Sunday, December 14, 2008
Semester Reflection
Over the past semester, for the most part I am really satisfied with the work I have produced; mainly the essays which I have written. Some parts that I wish I would have taken more time on are the creative pieces like Activity II. I feel when it comes to writing essays though; I take pride in my compositions. Before COMP 106 I would never like anyone to read my papers because I didn’t feel like they were worthy of representing me. Though the work I have produced over the past semester I am very proud of. Of course, as I look back at the pieces I put out I find that there is still many things I can revise, but isn’t that what it always is, a composition is never perfect; there are always changes to be made. The one piece that I would really like to revise is the reflection of my Module I visual advocacy project, I read the directions completely wrong and it hurt my grade quite much. The actual project I produced was good, but the reflection was my biggest shortcoming. I wish I could go back and re-do the whole piece. Another piece which I would love to revise is the Module III article summaries. I would like to organize my ideas better, and correct many things to make the paper more fluent. I feel like I could do a much better job in that. My favorite assignment was the Module II, where we created an experiment, wrote an essay, and created questions. I liked how there were 3 parts to it, and I feel like I did a great job writing the paper. Overall, this has been my favorite English class, and the one I feel I have done the best in. I feel Professor Yerks did an adequate job telling me what my shortcomings are, and her advice was very helpful. Not to mention she gave me great compliments which were major confidence boosters. As for this blog, I’ll be honest I’ve never been much of a person to keep a journal, let alone a public journal. Perhaps I shall use this as an outlet when I want to express anger, or something that just rattles my cage. As for things more personal, I will keep to myself.
Microserfs reading response
Joseph Fenner
Comp 106
Professor Yerks
14 December 2008
Karla says, "computers will continue to be developed . . . an 'entity is going to be created that has its own intelligence." What is Karla saying about artificial intelligence (AI)? What are your perspectives on AI?:
Karla is stating her belief that an “entity” will be created, and that it is not a matter of “if” it will be created, but more a matter of when will it be created. This entity will have its own intelligence, meaning that it is its own being, it will not need a human to operate it, nor will it need a human to reproduce; including the AIers’ current goal of mimicking evolution through cross-breeding of programs to develop intelligence, or as previously referred to as, an “entity.” Then Karla raises the question of “Will this Entity be something other than human?”(Coupland 34) Which shows her belief that it will be something other than human; perhaps a brand a new species. Daniel states, “…What else will the Entity be? It will have spring from our own brains,” (Coupland 34) which I disagree with.
I think that this question is very much similar to presentation by Kevin Kelly, “Predicting the next 5000 days of the web.” As he states the internet is already approximately the equivalent of the human mind, yet it is still controlled by humans. Kelly also says that by the year 2040 the web will exceed humanity in processing power. I feel that this “entity”, having sprung from human minds, will be able to mimic human actions, and to an extent human emotions. I think it’s possible to create many scenarios for the entity to react with the proper emotion, but I still feel that it will still be insensitive and immoral; making decisions based on efficiency rather that morality. In fact it actually scares me to think that we will create an entity, which once created, will be able to handle reproduction and self management. So, in my mind, we will just be creating a species on the same level if not better than us to which we must compete with. We depend on computers for many things, but if we create a totally independent “entity,” one must question, what will it need us for? Considering that sometime in the soon future we may be second to this “entity” strikes some fear into my mind.
Why do you think Coupland's characters speak in computer jargon, and use technical expressions to describe their lives and environment? How does this compare to your experiences of the workplace and home? What effect does this way of speaking have on others?:
As Daniel mentions many times, everyone at Microsoft lives the same life, they are all approximately 31.2 years old, all drive grey sedans, etc., so they all live the same live the same lives. Not to mention nearly all the characters in the book all worked at Microsoft, Apple, or some other major computer corporation, so they are all familiar with this jargon that is used. Since the characters are pretty much always with their co-workers they never find themselves leaving the state of mind, or environment to a place where this jargon is uncommon or inappropriate.
I work at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, and as you common on televisions, there is a wide range of hospital jargon and acronyms which while at work, or even with co-workers outside of work I still find myself using. Though once I leave work I tend to turn this jargon off and not use it at home because there isn’t a point, it’s a different world. Though in Microserfs, the characters are always with their co-workers and always in work mode, so they never do turn that jargon off.
When speaking this jargon in front of others, particularly those who are not familiar with it, you find it can be at times rude. Being that I am a PCA (Patient Care Associate) at the hospital I notice the doctors using hospital jargon when speaking to patients or their family. Although they are actively listening to the doctor, they do not understand everything they are being told, yet they still nod and pretend to understand. After the doctor leaves I often notice the same dumbfounded look on most people’s faces, so I politely ask, “would you like me to break that down for you?” In most cases the family, or patient, respond with a yes. So what I’ve concluded is the “nodding” process, is really just the people omitting what they don’t understand. This is something I found myself doing when reading Microserfs, if I didn’t understand the jargon, I found it made no sense to me, therefore subconsciously decided it served no purpose to me and found myself, skimming and omitting sections where this computer jargon was present.
What perspectives does Coupland have on big corporations, the workplace and the towns in which they are situated? How does this compare to your own experiences and perspectives?:
Douglas Coupland has many perspectives about big corporations. These perspectives are portrayed directly through the characters he has created. Such as the fact that all the characters display the same features shows his perspective that at major corporations most employees fit the same criterion. Then he pointed out that not only are all the employees the same, but so are all the big corporations in the competitive market. This is evident on page 121 of Microserfs, when Daniel creates a comparison chart between Apple and Microsoft after Anatole states "Apple is Microsoft!!!" As you look at the items listed on the chart, you notice they are very similar, just competing with each other. So it brings forth the idea that rivals are usually rivals because of their close similarities.
Coupland even expresses one of his perspectives on lying off employees through Karla when Daniel's dad gets fired from IBM. Karla comforts Daniel by explaining that presently people who are "fiftysomethings" get treated in major corporations like they were treated centuries ago, as if they were dead. Though she feels this is because those in the fiftysomething's category are a little slow at accepting technology, but feels this trend will dissipate shortly. So basically Coupland's perspective is that these older people get fired because they are considered obsolete compared to those fresh, young minds entering the job market (Coupland 23). Given that this book was written 12 years ago, in 1996, I feel as if that trend has passed. As for the trend about major corporations being nearly identical, I picture this being true. When i used to work at an auto dealership, I would notice the similarities not only between our sister dealerships, but also our competitors. Such as there were all service advisors, service porters, technicians, all serving the same purpose at every dealership. Really the only difference was the uniforms, or the logo on the dealership.
Works Cited
Coupland, Douglas. Microserfs. New York, 1996. HarperCollinsPublishers.
Kelly, Kevin. “Predicting the next 5000 days of the web.” EG 2007 Conference. December 2007.
Comp 106
Professor Yerks
14 December 2008
Karla says, "computers will continue to be developed . . . an 'entity is going to be created that has its own intelligence." What is Karla saying about artificial intelligence (AI)? What are your perspectives on AI?:
Karla is stating her belief that an “entity” will be created, and that it is not a matter of “if” it will be created, but more a matter of when will it be created. This entity will have its own intelligence, meaning that it is its own being, it will not need a human to operate it, nor will it need a human to reproduce; including the AIers’ current goal of mimicking evolution through cross-breeding of programs to develop intelligence, or as previously referred to as, an “entity.” Then Karla raises the question of “Will this Entity be something other than human?”(Coupland 34) Which shows her belief that it will be something other than human; perhaps a brand a new species. Daniel states, “…What else will the Entity be? It will have spring from our own brains,” (Coupland 34) which I disagree with.
I think that this question is very much similar to presentation by Kevin Kelly, “Predicting the next 5000 days of the web.” As he states the internet is already approximately the equivalent of the human mind, yet it is still controlled by humans. Kelly also says that by the year 2040 the web will exceed humanity in processing power. I feel that this “entity”, having sprung from human minds, will be able to mimic human actions, and to an extent human emotions. I think it’s possible to create many scenarios for the entity to react with the proper emotion, but I still feel that it will still be insensitive and immoral; making decisions based on efficiency rather that morality. In fact it actually scares me to think that we will create an entity, which once created, will be able to handle reproduction and self management. So, in my mind, we will just be creating a species on the same level if not better than us to which we must compete with. We depend on computers for many things, but if we create a totally independent “entity,” one must question, what will it need us for? Considering that sometime in the soon future we may be second to this “entity” strikes some fear into my mind.
Why do you think Coupland's characters speak in computer jargon, and use technical expressions to describe their lives and environment? How does this compare to your experiences of the workplace and home? What effect does this way of speaking have on others?:
As Daniel mentions many times, everyone at Microsoft lives the same life, they are all approximately 31.2 years old, all drive grey sedans, etc., so they all live the same live the same lives. Not to mention nearly all the characters in the book all worked at Microsoft, Apple, or some other major computer corporation, so they are all familiar with this jargon that is used. Since the characters are pretty much always with their co-workers they never find themselves leaving the state of mind, or environment to a place where this jargon is uncommon or inappropriate.
I work at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, and as you common on televisions, there is a wide range of hospital jargon and acronyms which while at work, or even with co-workers outside of work I still find myself using. Though once I leave work I tend to turn this jargon off and not use it at home because there isn’t a point, it’s a different world. Though in Microserfs, the characters are always with their co-workers and always in work mode, so they never do turn that jargon off.
When speaking this jargon in front of others, particularly those who are not familiar with it, you find it can be at times rude. Being that I am a PCA (Patient Care Associate) at the hospital I notice the doctors using hospital jargon when speaking to patients or their family. Although they are actively listening to the doctor, they do not understand everything they are being told, yet they still nod and pretend to understand. After the doctor leaves I often notice the same dumbfounded look on most people’s faces, so I politely ask, “would you like me to break that down for you?” In most cases the family, or patient, respond with a yes. So what I’ve concluded is the “nodding” process, is really just the people omitting what they don’t understand. This is something I found myself doing when reading Microserfs, if I didn’t understand the jargon, I found it made no sense to me, therefore subconsciously decided it served no purpose to me and found myself, skimming and omitting sections where this computer jargon was present.
What perspectives does Coupland have on big corporations, the workplace and the towns in which they are situated? How does this compare to your own experiences and perspectives?:
Douglas Coupland has many perspectives about big corporations. These perspectives are portrayed directly through the characters he has created. Such as the fact that all the characters display the same features shows his perspective that at major corporations most employees fit the same criterion. Then he pointed out that not only are all the employees the same, but so are all the big corporations in the competitive market. This is evident on page 121 of Microserfs, when Daniel creates a comparison chart between Apple and Microsoft after Anatole states "Apple is Microsoft!!!" As you look at the items listed on the chart, you notice they are very similar, just competing with each other. So it brings forth the idea that rivals are usually rivals because of their close similarities.
Coupland even expresses one of his perspectives on lying off employees through Karla when Daniel's dad gets fired from IBM. Karla comforts Daniel by explaining that presently people who are "fiftysomethings" get treated in major corporations like they were treated centuries ago, as if they were dead. Though she feels this is because those in the fiftysomething's category are a little slow at accepting technology, but feels this trend will dissipate shortly. So basically Coupland's perspective is that these older people get fired because they are considered obsolete compared to those fresh, young minds entering the job market (Coupland 23). Given that this book was written 12 years ago, in 1996, I feel as if that trend has passed. As for the trend about major corporations being nearly identical, I picture this being true. When i used to work at an auto dealership, I would notice the similarities not only between our sister dealerships, but also our competitors. Such as there were all service advisors, service porters, technicians, all serving the same purpose at every dealership. Really the only difference was the uniforms, or the logo on the dealership.
Works Cited
Coupland, Douglas. Microserfs. New York, 1996. HarperCollinsPublishers.
Kelly, Kevin. “Predicting the next 5000 days of the web.” EG 2007 Conference. December 2007.
Module III article summaries
Joseph Fenner
Comp 106
Professor Yerks
16 November 2008
Wisdom
“The quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight,” as defined by Dictionary.com Unabridged. Wisdom is something which is developed over time in most people and is usually not evident till the later stages of one’s life. One is to question how does this develop, what conditions facilitate the development of wisdom, which conditions do not?
Professor Thao N. Le, of Colorado State University, believes there are two main things which provide means to developing wisdom, cultural values and life experiences. His study particularly, “…explores and extends the discussion of life crises on wisdom, specifically, the extent to which different life crises are related to wisdom, and are moderated by values for older adults” (Le 260). Le believes there are two types of wisdom, practical, which entails knowledge and understanding about human nature, and the ability to provide judgment and solve complex human problems, and transcendent, which entails knowledge, insight, and understanding about existential dilemmas and the nature of being. Practical tends to results in historical, interpretive kinds of knowledge, whereas transcendent wisdom reflects emancipator interests. The types of life experiences to be examined are those which are considered stressful or negative, and positive life experiences. Professor Thao Le conducted a study which one hundred ninety-nine participants, half European and half Vietnamese American, took part in one and half hour interview assessing their wisdom and values. When referring to values Le pays particular attention to two factors, openness to change and self-enhancement, and conservation value, values centered toward security and safety needs. The study provided evidence showed that the stressful experiences which people face throughout life may have negative effects, but also facilitate a positive effect on wisdom. It also showed a correlation between stressful experiences and development of wisdom. This is because individuals change from these experiences, they gain knowledge to foresee any reoccurrence, and they also gain the skills to deal with similar situations. This is a process of growth towards a wholesome individual; similar to the ideal of learning from one’s mistakes. These result in the two different types of values mentioned above. Dependence of which type of value is created is on what types of experiences are faced, macro social/war, family, health, etc.
The next article to be explored is one by Professor Robert Sternberg titled, “What is wisdom and how can we develop it?” In this article he defines wisdom and explains a new idea on how to promote its development. Sternberg explains that wisdom is not something necessarily connected to intelligence and even states that intelligence often comes with qualities such as egocentrism, omniscience, omnipotence, and invulnerability. Intelligence with such things can evolve into using ones knowledge for bad purpose, such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin did, both were intelligent beings, just used their intelligence in the wrong way. While knowledge integrated with wisdom, or even wisdom on its own provides actions for the common good. Sternberg makes the point that wisdom is the integration of intelligence and experience, therefore supporting Thao Le’s idea’s previously stated. Professor Sternberg believes that wisdom is the ability to use this intelligence and experience to appropriately balance, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal interests over short and long term periods of time and facilitate “adaptation to existing environments, shaping of existing environments, and selection of new environments” (Sternberg 165). Sternberg then continues to provide a plan to integrate the teaching of wisdom into primary schools in order for individuals to be taught this concept at a young age. Doing so would teach students to balance their life, and make better decisions, thus allowing students to develop somewhat of an artificial wisdom whereas they don’t need to face such negative experiences to develop their wisdom.
Doctor Paul Wong proposes his own definition of wisdom, “Wisdom may be defined as a special gift or ability to see clearly, discern correctly, understand deeply, and judge appropriately. It is based on the humility and openness to listen and learn from unlikely sources, including the mouth of a child and the whisper of a dying man. It involves the courage to be true to oneself, to do what is right and to achieve maximum good in spite of situational constraints and personal dangers. As a spiritual gift, it is to be received with humility and gratitude; as a human ability, cultivated with diligence; and as a character of authenticity and courage, practiced consistently.” I feel this is a great definition as it provides examples to what wisdom is, showing applications to one’s life. Dr. Wong also mentions Anne Frank, and provides an example of a passage from her diary, the passage depicts great maturity for a thirteen year old, and Dr. Wong justifies this by concluding that her quick development is due to the many hardships faces in short period of time. Dr. Wong feels there are 3 different examples to which wisdom is acquired, the first entails grasping of the concept with little to none help; usually common in rare cases with intelligent individuals. The next is acquired through mentors or teachers who instill their wisdom on one, and the last is defined as “learning things the hard way,” through trial and error, and negative experiences. Wisdom is often spiritual and taught traditionally through religious books, such as the Koran, Bible, and books of proverbs. Dr. Wong also provides two lists, one which provides profiles of people who are wise and another which provides portraits of intellectual fools, those who are smart but not wise. He also makes the point that it is much easier to find “fools’ paradise” than it is to find wisdom, but often the pursuance of wisdom keeps you away from the wrong path. Dr. Wong holds a common phrase which he passes to all his patients, “wisdom is the touchstone of character rather than intellect.”
Even though I am only nineteen years old as I look at my own development of the past decade I can see the many steps I have taken towards developing wisdom. I have had many negative experiences as Professor Le mentioned promote development. Take for example when I was 17 I got into an accident which was my fault. I had rear ended someone because I was not paying attention while driving. I learned from that experience and now devote my all my attention to driving when I am in the car. When I was 13 I used to fight a lot with my parents, through their parenting, I learned that talking thing out in a calm manor is much more efficient and polite than arguing. These are examples of learning wisdom through experiences. While on vacation in Peru I went with a teacher from high school that seemed to possess infinite wisdom. While on this vacation I took into account all the wisdom he showed through his actions and all the wisdom he passed through direct dialogue. This is an example of learning wisdom from a mentor as mentioned by Dr. Wong.
All three articles provide insight on the concept of wisdom, while Professor Le offers clarification on what causes the development of wisdom, life experiences, and what they result in, different values. Professor Sternberg defines wisdom as a balance through is proposition of a balance theory. I feel this is a great example because it elaborates on having all the intelligence but dividing it into a balance which promotes a common good for all. Doctor Wong shows wisdom is something that is spiritual and over very rarely learned without some form of teaching. With these ideas in mind I question, what sort of wisdom will we develop from the macro social crises, America’s economic problem, at hand?
References
Paul T. P. Wong. “Practical Wisdoms for Flourishing in Difficult Situations.” (n.d) Retrieved 8 November 2008 from < www.meaning.ca/archives/presidents_columns/pdfs/wisdom- june05.pdf>
Robert J Sternberg. "What is wisdom and how can we develop it? " Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 591.(2004): 164-174. Research Library. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 8 Nov. 2008
Thao N. Le, “Cultural Values, Life Experiences, and Wisdom.” The Internation Journal of Aging and Human Development. Voume 66, Number 4. (2008): 259-281. Research Library. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 6 Nov. 2008
"wisdom." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 16 Nov. 2008..
Comp 106
Professor Yerks
16 November 2008
Wisdom
“The quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight,” as defined by Dictionary.com Unabridged. Wisdom is something which is developed over time in most people and is usually not evident till the later stages of one’s life. One is to question how does this develop, what conditions facilitate the development of wisdom, which conditions do not?
Professor Thao N. Le, of Colorado State University, believes there are two main things which provide means to developing wisdom, cultural values and life experiences. His study particularly, “…explores and extends the discussion of life crises on wisdom, specifically, the extent to which different life crises are related to wisdom, and are moderated by values for older adults” (Le 260). Le believes there are two types of wisdom, practical, which entails knowledge and understanding about human nature, and the ability to provide judgment and solve complex human problems, and transcendent, which entails knowledge, insight, and understanding about existential dilemmas and the nature of being. Practical tends to results in historical, interpretive kinds of knowledge, whereas transcendent wisdom reflects emancipator interests. The types of life experiences to be examined are those which are considered stressful or negative, and positive life experiences. Professor Thao Le conducted a study which one hundred ninety-nine participants, half European and half Vietnamese American, took part in one and half hour interview assessing their wisdom and values. When referring to values Le pays particular attention to two factors, openness to change and self-enhancement, and conservation value, values centered toward security and safety needs. The study provided evidence showed that the stressful experiences which people face throughout life may have negative effects, but also facilitate a positive effect on wisdom. It also showed a correlation between stressful experiences and development of wisdom. This is because individuals change from these experiences, they gain knowledge to foresee any reoccurrence, and they also gain the skills to deal with similar situations. This is a process of growth towards a wholesome individual; similar to the ideal of learning from one’s mistakes. These result in the two different types of values mentioned above. Dependence of which type of value is created is on what types of experiences are faced, macro social/war, family, health, etc.
The next article to be explored is one by Professor Robert Sternberg titled, “What is wisdom and how can we develop it?” In this article he defines wisdom and explains a new idea on how to promote its development. Sternberg explains that wisdom is not something necessarily connected to intelligence and even states that intelligence often comes with qualities such as egocentrism, omniscience, omnipotence, and invulnerability. Intelligence with such things can evolve into using ones knowledge for bad purpose, such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin did, both were intelligent beings, just used their intelligence in the wrong way. While knowledge integrated with wisdom, or even wisdom on its own provides actions for the common good. Sternberg makes the point that wisdom is the integration of intelligence and experience, therefore supporting Thao Le’s idea’s previously stated. Professor Sternberg believes that wisdom is the ability to use this intelligence and experience to appropriately balance, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal interests over short and long term periods of time and facilitate “adaptation to existing environments, shaping of existing environments, and selection of new environments” (Sternberg 165). Sternberg then continues to provide a plan to integrate the teaching of wisdom into primary schools in order for individuals to be taught this concept at a young age. Doing so would teach students to balance their life, and make better decisions, thus allowing students to develop somewhat of an artificial wisdom whereas they don’t need to face such negative experiences to develop their wisdom.
Doctor Paul Wong proposes his own definition of wisdom, “Wisdom may be defined as a special gift or ability to see clearly, discern correctly, understand deeply, and judge appropriately. It is based on the humility and openness to listen and learn from unlikely sources, including the mouth of a child and the whisper of a dying man. It involves the courage to be true to oneself, to do what is right and to achieve maximum good in spite of situational constraints and personal dangers. As a spiritual gift, it is to be received with humility and gratitude; as a human ability, cultivated with diligence; and as a character of authenticity and courage, practiced consistently.” I feel this is a great definition as it provides examples to what wisdom is, showing applications to one’s life. Dr. Wong also mentions Anne Frank, and provides an example of a passage from her diary, the passage depicts great maturity for a thirteen year old, and Dr. Wong justifies this by concluding that her quick development is due to the many hardships faces in short period of time. Dr. Wong feels there are 3 different examples to which wisdom is acquired, the first entails grasping of the concept with little to none help; usually common in rare cases with intelligent individuals. The next is acquired through mentors or teachers who instill their wisdom on one, and the last is defined as “learning things the hard way,” through trial and error, and negative experiences. Wisdom is often spiritual and taught traditionally through religious books, such as the Koran, Bible, and books of proverbs. Dr. Wong also provides two lists, one which provides profiles of people who are wise and another which provides portraits of intellectual fools, those who are smart but not wise. He also makes the point that it is much easier to find “fools’ paradise” than it is to find wisdom, but often the pursuance of wisdom keeps you away from the wrong path. Dr. Wong holds a common phrase which he passes to all his patients, “wisdom is the touchstone of character rather than intellect.”
Even though I am only nineteen years old as I look at my own development of the past decade I can see the many steps I have taken towards developing wisdom. I have had many negative experiences as Professor Le mentioned promote development. Take for example when I was 17 I got into an accident which was my fault. I had rear ended someone because I was not paying attention while driving. I learned from that experience and now devote my all my attention to driving when I am in the car. When I was 13 I used to fight a lot with my parents, through their parenting, I learned that talking thing out in a calm manor is much more efficient and polite than arguing. These are examples of learning wisdom through experiences. While on vacation in Peru I went with a teacher from high school that seemed to possess infinite wisdom. While on this vacation I took into account all the wisdom he showed through his actions and all the wisdom he passed through direct dialogue. This is an example of learning wisdom from a mentor as mentioned by Dr. Wong.
All three articles provide insight on the concept of wisdom, while Professor Le offers clarification on what causes the development of wisdom, life experiences, and what they result in, different values. Professor Sternberg defines wisdom as a balance through is proposition of a balance theory. I feel this is a great example because it elaborates on having all the intelligence but dividing it into a balance which promotes a common good for all. Doctor Wong shows wisdom is something that is spiritual and over very rarely learned without some form of teaching. With these ideas in mind I question, what sort of wisdom will we develop from the macro social crises, America’s economic problem, at hand?
References
Paul T. P. Wong. “Practical Wisdoms for Flourishing in Difficult Situations.” (n.d) Retrieved 8 November 2008 from < www.meaning.ca/archives/presidents_columns/pdfs/wisdom- june05.pdf>
Robert J Sternberg. "What is wisdom and how can we develop it? " Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 591.(2004): 164-174. Research Library. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 8 Nov. 2008
Thao N. Le, “Cultural Values, Life Experiences, and Wisdom.” The Internation Journal of Aging and Human Development. Voume 66, Number 4. (2008): 259-281. Research Library. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 6 Nov. 2008
"wisdom." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 16 Nov. 2008.
Module II Experiment
Mobile Phone Experiment
Who: Individuals of all ages who own cell phones.
What: A log will be kept of cell phone usage, encompassing not only calls, but texts and internet use. The log will record time, place, reason for use (pleasure, business, etc.).
When: Over a 7 day period of time.
Where: Anywhere the individual goes over the period of time. Particularly focusing on institutions and social situations where an individual is present.
Why: To prove Hans Geser’s ideas that cell phones undermine social order.
By keeping a log it could show how frequently mobile devices are used in institutions proving Geser’s point that these institutions are becoming empty shells without much determining influence on what is “really going on” on the level of social communication and cooperation. Since the experiment would record all times of use it could capture those moments where individuals look to their phone for support, proving Geser’s idea that it is simply an umbilical cord promoting infantile dependency in adults. Allowing the logging of place would encompass the different institutions mentioned, such as, school, work, church, etc. Recording the reason for using would along with the time would show whether or not individuals are contacting their clientele or those providing them with service. The experiment would entirely cover all of Geser’s main points, showing calls which were made to create/cancel plans, those which were providing support, those providing service during the private life, and those which made while in an institution. Thus highlighting the frequency and perhaps even the importance of realizing how we abuse our social order with this device.
Who: Individuals of all ages who own cell phones.
What: A log will be kept of cell phone usage, encompassing not only calls, but texts and internet use. The log will record time, place, reason for use (pleasure, business, etc.).
When: Over a 7 day period of time.
Where: Anywhere the individual goes over the period of time. Particularly focusing on institutions and social situations where an individual is present.
Why: To prove Hans Geser’s ideas that cell phones undermine social order.
By keeping a log it could show how frequently mobile devices are used in institutions proving Geser’s point that these institutions are becoming empty shells without much determining influence on what is “really going on” on the level of social communication and cooperation. Since the experiment would record all times of use it could capture those moments where individuals look to their phone for support, proving Geser’s idea that it is simply an umbilical cord promoting infantile dependency in adults. Allowing the logging of place would encompass the different institutions mentioned, such as, school, work, church, etc. Recording the reason for using would along with the time would show whether or not individuals are contacting their clientele or those providing them with service. The experiment would entirely cover all of Geser’s main points, showing calls which were made to create/cancel plans, those which were providing support, those providing service during the private life, and those which made while in an institution. Thus highlighting the frequency and perhaps even the importance of realizing how we abuse our social order with this device.
Screen Capture Activity 2
Analaysis
“California Love” by Tupac Shakur is a song where the artist is giving credit to his city, a “shout out” if you will; Tupac is showing love for his home state. It is a song about being prideful of your homeland and not forgetting where you are from. I also see it is as a form of bragging; announcing to everyone else that you are from a better state. Also Tupac was an icon is the classic East vs. West gang wars. So during this rap he is glorifying the Westside and even rips on the East by saying “Let’s show these fools how we do this on that Westside.”
For my design I chose to take the song lyrics and split them into columns attempting to form a big city background with skyscrapers and such. I did this because in his rap, Tupac mentions many big cities: L.A., Compton, Hollywood, etc. Then the choice of “Big City” as my font is self explanatory. The font reminds me of Gotham City or some other famous city. Then I took the phrase “We in the sunshine state” and made a circle above the skyscrapers representing the sun to show it is the sunshine state. The font I chose for that was an orange colored “Juice ITC” because the letters themselves reminded me of rays of sunlight. During the song there is a verse which states “Shake it” repetitively, I chose a font called “Ravie,” because in my opinion the letters themselves looked as if they were shaking. Then I chose a shade of pink because it fits the party mood where someone would be most liable to “shake it.” Then for the “California Love” part of the song I chose a red-colored font named “Lovelett,” which has little hearts embedded in the letters. Obviously I chose this because red is the color of love and the hearts directly represent the love for California.
Screen Capture
When looking at my screen shot I thought about how a computer makes multitasking an easy task. I saw that not only on one tab I was composing an ebay listing, on the other tab I was browsing myspace, and on the third tab doing this assignment all at the same time. Also if you notice I had my buddy list open at the bottom along with a picture which I was using in my ebay composition. Not to mention that picture was taken via digital camera and then uploaded to my computer to be included in this composition. On another layer I was listening .38 special. Consider that this is all occurring at the same time on only the computer to screen. Outside the computer I was eating a bowl of cereal. Composing changes shape in the digital space quite much. Most people think of creating a composition people picture a pencil and paper; when you bring this idea in the digital word no longer is this task done on a piece of paper it is done on a computer screen through many different windows. All these windows and tabs allow someone to multitask and organize their ideas in a more timely and manor. While composing in a digital space you have many more resources to use at your expense: the internet, paint, notepad, calculator, etc. It is much easier to find motivation and creativity you have you have so many resources readily available. To better understand digital composing processes I think we need to focus on collaboration. All the tools which are being used to come up with one single piece of work. To understand the process you must understand all things which are happening on that computer screen. Digital compositions are the products of multitasking.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
250 response Module III
Between my rough draft and my final draft I made several changes, take for example the inclusion of a new paragraph entailing my own personal experiences with the subject of wisdom. I felt this was important because in a summary you should not only paraphrase the item which you read but also include your own feedback to better explain the article. Also by relating the subject to my own life shows that I have an understanding of what I read. At several points in the essay I added more examples such as the references to Joseph Stalin and Hitler when referring to intelligent individuals holding bad purpose. I also added a short piece about Anne Frank explaining how wisdom may have developed so quickly in the thirteen year old girl. I did this because examples help with clarity, you can directly define something, but relating it to a real life example really brings the definition together. In the rough draft I failed to draw connections between the 3 articles, so I tried to do so by adding sentences which connected the articles. I also changed the conclusion to sum up what all the articles mean in one paragraph allowing the connections to become more evident. When writing the rough draft I couldn’t seem the piece together a conclusion, though I feel the one I created for the final draft completes the task appropriately. Also looking back at the article after several days of my final draft I feel I could’ve made more changes, perhaps a second draft before the final would have been more appropriate for me. It’s a good representation of how nothing is ever perfect, there are always changes that can be made.
Rough Draft, whoops forgot to post :/
Wisdom
“The quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight,” as defined by Dictionary.com Unabridged. Wisdom is something which is developed over time in most people and is usually not evident till the later stages of one’s life. One is to question how does this develop, what conditions facilitate the development of wisdom, which conditions do not?
Professor Thao N. Le, of Colorado State University, believes there are two main things which provide means to developing wisdom, cultural values and life experiences. His study particularly, “…explores and extends the discussion of life crises on wisdom, specifically, the extent to which different life crises are related to wisdom, and are moderated by values for older adults” (Le 260). Le believes there are two types of wisdom, practical, which entails knowledge and understanding about human nature, and the ability to provide judgment and solve complex human problems, and transcendent, which entails knowledge, insight, and understanding about existential dilemmas and the nature of being. Practical tends to results in historical, interpretive kinds of knowledge, whereas transcendent wisdom reflects emancipator interests. The types of life experiences to be examined are those which are considered stressful or negative, and positive life experiences. Professor Thao Le conducted a study which one hundred ninety-nine participants, half European and half Vietnamese American, took part in one and half hour interview assessing their wisdom and values. When referring to values Le pays particular attention to two factors, openness to change and self-enhancement, and conservation value, values centered toward security and safety needs. The study provided evidence showed that the stressful experiences which people face throughout life may have negative effects, but also facilitate a positive effect on wisdom. It also showed a correlation between stressful experiences and development of wisdom. These resulted in the two different types of values mentioned above. Dependence of which type of value is created is on what types of experiences are faced, macro social/war, family, health, etc.
The next article to be explored is one by Professor Robert Sternberg titled, “What is wisdom and how can we develop it?” In this article he defines wisdom and explains a new idea on how to promote its development. Sternberg explains that wisdom is not something necessarily connected to intelligence and even states that intelligence often comes with qualities such as egocentrism, omniscience, omnipotence, and invulnerability. Intelligence with such things can evolve into using ones knowledge for bad purpose. While knowledge integrated with wisdom, or even wisdom on its own provides actions for the common good. Professor Sternberg believes that wisdom is the ability to use this intelligence and experience to appropriately balance, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal interests over short and long term periods of time and facilitate “adaptation to existing environments, shaping of existing environments, and selection of new environments” (Sternberg 165). Sternberg then continues to provide a plan to integrate the teaching of wisdom into primary schools in order for individuals to be taught this concept at a young age. Doing so would teach students to balance their life, and make better decisions, thus allowing students to develop somewhat of an artificial wisdom whereas they don’t need to face such negative experiences to develop their wisdom.
Doctor Paul Wong proposes his own definition of wisdom, “Wisdom may be defined as a special gift or ability to see clearly, discern correctly, understand deeply, and judge appropriately. It is based on the humility and openness to listen and learn from unlikely sources, including the mouth of a child and the whisper of a dying man. It involves the courage to be true to oneself, to do what is right and to achieve maximum good in spite of situational constraints and personal dangers. As a spiritual gift, it is to be received with humility and gratitude; as a human ability, cultivated with diligence; and as a character of authenticity and courage, practiced consistently.” Dr. Wong feels there are 3 different examples to which wisdom is acquired, the first entails grasping of the concept with little to none help; usually common in rare cases with intelligent individuals. The next is acquired through mentors or teachers who instill their wisdom on one, and the last is defined as “learning things the hard way,” through trial and error, and negative experiences. Wisdom is often spiritual and taught traditionally through religious books, such as the Koran, Bible, and books of proverbs. Dr. Wong also provides two lists, one which provides profiles of people who are wise and another which provides portraits of intellectual fools, those who are smart but not wise. He also makes the point that it is much easier to find “fools’ paradise” than it is to find wisdom, but often the pursuance of wisdom keeps you away from the wrong path. Dr. Wong holds a common phrase which he passes to all his patients, “wisdom is the touchstone of character rather than intellect.”
Need a conclusion……
“The quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight,” as defined by Dictionary.com Unabridged. Wisdom is something which is developed over time in most people and is usually not evident till the later stages of one’s life. One is to question how does this develop, what conditions facilitate the development of wisdom, which conditions do not?
Professor Thao N. Le, of Colorado State University, believes there are two main things which provide means to developing wisdom, cultural values and life experiences. His study particularly, “…explores and extends the discussion of life crises on wisdom, specifically, the extent to which different life crises are related to wisdom, and are moderated by values for older adults” (Le 260). Le believes there are two types of wisdom, practical, which entails knowledge and understanding about human nature, and the ability to provide judgment and solve complex human problems, and transcendent, which entails knowledge, insight, and understanding about existential dilemmas and the nature of being. Practical tends to results in historical, interpretive kinds of knowledge, whereas transcendent wisdom reflects emancipator interests. The types of life experiences to be examined are those which are considered stressful or negative, and positive life experiences. Professor Thao Le conducted a study which one hundred ninety-nine participants, half European and half Vietnamese American, took part in one and half hour interview assessing their wisdom and values. When referring to values Le pays particular attention to two factors, openness to change and self-enhancement, and conservation value, values centered toward security and safety needs. The study provided evidence showed that the stressful experiences which people face throughout life may have negative effects, but also facilitate a positive effect on wisdom. It also showed a correlation between stressful experiences and development of wisdom. These resulted in the two different types of values mentioned above. Dependence of which type of value is created is on what types of experiences are faced, macro social/war, family, health, etc.
The next article to be explored is one by Professor Robert Sternberg titled, “What is wisdom and how can we develop it?” In this article he defines wisdom and explains a new idea on how to promote its development. Sternberg explains that wisdom is not something necessarily connected to intelligence and even states that intelligence often comes with qualities such as egocentrism, omniscience, omnipotence, and invulnerability. Intelligence with such things can evolve into using ones knowledge for bad purpose. While knowledge integrated with wisdom, or even wisdom on its own provides actions for the common good. Professor Sternberg believes that wisdom is the ability to use this intelligence and experience to appropriately balance, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal interests over short and long term periods of time and facilitate “adaptation to existing environments, shaping of existing environments, and selection of new environments” (Sternberg 165). Sternberg then continues to provide a plan to integrate the teaching of wisdom into primary schools in order for individuals to be taught this concept at a young age. Doing so would teach students to balance their life, and make better decisions, thus allowing students to develop somewhat of an artificial wisdom whereas they don’t need to face such negative experiences to develop their wisdom.
Doctor Paul Wong proposes his own definition of wisdom, “Wisdom may be defined as a special gift or ability to see clearly, discern correctly, understand deeply, and judge appropriately. It is based on the humility and openness to listen and learn from unlikely sources, including the mouth of a child and the whisper of a dying man. It involves the courage to be true to oneself, to do what is right and to achieve maximum good in spite of situational constraints and personal dangers. As a spiritual gift, it is to be received with humility and gratitude; as a human ability, cultivated with diligence; and as a character of authenticity and courage, practiced consistently.” Dr. Wong feels there are 3 different examples to which wisdom is acquired, the first entails grasping of the concept with little to none help; usually common in rare cases with intelligent individuals. The next is acquired through mentors or teachers who instill their wisdom on one, and the last is defined as “learning things the hard way,” through trial and error, and negative experiences. Wisdom is often spiritual and taught traditionally through religious books, such as the Koran, Bible, and books of proverbs. Dr. Wong also provides two lists, one which provides profiles of people who are wise and another which provides portraits of intellectual fools, those who are smart but not wise. He also makes the point that it is much easier to find “fools’ paradise” than it is to find wisdom, but often the pursuance of wisdom keeps you away from the wrong path. Dr. Wong holds a common phrase which he passes to all his patients, “wisdom is the touchstone of character rather than intellect.”
Need a conclusion……
Friday, October 31, 2008
Module II 500 word blog post
Gender Differences in "Social Portraits" Reflected in MySpace Profiles is an article written by Melissa Magnuson and Lauren Dundes elaborating on gender roles which become evident even upon MySpace. Magnuson and Dundes use an experiment as support for their opinions. The experiment consisted of 100 individuals, 49 of which were male, and the remaining female. In order to provide an accurate experiment, profiles were simply viewed without asking questions to prevent inaccurate data. While looking at peoples profiles between the ages of 17 to 29 they took note of different parts of the profile, such as: personal quote, age, gender, relationship status, education level, containment of significant other in profile picture, number of times significant other was mentions in both the "About Me" and "Interests" sections, number of opposite sex friends in Top Eight, and the number of total friends. For most of the previously listed, gender differences were unapparent, the results remained the same for both sexes. Though distinct differences became present with regard to mentioning your significant other in your profile. As with males, 43 percent didn’t' mention their significant other at all, almost half, 43 percent mentioned them once, and only 14 percent mentioned her more than once. Compared the females, where 16 percent didn't mention their significant other, 47 percent mentioned him once, and 37 percent mentioned him more than once. Magnuson and Dundes conclude that this conveys the idea women revolve their lives around men, and that women feel they must be the partner who is more devoted in the relationship. They go on to mention how women tend to use men to define their identity while men seem to treat women as another section in there already completes life. I agree with their idea, from personal experience it seems that women seem to glorify the fact of them having a boyfriend. While guys, whose are in no rush lose any of their masculinity, continue about their normal rituals with the incorporation of a female into their schedule. When watching sitcoms on television consider the role that the male plays, in most cases he is the insensitive jerk who tends to put his “guys” first. You typically see this character ditching his wife for a football game, or showing up late because he was at the bar with his friends. No wonder these gender roles are so apparent, because even the media instills them upon us. This is not to say that these really are sensitive or don’t care as much about their significant other as she does for him, but it is just roles which must be maintained due to fear that he will feel emasculated by showing this behavior. Aside from gender roles there is another perspective to be examined when considering why girls mention guys more then guys mention girls. Perhaps guys are more insecure than women and the fact that they mention their significant other less increases the chances of another feel approaching the man. Thus, providing means to boost his ego. When someone receives the label of “taken” they become a lesser object of interest to the opposite sex, maybe men still want to feel desired by more than just their girlfriend. The females are most likely more susceptible to mention guys because they take pride in having a significant other and like to parade this to everyone else. MySpace provides a great basis to show many of these, but drawing the conclusions can become vague, only one thing is for certain and that being that there are great differences between genders.
Module II research essay
Joseph Fenner
Professor Yerks
Composition 106
30 October 2008
Professor Yerks
Composition 106
30 October 2008
Cell Phones: a Progression of Society
“The ’regressive’ and ‘subversive’ impact of landline phones is very much amplified and generalized by mobile phone devices because they empower informal micro-social networks to communicate much more efficiently beyond any institutional control” (Geser 9). Hans Geser is wrong to say this; the mobile phone holds a progressive impact on society. He makes several points, stating that mobile phones undermine societal development by: increasing the pervasiveness of primary, particularistic social bonds, reducing the need for time-based scheduling and coordination, undermining institutional boundary controls and replacing location-based with person-based communicative systems, providing support for anachronistic “pervasive roles.” I disagree with all of these beliefs and find myself in complete opposition. Mobile phones may be a result of some of these, but the negative effects are minute and the benefits effectively outweigh the costs.
Geser states, “The mobile can function as a ‘pacifier for adults’ that reduces feelings of loneliness and vulnerability in any place and at any time.” He considers this a regression while from a different perspective it could be considered a solution. If there is an opportunity to reduce loneliness and vulnerability, why not use it? In moments of social awkwardness people tend to look to their cell phone for support. When support is available for use, why ignore it? Geser would respond, “Individuals may become less prone to develop certain ‘social competencies.’” I must disagree, although cell phones are available to us at most instances sometimes they are not. “…the device does not always fit into the flow of co-present interaction, but that when thinking of mediated interaction within the group, mobile communication facilitates the development of cohesion through the use of various ritual devices (argot, greeting forms, humor, gossip) and by playing cupid for lovers” (Ling 175). Ling speaks of face-to-face confrontation, where most of our social skills are directly developed; in such situations there isn’t time to reach out for your lifeline (cell phone). Geser continues, “Individuals may easily unlearn the ability to rely on their own judgment, memory and reflection.” As Geser mentioned there is a social network of close friends, at one time you are bound to be asked for your judgment from another individual in this mobile world; in a sense these abilities are still learned just in a different way.
Geser really focuses on the idea of using cell phones to escape lonely and awkward situations. One must focus their attention on the use of cell phones to escape a dangerous or even life threatening situation. “Emergency calls placed on cellular phones are rising rapidly. People are reporting drunk drivers and staying a safe distance behind them to lead the police to the exact location. The Virginia State Police reported 100 calls to 911 in a single day back in June of 1997. These calls consisted of reports of traffic accidents, drunken drivers, vehicle and brush fires, and some crimes in progress “(D’Aiello). Not a single person can argue that cell phones aren’t vital in situations like these. Whether or not cell phones create prolonged infantile dependency, people can only agree that cell phones have aided in creating a safer environment for all, and that far outweighs any negative result.
When discussing the decline of time-based scheduling and coordination Geser brings for several points. He begins by mentioning the presence of coordinating plants being centuries of age. He states, “cell phones reduce the need for temporal preplanning, insofar as rearrangements can be at any moment even very shortly before an agreed time.” This sounds like a great result but Geser concludes it will result in people having trouble planning their daily life or people becoming accustomed to the informalities of these planning methods. Consider that fact that cell phones have calendars, to do lists, and memo pads which all promote planning. Though Geser feels that this “in an instant” planning will lessen the impact of the future and past. When contemplating this idea, realize it’s the event itself that defines the memory not the anticipation created from the lengthy scheduling process. Considering the benefits allowed by cell phones during the planning process you only see an advancement of social order. Where people are able to cancel plans already in effect, or create plans to fit spaces where they didn’t imagine having the time to do so.
Geser then goes on to mention the deregulation of institutional boundary controls and the shift from location-based to person-based social systems. A location-based system is what is considered our landline phones, in that they are at a fixed location, so the communication is between locations. Cell phones move around with the person, hence the person-based social system. Geser points out that before cell phones one had to phone somewhere to communicate with a specific someone. He states, “cell phones undermine these traditional orders by creating direct links between particular individuals: irrespective of their institutional role and location.” There is such a thing as cell phone etiquette, such as there are right and wrong places to use your mobile device. Restaurants are beginning to issue policies which entail turning your phone on silent while in the restaurant. At movie theatres they mention before the show starts to turn phones off, and most hospitals post signs declaring that all cell phones must be turned off (Lynn). The fact that a person violates these is a result of bad parenting or bad manners, not the cell phone. Some people choose to follow this etiquette, and some people don’t; it’s the same as those who choose to break the law and those who do not.
Geser makes his last point that cell phones are support for the survival or anachronistic “pervasive roles.” Hans Geser brings up the idea that having a cell phone broadens ones professional life. Giving the option to always be at work, whether it is between a doctor and patient, or business owner and customer, the relationship can still be upheld after the institution is closed. He states that this will result in little to no separation between a professional and personal life, allowing for your professional contacts to intrude during your private life. “One higher order consequence of wireless communication is that it makes us more responsible, for both our own actions and those of people for whom we have assumed responsibility. In effect, we become more subject to social control” (Katz 1999: 17). This is true, but one must realize that those individuals who decide to supply their clientele with their phone number assume this responsibility in doing so. They are providing better service to their clients to make sure that they get the best care possible; thus creating a better relation between the two, and benefitting both the business and their customers.
Sure, it does bridge a gap between your professional and personal life but it is also responsible for enhancing your private life as Richard Ling states, “the mobile telephone is the tool of the intimate sphere- that is, the sphere that includes our familial and romantic interests,” and, “we must be open to both intimates and strangers when we interact in daily life, the mobile phone tips the balance in favor of the intimate sphere of friends and family” (Ling 159). Therefore, the mobile phone is responsible for increasing the intimacy of certain relationships and, in fact, strengthening your private life by providing an always available network to reach your loved ones.
Hans Geser viewed the situation from the wrong perspective. He pointed out minute faults created by the cell phones and didn’t investigate the benefits. His views are mostly based on what is considered traditional, which is out-of-date considering how much our world is changing. Norms are being broken constantly to heed way for new ideas and technologies; which is ultimately expected to result in an entirely new social order. Cellular devices provide a social advancement for human beings making our lives easier and supplying us with more opportunities. They have so many capabilities which can make life more manageable. The cell phone is one of the greatest technological advancements ever conceived.
Works Cited
D’Aiello, Alan. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cellular Phones. (n.d.). Retrieved: 27 October 2008. <http://bryant2.bryant.edu/~ehu/h364proj/sprg_98/daiello/page3.htm>
Geser, Hans. Knowledge, Technology, & Policy. Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 8-18. Spring 2006.
Katz, James. Connections. Social and Cultural Studies of the Telephone in American Life, New
Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers, 1999.
Ling, Richard. New Tech, New Ties: How mobile communication is reshaping social cohesion.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008.
Lynn, K. Cell Phone Etiquette. 26 May 2008. Retrieved: 27 October 2008.
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Monday, September 29, 2008
module 1
Reflection
I chose to present my subject in a PowerPoint presentation because it almost feels like a proposal. It is a professional way to organize and present you opinion. For the title slide of my presentation I chose what to me, seemed like a shaky font for the title. I did this because since this is a controversial issue it is shaky and there to different sides to the issue. So the font is shaky portraying that you could go either way. The second slide of my presentation, labeled “Intro,” introduced to subject in short paragraph. For the background color I chose a light blue because the subject I am advocating is offshore drilling which occurs in the water. I also put in a photo of two people arguing from clip art since once again there are two sides to the argument. I also put in a photo which has a pun stating “Pain in the Gas.” This is because really the main reason that this issue has risen is because of the rising gas prices.
The next slide listing positive effects has a rainbow background because a rainbow is something which everyone can agree is upbeat. Not to mention that “effects” are the result of something, and a rainbow is something you would typically see after a storm. I then placed a photo of low gas prices because I mentioned in the paragraph that a positive effect is the lowering of gas prices. From clip art I chose an image of an oil rig with a worker nearby it; mainly to emphasize the new jobs created from offshore drilling. The next slide was presenting the negative effects. I put this slide directly after the positive effects to comply with the common method of “good news first, then the bad news.” I chose the background as black because of the common theme of death along with the clip art of the grim reaper. I then included pictures of animals to emphasize the effects on the environment; along with a picture of an oil spill.
When showing John McCain’s opinion I picked a font called chiller for the title because I don’t really agree with McCain. I also chose a photo of him hugging Bush because most people would agree that Bush is not a great president. The background was grey because I believe McCain’s ideas are dull. For Obama I chose a recycling emblem for the background and placed him in the middle of it to show that he is about creating a more environmental energy source.
When it came to my opinion I picked a font which to mean seemed to show strength to show that I am confident in my opinion. I also included an image of a panic button because I mention citizens panicking; then a scale to emphasize that the negative effects outweigh the positive effects.
I chose to present my subject in a PowerPoint presentation because it almost feels like a proposal. It is a professional way to organize and present you opinion. For the title slide of my presentation I chose what to me, seemed like a shaky font for the title. I did this because since this is a controversial issue it is shaky and there to different sides to the issue. So the font is shaky portraying that you could go either way. The second slide of my presentation, labeled “Intro,” introduced to subject in short paragraph. For the background color I chose a light blue because the subject I am advocating is offshore drilling which occurs in the water. I also put in a photo of two people arguing from clip art since once again there are two sides to the argument. I also put in a photo which has a pun stating “Pain in the Gas.” This is because really the main reason that this issue has risen is because of the rising gas prices.
The next slide listing positive effects has a rainbow background because a rainbow is something which everyone can agree is upbeat. Not to mention that “effects” are the result of something, and a rainbow is something you would typically see after a storm. I then placed a photo of low gas prices because I mentioned in the paragraph that a positive effect is the lowering of gas prices. From clip art I chose an image of an oil rig with a worker nearby it; mainly to emphasize the new jobs created from offshore drilling. The next slide was presenting the negative effects. I put this slide directly after the positive effects to comply with the common method of “good news first, then the bad news.” I chose the background as black because of the common theme of death along with the clip art of the grim reaper. I then included pictures of animals to emphasize the effects on the environment; along with a picture of an oil spill.
When showing John McCain’s opinion I picked a font called chiller for the title because I don’t really agree with McCain. I also chose a photo of him hugging Bush because most people would agree that Bush is not a great president. The background was grey because I believe McCain’s ideas are dull. For Obama I chose a recycling emblem for the background and placed him in the middle of it to show that he is about creating a more environmental energy source.
When it came to my opinion I picked a font which to mean seemed to show strength to show that I am confident in my opinion. I also included an image of a panic button because I mention citizens panicking; then a scale to emphasize that the negative effects outweigh the positive effects.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Project Proposal, Module 1
For my visual advocacy project I propose to advocate the issue of offshore drilling. I think it would be a great project for me to do as I know little about the subject, but would like to learn about it. I will investigate both sides of this issue and decide whether I am in opposition or not. In my project I will include both sides of the issue supported with research. In my research I will include politics, describing both the democratic and republican take on this issue. I will include how this issue affects our environment, our economy, and American citizens personally.
For the photo portion of the project I plan to include: photos of offshore drilling sites which emphasize the process of offshore drilling, maps of where drilling will occur, and photos of the environmental impact. For the comic strip there are two aspects that I can show; the one I choose is dependent upon my decision to support or oppose. One aspect would portray the negative effects that offshore drilling would have on our environment; showing the progression in a timeline fashion. The other one would be the opposite showing the progression of the positive effects of offshore drilling.
For a 30 second flash animation I will create an animation showing offshore drilling or from the opposing side create an animation incorporating green peace. The five page website will include: Senator Obama’s and Senator McCain’s side on the issue, Green Peace’s involvement, links to other websites covering the subject, graphs/charts of the effect on our economy (if possible), and several paragraphs expressing my opinion on the subject. The PowerPoint presentation will serve as a conclusion and sum up all my main points of the project.
For the photo portion of the project I plan to include: photos of offshore drilling sites which emphasize the process of offshore drilling, maps of where drilling will occur, and photos of the environmental impact. For the comic strip there are two aspects that I can show; the one I choose is dependent upon my decision to support or oppose. One aspect would portray the negative effects that offshore drilling would have on our environment; showing the progression in a timeline fashion. The other one would be the opposite showing the progression of the positive effects of offshore drilling.
For a 30 second flash animation I will create an animation showing offshore drilling or from the opposing side create an animation incorporating green peace. The five page website will include: Senator Obama’s and Senator McCain’s side on the issue, Green Peace’s involvement, links to other websites covering the subject, graphs/charts of the effect on our economy (if possible), and several paragraphs expressing my opinion on the subject. The PowerPoint presentation will serve as a conclusion and sum up all my main points of the project.
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