Analyzing Arguments in the Media

The BP commercial utilizes many different types of arguments. Our textbook states, “Perhaps the essential argument in any case is the writer’s assertion that a problem exists.” The woman representing the BP Community Outreach says, “BP has taken full responsibility for the clean up in the gulf and that includes keeping you informed.” Right off the bat, she is admitting there is a serious problem.  

She begins with an informative argument by simply telling the audience about her job and how she (along with the outreach program) is helping others affected by the oil spill. She says she listens to the shrimpers, fishermen, hotel and restaurant workers., and finds ways to help which means working with communities. By informing, whether her intentions are to persuade or not, she automatically gets the audience interested in the topic.

She then proceeds to talk numbers, saying, “We have 19 centers  in 4 states. We've made over 120,000 claims payments, more than 375 million dollars. We’ve committed 20 billion dollars to an independent claims fund to cover lost income until people impacted can get back to work.” By discussing these statistics, she is bringing up the outreach program’s success in the past, which leads the audience to believe that this program will continue to succeed. This is an example of an argument about the past and future. The book says that what has happened in the past influences the future and this is clearly what the commercial is aiming at.

Additionally, this part of the commercial appeals to the logos. The facts, stated very simply, the audience will use inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning by thinking, “If the outreach program has been this effective thus far, the numbers will only increase and they will continue to make a positive impact.”

In various parts of the commercial, the camera is off and the audience sees the words such as, “Objective: Restore the Environment” or “Making this Right: Restoring Gulf Communities.” I believe that this is an example of an invitational argument. These signs aren’t necessarily trying to win over somebody or persuade, (they are informing) but moreover, they are inviting the audience to explore more about this topic.

When she mentions that she deals with communities, we see her in various situations interacting with others. She seems very concerned and interested in these people. This part of the commercial appeals to the emotional appeal. When the audience sees her  being sympathetic, holding hands, listening, etc., they  probably thinking something like, “What a nice woman, this program is obviously well intentioned.”  Later in the commercial she says, “I was born in new Orleans, my family still lives here.” This makes an appeal to the pathos (emotional) and the ethos (ethical). By saying that, she seems more credible and also more like a normal, everyday person instead of an important person on a commercial.

I feel that the commercial was somewhat effective. It informed that the outreach program is doing everything it can do to help people. For me, the most compelling parts were when there would be clips of her helping others, appealing to the pathos. Everybody has emotions, so when a commercial or advertisement aims at tugging at your heart strings they are going to get results most of the time.

In Class: Possible Public Spaces to Analyze

Right now, a few public spaces pop in my head that I could analyze, but I haven't settled on an idea yet. Initially, I thought I could analyze the TCU School of Music building because different people are in the music building at different times of day, depending on class schedule, major, instrument, etc.  (It's usually really packed at night because that's when music majors practice) I'm not sure if I'll do that though, because even though it is a public space, mostly music professors, majors or minors are in the music building so there wouldn't be that much variety.

Another place that comes to mind is Starbucks and/or Barnes & Noble. I know it's somewhat cliche, but people from every walk of life grace the doors of Starbucks so that might be interesting. The TCU Rec Center could also be a good public space to analyze because a lot of people, not just TCU students go to the Rec center.

These are just a few of my ideas, but I will have to brainstorm some more until I settle on a public space.

In Class: First Week of School

So far, my first week of school has been bittersweet. This summer, I changed my major from violin performance to nursing, so all of my classes are extremely different than what I'm used to. I absolutely love playing the violin, but just don't see myself playing it professionally. For me, majoring in music kind of took the "fun" out of music, as you analyze every little note that you play, etc. Instead of graduating in May of 2012, I will now graduate in 2013. I am extremely excited about this new career path and love the classes I'm taking, but I do miss my friends in the music school. It's a bit weird being an upperclassmen with freshmen and sophomores in all of my classes! Looks like I'll be an upperclassmen for the next 3 and a half years! I am going to minor in music and play in the TCU Symphony to keep up my violin playing because I do love it, so that makes me happy.

For the past two years, I have had horrible roommate situations. This year, I am living in an apartment with three girls who I trust and am friends with, so that makes life a lot easier!

So far, this week has been interesting, but in a good way!

Hello! My name is Rachel Boone and I’m a junior nursing major with a music minor. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I really look forward to becoming a  registered nurse one day and helping those around me in need, whether it’s watching a baby enter the world, or helping a person recover from a serious illness. My violin has played a significant role in my life.  Music is always there for me when I need it. Playing violin is a stress reliever for me, along with serving as outlet when I’m bored, sad, angry, happy…you name it.

I chose to take this course because it was a requirement for the CORE, but was also interested in learning more about arguments as they pertain to writing. I have always considered myself to be a “peace maker” and greatly dislike having  or being around arguments due to the tension and hostility that accompany them.  (Typically I just  passively avoid arguments, though I know that is not the best way to handle such situations) I’m aware that there much more to arguments than simply fighting or disagreeing with somebody, so I thought this would be an appropriate class to take.

The large majority of papers I’ve written in college have been analysis and research papers, where the paper is graded about 90% on content and 10% on  grammar, syntax, structure, etc.  Outside of the classroom, my writing is mainly via text, facebook or email, which is typically extremely informal. I feel that my writing skills are adequate but definitely could improve. When asked to write a paper, I tend to find myself feeling like I have a really good idea, yet have a hard time forming and organizing my thoughts into a well written paper.

My blog has a travel theme to it, and my interests include reading, music, photography and science. My favorite genres of music are celtic, classical, jazz and rock. This blog could be what the book refers to as an informative argument. This first part of my blog is simply to provide my audience some information about myself. For example, somebody reading this may not enjoy the same things I do, which could provoke an argument, whether they verbalize it to me or just think in their head, “How on earth could she like classical music? It’s so boring.” When you take a step back and think about it, we have arguments everyday, whether it’s with ourselves or other people. Anything can be turned into an argument.

Finally, I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.