I have chosen to analyze Palm Beach Tan on University for my space analysis paper. I chose this space because I have been there many times. Although I am familiar with the environment, I feel like there is a lot of new things I could learn about this space. I recognize the pristine environment or a friend in the waiting room when I enter however, when I observe the space, when I enter will I notice something different? Or if I am sitting watching other's enter the business, are they making similar observations? What are their attitudes? Do they look uncomfortable? Or are they just too busy to care? What about the tanning beds once you enter the room, I never really noticed anything special about them. I can't even remember what color the walls are and I have been there over 30 times. Is it the familiar sound of the humming of the machine that allows individuals to get into less than 6 by 3 foot wide box and bake for twenty minutes? Or is it the music that you get to choose to listen to that pumps you up about being tan right before going on spring break?
I plan to observe my space in the afternoon and late at night. I should probably observe in the morning as well. I will observe this Saturday at night and this Sunday in the afternoon. On Monday I will also observe in the morning. I believe that there are different types of people who visit tanning salons although the stereotype is that they are all young, superficial women. I expect to find a different reason, other than physical appearance, that people visit Palm Beach Tan. Palm Beach Tan may not seem like an important aspect of the community, but it is. Not only do a lot of students from TCU go there to get tan, but I have even seen one of my teachers there once. Its location is prime to cater to the college students and it is surrounded by restaurants so it is very convenient to visit if you are in a rush.
I expect to find what Palm Beach Tan's mission is, besides giving "sun-kissed" skin to its customers.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Chapter 5 (102 - 136)
I feel like I am a part of a lot of communities, but I can honestly not think of places within them that I am a member of. I am a part of the Danville, California community considering that it is a small geographical location and I was very involved in that community before I came to college. Every time I go out in my hometown, to either a restaurant or a boutique, I always see at least someone that I know. I can not think of a specific place where I think is special though to that community.
I also have a communities here in Fort Worth, Texas. Both Texas Christian University and Kappa Alpha Theta are communities that I care about and contribute a significant amount too. I am a part of Student Foundation and the Greek Life at TCU as well as multiple clubs and student organizations. I don't want to write about any of those though because although they are interesting, I really don't know what makes the places so special. I am apart of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and I know that that is a special organization but there are not specific "places" within the sorority that I feel are "special".
I am a part of a diabetic community as well and a specific place in that community that I consider special is Bearskin Meadow Camp. BMC caters to diabetic families and children who are just looking to be around those who deal with the same daily struggles that most of those conflicted with the disease do. After being a camper at BMC for seven years and then working there as a counselor for three years I have learned how to take aspects of that community and work them in to the other communities that I am involved in by providing them information to increase awareness. I honestly believe that I give my all in everything that I do, but camp is the one place that I know for a fact that I am making a difference.
I also have a communities here in Fort Worth, Texas. Both Texas Christian University and Kappa Alpha Theta are communities that I care about and contribute a significant amount too. I am a part of Student Foundation and the Greek Life at TCU as well as multiple clubs and student organizations. I don't want to write about any of those though because although they are interesting, I really don't know what makes the places so special. I am apart of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and I know that that is a special organization but there are not specific "places" within the sorority that I feel are "special".
I am a part of a diabetic community as well and a specific place in that community that I consider special is Bearskin Meadow Camp. BMC caters to diabetic families and children who are just looking to be around those who deal with the same daily struggles that most of those conflicted with the disease do. After being a camper at BMC for seven years and then working there as a counselor for three years I have learned how to take aspects of that community and work them in to the other communities that I am involved in by providing them information to increase awareness. I honestly believe that I give my all in everything that I do, but camp is the one place that I know for a fact that I am making a difference.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Chapters 2, 3 and 4 (45 - 101)
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer
This website is a link to the commercial that Sarah McLachlan is in for the ASPCA. I chose this example because it is a clear representation of an organization using pathos, or emotional appeals to compel the audience to either donate to or support the ASPCA. When using pathos, just like any other way to make an argument, one must appeal to a target audience. The target audience for this commercial is probably females or males who have either owned, cared for, or even seen an animal. This commercial would apply to those who would feel the slightest bit of guilt by viewing animals in cages while hearing an emotionally taxing song in the background. Sarah McLachlan draws in viewers by stating that she too has an emotional connection to these animals and has even adopted one herself. This assures viewers that she identifies with public emotions that arise during this clip, making the argument even stronger. I do, however believe that this commercial lays it on a bit too thick. Every time that commercial comes on to my television I change the channel because I can't look at the faces of those dogs and listen to the song "In the Arms of an Angel" without feeling immense guilt for not contributing this cause. If I do see part of the commercial it sticks with me throughout my day and is constantly in the back of my mind, bringing down my day. Is the commercial effective? For me, yes. For others, probably not because they associate the ASPCA with a negative feeling that they experience after viewing the commercial. The commercial also uses logos, or arguments based on facts, when it presents the statistic of how many animals are abandoned a day or how many are still homeless running the streets. The logos is not nearly as effective as the pathos approach, but the majority of the time most reasons for arguments use multiple approaches.
This website is a link to the commercial that Sarah McLachlan is in for the ASPCA. I chose this example because it is a clear representation of an organization using pathos, or emotional appeals to compel the audience to either donate to or support the ASPCA. When using pathos, just like any other way to make an argument, one must appeal to a target audience. The target audience for this commercial is probably females or males who have either owned, cared for, or even seen an animal. This commercial would apply to those who would feel the slightest bit of guilt by viewing animals in cages while hearing an emotionally taxing song in the background. Sarah McLachlan draws in viewers by stating that she too has an emotional connection to these animals and has even adopted one herself. This assures viewers that she identifies with public emotions that arise during this clip, making the argument even stronger. I do, however believe that this commercial lays it on a bit too thick. Every time that commercial comes on to my television I change the channel because I can't look at the faces of those dogs and listen to the song "In the Arms of an Angel" without feeling immense guilt for not contributing this cause. If I do see part of the commercial it sticks with me throughout my day and is constantly in the back of my mind, bringing down my day. Is the commercial effective? For me, yes. For others, probably not because they associate the ASPCA with a negative feeling that they experience after viewing the commercial. The commercial also uses logos, or arguments based on facts, when it presents the statistic of how many animals are abandoned a day or how many are still homeless running the streets. The logos is not nearly as effective as the pathos approach, but the majority of the time most reasons for arguments use multiple approaches.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Chapter 1 (3 - 44)
It is difficult for me to think about everything as being an argument however, it does make sense. I never thought there was a difference between types of arguments. Especially those that are time justified such as the past, present and future. The different steps in determining the focus of an argument are also interesting to me because they strongly correlate to those of law practices. By determining whether there is a fact in question, the nature of that fact, the quality of the information and the actions that should be taken is almost like the structure for a court case. The basis of a court case or hearing IS an argument, so this makes logical sense when you think about it. I am most interested in the different approaches one can take when trying to appeal to certain audiences such as the pathos, ethos and logos.
I struggled a bit with the distinction between purposes of an argument. I understand that arguments are made for different purposes and that that affects the way someone would present an argument, but isn't this common knowledge? Also, the difference between argument being a conviction and persuasion being an action is still hazy. I feel that although the text says "persuasion is to change a point of view or move others from conviction to action" doesn't an argument do that too? Or are they a time sequence of events? First the argument, then comes the conviction. Second the persuasion, then comes the action? Is the action always the objective of the beginning for an argument?
I struggled a bit with the distinction between purposes of an argument. I understand that arguments are made for different purposes and that that affects the way someone would present an argument, but isn't this common knowledge? Also, the difference between argument being a conviction and persuasion being an action is still hazy. I feel that although the text says "persuasion is to change a point of view or move others from conviction to action" doesn't an argument do that too? Or are they a time sequence of events? First the argument, then comes the conviction. Second the persuasion, then comes the action? Is the action always the objective of the beginning for an argument?
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12, 2009 - First Post
Although this course was a requirement for both my Business and Political Science degree, I look forward to the opportunity to refine my writing. It is essential in the world today to have solid communication skills. It is important for me to be able to communicate clearly and effectively through my writing. I am generally disgusted with the lack of professionalism within writing today. Now saying that however, I do feel somewhat hypocritical. Text messaging is practically my main form of communication with others besides e-mail and most of my text messaging consists of shortcutting spelling for time purposes.
As an executive of my sorority I disregard e-mails that are in poor form. I cannot stand misspelling or grammatical errors. My favorite type of writing is argument pieces because honestly, as the book states, I believe everything is an argument. I am very confident in my opinions. I love the idea of freedom and how everything I write is an expression of it.
Being from California, in particular the San Francisco area, I have been exposed to conflict and argument my entire life. I don't feel like I fit in to that community because I do not share the same opinions or interests as the majority of those living there. The southern region of the United States is now my community. I identify with the majority of those who live in Texas, especially politically, which is very important to me. I know that it is harder to make a difference when there is high variation in public opinions and for this reason I am very comfortable living in a place that supports my ideas. By saying that I am "from" somewhere I think it automatically labels me and I do not like the assumptions that come along with specific communities or geographical regions because the majority of the time they are incorrect.
By not formally introducing myself in this blog, I actually am introducing myself. I have made a statement or an argument that basically says, "I could care less whether or not you agree with me or whether or not you would like to know who I am". After reading the text though, I realize that I should probably try to appeal more to my intended audience because that is the best way to formulate an argument. However, I have somewhat tried to appeal to my ideal audience by using ethos. I establish my credibility as a college student and as an executive of an organization that has had experience with a diverse group of individual's writing styles. I believe that logos is also a very effective way to present an argument because I am a very analytical person and believe that statements or arguments should always make logical sense.
The formatting of my blog also makes an argument as to who I am. I chose right justification instead of center because I prefer normality, formality and consistency. I like to see a clear line down a page with enough spacing to break up different ideas.
I really enjoyed the section in chapter one that tied everything together in terms of "Arguments and Their Rhetorical Situations". It makes sense that if one's audience changes, one's argument structure or format must also change to fit their needs, wants or expectations
I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.
As an executive of my sorority I disregard e-mails that are in poor form. I cannot stand misspelling or grammatical errors. My favorite type of writing is argument pieces because honestly, as the book states, I believe everything is an argument. I am very confident in my opinions. I love the idea of freedom and how everything I write is an expression of it.
Being from California, in particular the San Francisco area, I have been exposed to conflict and argument my entire life. I don't feel like I fit in to that community because I do not share the same opinions or interests as the majority of those living there. The southern region of the United States is now my community. I identify with the majority of those who live in Texas, especially politically, which is very important to me. I know that it is harder to make a difference when there is high variation in public opinions and for this reason I am very comfortable living in a place that supports my ideas. By saying that I am "from" somewhere I think it automatically labels me and I do not like the assumptions that come along with specific communities or geographical regions because the majority of the time they are incorrect.
By not formally introducing myself in this blog, I actually am introducing myself. I have made a statement or an argument that basically says, "I could care less whether or not you agree with me or whether or not you would like to know who I am". After reading the text though, I realize that I should probably try to appeal more to my intended audience because that is the best way to formulate an argument. However, I have somewhat tried to appeal to my ideal audience by using ethos. I establish my credibility as a college student and as an executive of an organization that has had experience with a diverse group of individual's writing styles. I believe that logos is also a very effective way to present an argument because I am a very analytical person and believe that statements or arguments should always make logical sense.
The formatting of my blog also makes an argument as to who I am. I chose right justification instead of center because I prefer normality, formality and consistency. I like to see a clear line down a page with enough spacing to break up different ideas.
I really enjoyed the section in chapter one that tied everything together in terms of "Arguments and Their Rhetorical Situations". It makes sense that if one's audience changes, one's argument structure or format must also change to fit their needs, wants or expectations
I have read, understand and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.
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