Summer Fun!!!

ITS ALL ME BABY

I think one of the reasons that I love this paper so far is because I choose a topic that I really think is interesting and that I have a solid opinion on. I would say that most of this paper is me and that it is not just another assignment where I am aimlessly rambling on. Basketball is a sport that I really care a lot about and the influence of foreign players has really changed the game. It has been and awesome topic to research and really plays a major role in sports today. Some argue that it is not a good thing, that it ruins the sport for Americans, but I feel strongly that as the best players converge from all over the world to play this game it makes it exciting and fun to watch. The effects of these player trickle down even into my realm of the game as I see more diversity even on the local courts that I play on. Everyone wants to now be like there local hero and it is great.
Therefore in my paper I feel like from start to finish it is an expression of me. My ideas, my point of view and even my personal experiences shape this paper into what it is. My writing style can be seen from the very onset of the paper, and it obvious that this topic is something that I care about. I have seen its effects first hand, so I can argue that the influx of international athletes into the NBA has a positive effect on the game of basketball for everyone.

The Beautiful Process

This research process so far has been more beneficial for my argument that I would have ever thought. The fact of the matter is that you can't argue a topic that you can't find information on! So as i have searched using different key words and come across various articles and topics my argument has become more structured and concrete. Primarily I have focused my research using the Library's SIRS search engine. There is so much there! I will typically find one or two articles there that I like and I will use the key words and phrases for those articles to find other related articles. I haven't been able to find specific texts from the articles bibliographies yet, but i foresee that being a very useful tool too.
The information that I find really helps with my argument and my thesis. In the earlier stages of this assignment I didn't really have a thesis, it was more of just an open topic that I was researching. However as I have read the different articles and understood where these authors were coming from my point of view and also my argument has really taken shape. I have had plenty of success in my research so far, and feel comfortable with the way that my thesis and argument are turning out!

My Topic Ideas

For this next assignment i have thought of a couple of different ideas. I love sports and think that it would be interesting to see the way that oversees players influence the game of basketball here in the U.S.A, and whether that influence is positive or negative. They are not the flashiest of players but they bring more fundamental basketball to the NBA. It would be interesting to see who was the first international player drafted, why he was drafted and how that has changed the face of basketball forever. Could it also be argued that drafting players from outside the U.S.A is outsourcing of precious jobs?? Also it would be important to note the effects that that drafted player has on his country and the basketball culture there.
Also i think it would be interesting to see how the evolution of music has influenced fashion and dress standards throughout the world. In the 80's, 90's and even up to the present music and pop culture plays a big role in the way that people dress. From the bell bottoms to the the baggy jeans it seems that music and even musicians play a serious role in fashion and dress.

Malcolm X -Harlem Address

As Malcolm X identifies with his audience and uses powerful vivid language he is able to effectively unite and rally the crowd behind their goal for justice and equality. At the very onset of his speech he gains the respect of his audience by erasing any biases they may have towards other parties or groups and unites himself with them as a "Black Man." He uses great balance in his speech by saying, I am not this, or this, but this is what i am.. i am you. Automatically the audience is on his side because they share that one trait in common. This is who he is speaking to, not politicians or masons, or any religious groups, but to the population of African Americans in Harlem New York, that is his audience.
Malcolm also uses very powerful ultimate words to get his point across, like "Black Man" and also "White Man." These words at this time are almost made to sting in the ears of the listener. At this time period these words bring very strong emotional feeling to back up the point that the black people are of value. That they deserve justice because they have always been there and will always be there.
This speech has the logical appeal at the beginning, and is full of strong emotional appeals throughout, that allows Malcom X to unite and rally the crowd in an effort for justice and equality.

YES WE CAN

The political ad that I chose to analyze was a web ad where parts of Barack Obama's speech were put to music. This is a very effective add. The audience in this ad are of course all American voters but i think most especially those younger voters probably between the age of 18-30 that connect with music. In this ad, musicians bring the ethos of the rhetorical situation. As the president speaks he is backed by well known, and loved musicians that almost everyone can relate to. It makes it seem like everything that President Obama is saying is what Americans are saying and what they want to hear. The words that he speaks echoed by the voice of famous credible musicians, and a large crowd of people in the background make it seem like everyone is one his side. He uses already respected and revered people to add to his credibility.
This ad also utilizes Ultimate terms and phrases like "Yes we can" and "Change" and "Hope" to excite the minds of the audience that these things are possible, and that Obama can deliver them. In the catch phrase "yes we can," credibility is achieved through point of view. The word "we" in this election changed Obama from a Presidential Candidate to just on of us. He was able to make himself part of the community, it wasn't "yes you can" it was "yes we can", working together. This ad unites the candidate with his audience.
One of the most powerful aspects of this ad is the figurative language that is used to link the catch phrase "yes we can" to people who have already made a difference in overcoming overwhelming odds. Obama uses concrete examples to link Americans to past pioneers of change. He mentions slaves and abolitionists who repeated this phrase, he mentions immigrants pushing westward who echoed this phrase, presidents and so forth he links with powerful phrase, "yes we can."
There are many rhetorical tools that are used in this ad which make it effective, to connect the Candidate with his audience. They succeed, and I believe that this web ad is a powerful tool to uplift Obama and make him seem like the man for the job.

You Need This Car!

A mans car is an extension of himself. You need to be able to have fun, look good, and in our economy be practical. No guy watches James Bond and doesn't idolize the cars that he drives in movies, i mean lets face it, were all guys. So that's why a 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R is the car for you. Its got the fun factor, it looks great and its even practical for our day.

I mean look at the car!! Are you serious, its beautiful. Black is the best color for a sports car and you've definitely got it with the Se-R. This is a car that you want everyone to see you in. It looks great with its stock (that means you don't have to pay extra) 18inch rims, low profile tires and and every luxury option you could want this is truly a mans car. Forget about your old beat up corolla or civic that cant make it past 60 mph with violently shaking, this Se-R provides fun on the road at all speeds. With a standard 260 Horsepower, your sure to burn any BYU student who's looking for a race down the parkway. since your a family man safety is number one! You will never worry about your family's safety with side curtain airbags standard and a 4.5 star safety rating this car will give you peace of mind. Things in the economy are looking dim, gas pricing are soaring and its almost impossible for a man to have the car he wants these days. Rest assured that Nissan's got your back with their 2005 Nissan Altima Se-R. You'll get 25-30 mpg, and save thousands compared to cars in its class, all while looking like the James bond star that you desire. Spend the money, i did, and its worth it.