At A Glance p. 21

The image I'm using for this blog is found on page 21 in the text "Envision in Depth" by Alfano and O'Brien. The image is a simple black and white cartoon about the immigration debate with the United States and other countries, mainly Mexico. In the picture, there is the national border with barbed wire, however there is a hole in the fence. This shows that even though there is a debate over people coming into the country illegally, the United States does not try hard enough to keep them out. On the Mexican side of the fence, there is a stand with a sign stating "Maps to USA" accompanied by a long line of Mexicans. This shows how badly Mexicans want to come to America. On the United States' side of the fence, there is a large sign that states "U.S.A. Keep Out", however there are many small signs that promote free education, jobs, free health care, and lemonade. The lemonade stand shows Americans' hospitality to the illegal immigrants and shows how we even promoted education, health care, and jobs. The latter three subjects are what started the debate in the first place. Illegal immigrants do not pay taxes like American citizens, however in an emergency they would most likely take advantage of free health care and be treated before actual paying citizens. Illegal immigrants also take over jobs that Americans need, especially in times of economic crisis. Unfortunately, this still goes on today, and if this keeps up, our country may fall to the illegal immigrants. There are ways to prevent this, and it all starts with the government. This image is used to persuade the American people to voice their opinions before illegal immigrants overtake the country. There are sufficient images in this cartoon to analyze the different aspects of the debate, as well. The intended audience is most likely Americans who will realize what is happening in the country. Hopefully there is a solution in the short-run, and America will be safe and economically stable soon. 

Not going to lie, I'm not exactly positive what the assignment actually is for this week since i do not have my syllabus with me this weekend. However, i do have my book and I'm pretty sure I am supposed to write my response to the collaborative exercise on text page 34. I chose to analyze the 2008 Super Bowl commercials. All of these commercials target Americans, as most of them watch the Super Bowl religiously. One commercial that ehibits example/illustration and process is the Etrade commercial with the baby who shows how easy it can be to buy and sell stocks. Another commercial that can be analyzed argumentatively is the Budweiser commercial where the clydesdale tries to make the prestigious team that he did not make in "tryouts." This is an example of classification and division. The horse must train all year to make the team, which he does, but it classifies Budweiser as the best of the best, a team everyone should want to be on. The purest example of cause and effect exhibited in the 2008 Super Bowl commercials is the Vitamin Water commercial where Shaq is a jockey in a horse race and wins beacause he and the horse drank Vitamin Water.

1st POST! rhetoric

RHETORIC:

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, rhetoric is effective writing or speaking. We see and hear rhetoric in everyday life. For instance billboard ads while driving down the interstate or advertisements on TV. With the visual, oral, print and multimedia methods used in businesses, schools, and throughout downtown Clemson, students, teachers and visitors are exposed to many different options of where to eat, shop, or get the best gas prices! Peoples' freedom of speech really helps motivate rhetoric, as well, to help persuade fellow citizens to vote or make certain decisions.