TOW #14: Written - "I Want a Wife" by Judy Brady

Stereotypical views on women remain in society today; they are to marry, have children, and take care of the household. Yet with so many tasks a wife is expected to complete, what makes her any different from a servant or a maid? By the wife being expected to care for the child after a divorce, clean the house, take care of the children, and serve the needs of the husband, Brady expresses that she would want a wife too. In Brady's essay "I Want a Wife", Brady uses irony and repetition to reflect society's view on women and wives.

Brady uses irony in order to show society's view on wives: people who are like robots, servants, and maids. She mentions that she is both a wife and a mother, yet "it suddenly occurred" to her that she "would like to have a wife" (para. 1). How does it make any sense that a wife would want a wife? Brady argues that she would like one because of the tasks a wife completes. Listing the endless tasks and desires Brady wants her wife to complete, the wife is no longer seen as a beloved spouse. Rather, a person that is needed to complete chores and tasks for the benefit of another. This mentality of a wife is seen when Brady states that "If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my resent wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh new life my wife will take the children and be solely responsible for them so that I am left free" (para. 9). The irony creates humor in Brady's piece. Therefore, the author is able to lightheartedly joke about the expectations of a wife, when it reality, Brady is revealing society's distorted perspective on wives.

Also, Brady utilizes repetition to emphasize the list of things required and expected in a wife in order to argue that Brady wants a wife not out of love, but for the work a wife can do. Throughout the entire essay, Brady repeats "I want a wife". This is seen when she states, "I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean...I want a wife who will type my papers for me when I have written them" (para. 4-5). The repetitive use of "I want a wife" emphasizes the expected version of a wife. The many characteristics listed that Brady desires in her wife is meant to reflect society's version of the stereotypical, perfect wife.

Brady's irony and repetition reveal society's distorted view of wives. This stereotypical perspective of a desired wife matches the long-lasting distorted view on women. Brady's essay is not only about the everyday wife, but of women in general. Her essay shows the still present false image of a woman. This image, Brady argues, that has been around for centuries, must be addressed for women and wives are neither maids nor servants, but real people.

TOW #13: IRB - ""The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli

en.wikipedia.org

Machiavelli's book, The Prince, contains knowledge and information that Machiavelli has gathered throughout the years by observation and experience. In order to preserve and help the statehood of Florence flourish, Machiavelli lists the qualities of an ideal state and sends them to Lorenzo Medicini. In his arrangement of the book and use of examples, Machiavelli supports his claim of what characteristics the perfect nation has.

http://www.themedicifamily.com/Lorenzo-de-Medici.html

 

The Prince's arrangement involves lists of what is principality to human affairs within the state. Organized from broad to specific, Machiavelli begins with a general overview of what constitutes a state. As he continues his book, Machiavelli becomes more specific in his context transitioning from economical settlements to qualities of a wise ruler. In addition to physically listing his points, Machiavelli provides smooth transitions from each point that he makes. For example, after stating the actions needed to take place in order to successfully conquer a nation, he transitions into what the prince must do after the nation is now in his hands.

To support his arguments, Machiavelli uses many examples of previous principalities. For example, when Machiavelli claims that in new states, that are derived from old rulers, the people will revolt in order to change their leader, he exemplifies the downfall of "Louis XII, king of France" who "speedily occupied Milan and speedily lost it" (35). In addition, Machiavelli shares the importance of keeping the culture of the native people in the conquered state. He states that "so long as their old ways of life are undisturbed and there is no divergence in customs, men live quietly" which can be exemplified "in the case of Burgundy, Britanny, Gascony, and Normandy, which have been with France for so long...their customs are similar" (36).

With his excellent arrangement that provides both a clear outline of his key points and smooth transitions between each point along with great evidence, Machiavelli attempts to convince Medici of what he should do to preserve Florence. As Florence's government and statehood is slowly coming to an end, Machiavelli devotes himself and his knowledge to the creation of The Prince as an attempt to save Italy.

TOW #12: Written - "Thanksgiving Affords Nation Rare Opportunity To Eat Large Amounts Of Food While Watching Football by The Onion

http://www.theonion.com/articles/thanksgiving-affords-nation-rare-opportunity-to-ea,37553/
Though Thanksgiving was remembered as a day where one reflects about what he is thankful for, the mentality of Thanksgiving has changed throughout the years. No longer is it a holiday meant for reflection, thanksgiving, and love, but it is now celebrated for its endless amounts of food and long hours of football on television. In the article from The Onion, it uses false quotations and a light tone to criticize Americans for their clouded outlook on the holiday in order to remind readers the true essence of Thanksgiving.

In the article from The Onion, it uses false citations to reveal common mentalities that people have today about Thanksgiving. With false quotations stating "I’m excited to finally be able to sit back with family and friends over some delicious food and watch football for the entire afternoon,” and  “I mean, when else can you curl up in your living room with second or third helpings of food and watch a 12:30 p.m. game, a 4:30 p.m. game, and then an 8:30 p.m. game” (para 1.), The Onion exemplifies the distorted image that many have about this important holiday. The false quotations support the need to change the outlook on the holiday.

The Onion also uses a light tone in its article to reflect the casualness and lighthearted view about Thanksgiving. The light tone, which is seen when the article reports that "millions of Americans the rare chance to eat incredibly large amounts of food while watching football games" and that "the populace will already be excitedly thinking ahead to New Year’s Day, which will afford them an equally rare opportunity to shovel food into their mouths, watch a half-dozen college football games, and eventually pass out on the couch" (para. 1), the light tone criticizes the casualness that people have about Thanksgiving. The history of Thanksgiving is forgotten and many take for granted the hardships many have faced to shape America into what it is today.

With the meaning of Thanksgiving lost, we must realize our faults in the outlook of Thanksgiving. I believe that the article was effective in reflecting the lost respect for the holiday and the wrong perspective many have about holidays in general. Holidays are to be a time of love, thanksgiving, and joy, rather than a day centered on food and television.

TOW #11: Written - "Gender Equality is Your Issue Too" by Emma Watson

http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too

Emma Watson's brilliant speech on equality for women had changed the perspective about feminism. Pinpointing her audience and by using personal anecdotes and thoughts, Watson is able to connect with her audience and call for action. With the application of effective rhetoric, Watson was able to achieve her purpose, which is seen with many famous figures and others taking the pledge of "HeforShe."

From the very beginning, Emma Watson establishes her main audience: men. Mentioning that feminism may seem to be man-hating and a fight of women vs. men, Watson states, "Men - I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too." (para 19). With the whole campaign centered around calling for action from the opposite gender, Watson clearly identifies and addresses her audience. She has a clear understanding of who she desires action from and pinpoints men to initiate change. Even mentioning that she is "reaching out" because "we need everyone to be involved" (para. 2), this specifically shows Watson's understanding of her target audience.

Another successful usage of rhetoric is Emma Watson's use of personal anecdotes and thoughts, which establishes both her credibility and illustrates her own belief on feminism. Repetitive statements such as "When at 14...When at 15...When at 18" (para. 7-9), Watson establishes ethos for she, herself, has experienced and seen gender inequality. In addition, Watson explains her own decision of becoming a feminist and why she believes in gender equality. Mentioning that she thinks "as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts...that I should be able to make decisions about my body...that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country" (para. 10), she reasons why she is a feminist. Not a man-hater, she illustrates her own beliefs on feminism and debunk the common misconceptions about feminism; she states that all she desires is equality.

With many famous celebrities joining the campaign, Watson has raised awareness about feminism and effectively called people to take the pledge of "HeforShe." Reflecting the effectiveness of her usage of rhetoric, Watson has successfully persuaded others to commit to the fight for gender equality.

guestofaguest.com

Men—I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too. - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too#sthash.kNcZndpN.dpuf

Men—I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too. - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too#sthash.kNcZndpN.dpuf

Men—I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too. - See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too#sthash.kNcZndpN.dpuf

TOW #10: Visual - "The Most Important Thing: Syrian Refugees" taken by UNHCR/B.Sokol

http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home

On the website of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), there is an album labeled "The Most Important Thing: Syrian Refugees." A 24 year old Syrian refugee, Alia has her photo taken while sitting in a wheel chair. With chaos wrecking havoc in Syria, Alia represents one of thousands of people who have been affected. In the photo, the use of black and white and arrangement creates pathos and illuminates the hysteria in Syria while attempting to raise awareness of the issue. 

Alia is seen with an emotionless expression with bricks and rubble surrounding her. Because the photo is black and white, this creates a sense of gloominess and depression. The gloomy mood reflects the essence of Syria. A time of chaos and violent rebellions, the lack of color shows viewers the dark nature of violence. Too much color can cause a photograph to be viewed as too busy and too vibrant. Yet, the black and white filter strips away color to create a photograph in which the rebellion and Alia are the central figures.

Another rhetorical strategy used by the photographer is arrangement. Right in the middle of the photograph is Alia. As she is the main subject of the picture, she is meant to represent one of many refugees who have been greatly affected by the war between rebels and the Syrian army. The background of the photograph also ties with the arrangement of it. With a black fabric covering much of the backdrop behind Alia, this also pinpoints Alia as the central figure of the photo. In addition, the arrangement of where the photo was taken is crucial. The rubble and broken bricks on the ground symbolize a small fraction of how the violence has wrecked a town and led many to become homeless. 

The photograph, taken by Sokol, attempts to show a small fraction of the effects of war in Syria. With Alia, who is in a wheelchair and blind, the photographer is able to display a sense of weakness and almost hopelessness. Using black and white and arrangement, UNHCR successfully raises awareness of the violence in Syria while also asking for action by using pathos.

IRB Intro #2: "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli

youngadultbookreviews.com

In History class, my ninth grade teacher briefly discussed who Machiavelli is; he is a man who takes whatever means necessary for the good of his people. With a limited knowledge about a famous name in European history, I decided to read his book The Prince. I have heard this book is a classic, one that many should read. Because of my interest in history and the rulings of prince and kings, I decided this book would be a great choice for my IRB.

TOW #9: Written - "Coatesville" by John Jay Chapman

Coatesville, Pennsylvania is where it all occurred. One night, a black man was lynched and burned to death. In commemoration, John Jay Chapman delivers a speech called “Coatesville”. In his speech, he uses imagery and symbolism in order to evoke emotion and action against the inequality of African-Americans in the early 1900's.

Chapman creates a vivid visualization for his audience. Though at the time, his speech during the memorial was only heard by two others, it has a long lasting effect today. The imagery his diction paints is gory and gruesome; this reflects the nature of the Jim Crow laws and segregation. Chapman describes the event, which was white Americans torturing “a man chained to an iron bedstead, burning alive, thrust back by pitchforks when he struggled out of it…hundreds of persons watching this awful sight and making no attempt to stay the wickedness” (para. 2). The imagery is effective for Chapman’s purpose. His objective is to shed light on the disgusting and evil nature of lynching and inequality. Chapman’s imagery establishes pathos and portrays the event to seem inhumane for at the time, lynching was a normal event.

Stressing how the incident in Coatesville is a symbol for America’s mentality, Chapman uses the lynching in Coatesville to persuade the audience that America must change its ways. He specifically mentions that he “seemed to get a glimpse into the unconscious glimpse of this country” (para. 2) and realized “that this great wickedness that happened in Coatesville is not the wickedness of Coatesville nor of to-day. It is the wickedness of all America and of three hundred years” (para. 7). Chapman directly explains the relationship between Coatesville and America. The event of Coatesville symbolizes the inequality of African-Americans. The direct link and symbolism between Coatesville and the wickedness of America helps Chapman relay the importance of changing America’s wickedness and inequality.

Chapman’s speech was effective. With an urgent tone created by symbolism and the vivid imagery, Chapman guides the audience to rethink America’s mentality of segregation and inequality (which is what Chapman described as wickedness).