"Why Literature Matters"

Dana Gioia discusses the importance and decline of literature in his essay Why Literature Matters. The article begins with reference to the historical patriot John Adams prophesizing “that our sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.” The author then moves on to state, “By the mid 20th century, America boasted internationally preeminent traditions in literature, art, music, dance, theater, and cinema.” These introductory techniques allow the audience to believe that there was a better understanding of the importance of the arts in previous centuries than there is today.
The author then further develops her claim of inadequate comprehension of the arts by giving citing the 2002 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. It states, “the participation of Americans in the arts has declined in eight of the nine major forms that are measured (Only jazz has shown a tiny increase).” The detailed and supported nature of the essay aids in the development of the idea that the U.S. has lost its appreciation of art.
Dana Gioia then divulges upon the “consequences that go beyond literature.” She creates the idea that literature is a key component in the business world by citing the February issue of Wired. Then she also discusses the irony of literature; where its significance is only fully understood when it is in a decline. The author then reaffirms the idea of literary depletion by giving an example of the College Board spending 3.1 billion a year on remedial writing instruction.
Dana’s strongpoint in her argument is her multiple citations and examples. She shows more concern with the decline of literary awareness among younger individuals stating that literary deficiency also correlates to the decline of historical and political awareness. She then states that “we sometimes underestimate how large a role literature has played in the evolution of our nation identity.” Literary knowledge and appreciation has led to the development of many ideals today. She cites specific examples such as “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” which brought the gross nature of slavery to masses.
The author then reflects upon the personal impact of literature and with how the decline of literary awareness is most likely caused by the increase in electronic appliances. Dana ends with how literary deficiency will keep the nation less informed, active, and independent-minded. Literary awareness is not something we can afford to lose.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the exact statement made by another individual that has been copied and dubbed as an original by another person. The links in Noah’s argument serve to demonstrate that the research behind the aspects of plagiarism have been thoroughly dissected and reviewed. This also helps apply that everyone has a different understanding of what plagiarism actually is. The affect my understanding of the issues at hand by providing specific sources at hand to further develop my own opinion on plagiarism. The one I found to be most helpful was the previously noted (where it gives an opinion that she did plagiarize) and the least helpful to me was the link to Newshour with Jim Lehrer. I would definitely consider using links within when creating a web page in order to vary my sources.
Noah argues his claim very persuasively. His most persuasive arguments are, well, all of them. He includes several resources for each of his examples and each are equally represented. Overall his claims are believable because he has an abundance of sources. If he wasn’t so diverse with his sources I would be more skeptical of his claim but he leaves little room to argue.

Testing Speech Codes

Dershowitz argument is well written and follows the Toulmin analysis perfectly. He exerts a claim, follow it up with personal examples, and provides several other examples. His claim is that the proper response to controversial and offense speech is not to block it completely but deny it with proper etiquette. The claim itself was not expressed outright and thus allowed the reader to ponder the situation and draw their own conclusions before he divulged his opinion. I also found it enjoyable that he used a real-life example to further develop his claim. He also includes a rebuttal and a follow-up to the rebuttal that was very relevant. Upon reading this I cannot find much difference in my views of this week’s subject.

The first image of the priest dominating over the American flag and eagle demonstrates the opposing side of Christianity in the Constitution where it dominates over society rather than being subtly integrated. The second image with Jesus Christ in front of the American Flag helps reinstate the ideal that the country was found upon Christian ideals. The last image is a humorous cartoon in which one of the founding fathers is ridiculed for being unchristian. This also demonstrates that the Constitution may not have been founded solely upon Christianity.

Toumin Analysis of GE Advertisment

The claims propagated by the GE advertisement are that their new locomotive is the cleanest ever made and that it is a benefit to the environment (even though it doesn’t really aid the ecosystem and is still creating pollution). The reason the advertisement gives for being beneficial to the environment is displaying birds next to the vehicle and are seemingly unaffected by it. The warrants the ad instills in the viewer are birds that are existing harmoniously beside the train (which is supposedly representing the environment in general). The evidence for the advertisement is emotional appeal and financial appeal. The qualifier is that the train is not completely pollutant free but this is not explicitly stated (why would any ad not want that on its advertisements?). The Toulmin analysis does not leave anything out of the argument made by the GE advertisement.

Toulmin Analysis of my Essay

Upon doing a Toulmin analysis of my essay the structures is as follows: my reason is to evaluate my two types of patriotism and support for our troops, my warrants are several comparisons, my evidence are examples of those who are truly patriotic and the falsely patriotic, my qualifiers are stating the two terms can coincide, my conditions of rebuttal are allowing some tangible representation to be acceptable with true patriotism, and my response is these representations should be use sparingly and are never enough by themselves to evoke true patriotism.

After reviewing my essay I realized that I could have done better. My evidence is lacking because does not involve any factual scenarios only conjured situations. The conditions of rebuttal were not entirely responded to and some of my scenarios were sketchy. If I had prior knowledge of the Toulmin analysis I believe essay could have had more cohesiveness and better structure in my essay.

In a revision my weakest argument (which is that soldier’s are there by choice) would have been completely removed and replaced with another subject. I might touch-base this ideal but with little enthusiasm. Some additional evidence I can offer for my warrants are actual examples of falsified patriotism rather than just abstract scenarios. This would help further develop my definitions of patriotism and supporting our troops.

Articles 2

Title: Purgatory without End Author: Unknown Date: 5/28/2005 Vol.375 Issue 8428 p38 1p 1c Link: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=17183480&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site

I decided to look at a few articles that contained material pertaining to religious confrontation in the United States. This article in particular offered more recent conflicts and took an in-depth look at more Republican issues with religion. Many issues covered have been over indulged (stem cells, filibusters, etc.) but then an interesting point came about that he discussed. America is highly religious and secular at the same time. For people to coerce with relative harmony with a wide range of religious beliefs is incredible.

Title: The Christian History of the U.S. Constitution Author: Evans, Stanton Date: 4/19/96 Vol. 52 Issue 15 p12 2p Link: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9604242752&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site

This article further develops the involvement of Christianity into the development of the American Constitution. He contends that the U.S. was built upon ideals and that over the years we have slowly severed our Christian ties. He site specific examples such as Congress permitting the publications of Bibles.

Title: The American Way Author: Unknown Date: 4/16/84 Vol. 36 Issue 6 p18-19 2p Link: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=8907015&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site

The article pays particular attention to the U.S. liberals preventing school prayer but they also review the history of Christianity in the United States. This article provides incite into the opposition of a Christian basis to the Constitution.