Ways of Life Essay #6

Daniel Glynn- Essay #6

Ways of Life

The short three letter word art is not such a small matter when you think of all the things that deal with art. Art can range from a three year old lying on the living room floor scribbling on a piece of paper to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Mona Lisa.” Art is not only on a canvas or piece of paper, but art can also be a rock turned into a magnificent sculpture, notes on a piece of paper turned into a peaceful rhythm floating through the air, or a script acted out by dedicated actor.

Recently I visited an art exhibit and was able to see several different kinds of art. At this art show art seemed to be defined as several different things. One definition of art was just a lot of little piece of newspaper all bundled into a big ball. Art was also defined as its classic definition by just putting paint onto a canvas and turning it into a thing of beauty. This art show was a very good show that displayed a kind of art for everyone.

While most of the pieces had there own meanings, two of the pieces really captured my attention. One of them was an untitled piece, which really enables you to open your mind and uncover the meaning of the work, by Kevin Wilson. The first time I walked by this piece an eerie feeling came over me. As I made my way back around the second time I stopped and took a closer look at the piece.

In the upper left hand corner of this piece there is a human figure that stands out in the jet black background, and this figure has short white line coming from its head. The short white lines form a halo around the head, and this portrays this figure as God. There is also a stream coming out of a cloud and into a large silhouette of a man, which is the center of the piece. The stream goes straight into the part of the head where the brain is located. This stream is showing how God has his influences on our decisions.

In the upper left hand corner there are eight human figures. These eight figures have been brought up from the center of the piece, and their bright sky blue face show that the figures have reached their eternal home.

In the dull blue middle portion of this piece there are several human figures scattered throughout. All of the people in this portion seem to be going through some kind of torture. There is also a puddle of a bright blue with six figures standing in it waiting for their time to go to heaven. There is also a door that has a person coming out of it and being sent up to heaven. This portion represents purgatory because it has people in it being tormented and waiting for their time to get into heaven.

At the bottom of the picture there are two figures and one of them has an “x” on their chest. There is also a little door with a gray beam coming out of it and shining on a figure with horns. This part of the picture is showing hell and that the devil will also try to have influences on you.

Another piece that caught my eye was a sculpture by Katie McClung called Birmingham versus Broccoli. This piece starts at the forearm and extends all the way to the tips of the fingers. The entire sculpture is made of steel, and there are pairs of notches going down the arm about every two inches on all sides. The fingers on the hand are all bent they look like they are grasping for something that is now gone. On the hand there is a piece of broccoli between every one of the fingers. When first looking at this sculpture it does not seem as deep and complicated as the first piece, but after taking a longer look ideas about the sculpture began to come to me.

This piece has the title Birmingham versus Broccoli and I believe that the name says a lot about why the hand is grasping. Birmingham has been known as a steel city since 1899 when steel was first manufactured in the city, and neither the city or the area were known for their agriculture. The steel hand looking for something to grab on to is symbolic of the steel industry falling off and the rise of agriculture and the rise of agriculture is shown by the broccoli on the handing. Therefore this sculpture is symbolic of more then just this idea. It can be symbolic of the entire economy and the rise and fall of all the different markets.

After taking a close look at both of these pieces I noticed that some of the same ideas are trying to be expressed through the art. In the first picture the artist is showing both sides of the after life along with purgatory. He is also showing how a person is exposed to both the good and evil and it is your choice of how you choose to live. In the second piece the artist is giving a message about the fall of something that has dominated over pervious centuries.

Both of the pieces gave worthy messages, and the way the artist presented their messages were in unique ways. Kevin Wilson was able to reveal his message by showing that a person has options, and that the options that you choose will lead you to how you will spend eternity. Katie McClung displayed her message in a different way. She communicated her message by showing an example of steel falling to agriculture by showing a steel hand being taking over by broccoli, and the rise and fall of different markets.

As I said earlier, both of theses pieces of art display there messages in unique and effective way. If I was to hear about another art show by this group I would defiantly attend. Not only would I attend the show I would also tell other people about it. I would tell them that no matter what kind of art they like, most likely there will be a piece in the show that they will have some kind of interest in. This show did a fantastic job of displaying all of there different styles and having something there for everyone.

Danny Glynn
Adam Weinstein
English 101
17 November 2007

“How to Survive Working on Black Friday”

Everyone knows what the busiest shopping day of the year is, “Black Friday”, the day after Thanksgiving. On this day all of the stores have their best sales and open very early in the morning. There are people that get to the stores as early as two or three in the morning so they can be the first one in to get that most coveted item.

When all of the crazy shoppers are standing outside waiting in line, no one is ever thinking about the people that have to work in the stores. The people working have the almost impossible task of trying to make everyone happy and keeping everyone calm. To accomplish this task there are several steps that have to be taken.

To begin with there are several things that need to be done in the days leading up to “Black Friday.” One of these things is to make sure that everything that is out on the floor is organized to perfection. This involves going from table to table and shelf to shelf to make sure that everything is where it belongs. As you are going through the store you should also be checking to make sure that all of the merchandise has the correct price tag on it, and if it is on sale make sure that you post the markdown price. After going through everything out on the floor you can then go to the back and begin to work there. When you begin to work in the back the most important thing that has to be done is getting all of the remaining stock organized and ready to go out as soon as items on the floor begin to run low.

Once you have everything organized and price marked you are ready for the shoppers to swarm into the store the next morning. Although your work in getting the store prepared is over, you still have to get yourself ready to deal with all of the people. Getting yourself ready for the early morning is probably the easiest thing that you will have to do. In order for you to be on top of your game in the morning the best thing to do is after you get done stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving dinner just get comfortable and let the turkey do the work. The only thing you need to remember to do is to set your alarm extra early.

On the morning of “Black Friday” you want to be sure not to sleep until the last minute and be in a rush. You want to set your alarm early enough so that you will be able to wake up, maybe have a cup of coffee or whatever it is you like to do in the morning, and then get ready for work. This allows you to relax for a little while before you get to work, and this will be the only relaxing time you will have until you get off work.

After you are ready to for work and you arrive there, it is likely that a line will already be formed outside the store. Theses are the shoppers that have spent all night sitting in line so they could be the first ones in. While you are making your way through the line of the crazies be sure to let them know that you work there and you are not just cutting line. Last year I made the mistake of just walking to the front of the line, and by time I had got there I had several mad moms screaming at me to go to the back of the line so be sure to let everyone know what you are doing.

Once you finally make it to the store your manager will most likely already be there and have a few last minute things ready for you to do. Some of these last minute chores may include getting all the money in the cash register and making sure that there is plenty of change, making sure that everything is still in its right spot and just cleaning things up a little bit. Now that everything is ready and you can see the frustration growing on the faces of the anxious shoppers, it is finally time to open the doors.

Now is when the madness really begins. As soon as the doors open there is a mad dash, every shopper has one item on their mind that they have to get. While the mad dash is beginning things will be a little hectic, but for the most part the shoppers will remain calm and you will be able to just help people find things and check them out. When things start to change is when the first item runs out and a person feels like they have to have it, and when this happens they will come up to you and ask you if you have anymore. When this happens tell them that you will go and double check in the back. This shows them that you are going to try and find it for them, instead of just saying no we are out. When you come out from the back go up to the customer with an apologetic face and explain to her that the store is currently out of that item. Most customers will understand this and just continue their shopping, but there are always the customers that think you are lying to them or that you just do not want to sell them the item.

These customers will be the worst ones you deal with all day. To take care of a customer like this you have to stay polite with them and just keep explaining to them that you are out of that item, and if they continue to argue ask them for their phone number and that you will call them right away when you get some more of that item in. This will usually work because the customer will feel like they are going to be able to get want they want, but if this does not work there is only one thing left to do. You have to forget about being polite and just tell the person straight up that you do not have anymore left and if they want to keep arguing then they will have to leave.

In conclusion, “Black Friday” is the most popular day in the world to shop, and if you have to work in retail on this day then make sure you have everything prepared and ready to go the day before. Also if you work on this day you have to be ready to work with the polite people and the jerks, and if you are working with a jerk try and be polite but if that does not work, do not be scared to be a jerk back.

Invasion-McCarthyism and Groupthink (Paper 6)

Barrett Ford – Formal Revision (Paper 6)

Released in 1956 and directed by Don Siegel, Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been received in a variety of ways. Many people simply see it as a science fiction or horror movie. As a film, Invasion of the Body Snatchers was well ahead of its time. It is much more entertaining and suspenseful than many of the terrible horror movies that are currently being produced. However, many people have seen this horror classic not only as a movie but also as a political interpretation or allegory. The two most popular interpretations were and still are that of viewing the film as a representation of the political aggression of Communists (mainly in Russia), or of the Red Scare investigations performed by Senator McCarthy in response to the threat of Communism. In Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), the film aims to parallel the invasion of the pod people and the means by which they attempt to take over the human race with the effects of groupthink and mass hysteria, while focusing in on the effects of McCarthyism during the Red Scare.

McCarthyism provides a great example of groupthink and hysteria for Invasion of the Body Snatchers to focus in on because of how it affected people during the 1950s and the fact that the film was produced during the Red Scare. McCarthy, a senator from Wisconsin, and his men comprised the House Committee on Un-American Activities (Whitehead). This committee, which utilized many self-appointed powers, engaged in forceful and deceptive means to do what they deemed was best for America during the 1950s. All of these investigations extended from the Cold War which was not a war at all but a “political fabrication” (Whitehead). The Cold War was a result of the power that both the Soviet Union and the United States had gained in the post-World War I era as well as the nuclear technology that both countries had attained. McCarthy blacklisted notable members of Hollywood and many others and called them before the Committee to be questioned about being affiliated with the Communist party (Whitehead). These interrogations were more like accusations led by McCarthy who specialized in wild attacks and humiliations of people (Whitehead). Many of the accused lost their jobs; some even committed suicide (Whitehead).

In John Whitehead’s essay he discusses the impact of the McCarthy investigations and how Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a political allegory that represents them. He discusses how people were forced to become “pod-like” in cooperating with McCarthy and his committee, and that there was a “pod-like uniformity” that took over Hollywood as a result of all the threats and blacklistings that took place. Clearly, this is an accurate interpretation of the parallel between people during the Red Scare and the characters in the movie. The characters in the movie were forced to give up the right to say what they felt or to express themselves much in the same way that Americans had to say what the government wanted to hear during the Red Scare of the 1950’s. The people in the movie also had their lives ruined if they did not cooperate, much like the members of Hollywood and others who were targeted by McCarthy. In Tim Dirks’ general overview of the movie he also lists the “the sweeping mass hysteria” that was brought on by the McCarthy Red Scare investigations as a possible interpretation of the film.

In addition to the McCarthyism view, Dirks also lists several other interpretations that need to be taken into account. One of these possibilities is the loss of our individuality and ability to have emotion or think for ourselves as a result of “conformity and group-think.” This is definitely a plausible interpretation as the pod people in the movie could be seen as not McCarthy or the Communists but simply the idea of conforming to the majority. Communism is, however, what he lists as the major theme or idea behind the film. This “dehumanization,” as Dirks calls it, can definitely be seen as an influence on the film because Communism dehumanized people in much the same way McCarthyism did.

It could even be said that the Communist themes are mixed in with the McCarthyism themes discussed earlier. When the people of Santa Mira are taken over by the pod people, their bodies are replicated and replace their old ones. It is unclear where the old ones disappear to, although this process is supposed to make everyone equal. At the same time that everyone becomes equal, however, they completely lose the personalities and emotions they once had. This process could also mirror the effect that Communism has on society, but it parallels just as well with the way people were forced to act like a different person or lie about their past during the Red Scare. Another obvious similarity between the film and either McCarthyism or Communism is that the transformed individuals are aware of the changes they have gone through and work to convert others. For example, when Becky wakes up from her very brief sleep, she makes Miles aware of her change and tries to persuade him to give in. The people of Santa Mira act as if they have been extremely brainwashed once they are taken over by the “pod version” of themselves. The “converted” people in the town even become avid supporters of the pod people’s ways. This more parallels the way that Americans during the 1950’s were convinced to support the hunt for Communists than to the situation of citizens in Communist countries. However, a large number of the citizens of Russia were brainwashed into supporting exactly what they should have been fighting against once they realized that the Socialist form of government was failing them. This ability to recognize one’s own change and the ability to be falsely convinced can be representative of the effects of McCarthyism, Communism, and group-think.

However, McCarthyism is the best explanation for the themes in Invasion of the Body Snatchers because the behavior of the “pod people” and the way they hunt down the others is more easily related to how McCarthy and his men hunted down people who supposedly supported the Communist party. McCarthy did not care who it was as long as that person could be made an example to the American people of how Communist supporters would be dealt with. This also parallels the blindness with which the pod people hunted down their victims. At the end of the movie the citizens of Santa Mira chased after Miles and Becky simply because they were the only normal ones left. There is also the fact that the makers of the movie were understandably more influenced by Hollywood blacklistings than Communism in Russia. Even after analyzing these points, it could be argued that Communism or the simple idea of mass hysteria is the intended meanings. Despite the fact that McCarthyism is the best specific allegorical parallel for the film, the broader idea of mass hysteria and groupthink probably do a better job of covering the large scope of parallels between the movie and society during the fifties. This point reveals that there is a larger theme at work within the movie: the effects that mass hysteria and groupthink can have on society. McCarthyism is simply the example of mass hysteria or groupthink that is most focused on in the film.

Whitehead, in addition to discussing the theme of McCarthyism in the movie, also discusses its relevance to our society today. He believes that the movie could also be representative of the political atmosphere following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This is definitely a supportable argument. Many of the actions that took place after the attacks in 2001 were similar to the ones that took place during the Red Scare. People were abused, ostracized, taken into custody, or questioned simply for being Arab, much in the same way that people were falsely accused or blacklisted during the Cold War Era. It was also extremely hard for Arabs to keep jobs or lead successful lives, and some were even beaten or killed. Congressional committees were erected to conduct investigations, although for better reasons than during the McCarthy hearings, and people were looked down upon if they were not patriotic or loyal enough to their country. This can still be seen today in the Iraq War Era; although, it is more acceptable to protest the Iraq War than it is to be unpatriotic following a terrorist attack. However, the effects of mass hysteria and groupthink are still evident, and patriotism is a major reason for this. It could even be said these two eras (the Red Scare and the 2000’s), although 50 years apart, are surprisingly similar in their political climates and their relevance to the themes of this movie. McCarthyism, as a representative of the broader ideas of mass hysteria and groupthink, is simply the best, most relevant explanation for the political themes in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and the film’s themes still hold true today for the more recent political climate in the United States.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers not only holds true today or in this decade, but it also applies to an audience of college-aged students at a university such as Alabama. Groupthink and hysteria does not just apply to times of war or crisis. It can also apply to social situations or other scenarios encountered while at college. Peer pressure or “fads” are just two of the examples of how the behavior of the masses can negatively or positively influence others. McCarthyism (or Communism) can simply be considered an example of groupthink or hysteria that is overblown and has a lot more at stake. Invasion of the Body Snatchers does an excellent job of cinematically interpreting what effects groupthink and hysteria can have on society or people in general. It can also be considered a reliable source on this topic because it was made during a time in which groupthink and mass hysteria were frightening, serious issues. In addition to depicting these themes well, it is also a quality, entertaining film. Unlike many of the films shown during most English or History classes, this film kept me alert and intrigued until the credits started rolling.

Works Cited

Dirks, Tim. “General Review for Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” 1996. 27 September 2007. http://www.filmsite.org/inva.html.

Siegel, Don. Invasion of the Body Snatchers. 1956.

Whitehead, John W. “Invasion of the Body Snatchers: A Tale for Our Times.” Gadfly Online. 1998. 27 September 2007. http://www.gadflyonline.com/11-26-01/film-snatchers.html

Laurel Caldwell

Adam Weinstein

English 101

December 9, 2007

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

The classic movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers is very controversial. It can be depicted, of course, as a Horror/Sci-Fi film, but also as a political allegory that talks about McCarthyism. McCarthyism is a period of time from the late 1940’s to the late 1950’s where there was very strong anti-Communist suspicion in the United States. When this movie was first made, Communism was very prevalent around the world and McCarthyism was occurring throughout the United States. Because of that, it is reasonable to believe that this movie’s underlying theme is about McCarthyism. However, I think that this movie is just one of those old scary movies.

 

John Whitehead states in his review “A Tale for our Time” that Invasion of the Body Snatchers is the “greatest of all the horror and science fiction classics of the 1950’s.” A talented, although previously unknown, cast; the “crafty manner in which director Siegel avoided the use of special effects;   and the strong story provided by Jack Finney and Daniel Mainwaring’s screenplay” (Whitehead) combine to make this movie a great movie. This movie has had three re-makes since it first came out in 1956. Each time it was re-made, there was an issue going on throughout the world that people could connect that specific issue to Invasion of the Body Snatchers. For example, at the time of the original movie in 1956, it was Communism; and the last re-make in 2007, the issue was terrorism. Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been re-made so many times, it causes one to question how it is that people from many different generations can easily relate to the movie. There must be some fear common to most humans which this film evokes.

 

A review by Tim Dirks, provides insight into the universal appeal of this movie. He informs his readers that in the original version of the movie, there was no prologue or epilogue. Without the prologue and epilogue, people found this movie very horrifying. Originally, the movie started with Dr. Miles Bennell meeting his nurse, Sally, after getting off the train. She tells him that there had been something weird going on around town while he was gone. The movie ended with Dr. Bennell wandering around the highway screaming, “Look, you fools. You’re in danger. Can’t you see? They’re after you. They’re after all of us. Our wives, our children, everyone. They’re here already. YOU”RE NEXT!” Because the movie ended like this, it scared people a lot. Having lifeless forms take over your body is a scary thing to people because you would not be able to be independent and be yourself or express emotions. It would just be a dull boring life and we would all be the same. Without the prologue or epilogue, the invasion is predetermined fact and people are helpless to do anything to prevent it.  The prologue and epilogue balance the fear with hope.

 

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is a classic science fiction horror movie.  The basic theme is about individuals totally losing their freedom and human identity to alien beings who see humans as something to be used. This is the ultimate in loss of control. Losing control of one’s life to someone more powerful than you is a basic fear common to human beings. This is what accounts for the movie’s continued appeal through the years. Yes, the pod people do resemble the communists in a way that they take over your body, but really, they are just something made to scare the moviegoer. When people come to watch movies, they come for entertainment. They just want to relax and watch a good movie. I don’t understand why people look so deeply into movies. Of course there are some movies where you do want to look more in depth into them, and really think about the message the director is trying to portray, like The Passion of the Christ for example. But why would a director of a scary movie put issues into the movie that try to make you think as to which theme they want you to follow through the movie? Most people do not want to be sitting there thinking, “Hmm, this movie looks like there are political allegories in it.” When the directors made this movie, they were interested in how they could make this movie the best they could, how they were going to pull in the most money at the ticket box, and how they were going to pull in a big audience. They did this by making a plain ol’ scary movie.  One which played on common human fears and which would continue to fascinate audiences throughout the years.

 

Works Cited:

Dirks, Tim. “Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1956).” 1996. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.filmsite.org/inva.html.

Whitehead, John. “Invasion of the Body Snatchers: A Tale for our Times”. Gadfly Online. 1998. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.gadflyonline.com/11-26-01/film-snatchers.html.

essay 6- Analyzing "What's Going On"

Molly Cole 6

In 1971 Marvin Gaye, one of R&B’s most talented artists wrote and performed his chart topping song, “What’s Going On”. The song was a deeply personal protest of the period’s biggest controversy, the Vietnam War. His song was meant to tell the world his views against it and his belief there had to be a better way than sending soldiers into battle to solve the problems. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye gave have him the opportunity to tell the world his thoughts on the war and how it should be solved by the lyrics he chose, the pathos rhetoric he used and the catchy beats and harmony of the song.

His anti-war anthem was released to make a statement, a statement to raise social consciousness and make the deaths of so many felt by his immense audience. For example, line 5, “There's far too many of you dying” (Marvin Gaye) almost begs us to understand how many lives were being taken for a cause most had ceased to believe.Marvin Gaye knew his views, along with many of his peers weren’t taken seriously due to their lifestyles, the way the dressed and their voices against the war. They were often dismissed as evidenced in line 25, “but who are they to judge us, simply because our hair is long” (Marvin Gaye). Gaye was known to be somewhat of a “hippie” and was speaking for himself and many of his fans, also categorized as “hippies”. In the chorus, Gaye writes about giving protesters a chance to be heard, not punished. The line “picket lines and picket signs” (Marvin Gaye) signifies the peaceful protest against the war and “don’t punish me with brutality” (Marvin Gaye) further pleads to let them have their opinions without worry of being quieted or even attacked. This song was written to tell the government the war in Vietnam was wrong and there had to be more peaceful ways to solve a problem.
“What’s Going On” is an extremely powerful song. Even now, 36 years later it still evokes intense emotions when heard. Each verse displays a reason why fighting is not the answer to the conflict, such as “for only love can conquer hate” (Marvin Gaye). While the chorus shows Marvin’s view of the war being pure chaos, repeating, “What’s going on...what’s going on” (Marvin Gaye). Marvin Gay is able to make the listener understand the sense of fear and disarray the soldiers must have been feeling. These simple words were meant to trigger our humanity and make us question if the war really should have been happening. By repeating this chorus, we cannot avoid the question and acknowledge there must be a better answer. Marvin Gaye wanted us to feel the destruction of war personally. He used, “mother, mother” to imply that any mother’s child could be sent to war and be at risk of dying. More than likely mother’s were not Marvin Gaye’s fan base, but many were now realizing that this war killed sons, and for what cause?

Gaye’s use of pathos in this hit song is an incredible strategy. Pathos lets the audience connect more to the issue. Using instances like “mother, mother” make it more real, as if someone’s son, or brother could be taken away instantly. If Gaye were to have used logos, or ethos, I doubt the song would have been such an inspirational song for most. The pathos used in the song, hits many people close to home, and makes them realize that everyone is hurt by the controversy and the war is everyone’s business, not just our governments.

Marvin Gaye’s goal for writing “What’s Going On” was to let the United States hear what he considered most of the country’s views in a peaceful manner and attempt to make the government know that war was not the answer. War never solves anything. Marvin Gaye used such a strong, but subtle way of expressing his views without shutting out those of others. His message was very peaceful, showing no aggression. He found a way to ask for change without writing any lyrics that could have incited violence or rioting.

By keeping the rhythm simple and upbeat, it became “catchy”. Marvin Gaye’s fan base kept the song on the charts further spreading the message for a peaceful resolution to the war. Its simplicity may have given him an even bigger audience.
It was four more brutal years after Marvin Gaye’s song was released before the war was over. His musical plea was effective, heard around the world due to his popularity as a musician and performer. It was intended to open the country to possibilities other than war. Through his music and lyrics Marvin Gaye made a very powerful, yet peaceful political stand.

Paper # 6-Chelsea Banks

The Good, The Bad, and Peanut Butter

When I reflect on peanut butter, the memorable days of kindergarten are fixed in my brain. With shouts and cries and sounds of the playground swing sets squeaking as they swing back and forth, the children around me run and laugh because we are enjoying the hot, radiant sunshine on the top of our sweaty heads. We stand in line for the whirly slide because it is a definite favorite among the crowd—being the thrill of a lifetime, or so we thought. The smell of freshly cut grass and must surround me; yet my mind is not focusing on recess.
What did my mother pack in my lunch today?The teacher blows that loud, annoying whistle that is our prompt to jump off the swings, slide one last time, or strike at that yellow tetherball again. My teacher holds her hand high in the air so we can all see which line we are getting in; it is not good to end up leaving with the wrong teacher or wrong class. “Let’s go class! You’re going to be late for lunch!” she yells. She assumes we all prefer the excitements of the playground to the wonders of the cafeteria.
Once we arrive in the largest room associated with elementary school, diversity is evident. Some kids bring their lunches; some kids do not.My mother explains her reasoning for packing my lunch, “I want to know what you are consuming!”I think she simply wants to save money. Either way, I enjoy the personalized lunches she packs everyday in my Polly Pocket lunch box. My favorite sandwich, the famous peanut butter and jelly, is the norm. I loathe the day my mother will pack me a bologna sandwich, or one with solely cheese and ketchup, like the freckled boy, Elijah, eats everyday. While some kids frown despondently at the surprise in their own box, or maybe at the mysterious object the cafeteria lady put on their lunch tray, I smile with anticipation. As I unwrap my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, my friend turns to face me. “Wanna trade?” she so boldly asks. I give her a look of disagreement. “I’d rather not…I’m allergic to bologna.” Then I hurriedly turn back to my main focus.
It is possible for an object of your main focus to be your first thought when you awake in the morning. One day I woke to the beams of sunlight singing as beautiful a tune as the sparrow on the fencepost. I arose not only to remember I had spent the night at my grandparents’ house, but also to smell the marvelous kitchen downstairs. It does not take long for me to run down the stairs to see what creates that incredible aroma. Neither does it take long for my grandmother to scold my impatient manner. “Don’t choo run down them stairs!” “I’m sorry.” I lie. “I’ve told you about that. One of these days you’re gonna fall.” We sit at her oval table to view the plethora of pancakes stacked like a spectacular, tiered, wedding cake. Although the margarine and maple syrup are placed on the table, I question the whereabouts of the peanut butter. My grandfather looks at me with raised brows and a confusing look on his face. “What d’you need that for?” I find it ironic that my family, the people who are expected to know me the best, often question my undying love for this granular paste. One of my favorite meals is hot, fresh pancakes, topped with peanut butter and syrup. This unique and interesting combination powered my revolution to try it with waffles.
At Waffle House one Saturday morning, a waitress works her way around our group taking individual orders. She turns to face me with an exasperated expression across her face. “What can I do for you, honey?” I can tell she has been working for a long period of time and if truth be told, she does not care about me. Even so, I order two waffles with a side of bacon that ends up being drenched in enough oil to last a whole body massage. My meal is not complete without the addition of some smooth, creamy, peanut butter. As the worn-out waitress starts to walk away, I slip in the question. “Do you have any peanut butter?” She gives me a concerned eye, and then laughs softly. Many people find peanut butter as a condiment so out of the ordinary.
Do you consider yourself obsessed? Some of my friends ask me this with comic stares. If obsession qualifies as going to Red Lobster and ordering a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, instead of the Fish of the Day, then…yes, I have an obsession. Whether it is smooth and creamy or nutty and crunchy, peanut butter is my character. Sensibly, I am not a jar of peanut butter; however it is engulfed in the depth of my consciousness. The smooth type of peanut butter is an easygoing roll of the ocean—peaceful waters. On the other hand, the crunchy peanut butter is a hurricane—full of debris and swirled into a rough entity. These differing types of peanut butter are like my different thoughts on life. There are good times and bad times; all that matters…is how to approach them.
I remember the days of high school; the memories overflow. I am in my high school auditorium for the annual beauty pageant. I look at my reflection in the mirror—smudged from the multitude of make-up covered hands tapping it before. Is this who I am? Me. The girl in the reflection? I anxiously wait backstage until my chance to speak with the judges. The personal interview portion of the pageant counts a large percentage, and I want to be completely relaxed—like loose curls. Nerves are high; smiles are fake. The pageant coordinator calls my number. It is my turn to speak with the judges. “Just be yourself.” I repeatedly think in my head. Over the course of the interview I try to be casual, yet sophisticated. The best thing to do is let the judges notice your personality. So I finish my introduction and wait for my interview question. At this point, I cannot help but notice the violent chattering of my teeth. “If you could ask Santa Clause for one present this year, what would you ask for and why?” A sensation of relief came over my whole nervous body. At that moment, I knew what to say: what I felt. “If I could ask Santa Clause for one present this year, I would ask for a year supply of peanut butter. Why, you ask? I adore the delicious treat; I even believe it should have its own food group. I could never live without my peanut butter!” After I answered the question, I waited for their response. Thoughts are racing through my head. Allowing each moment to happen as it will is how I live my life. With hopes for the future, I continue to believe in the inevitable; but every moment is approachable in a different manner. The judges are smiling. They are actually smiling. And I feel so comfortable, just like the next time I place that jar of JIF securely in my shopping cart.
What is it about this paste that sets me apart from the character, or even personality of others? Why do I have such a craving for it?
Simply, this phenomenon is by chance. I cannot find the reason or the evidence to prove why this paste composed merely of peanuts and salt is my desire. Such an uncomplicated substance can be presented as complicated if enough thought is asserted; yet peanut butter is just peanut butter! Likewise, I am who I am: a truly uncomplicated individual who may sometimes appear as a complex. However, my life stories make me who I am. And peanut butter…is the adhesive paste that holds my stories together.

essay #6

Henry Shields
English 101
November 1, 2007
Adam Weinstein
“Convictions”
Toby Keith is hailed as one of the best country song artists of his generation and his new song, “Love me if you can”, is currently number one on the country billboard charts. Unlike the stereotype of the “new fashioned” country, Toby Keith is adored by his fans for speaking his mind and being a very opinionated artist. His songs are easy to relate to and are mostly “hot” topics that are delivered through emotion and personal experience. “Love me if you can”, in particular, covers political point of views; a topic that everyone can relate to. According to the Rhetorical Triangle, Toby Keith uses ethos and pathos to get his message across: his message being the idea that everyone believes the ideas of a certain political party, but he is a man of his “convictions”. A great message indeed, but is he really a man of his “Convictions”?
In this song, I believe Toby Keith is speaking to a huge audience. Whether you are running for president or just an “average Joe” on the street, you have political opinions that contradict with others’. Keith uses this truth in an ingenious way, enabling him to relate to everyone. He states that he “prays for peace on earth” but also thinks “war is necessary”. He is presenting himself as an average man with average beliefs. Keith delivers his message with a “don’t give a damn” persona. By doing so, he shows he truly believes in what he is saying. Toby Keith is so well renowned for his music because people believe he is the persona in the song, he doesn’t just make one up. This makes his point more believable than if he were cautious about what people thought. Overall, Keith’s message is delivered to a wide range of people in a manner that is trustworthy and full of pride. Everyone can relate to his message and he is proud to hold strong to his firm beliefs and share his opinion.
I feel that Toby Keith is delivering a great message, but determining whether it portrays a positive or negative theme is completely up to the listener. In my opinion, Keith incorporates a choice for the listener. The main chorus is, “I’m a man of my conviction”. So what do you think; is Keith really a man of his convictions? As a man of my conviction, I say NO! I feel that the lyrics and delivery of the content is an extremely positive message. Keith tells us to believe what means most to you, don’t be a follower. I feel that the lyrics are delivered well and the overall message is great, but I question the motives for delivering this moral message. Toby Keith uses a “bad ass” persona along with lines and words that appeal to many people. And in his main chorus, Keith states, “I’m a man of my convictions, call me wrong, call me right”. Well, great for him you might say. Doesn’t every country singer try to act like a “bad ass”? Don’t they all fake that country twang and root for America and everything else they believe in no matter what anyone else thinks? I couldn’t agree with you more. The fact of the matter is that Toby Keith sells himself just as much as he does his music. In reality, there is no such thing as a great, “from the heart” song. A true man with morals does not deliver his message of “conviction” through a multi platinum recording company so he can make millions of dollars. I do not mean to contradict myself on the fact that Toby Keith is a good singer that is not in it for the fame and fortune, but that doesn’t keep me from questioning the truth behind his “convictions”. Yes, he has written many songs that were based on real life events, but I feel he has caught on to the fact that these kinds of songs are “the ones that sell” and now he is just selling himself. Not to sound like my grandfather, but the sad reality is that songs these days are written to sell, not written from someone’s true “convictions”.
Lastly; goals. WHAT GOALS? Toby Keith does not express for any goal to be met, he just blabbers on in his monotone voice about how he is a man of his “conviction”; the “conviction” that was placed so deep in his heart by corporate executives looking to make an extra dollar. This song is a complete mockery of country music and after analyzing it for its “political conflict”; I have come to the conclusion that this whole song is just “politics”. In lemans terms politics is people selling themselves with bullshit words so they can make money.

ESSAY #6- Revised
Ben Stallworth
It’s obviously natural human behavior to have personal opinions. These differing opinions, inside the United States and international, sometimes lead to violence. This violence can range from just being angry and yelling at another person or lead all the way to war in some cases. It is very important to have your own set values and beliefs. When I say personal values and beliefs, I mean it is admirable to take an honest stand against something that you truly think is wrong. No one should be in favor of war; however, it should be understandable when war is necessary. That’s the hard part: who decides at what cost, at what time, or under what circumstances war becomes necessary? Once the deciding factor is made, how do you get people to agree and join your cause? Toby Keith is an arguable perfect example when it comes having personal values and morals. He has two songs he sings that provide perfect examples of these ideas and beliefs: American Soldier and The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue.

In Toby’s song American Soldier, he calls himself an American soldier in a metaphorical way. He’s comparing the lifestyle of a working father trying to support a family to the lifestyle of a soldier at war. Toby is comparing the struggles of fatherhood/adulthood to the struggles on the battlefield. He says that he’s “Up and at ‘em bright and early”. He claims that “[He] don’t do it for the money…[He] don’t do it for the glory”. He gets up every morning to provide his family with a future and because it’s his responsibility: “Providing for our future is [his] responsibility”. He chanes direction after he sings about taking care of his responsibilities. Toby Keith sings like he has his convictions set in stone: “Hey I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey I’m true down to the core”. If anyone or anything challenges his place or responsibilities, he doesn’t overlook that person or thing. He takes action, “When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right”. He calls himself an American Soldier because “I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me, I’ll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don’t come free”. That frame of mind is required to be an American Soldier and in a metaphorical sense a father (http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19641).

Following September 11, 2001, there have been many different opinions about America, the Middle East, terrorism, and war. Mr. Keith’s song The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue has a slight difference in meaning than his song American Soldier. In The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue, Toby sings more about pride, respect, and honor. When America was attacked, we made it known to the entire world and it’s every inhabitant that America has too much pride and honor to be the victim of a cowardly hit-and-run operation. Keith describes this by singing “Soon as we could see clearly through our big, black eye, Man, we lit up your world like the Fourth of July”. If America’s door is knocked on, needless to say, she’ll answer; “This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage…And the eagle will fly and it’s gonna be hell…And it’ll feel like the whole wide world is raining down on you”. Toby says that America will find justice when necessary: “Justice will be served and the battle will rage…Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass it’s the American way” (http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19651).
Toby Keith constructs his message around a topic that has been a topic on many news channels: war. He does this for a reason. He is telling his audience that we should, and we do, take pride in acquiring justice for those responsible for September 11th and other acts of terrorism. Pride, honor, and dignity are emotions. Toby uses raw emotion and feeling about our country to energize his audience. Not only are his lyrics invigorating, but also he takes advantage of his music videos. The scenery in his music videos for these two songs is fairly similar. The videos consist of inspirational clips ranging from soldiers in Iraq, Civil War soldiers, family home videos, to videos of Toby’s “freedom-decorated” concerts in the Middle East. Watching inspirational actions comparable to those in his music video put together with either of these two songs is motivating. He’s telling the world that the United States will not be a scapegoat or a victim of cowards.

Negatively, adrenaline runs out and emotion doesn’t last forever. However, it’s not certain that the next day a person will be as energized about the cause or situation as before when hearing the song. On a positive note, is there a more powerful motivation factor other than dignity and honor? The use of emotion as motivation for a cause can be one of the most powerful fuels to put in the tank; unfortunately, it’s probable to burn the fastest too.Toby Keith met his goals with his songs American Soldier and The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue. Obviously he didn’t write either of these songs with the purpose of people being inspired to join the army. By using peoples' emotions, Toby succeeded at reminding his audience to always do what’s right, thanking America’s armed forces, reminding the American people and others that we take pride in our country, and most of all at making everyone around the world aware that America “will put a boot in your ass”.Works Cited1) http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19641 - American Soldier2) http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19651 - The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue

It’s obviously natural human behavior to have personal opinions. These differing opinions, inside the United States and international, sometimes lead to violence. This violence can range from just being angry and yelling at another person or lead all the way to war in some cases. It is very important to have your own set values and beliefs. When I say personal values and beliefs, I mean it is admirable to take an honest stand against something that you truly think is wrong. No one should be in favor of war; however, it should be understandable when war is necessary. That’s the hard part: who decides at what cost, at what time, or under what circumstances war becomes necessary? Once the deciding factor is made, how do you get people to agree and join your cause? Toby Keith is an arguable perfect example when it comes having personal values and morals. He has two songs he sings that provide perfect examples of these ideas and beliefs: American Soldier and The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue.
In Toby’s song American Soldier, he calls himself an American soldier in a metaphorical way. He’s comparing the lifestyle of a working father trying to support a family to the lifestyle of a soldier at war. Toby is comparing the struggles of fatherhood/adulthood to the struggles on the battlefield. He says that he’s “Up and at ‘em bright and early”. He claims that “[He] don’t do it for the money…[He] don’t do it for the glory”. He gets up every morning to provide his family with a future and because it’s his responsibility: “Providing for our future is [his] responsibility”. He chanes direction after he sings about taking care of his responsibilities. Toby Keith sings like he has his convictions set in stone: “Hey I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey I’m true down to the core”. If anyone or anything challenges his place or responsibilities, he doesn’t overlook that person or thing. He takes action, “When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right”. He calls himself an American Soldier because “I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me, I’ll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don’t come free”. That frame of mind is required to be an American Soldier and in a metaphorical sense a father (http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19641).Following September 11, 2001, there have been many different opinions about America, the Middle East, terrorism, and war. Mr. Keith’s song The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue has a slight difference in meaning than his song American Soldier. In The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue, Toby sings more about pride, respect, and honor. When America was attacked, we made it known to the entire world and it’s every inhabitant that America has too much pride and honor to be the victim of a cowardly hit-and-run operation. Keith describes this by singing “Soon as we could see clearly through our big, black eye, Man, we lit up your world like the Fourth of July”. If America’s door is knocked on, needless to say, she’ll answer; “This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage…And the eagle will fly and it’s gonna be hell…And it’ll feel like the whole wide world is raining down on you”. Toby says that America will find justice when necessary: “Justice will be served and the battle will rage…Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass it’s the American way” (http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19651).Toby Keith constructs his message around a topic that has been a topic on many news channels: war. He does this for a reason. He is telling his audience that we should, and we do, take pride in acquiring justice for those responsible for September 11th and other acts of terrorism. Pride, honor, and dignity are emotions. Toby uses raw emotion and feeling about our country to energize his audience. Not only are his lyrics invigorating, but also he takes advantage of his music videos. The scenery in his music videos for these two songs is fairly similar. The videos consist of inspirational clips ranging from soldiers in Iraq, Civil War soldiers, family home videos, to videos of Toby’s “freedom-decorated” concerts in the Middle East. Watching inspirational actions comparable to those in his music video put together with either of these two songs is motivating. He’s telling the world that the United States will not be a scapegoat or a victim of cowards.Negatively, adrenaline runs out and emotion doesn’t last forever. However, it’s not certain that the next day a person will be as energized about the cause or situation as before when hearing the song. On a positive note, is there a more powerful motivation factor other than dignity and honor? The use of emotion as motivation for a cause can be one of the most powerful fuels to put in the tank; unfortunately, it’s probable to burn the fastest too.Toby Keith met his goals with his songs American Soldier and The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue. Obviously he didn’t write either of these songs with the purpose of people being inspired to join the army. By using peoples' emotions, Toby succeeded at reminding his audience to always do what’s right, thanking America’s armed forces, reminding the American people and others that we take pride in our country, and most of all at making everyone around the world aware that America “will put a boot in your ass”.
Works Cited1) http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19641 - American Soldier2) http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=19651 - The Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue

Essay #6, revision

Meredith Streppa
Adam Weinstein
English 101
10 December 2007

Lately there have been numerous songs and works of art that portray politics, war, and different situations going on throughout the United States. A major focus for artists these days is the war in Iraq, as well as the events of September, 11th. Songwriter’s lyrics portray their view on the subject. Many agree with the war, and many artists disagree with what is going on. Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is a depiction of an American’s view of the events that happened on September 11th, the war, and the countries views on terrorists. Also, this song is a stern warning to those countries that inflicted pain on America.
As a whole, the persona is reacting to events of September 11th, interpreting what happened on that day, and what actions will be taken by the Americans. It also portrays the views of people in America who are pro war. The persona in this song is an everyday citizen of the United States. He is a citizen, who also supports the war because he says,
“Justice will be served/ And the battle will rage/This big dog will fight/When you rattle his cage/And you’ll be sorry that you messed with/The U.S. of a/cause we’ll put a boot in your ass/It’s the American way” (LyricsFreak 33-40).
The persona gets very defensive about the United States. That is how one would know that they are a citizen themselves. They say, “We’ll put a boot in your ass,” including themselves in that example. Towards the beginning of the song, the persona also mentions American girls and guys recognizing and saluting the American flag, also known as Old Glory (LyricsFreak 1, 4). This exemplifies that people in the United States as well as the persona appreciate their roots and know when to recognize things of importance. The persona is pro-war and also very patriotic. We know this because they say that we will fight when someone “shakes our cage” or, in a sense, bothers or harms our country. We will also fight back, and “put a boot in your ass”. The persona's purpose is to support their country, as well as her actions.

Purpose plays a big role in songs. If a song does not have a purpose, then people tend to not like the song. There are multiple purposes in “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.” First of the purposes, is the persona trying to get people excited and pumped up for the war. He says things to get the people of the United States emotions stirring, and get them supporting the war such as, “Soon as we could see clearly/Through our big black eye/Man, we lit up your world/Like the fourth of July” (LyricsFreak 19-22). The persona’s goal is to encourage people to support the war on terrorism. They do this by using words and phrases that stir angry and patriotic feelings to get this excitement about the war started. Another purpose of this song being so political is to gain the strength of the American public for the war. The persona wants to get the United States excited and ready. They use a very “invincible” tone to explain our country, meaning, incapable of being defeated. They want to prove that we will win this fight, never give up, and the terrorists should have thought twice before attacking our homeland.

The next key element in a song is the audience. In “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” the audience is the terrorists that attacked our country. The persona is telling them that they better beware, because what they have done they can not take back, and soon enough, they will regret it. In the song, the speaker says,
“Man, it’s gonna be hell/When you hear mother freedom. Start ringing her bell/And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you/Brought to you courtesy of the red white and blue”(LyricsFreak 28-32).
In this quote, he uses the word you, aiming towards the Middle East. Toby is also talking to the people who support the war, and feel the same way as him or her. The person talking in the song says, “American girls, and American guys/We’ll always stand up and salute/We’ll always recognize/When we see old glory flying” (LyricsFreak 1-4). Here, the speaker is talking to the people of the United States saying that we will always stand and salute the people in the war, and the people who lost their lives when we see the flag flying.

The rhetorical triangle plays a key part in this song. The persona uses all three of the points that the triangle has to offer. He uses Pathos to evoke emotion in the audience. In the song it says, “Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass/It’s the American way” (LyricsFreak 39-40). This is a way to get Americans mad about what happened, and excited to go to war. It effects the audience’s emotions, which is why Pathos is involved in this song. Another point in the rhetorical triangle is ethos. This is when the speaker is trying to gain credibility. In this song, the persona says, “My daddy served in the army/Where he lost his right eye/But he flew a flag out in our yard/Until the day that he died” (LyricsFreak 8-11). The speaker is trying to gain credibility in the subject of war. Since his dad fought and lost an eye, people are more likely to believe this person, because he has experienced the effects of war first hand. The last point of the triangle is logos. This point is based on an argument or logic. It is also based on cause and effect. In this song, the speaker mentions that a “big dog will fight when you rattle his cage. For example, when someone rattles the United States’ cage, we are most likely going to fight back.

All in all, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” by Toby Keith is a portrayal of an American citizen’s reactions towards the war and September 11th. This song is one of many that describe people’s feelings and emotions aimed near terrorists, the Middle East, and the war on Iraq. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is an extreme example of a pro-war persona depicted angry towards the Middle East and searching for revenge. This song, in my opinion, is not very effective. It gets people “pumped” for the war, but only for those four or so minutes it is playing. After it is over, I do not think about the words all day, or even put any thought past that song. It is, however, a good song, and does make me proud to be an American as well as remind me how lucky that I am to live in a free country.

Works Cited
"Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue." LyricsFreak. 1 Nov 2007.

Paper 6 revision

Courtney Hamilton
Adam Weinstein
En 101
12/9/07

Live From Iraq

According to the first lines in the song Live From Iraq, “ Every days like a gamble here, This is no joke, This is live from Iraq, Where we prayin we make it home”, the song illustrates the hardships American soldiers face everyday in the war with Iraq. Every line provides detailed proof that the war is not represented accurately on television in the United States. This song illustrates the true blood and gore endured by the soldiers that is censored from the television sets of every American in the United States. Live From Iraq offers the inside scoop of a gruesome war without the government’s distorted view point. In order to understand the full concept of the war with Iraq, the viewpoint of an actual soldier is necessary. Live From Iraq uses pathos to evoke emotions in the reader in order to persuade the audience to disagree with the war.

Throughout the song, the artist, 4th25, constantly refers to Iraq as, “ the home of too many soldiers graves”. This line represents the artist’s opinion of the war and verbalizes the effect of the fighting in Iraq. By incorporating the line, the artist evokes pain in the audience and informs America of the pain the soldiers and their families are experiencing. 4th25 believes the main outcome of the war so far is dead bodies and as a result, low spirits. The lyrics to the song illustrate the imagery from the battlefield well, from gun powder to the ubiquitous bombing. Another fact that bothers the artist is that the soldiers gamble with their lives in Iraq; yet, if they survive, they will never forget all of the horrors they experienced from the war. Every minute spent in Iraq is a chance each soldier makes and the artist depicts the terror of that gamble very clearly throughout the song.

After perusing the lyrics a couple of times, it is clear what the persona of the song is representing. The persona of the song is a soldier actively involved with the war who identifies with the soldiers that are fighting. All of the lines vividly describe the blood and gore of the war and how it affects the speaker. The speaker uses pathos to support his/her message through the lyrics. By involving intense imagery, such as: “the artist evokes emotion in the audience and therefore gets the audience involved in the event. Although the speaker is obvious, it is hard to know whether the artist is the persona or not. The artist could be involved with the event, however the connection between the two are unknown.

In order for the audience to understand the seriousness of the war with Iraq, the speaker includes visual facts about the recent events. The speaker uses imagery to persuade the audience to disagree with the war. Not only does the speaker disagree with the war, but he/she also wants the audience to know exactly what is happening in Iraq. The news does not show any of the gory details; therefore, someone must put the events of the war into perspective. Many Americans are clueless as to what is going on and the speaker wants to give the audience the correct information.

Throughout the song the artist states that the fighting occurring in Iraq is achieving nothing. Through doing so, the song is more effective in introducing the message. The lyrics inform the audience about the war and gives strong evidence that the war is affecting the lives of many soldiers and their families. The artist attempts to evoke sympathy in Americans that do not know about the war by including the line, “ 59 of us April 4th, 8 of us dyin”. It also opens the idea that the war may not be worth the pain and suffering the soldiers and their families are experiencing. The song actually gives a reason for people to pay attention to the country and decide if the war is really the right decisions for the country. The main issue the speaker deals with is the effectiveness of the war. He/she wants to know if there is any progress being made through all of the fighting.

In conclusion, Live From Iraq involves the issue of the wars effectiveness. By fighting the war, soldiers are dying and loved ones are affected by it. According to the speaker, the war is pointless. The speaker believes Americans should know the truth and not the vague interpretation broadcasted on the news. The war is still going on and nothing is being achieved so far. Since the speaker reveals the actual information regarding the war, Americans can decide for themselves if the war in Iraq is right or wrong.

formal revision essay 6

4th25 is a military rap group out of Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX and their latest release “Live from Iraq” is a very politically charged song. The song is written in first person from a soldier’s point of view. Upon hearing this song, you will feel constant fear and trepidations of the harsh and dangerous life that the soldiers face daily in Iraq. The song wants Americans to understand the truth behind the war and how what is being reported is nowhere near the truth of the dangers they face. The song begins “every day’s like a gamble here this is no joke this is live from Iraq where we’re prayin we make it home,” showing the person speaking is actually experiencing the horrors of war first hand and is telling us the truth about those horrors. The artist relies heavily on ethos and pathos to ensure the listeners that they are a credible source.

When the group says “59 of us April 4th 8 of us dyin…this is bombs in the street blowin up when I drive by em or it’s rpg’s launched at me...home of too many soldiers graves”(verse 1 lines 21-27) you can really feel that these are true soldiers of this war. The 4th25 wants to show that while they may not agree with the reasons of the war, they are still going to fight hard and never give up. When they say “but we don’t fold hands the cards we are dealt get played” (chorus line 12-13) they are in essence saying their plan is not to disagree with the government, but to bring a new light to the topic. It is so controversial and many of us try to over look it; however, you can’t overlook something that is real life for these men and women. Saying “media cast and the scoop covered over the answers cause you can’t handle the truth...Plenty of lives lost over a scandal” (verse 2 lines 31-33; 24-25) they are trying to let the American people know that they have not heard the full truth from the news reports.

The song is created relying a lot on pathos and ethos. The words “we sleep with body armor blankets...Nights with no supper man home aint promised man, long journeys qualified hell from a promise land” (verse 1 line 15; verse 2 lines 2-5)tells you that while you fall asleep with a full belly, they sometimes go without food. By using ethos it shows their credibility as real life soldiers in this war. They are there experiencing everything first hand and are telling us these things from their observations. By using the persona ethos it unites us, because not only does the government hear the plea of the soldiers, but also the anger from the American people at the life the soldiers are forced to live.

The pathos causes us to have empathy because we can almost feel the fear, the heat, and the hunger that they feel. The words that they use are raw and honest. You can tell they chose the words for their shock value and it has worked. “True gutter for you fuckers, hell/ promised land, nights with no supper, and rpg’s launched at me.” (Referring to entire song see verses 1 and 2)We listen to their cries and are able to feel their pain. They hope we use the information they give us and voice it to our political leaders here in America. While we are home enjoying the freedom that each day brings they remind us that they are not in lyrics such as “And there are no blue skies here every color is gray...Sure it’s politics back home here it’s bullets thru our tissue”. (Chorus 5-6; verse 3 3-4)

The persona is accomplishing the goal of getting people to listen and to see beyond the words of our political leaders because it gives us the extra little push to voice our concerns. It bestows on us the courage that we need to not be afraid to say that this is wrong. However at the same time even if we do not stand up and speak out against the war; the soldiers are achieving their goal of getting someone to hear their story. Some people criticize the military for doing their job, but they are doing nothing wrong. They are only trying to protect our country and let us know the hell they are going through for our right to freedom. The next time I hear friends complain about the rush hour traffic I just might say to them “This is nothing yall been thru yall aint seen shit” (verse 3 lines 9-10) as compared to the soldiers in Iraq.

The artists got their message across very successfully. They knew how to get our attention and use horrors that they experienced to their advantage. However when they began calling people out it did more harm then good, because now those people are likely to no longer have empathy but anger toward them. Lets be real saying “True gutters for you fuckers think its gutter where you from, here its life by the second this is everything wrong. This is not your beef on the block it’s not that simple” (verse 1 lines 5-10) is probably not the best way to get someone on your side. Because now it seems like you are no longer the victim, but the attackers. These people that you are talking about are likely to become very defensive and switch sides.

Ultimately the overall goal was to show the true light and gain support which they did do successfully. The persona was able to take his pain and loneliness and bring it to life for us through the song. When you hear “Where everybody’s a target when you find out people ain’t hard they just talk shit...And there is no reimbursement for the price we pay” (verse 3 lines 25-27; chorus line 8) How can you not feel for them? We need to remember that the soldiers are angry too; they did not choose to be in this war. In verse 3 lines 13-16 he says “This is your one mistake being in everybody’s business, whether they see their family or its funeral home visits.” although they have chosen to serve and protect our country, they did not choose this particular war and they do not necessarily agree with the president’s decision to invade Iraq.


Live from Iraq.25 October 2007.http://www.lyricstime.com/4th25-live-from-iraq-lyrics.html

Essay #6 Final Revision

Kylie Dekin
Adam Weinstein
English 101-099
9 December 2007
Essay 1- Food Narrative
Nutty Cuisine Results in High Cholesterol

When I was younger, probably around the age four or five, I got sick and had to go to the doctor. I was sitting on the cold table, when the nurses decided to stick a big needle into my vein and draw a sample of blood. The results showed that my cholesterol was high for my age. My parents and the doctor discussed my eating habits. They explained to him that I was an extremely fussy eater. I never wanted to eat a big juicy hamburger, green salad, or fresh fruit. There was only one food choice that I wanted: a good ole’ peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread with absolutely no jelly. That is all I ever wanted to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The doctor suggested to my parents that they cut peanut butter out of my diet. But how does a person stop eating his or her favorite comfort food?

I am not sure why peanut butter was my desired thing to eat. Maybe it was the peanut taste or the smooth and creamy texture. Maybe I liked the fact that when I would take a big bite out of a thick peanut butter sandwich it clogged my throat and the only way to wash it down is with a large glass of cold milk. Another reason that I might have liked peanut butter sandwiches so much was the fact that my mom made them a lot because they were quick, easy, and cheap. Plus, you can make many different food dishes with the use of peanut butter.

My mom would always try to be creative when making my peanut butter sandwiches. When I would go on field trips in elementary school, she would make me a special peanut butter sandwich. She would add miniature marshmallows to the creamy Jif Peanut Butter and wheat bread. When I would take a big bite into the sandwich, I would taste a sweet and fluffy surprise. I know that all the kids were jealous of my delicious sandwich. Then the nights that my mom did not feel like cooking a big fancy meal, we would have melted peanut butter sandwich night. This was my brother’s and my favorite meal when we were younger. She would add more creamy peanut butter onto the bread and stick the sandwiches in the broiler until the peanut butter looked gooey and melted and the bread toasted a golden brown. There is nothing better than biting into crunchy wheat bread, coated with warm melted peanut butter. The peanut butter would run down our faces and all over our fingers. My favorite part about eating this sandwich was licking the sticky peanut butter off my fingers and plate. My brother and I would always eat this before our soccer or baseball games so we would get plenty of protein. We would call them our “good luck” sandwiches. My mom still to this day makes our “good luck” sandwiches and my brother and I still love to eat them. Without peanut butter, these delicious sandwiches and family tradition foods would not have happened. I believe that peanut butter was the best thing invented.

Peanut butter goes a long way back. A large amount of people helped make peanut butter to be one of America’s beloved foods. It started back in 1890. A man from St. Louis, named George A. Bayle, Junior, was on a mission to help people who had bad teeth and could not eat meat. They needed some kind of food item to give them their daily servings of protein. This is where he got the brilliant idea of grinding peanuts in a meat grinder, which made a thick gritty peanut butter. He put the gritty paste in barrels and sold them to his patients. Peanut butter use to be made from steamed peanuts instead of roasted peanuts and it was not appetizing to the taste buds. Peanut butter also did not have a very long expiration date because it was stored in big wooden barrels. In 1922, Joseph L. Rosefield churned peanut butter like butter to make a smooth and creamy texture. This process increased the shelf life of peanut butter. Peter Pan achieved the success of having the longest shelf life in the market in 1928. Skippy Peanut Butter was next in joining the competition by inventing crunchy peanut butter. Finally, a company named Proctor and Gamble created Jif in 1958. Today, Proctor and Gamble run the “world’s largest peanut butter plant” making 250,000 jars of peanut butter a day (History).

What would the world possibly be like if Mr. Bayle had not pulverized peanuts in the meat grinder so long ago? So many things in our world would be different. Would the King of Rock and Roll have had a weakness for jelly and banana sandwiches? What would choosy mothers have chosen if there was no Jif? Would we ever find out if you got chocolate in my peanut butter or I got peanut butter in your chocolate? Worst of all, what would I have eaten for my “good luck” sandwiches. What would have been my comfort food? I cannot imagine my life without peanut butter. Every time I eat anything with peanut butter on it always brings back good memories from my past. Therefore, you can see I was never able to follow the doctor’s orders and give up peanut butter. There could be worse things than a little high cholesterol.






Works Cited
"History of Peanut Butter." Peanut Butter Lovers. Peanut Advisory Board. 2 Sept. 2007 .

Essay 6

Ashley Darnell 3

Essay three- Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been deemed worldwide as a hysteria movie revolving around the Communist Movement, but other evidence has led me to believe otherwise. Worldwide hysteria has always been present no matter what era. Most of the notorious mass hysteria events have been over science, terrorism, or politics. The fact that this film has been remade numerous times helps to prove that it is not just about one specific movement. This furthermore makes one think that it was not a film only about Communism, but more of a sci-fi horror film about worldwide mass hysteria meant to fright the viewers.
Many critics have numerous different reactions to this film. Some believe the movie is showing the mass hysteria of Communism or McCarthyism, while others simply believe it is showing the struggle with worldwide conformity as a whole. In a review by Tim Dirks, Dirks makes several good points proving that the accusations about this movie being filmed around the ideas of Communist hysteria are too vague and was open to many different interpretations. For example, Dirks says that, “the theme of the cautionary, politicize film was open to varying interpretations, including paranoia toward spread of harmful ideology such as socialistic Communism, or the sweeping mass hysteria of McCarthyism and the blacklisting of Hollywood, the spread of a unknown malignancy or virulent germ, or the numbing of our individuality and emotional psyches through conformity and group-think.” Also, this gives further reasoning to why the film has been remade four different times, each movie estimated to be made about 20 years apart. The first Invasion of the Body Snatchers in 1956 was “an allegory for Communism and McCarthyism.” The second, also called Invasion of the Body Snatchers, created in 1978 was “an allegory for the psychological revolution of the 1970’s and self-help books.” A few years later in 1993 Body Snatchers was created which “resembles a foreign, terrorist siege.” Finally, the most recent one created this year called, The Invasion in which “a flu-like virus brought to Earth by a crashed space shuttle, turning victims into cold, emotionless, people after they sleep.” All of these remakes are prime examples that Invasion of the Body Snatchers are sci-fi films about the world around them. Of course the generation of 1956 are going to relate it to Communism or McCarthyism due to the fact that was the hysteria they were experiencing. If that movie had been made in 2001 when the horrific event of 9/11 happened in America then the people in the USA would possibly have a different interpretation of the movie. It would be the worldwide hysteria of terrorism the people went through. Some do not believe that Don Siegel directed that film intending for it to be specifically about Communism. He made a great sci-fi horror film and left it open for his audience to interpret the way they wanted. Telling someone who firmly believes it was not made specifically about Communism is not going to change their mind. That is what makes it such a great sci-fi. A sci-fi is intended to make someone’s imagination propel into a different time and place that one can relate to. For instance, being born in the present day causes this generation to react dramatically different to a movie from the fifties than someone who lived during that time period.
I would describe this film as a good horror film because not many like it can keep me on the edge of my seat, but Invasion of the Body Snatchers had me hanging on the edge of mine. Although it is very different from most horrors I was wont to, I would recommend it because it is a captivating, enthralling horror.

Paper 6: Formal Revision

Julia Burchfield
EN 101
Adam Weinstein
November 20, 2007
How to Run from a Cop
I am writing this essay for every student at the University of Alabama who wants to know how to escape the clutches of the unforgiving police that roam our campus. My parents knew that I would experiment with alcohol here at the University. Although they would rather me wait until I was 21 to start drinking, they taught me the responsibilities of consuming alcohol (just like sex, our parents would rather us wait until we were married, but they still teach us safe sex just in case). So, since my parents knew that they could not monitor my behavior while I was at college, they taught me everything I should know about consuming alcohol responsibly. They told me to: A. Most importantly, never drink and drive; B. Never get in the car with a drunk driver. C. Never put my drink down at a party, for some deranged person might put a drug in my drink; and D. Do not get to the point of blacking out from drinking. With these values, I attended the University of Alabama, and was sure if I followed my parents’ advice I would stay out of trouble. I was wrong. The second week of school I was arrested in the front doors of my dorm for a charge called “Public Intoxication”. In case one does not know the definition of Public Intoxication I will gladly inform them. According to the StudentLife website, Public Intoxication “requires that the person be intoxicated to the degree that he/she is a danger to him/herself or another person. Being publicly intoxicated makes a person vulnerable to robbery, assault, and a number of other difficulties”. Now, before I begin I would like to say that I know that I was wrong for breaking the law. Since I broke the state law, I had every right to be punished and prosecuted; I also think that all the punishments I got for my arrest were fair. However, I went through all the precautions my parents bestowed in me before I went to my dorm. I A: Found a sober ride; B. Did not set my drink down at the party or let anyone else make me a drink; and C. Was not at the point of blackout because I remember every vivid detail of being arrested (which I will not go into because of its length and depth). As a result I spent 10 hours in the Tuscaloosa County Jail, and as I sat there in the “pink room” (which is a room that is painted pink to make people become sober) I was so confused on what I could have done to avoid being arrested. I came up with a few ideas, some which have worked recently, so I thought I would share them with others so they would not spare my fate.
One great way to get away from a cop is run. If you are at a party and the cops pull up the house you are in, flee for life out the back door and don’t stop until you get to a place of safety. A place of safety is hard to come by now on campus since there has been a murder; but if you run to a place where there are other people, you might have a good chance of not getting shot. Now, do not run from the cop if they can see you, because the first thing they are going to do is run after you; and you have just given everyone else at the party a chance to leave the scene. However, judge the cop’s size, if they are really overweight, and you know you are a fast runner, you can chance it. Also, to increase your chances of getting away, always wear your running shoes out to parties; it is better to be unfashionable than to go to jail. But, your best bet from running from a police officer would be to run while they are in their car out the back door, so they did not even know you were at the party.
Another way to escape from the police is to hide. Don’t be an idiot and hide in a bedroom or closet; they look in there. Hide in a good hiding spot where no one would expect to find you (i.e. under a bed, in a large cabinet or in the shower). Make sure that if you hide anywhere outside that it is not in a dark ally, because the chances of getting raped at the University are high; because arresting underage drinkers to promote “public safety” is may more important than to look for a serial rapist. I know these places are hard to come by, but look around the house and outside when you walk into the party; try and scope out a good hiding place before, just in case. P.S. the rule that if you cannot see them, they cannot see you is not always true; especially when you are a drunken buffoon.
One thing a person should know to do if a cop shows up at a party is to put their drink down, and get rid of all the alcohol or drugs they have with them. It does not matter how much it costs, or how much you want to keep it, it is better to get rid of the evidence then to get arrested. Besides, if they arrest you, they are just going to take it from you anyway. So if a cop shows up at a party, get all the alcohol that you have as far away from you as you can. A great way to make sure that you will not get in trouble is spill your drink on a stranger; that way they will smell like alcohol and the police will automatically be attracted to them; allowing you to run away! Always remember, if a cop cannot tell you are drunk, and you do not have any alcohol with you, you can refuse a sobriety test, and then the burden of proof is upon them.
Now in all seriousness, I do not think that anyone should run from a police officer. Yes, you may try some of these barbaric ideas and get away; however if you are caught, the consequences are much worse on you. The reason I am really writing this essay is because I am upset that the University Police are arresting people who are trying to be responsible. I know several other people who have been arrested, and they, like me, thought they were doing the right thing. I know four people who have been arrested walking home from a party because they did not want to get into a car and not only risk their lives, but the lives of other people. I know a girl who was arrested getting in the car with a sober driver, because all she wanted to do was go home. I know a boy who was arrested in a football game, for looking “intoxicated”. I am aware that the police department has a right to arrest all of the above; however, we are in college. The pressures and the exposure to alcohol while we are in school are very high; therefore they are going to drink. We, as students, also are required to take an online alcohol class before and during the school year (alcoholedu); the class teaches students how to drink and be responsible about it. I think it is wrong to teach students how to be responsible about drinking and to still punish them even though they are going through all the precautions they have learned. To me, it is like teaching a student to multiply and giving them an F on the test, even though they did all the problems correctly. It bothers me that when I go to another college, police officers will escort people home if they seem slightly intoxicated, whereas here, they slap handcuffs on you (which really hurts). I know that people who are drinking underage have every right to be arrested; I just think that the University does not even consider giving warnings to students who have only had one drink; if you have had one sip of alcohol you are screwed. I think police officers have a problem with that strategy because they think that the students will not learn a lesson. I do not think that is necessarily true. I think that it will give students more respect for our police department; it makes it seem that the police are not out there just to get us in trouble; they are there for our safety. I think that there are a lot bigger problems, like rape, that should be taken care of than drunken college students (because recently there have been 2 rapes on campus this year, and four cases of girls being sexually assaulted). I also think that cops should be looking for the people who are drinking and driving, not drinking and walking. It seems to me that a majority of the students being arrested are arrested walking home. I think that if you are walking, not near the curb, then you should at least be credited for not driving. Once you have had a drink, you are not only putting your life at danger when you get behind the wheel, but you are also putting other peoples’ lives in danger. I am not just complaining about the police department because I have gotten in trouble; I am just upset that the police are arresting the people who are trying to look out for themselves and for others. Basically what I have learned while being enrolled in the University of Alabama is to drink and drive; which is a message that should never cross anyone’s mind. I would never get behind the wheel and chance other people’s lives, but when I think I am doing the right thing by walking home or getting a sober ride, I am punished anyway.
In conclusion, I do not advise anybody to try to run from a police officer because I would hate to know that I put the idea in one’s head. I would also hate to know that because of this paper someone may get charged with resisting arrest. I want to add that if an officer sees you running, they are going to do everything in their power to catch you. But I would like everyone who reads this paper to be aware on how strict the law enforcement is here at the University, and to be careful; because even though you think you are doing the responsible thing, you may still be punished.
P.S. For all you airheaded girls, please don’t wear running shoes out to a party; I was kidding.

Essay 6

Nicholas Neveu - Formal Revision Essay 6

“Seafood Gumbo”

It was a winter morning in Louisiana, too warm for snow, but still too cold to leave the comfort of my bed. Suddenly, a rush of excitement ran through my body as a familiar scent lingered into the room. Momma’s Seafood Gumbo. Ever since I was a child, I have always loved waking up to the strong scent of my family’s own gumbo.

Seafood gumbo has been in my family as far back as I can trace it. Gumbo originated in Louisiana and can be found in the southern United States and up through the Carolinas. It is a stew or soup that has a very rich and dark consistency. My favorite thing about gumbo is that you will never find two dishes exactly alike no matter how many times you eat it. Inside this truly Louisiana dish, there are many options for the meat or main filler. My favorite being the seafood style but I also enjoy chicken, sausage, and smoked pork. Next, the holy trinity to Cajuns is added: bell pepper, celery, and onion. When it comes to the sauce, my family never uses tomatoes like classic Creole cooking, but instead a dark roux. After the gumbo is cooked for eight hours, it is poured over white rice. This can be a meal entirely by itself, but nothing tastes better than a side of potato salad. Another side dish popular in New Orleans is French bread for dipping, or sweet potatoes. When walking through New Orleans it is very apparent that Gumbo has the ability to grab anyone by the nostrils and lead them straight for the restaurant, or in my case, to the kitchen.

In my house during Gumbo day, it is an untold ritual to skip breakfast and any snacks prior to lunch to save as much room to eat gumbo as possible. My mother’s sacrifice of waking up at six in the morning will soon be worth every second of sleep missed. I enjoy my seafood gumbo slow at first, or at least I attempt to. I like to take a bite of rice and try to get pieces of each sea creature on my spoon. I soon find it impossible with the shrimp, crawfish, crab, oysters, and bits of lobster not willing to all be stacked at once. I settle with the jumbo shrimp. After a few more mind blowing bites it is time to try the potato salad. One bite scooped on the spoon and dunked into the dark, soupy mixture is then engulfed. This is where the adventure begins. Praying that when you dunk, you have a seabit stuck to the side of the potato salad. My luck prevails this time!

When I go to a restaurant and see GUMBO on the menu I first hesitate before ordering. I know that even though it will be wonderful, it will not be as delicious as my family’s. I have had other variations that taste almost as dark and rich as my mother’s, but lack the authenticity. You may have too little or too much rice that can kill the mood of the gumbo or just not enough spice. Although some may seem displeasing, I almost always order the crazy combinations. Alligator, rabbit, and duck with oysters are only some of the few you can find in New Orleans that will surely make you leave with a crooked smile on your face.

To me, seafood gumbo is the one true meal for my family and its legacy. Perfected over many generations of Neveus, it is now a masterpiece that can be passed down without further correction. Whenever I eat it, I dream about Louisiana and all of the regional activities and sports found in the swamps. Every Cajun member of my family loves the outdoors and is addicted to golfing and fishing. If I close my eyes when taking a big bite I am immediately transported to my grandpa’s fishing boat or my uncle’s golf cart at the Abbeville Country Club. My 84 year old great grandma has many stories of gumbo in her past. She always tells her grandkids of her and her father going to “da crawfish pand” to get her seafood the freshest way they knew how, by hand. One tradition still rich in Cajun parts of Louisiana is the famous gumbo party. A gumbo party is when all your friends get together with a different style of gumbo cooked and ready for each person to judge the entries. Usually these parties are during big events such as a football game or around mardi gras. Whenever thrown, they are always a great time for family and friends to get together and enjoy terrific food. One of these parties particularly sticks out in my mind. My grandpa and I went fishing the day before the sacred event and we caught over twenty speckled trout. The next day I helped him prepare our rendition of the classic seafood gumbo before the party. After all the judging from our friends and family it was clear that we were the champions. When my grandpa heard the news he announced to everyone “Shoot, Nick caught all the fish, all I did was make the sauce!”

Like the trout and other seafood cooked together in the gumbo, the French and Cajun cultures were assimilated together into the United States of America, mainly in Louisiana. Each seafood represents a different culture all cooked together to create one delicious product, the United States. When my distant ancestors came to the U.S. we had tradition, pride, and a different last name. A fellow Cajun priest changed the name of my great, great grandfather from Neveaux to Neveu. Gumbo can also be related to this by the changing of its ingredients over time to better suit the county and area it is eaten in.

In conclusion, gumbo is my heritage, youth, and absolute favorite thing to eat. It is a truly changing and developing dish cooked in the bayou and brought to the U.S. kitchens. When it gets cold again, I can go to sleep anxious and hoping that in the morning I will be awaken by the powerful, always delightful scent of seafood gumbo.