Writing as a whole is an activity that I have a true passion for. The different techniques and various structures that are included in every piece of written work have always intrigued me, and have influenced my writing to this day. Throughout history writing has been a form of communicating for almost every culture and ethnicity. Whether it is through symbols or actual words, humans have utilized that idea of writing since Adam and Eve. The various forms of writing are endless, and I am enticed by them all. I believe that a person has a true talent if they can write a book, or even get published in the newspaper. It is always interesting to compare works of different writers and observe their different techniques.
I believe that it is incredibly difficult for someone to write impartially, considering that a writer's opinion on a subject tends to leak out, even unintentionally. For example, if a strongly conservative news reporter were to write an article regarding both of the candidate's different policies, it would be nearly impossible for the reporter to illustrating the democratic candidate in any sort of positive light. The reporter could subconciously jade the democratic candidate's policies, or leave out the policies that would make the candidate look good.
It is highly difficult for a person to write on a topic that he/she feels strongly about without letting readers know his/her viewpoint on the subject. In almost every article/news story regarding sports or politics, you can decipher the writer's opinion pretty easily. Although it is not impossible to write impartially, it takes a very good writer to stay unbiased.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Lesson 04.02- Logic and Fallacies
Last summer I ran into one of my tennis team mates at Starbucks, and we began to discuss our upcoming tennis season and the difficulty of making the team. In the past, our high school's tennis team has been very difficult to make, although anyone was capable of trying out. My friend, Taylor, stated that if I don't do the summer tennis camp that she is doing then I won't make the team. Knowing that she is merely a player and has no leg up with the coach at all, I knew that this must not be true. But just to be safe, I did my research.
Upon meeting with my tennis coach regarding my recent encounter with Taylor, he informed me that the information that she provided me with was completely false. This particular situation could be classified as a False Dilemma, one in which Taylor only gave me options A or B, although there was also option C. Option C would be that I would make the team regardless of participating in the camp or not, an option that Taylor failed to mention.
The reason for Taylor leaving out option C is because she simply wanted me to do the camp with her, and felt that giving me an ultimatum would force me to partake. Thankfully, I conducted my research and came to the conclusion that I can still make the team even if I do not participate. I utilized logic in finding the truth to the fallacy in which I encountered.
Upon meeting with my tennis coach regarding my recent encounter with Taylor, he informed me that the information that she provided me with was completely false. This particular situation could be classified as a False Dilemma, one in which Taylor only gave me options A or B, although there was also option C. Option C would be that I would make the team regardless of participating in the camp or not, an option that Taylor failed to mention.
The reason for Taylor leaving out option C is because she simply wanted me to do the camp with her, and felt that giving me an ultimatum would force me to partake. Thankfully, I conducted my research and came to the conclusion that I can still make the team even if I do not participate. I utilized logic in finding the truth to the fallacy in which I encountered.
Lesson 03.04- Slander and Libel
Scenario 3. A high school prints a monthly bulletin for students and
parents. In it the administrators post the license plates of vehicles
they contend have been speeding in the school zone. Several parents sue, stating that they have been unjustly identified
As clear as day, this is a scenario in which libel clearly has occurred. Not only is it an invasion of privacy to give out license plate numbers to the public, but it could also be considered ridicule. By the plates being put out in the open for all of the world to see, it could make a person feel ostracized and publicly "called out". Although the paper is not individually announcing the speeders, libel is being committed very discretely. When the parents present the case to the court, all that they have to do is present the newspaper and state that it is libel, "injury to reputation."
As clear as day, this is a scenario in which libel clearly has occurred. Not only is it an invasion of privacy to give out license plate numbers to the public, but it could also be considered ridicule. By the plates being put out in the open for all of the world to see, it could make a person feel ostracized and publicly "called out". Although the paper is not individually announcing the speeders, libel is being committed very discretely. When the parents present the case to the court, all that they have to do is present the newspaper and state that it is libel, "injury to reputation."
Lesson 02.04- Broadcast Television
As I was tentatively watching FOX News, one of my favorite networks, I began to pay close attention to the opinions being expressed as well as the effectiveness of the program. Because I am a strong Republican, I thoroughly enjoy the information provided from this news network, although I realize that it is quite biased. Today's interviews and broadcasts were completely focused around the presidential debates that occurred yesterday, making for an interesting show.
I would absolutely classify FOX as a political news network, and I highly doubt anyone would disagree with me. There are an abundance of opinions constantly shared throughout the show, although these opinions come from both Democrats and Republicans. Today while watching The O'Reilly Factor (portion of FOX News), one of Barrack Obama's Democratic coordinators appeared on the show. O'Reilly and the Democrat went back and forth debating on issues all across the board. Although the show is presumably conservative, Democratic opinions definitely wedge their way in there.
On one instance, O'Reilly clearly stated that "There is no question about who won the debate last night, if this were a spelling bee, Obama would have been out in the first round." This, of course, is an opinion. There is no problem with news networks sharing their own opinions, considering that the viewers of FOX News are listening to hear the conservative side of the election. When it comes down to hearing straight to the point, non-biased news, FOX is not your source. But if you're looking for a tad of entertainment and an exceptional amount of political debates, FOX is your place.
I would absolutely classify FOX as a political news network, and I highly doubt anyone would disagree with me. There are an abundance of opinions constantly shared throughout the show, although these opinions come from both Democrats and Republicans. Today while watching The O'Reilly Factor (portion of FOX News), one of Barrack Obama's Democratic coordinators appeared on the show. O'Reilly and the Democrat went back and forth debating on issues all across the board. Although the show is presumably conservative, Democratic opinions definitely wedge their way in there.
On one instance, O'Reilly clearly stated that "There is no question about who won the debate last night, if this were a spelling bee, Obama would have been out in the first round." This, of course, is an opinion. There is no problem with news networks sharing their own opinions, considering that the viewers of FOX News are listening to hear the conservative side of the election. When it comes down to hearing straight to the point, non-biased news, FOX is not your source. But if you're looking for a tad of entertainment and an exceptional amount of political debates, FOX is your place.
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