New Skinny Minnie

Jeffrey Del Monico

English 121

Professor Lee

December 7, 2010

Skinny Minnie

            Is it so wrong for humans to want to look good? No, but when is that line for beauty crossed? It seems as though society today is insistently pushing people, especially women, to feel as though they need to look and appear a particular way. It is not fair to disregard the many above average weight people in this world. There is a stigma now that every woman needs to look beautiful and to do so entail that they need to be skinny. Recently, Forever 21, a modern style clothing line, did a rendition to the classical Minnie Mouse, a character loved and adored by millions over the years. This new depiction shows an extremely thin Minnie dressed in more of a modern design but exposing more than what Walt Disney ever intended.

            When Minnie Mouse was first created she was appropriately designed for a younger audience but, her and the cast of Disney characters have imbedded themselves into many American hearts, young and old. These people have grown up with Minnie and have come to love her for the adorability and joyfulness she emits. Disney’s Minnie is always cheerful regardless of what dress size she is. Her personality exemplifies what people should really be looking for, that the way in which we act is the true beauty of life. Her figure has never been an issue with anyone and this is because Minnie is just an ordinary character which is exactly why she is loved so much. How she is dressed is not related to how we feel about her, only until she becomes too mature for children’s eyes do we start to question the morality behind Minnie which has become a sad reality.

            The new and “improved” Minnie is truly a product of fashion gone chaotic. Designer stores are taking things way too far because now they are turning a children’s icon into a more mature and sexy style.  It is a shame to see Minnie in such a scandalous look. Even her peppy attitude seems to have dissipated and her facial expression shows a newer, darker side of Minnie. It appears as though she is developing an attitude problem and becoming more arrogant, this is due to the boost of confidence she has received from her transformation. Her old body was perfectly fine the way that it was, now it is so thin that it looks unhealthy and anorexic. Images that promote disorders like anorexia or bulimia should be abolished from society because it is just hurting people who feel as though they need to become skinnier. This corrupt thinking is a dismal occurrence since no one needs to be that skinny to look good. Not to mention, the slogan next to her that reads “Off to the Runway” inferring that not only is she now ready to be in the view of the public but, before she was too large to have been there at all which is simply not true.

            In all Minnie Mouse is a girl whose figure should not be messed with. She is beautiful how she is and that is a message that every girl and guy should listen to. How you look does not matter, only your actions should be how you should be judged. In all, Forever 21 should be ashamed of themselves for putting this picture out, they are disrespecting true beauty and replacing it with their own false fantasy. It is instances like these that diminish what beauty truly is, for no one should have to live up to others expectations and Minnie Mouse is no different.

Blog Post 8: Claims and Supports

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121

October 31, 2010

Binging Up Adultolescents

1. The text style of this article was more drawn to the common American dealing with post-college problems as well. It goes for a very popular issue of new college graduates having trouble finding a job fresh out of school so they need to resort to living back at home to make a foundation for a new start. While the author is not listed, they make it feel as though they too are dealing with this phenomenon as well.
2. Paragraph one: The problem- New college graduates are having trouble finding jobs and can’t quite live on their own yet so they look towards Mom and Dad for their fallback support.

Paragraph two: Value claim- This paragraph talks about how parents are in a sense having to bring up their kids again even after college and have to try and start them off on the right foot which could cost them money as well. It could be worth it but it might not be in the end as well.

Paragraph three: Fact- More students are coming home after college and that “Stigma” of being a loser for moving back home is becoming more submissive.

Paragraph five: Superficial values/ definition- The “America Dream” of wanting to move into a house with a husband/wife and having a family is being pushed back. The need for a better education may come first or the obvious desire for a job is pivotal for this life to ever happen.

Paragraph six: Todays transition (New claim/ Cause)- Our society today yields for a new “Co-dependence” with child and parent. These family relationships are becoming closer than ever before and parents are doing whatever they must to help their children succeed (Policy) which is what needs to be done for the graduate to obtain that success.

Exigency/ warrant: With the economy the way it is, it’s not uncommon for this type of reinforcement to come about.

1. The paragraphs interchange from on another funneling into the idea that with this new outlook on how to get a “Leg up” on other competition out there. With that our society is changing from a generation that was a hard work ethic to a generation that looks for help from their parents.
   1. Adultolescents are people who are in American society grown up but are still developing in their careers and trying to jump start their lives into a new chapter of independence.
   2. They do in fact exist, it is very common for a fresh graduate to fumble and have a hard time getting the jobs that are so elusive today.
   3. The cause of this situation is the down-turn in the economy. It is much harder to find a job and the market is much more competitive as more people are looking towards grad school to stand out.
   4. I believe that it could be a good situation because it’s a good lesson value for the young adults and could play a major role in how they view their jobs once they acquire them. For example, they will be more grateful for the job. However, it could also be a bad situation for many graduates could become fully dependent to their parents with time and never really motivate themselves from getting a career job.
   5. It comes down to the economy to change this phenomenon. It was the one that started it and it needs to be the one that ends it. Otherwise parents will be the ones suffering to try and make for a better future for their kids as they could pay upwards of $20,000 to $40,000 which is money they should be saving in their retirement funds.

Blog Prompt 7

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121

October 21, 2010

Blog Prompt 7

1. The first site I considered to be very unprofessional as there were many advertisements that did not relate to the topic discussed. Then there were even links to Facebook and Twitter to contact the author.  This source was also a .com website which indicates that it could have been made by someone who really might not know as much as someone from an organization or higher standing affiliation. This site was also a blog, for the most part, blogs tend to be less formal, more biased and geared more to people who are looking to express their own opinions about the topic. I did not find this source to be very credible.
2. In this web page the author has many sources that they used to put together a detailed research paper. The site was from a .org URL which helps to back its credibility. The research was sponsored by the Social Psychology Network giving it a respectable connection with an organization that would only sponsor it if the essay work was factual. It was also highly up-to-date in the information presented since it was revised between 2002 -2010. And finally the references that were listed show a thoroughly researched paper since it used so many sources. I found this site to be of high credibility.
3. The third page was an extremely detailed and well-designed site that seems as though it has the potential to be a useful source. However, the information on it feels a bit limited, in fact there is very little formal written documentation to refer to for doing a research paper. The URL is a .com which means anyone can make it but this particular on is backed by RTY Hospital (Dwayne Medical Center) which is the company that invented the Nanodocs and they seem to be a credible organization. So I would characterize this site as somewhat useful as there is pertinent information present, it is just not very descriptive.
4. This site impressed me the most because it was packed with valid information that was cited and documented. This is also a .gov URL and was last updated in July of 2010, so the information is up to date. Then it is associated with the CDC which is a large government organization so that immediately entails that this research should in fact be a legitimate work that could be of use. There is even a contact number at the end for anyone to call if they have any questions or concerns.
5. Out of all the sites I found this one to be the least credible because it only had one reference and that reference was even out of date from 1998. Not to mention it has not been revised since 2008. However, this .com web page also had limited information on its topic and really did a poor job of giving facts to back up its claim. The tone of the paper was very carefree and did not give a solid research basis.

Toulmin Analysis: Election 2010

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121

October 14, 2010

Election Debate 2010: Economy

Claim:              The main point set forth by both Governor O’Malley and Governor Ehrlich was that we need more job creation for a better outcome in the economy. This helps set up the importance of the private sector which could be considered a subtext since both were indicating that the private sector is the most important way to help stimulate the economy. How each of them backed their claims up, however, were quite different. They both addressed the public formally to inform the public on their views.

Data:               Governor Ehrlich was the first to mention the private sector, he says that broken state agencies have made it very difficult for any job increase to come out of the private sector because the system is in disarray. O’Malley talked about how there have “actually been 33,000 net new jobs over the past 3 years” but Ehrlich fought back saying that most of those jobs were from the public sector which is an area that Maryland has always been great at creating. It’s the private sector that’s hurting with 216,000 Maryland employees out of work. Ehrlich then said that The Tax Foundation ranked Maryland as one of the worst business environments in the country but when Ehrlich was about to leave office there was a poll taken by the Baltimore Business Journal that asked “Is Maryland a pro-business state?” and from the beginning of office to the end, the numbers went from the 30 percent to 70 percent. However, thanks to O’Malley, we are back down to the 30’s. O’Malley believes that tax cuts in particular departments will also help stimulate the economy but Ehrlich believes more in the Private sector.

Warrants:       Both of the governors were betting on the fact that the audience, watching the debate, were well informed about the topics discussed. They analyzed exactly what topics most citizens want to hear about from the economy, to education. They tried to answer the questions with the most factual evidence then can give while also have as much sincerity as possible. People value their money, they take it very seriously and electing who will take care of it is important because both candidates will use it differently. It was assumed by Ehrlich as well that Marylanders want more jobs, it’s a pretty obvious thought but true. There can also be a possible disconnect between the voters and Ehrlich when he uses acronims like “BRACK” when the common person does not know what that stands for or what that organization does.

Rebuttal:        The election will come down to which candidate connected with the audience more and who attracted the attention towards them more in a positive light. How the election will turn is high importance to all Maryland citizens. This is exactly why the Governors answer questions straight from the audience themselves, they try to answer the people rather than answer themselves. They prepare for every situation and structure their words carefully to make sure no one if hurt, offended or views them negatively over what they said.

Qualif:             O’Malley and Ehrlich open their statements by addressing the people, by talking to the electorates and try to appeal more so to them. Ehrlich said “it’s not about O’Malley, Bob Ehrlich, it’s about you” which is a strong way to focus on the people and show it too. However, it is very cliché but also honestly true. It’s their jobs to piece the government with the public and try to find a common ground that all can agree upon. The majority of people look at the public sector as that ground and want to see action taken. They want to make sure that the governors are working under the code of the law and are persuading them enough to be satisfied with how he’s doing in office.

Toulmin Analysis: Disney, Today and Yesterday

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121

October 13, 2010

Toulmin Analysis: Disney, Today and Yesterday

Claim:   In “What’s Happened to Disney Films?” by John Evans, there is a blatant understanding straight from the title and first few sentences of the introductory paragraph that Disney has changed over the past 30 or 40 years. He brings up the fact that Disney’s acquisitions of Miramax Films, Hollywood Pictures and Touchstone Pictures has had disturbing results on what Disney is considering child friendly. Evens is inferring that Disney’s much more morbid and raunchy approach is bad for adolescent  kids who should not be exposed to this kind of mature material at such a influenced age.

Data: Evan backs his claim with many sources that show in depth reviews on how exactly a product of Disney’s has a negative influence about it. He cites parts of the movies that show an example of unnecessary explicitly that is unsuitable for younger children. Evans then goes on to list other movies that were not aimed for kids but express the how much Disney is changing in its “decency and offensiveness” (What’s Happened to Disney, Evans). He also talks about how Disney brings up many different issues in each cartoon film like race, religion and sex, all of which should not be in the likes of Disney films. This is a very effective way to prove a point because these are all movies that most American families know of and to see these facts about them can be very shocking.

Warrants: Evans is addressing the common reality that children under a particular age should not be exposed to material that should not currently exist in their lives. He is taking advantage of the fact that in American society, most parents agree that there is a certain quota a child intended company, like Disney, need to fulfill. It’s a widely agreed upon value that what children are allowed to see is very different from what their parents are able to retain. This value is a stong moral to defend by because it is such a popular beliefe that most parents have.

Rebuttal: Though most American families would agree with this assessment, there are many that disagree with at what degree material gets too mature for their kids. Most people would agree with the value that what parents see should be different from what they see but what Disney is producing may not be that much of a problem. What little indecency there is, is not very noticeable or present or hard for the children to comprehend so why worry about the little things.

Qualif: Qualifies are very present within the context of this scripture. Evans first line opens with “Many of today’s over-30 adults” which is already classifying a group of people in a certain way on this particular topic. He even describes them as “God-honoring parents” which is effectively drawling together that there are people out there that are in fact just like this and most of the world views it like that as well.

Blog Prompt 5

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121

October 2, 2010

Blog Prompt 5

1. In the article Obama Calls for End to NASA’s Moon Program, the style of publication is one that would be found in a newspaper. This means that there is a presence of Logos because there’s a logical aspect of writing present in the article. The audience is obviously keen towards a higher educated class who take the time to read a well-researched paper on a topic they find interesting such as NASA’s Shuttle Program. This is also an implication of Logos since it’s a logical appeal and the purpose of the article is for informing people. Most of the public know about the Space programs by NASA, especially those who are reading the news, so the general understanding of the topic is very broad and well discussed. It is something that interests a lot of people and when the article mentions the 2003 Columbia tragedy, it effects the audience emotionally and answers the question “so what”, thus presenting an occurrence of Pathos. However, I could not find an example of Ethos because the author never mentions any credentials that he talks of himself.
2. Kenneth Chang shows many different takes on Logos. Logos is a logical appeal that grabs the attention from an audience that is looking for information that is something they can relate to intellectually. For example, when Change said “After spending $9 billion over the past four years on Constellation, canceling the contracts with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Alliant Techsystems and other companies will cost an additional $2.5 billion.” This attracts those who are interested in how the government is handling the tax money. Then when Chang mentioned “In the aftermath of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia in 2003” which is a Pathos because bringing in the sentimental emotions of a tragedy like the space shuttle Columbia is something that will keep a reader reading. Finally, Logos is heavily present in Chang’s article, he used deductive reasoning when stating “While more countries would share the cost, an international collaboration would probably be more expensive and cumbersome to manage, and could be slowed down by delays of any of the partners.” This is something that would most commonly be known to the main public and how he states it, he says that though it may seem more cost efficient, in reality it is not and may be more of a pain than a progression.
3. In Kenneth Chang’s personal view, Obama’s plan of ending the space shuttle program called “Constellation” is a non-efficient idea. Cost wise it would be taking the money that the past administration has put in and basically put it to waste because all the technology that it was used to buy would suddenly become dust collector and would not be put to use. This is also no way to respect those that lost their lives in the 2003 Columbia shuttle tragedy. Most people would like to see their deaths not be in vain and have monumental success in further space exploration. But as we turn our heads to new technologies, other countries will start to gain strides in space dominance because America will be using them as an alternate was to travel to space. Though it may sound cheaper, it is actually a much more costly and complicated idea.
4. Bibliography

Chang, Kenneth. Obama Calls for End to NASA’s Moon Program. New York Times. February 1, 2010.

Critiquing a movie critique

Jeffrey Del Monico
Professor Lee

English 121

September 22, 2010

                             Critiquing a movie critique

            Rodger Ebert is a well renowned movie critic for The Chicago Sun Times. He has been writing movie review’s for over 43 years and has been called “the most powerful pundit in America” (Forbes magazine) making his credibility highly influential. His reviews are based off of what he believes the audience walks away thinking about, whether it be a joke or a serious analysis. In his critique of Twilight: Eclipse he comically draws together topics which Ebert finds to be amusing and something the rest of his audience would pick up on. He is obvious about how he feels towards the film which is not favorable. For example, he talks about Jacob’s (Taylor Lautner) abs saying “Yes, he has a great build, but I remind you that an abdominal six-pack must be five seconds’ work for a shape-shifter.” and that “Jacob and his tribe are hot-blooded and never wear shirts”. Ebert know what most of America see’s and looks to appeal the attention of common movie goers rather than the local business man. Though he doesn’t talk about his intended audience, his writing style is meant for an average middle class American looking for a simplistic review for a movie they’re about to go see. He uses words that do not need to be interpreted and flow’s straight from his head, nothing clever except for his puns. Over all, Roger Ebert was not a fan of the movie. He consistently uses a tone that pokes fun at Twilight like when he says “Here is a fantasy to out-steam any romance novel: A sweet girl is forced to choose between two improbably tall, dark and handsome men who brood and smolder and yearn for her.” He likes to compare and contrast things from the move like the problem with the special effects. To him they basically were not anything special, nor was the acting or the movie.

Web link: http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100628/REVIEWS/100629977/1023

Black Men Ski

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121

September 8^th, 2010

Black Men Ski

            In all honesty I had no idea what to take away from Stew at first because I guess I just was getting it. I was thinking in my head “What does he mean ‘Black Men ski’” but then I looked at the comments below and then I noticed all the controversy it was starting. So I watched the video again and I realized that he was making an argument that every race has a stereotype. “Asian men can jump real high” is one quote I can remember off the top of my head and it’s a very generalized gag that every Asian person is a ninja and can do amazing moves while blacks like the deep fried grease of fried chicken. Racism is something everyone on Earth knows about and it’s easy to connect with the audience with because everyone knows what he’s talking about. Plus with him being a comedian and preforming in front of a large group makes it politically ok for him to make racist jokes because even though they might not be true the audience knows where he’s coming from and knows he’s using background satire to make for comical effect. Then when I was going through the comments after I watched the video I agreed with this one man “Daniel Grady” who said “Black men don’t ski, Black men don’t golf, Black men don’t swim… In American culture, everything Black men do is always place in a crazy impossibility until a Black man does it.” which I find true. For example, Doug Williams is the only black Quarterback to ever win the Super bowl. Before he achieved it many people believed that black men weren’t smart enough to be Quarterbacks, but obviously not. If I could have left a comment I would have said something to the effect of “Well said Stew” and that’s all I would have needed to say because to me what he was saying was more than enough.

Alabama Clergeymen: Reading Response 1

Jeffrey Del Monico

Professor Lee

English 121-108

September 3, 2010

Statement from Alabama Clergymen

                Back in the 1960’s the Civil Rights movement was in full swing, it was black vs. whites with persistent bouts from both sides.  Alabama was one of the most active areas at this time because of the long existence of racism which has existed through generations. This also means it was an area under ceaseless argument from both sides. The main issue that is presented by the Alabama Clergymen is about the way in which the black community is fighting for their rights. The Clergymen believe that how the blacks are trying to obtain their freedom is barbaric and unnecessary. Through their eyes it should be resolved through peaceful negotiations but some blacks, like Malcolm X for example, believe in more active strikes for progress like demonstrating in the streets with signs.

                The Clergymen are looking for a traditional debate through legal ways while the blacks prefer action and the forcing of the hand. In the public’s view, it would appear that how Malcolm X and people acting with him seem thoughtless and irresponsible which is good for the Clergymen who use their statement as a tool for propaganda. They ask for peaceful resolutions and sit downs which would be preferred by the larger white public and thus making common ground with their audience. They even mention the fact that “We recognize the natural impatience of people who feel that their hopes are slow in being realized. But we are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely.” (Frequently Requested Documents, Stanford.edu) So the Clergymen realize that tolerance is growing thin with every court ruling that is not in favor of the blacks. This makes the audience see the Clergymen as resolvers, not instigators and giving an outcome of having the public on their side.

                I see this statement as an extremely smart move by the Clergymen; it attacks the blacks and calls out their protests in a peaceful manner while gaining the respect of citizens within Birmingham. It was a convincing strategy to me because racism is blinding and anyone who doesn’t agree with the blacks would agree with this.

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