded into a community with 82 million users worldwide. I believe Facebook is just an example of our evolving world, where people’s lives are drawn closer together. Facebook has also created distinct connections between people that would not have been possible if the website did not exist. As a result, Facebook as a community has altered the way in which we communicate. Many of our friends use this website to communicate with friends and acquaintances almost instantaneously, eliminating the need to email. Facebook even recently added a chat option where friends could see who is online and instant message the person. Communication, however, is not limited to just physically talking. Pictures on Facebook profiles communicate who we are, what interests we have, and whom we hang out with to other people. The section on the profile where the interests of the person are specified also serves as a tool of communication. Facebook has now created an environment where people can portray false version of themselves. Facebook also fosters false, shallow friendships. In a short span of time, only 4 years, this community has influenced the way in which a whole generation communicates and forms friendships. My paper will focus mainly on our generation, (adolescents and young adults) and facebook’s effect on the way we communicate and the friendships we form.

Facebook and Communication

The community I will be observing is one we most likely are all apart of: the phenomenon known as Facebook. Since it is such a large topic I will be focusing on the effect of the website on communication and relationships (for teenage-young adult relationships). I have found a couple articles in the database that actually confirm this notion. One article, Taking risky opportunities in youthful content creation: teenagers' use of social networking sites for intimacy, privacy and self-expression, examined how facebook created superficial relationships. According to a website, Facebook also is aiding in creating a conceited generation bent on presenting their lives for everyone to see. Another article I was able to find explained the role of facebook and mainstream media. Facebook Proves Elusive was an article that documented the number of Facebook users that joined groups devoted to news corporations like Fox News, ABC News, and NBC News. Theses corporations realized the size of Facebook as a community and decided to capitalize on it.

Hardey Home-Life

What’s really interesting about Boston College and my transition is how quickly I have become accustomed to this school as my new home. Just the other day I was chatting with my roommate, Ian Weill, about what sort of experience I would have going back home for break in October. I came to the conclusion that I would feel like I was visiting. You know that feeling when you wake up in a place away from home, and you feel as if you should be in your bed, but when you look around you momentarily become freaked out because everything is foreign to you? Since moving in that has only happened to me one night. I basically brought up everything from my previous room to Boston. When I go home, most of my stuff will be here, and my former room will feel barren, making me feel as if I was just on vacation. I suppose the fact that I live on Newton also contributes to me feeling as if I have a new home. After I’m done with classes I take a bus away from main campus back to my room. Separating myself from my classes and the main school creates the illusion that my home is not affiliated with the school, which is a good feeling. My room in the Hardey basement is the largest dorm room on Newton Campus. Because the space is so huge, I am comfortable spending considerable amounts of time in my room without feeling the need to leave, further pushing the illusion of home.
Of course, with a home, a family is needed, and I feel like my roommates have been almost adequate substitutes. In fact, one of my roommates was my best friend from high school, so we are practically brothers. My other two roommates are really nice too, and they complete a well-balanced substitute family for me. Of course we have our own friendships, but in the end, we can come together and enjoy each other’s company before sleep. All of these factors contribute to a healthy, home-like environment.