Rhetorical Analysis #2

Title: Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt: Advertising and Violence

Author: Jean Kilbourne

Date: 1999

Topic: How women are viewed today based upon the images portrayed in the media and everyday culture and how sex drives the advertisement world.

Exigence: To point out how the media displays women in a degrading and victimizing manner.

Purpose: To analyze the reasons why women are targeted and seen as lesser to men while they should be considered equals and viewed as such.

Claim: Advertisements can still sell their products without objectifying women and painting them as submissive unequal beings.

Kilbourne uses Ethos to gain credibility from her reader’s so that they can understand how familiar she is with the advertising world and what goes on in it. “Kilbourne has spent most of her professional life teaching and lecturing about the world of advertising. She has produced award winning documentaries on images of women in ads…” (575) Right of the bat readers can clearly see where she is coming from and how credible her information may be.

Kilbourne uses Pathos the most in her article by appealing to the emotions of all readers engaging in her writing. She paints many pictures with her very descriptive writing about the victimization and subjection of women in advertising today. For example, when Kilbourne is explaining how women are targeted in advertising and are therefore even trying to survive at home based on everyday difficulties she states, “Although usually numb to these facts on a conscious level, most women live in a state of subliminal terror, a state that…keeps us divided both from each other and from our most passionate, powerful, creative selves.” (585) Because women are so afraid of being victims they keep to themselves most of the time and don’t reveal their true colors. This can effectively grab any female readers’ attention if they have been dealing with a similar situation and can thus completely agree with Kilbourne.

Lastly Kilbourne uses Logos to address her points by giving countless examples of different varieties of advertisements that show exactly what she is trying to prove. She even has multiple advertisements from the same corporation, which address multiple different points that she makes about degrading women. One main corporation in which she draws many examples from is Calvin Klein.

I believe Kilbourne’s article quite effectively gets the point across by providing many examples, with a large variety at that, and a great credibility for her reader’s which grabs their attention and gets them looking at the facts which she clearly sets forth for all to see. She has a strong stance and wants prompt action in order to fix what advertising aids in flawing, and that is the overall image and attitude towards the female gender.

Reader's Response #2

            The article, “Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt: Advertising and Violence” by Joan Kilbourne, lays out some very direct beliefs and evidence about the views of women in advertising and in everyday life.  In the article Kilbourne begins by promptly paralleling the images of women in advertising to that of those in pornography.  She believes that pornography and advertising are similar in which there are certain characteristics that women portray in both of these two fields. For example Kilbourne states, “The poses and postures of advertising are often borrowed from pornography, as are many of the themes…” (576) By comparing the way women pose and emit feeling through advertisements and in pornography, Kilbourne is able to criticize the negative image that is given towards women. Because pornography is so mainstream and highly viewed, women have turned themselves into what the media wants women to be.

             The media is sex driven and thus is the general population due to the constant feeding of false ideas from the media. The media is given too much power from the companies that desire to put out advertisements for their products. Company owners see that pornography has become quite mainstream and they use this to their advantage by trying to sell their products by adding in little everyday similarities into their ads to draw peoples’ attention. This is where the faults come in. Due to pornography being more about disconnection and distance rather than connection and closeness advertisers relay that same message. Kilbourne states, “The main goal, as in pornography, is usually power over another, either by physical dominance or preferred status of men or what is seen as the exploitative power of female beauty and sexuality.” (575) This is exactly what advertising is continuing to do by drawing out these desires from the consumers and in turn succeeding in persuading them to buy the corporation’s products. Kilbourne analyzes a number of different advertisements and draws the connections that she sees directly or indirectly from pornography.

            Women are being victimized and objectified over the sake of desire. The continuous portrayal of these characteristics lessens women from what they truly are and should be, which is equal to men in every way. Women are scrutinized due to the fact that men are ‘supposed’ to be the ones in control and the ones in power. Men are more powerful and capable and thus women should obey or be submissive towards men. These are the views that make pornography and advertising what it has been and has become today. The media should not be controlling the way people act, look, and be around everyone everyday. Kilbourne believes that women shouldn’t be subjected to this kind of ‘mockery’ and should be viewed as equals.

Final Polish: Prop 30 Op-Ed

Zack Newland

English 2

Instructor Knapp

October 7 2012

Education Gone Missing?

            The future prosperity of any society is based on the success of its younger generations and their abilities to acquire the necessary knowledge and tools to ready them for the coming problems and difficulties that the society will face.  If the youth of our day and age are going to be our future and they are unprepared for the tasks that are presented to them, then how are we, as a whole, going to be able to progress through such tasks and ultimately survive? In order for our youth to be able to take on such challenges and be capable of working the future jobs and positions that we will need them to fill, they must first have the proper training and education. This, however, is becoming increasingly difficult due to the critical nature of our economy and its fragile structure.

California was once a dominating state candidate on the educational standings of our nation, but over the past years this has changed quite drastically and what was once the great Golden State in the top 10 position of education has declined and now rests in the bottom 10%. A steep fall which is very strange given California’s very prosperous past in many areas, one in particular being the major bloom in Silicon Valley. It would seem that this bloom would carry a healthy nature for those around it and thus feed for more growth with such a bright generation, but there is one main factor that manifests all growth in this world and that is the monetary factor that is key to all capabilities. Every system is run with and through the possession of money, which enables any such system access to its required needs. Because of California’s fragile economy, there have been constant budget cuts in the area where we need it most, and that area is our school system. It is clear that an education is necessary for the growth of our nation, yet these budget cuts are taking about $6 billion away from what is already a dwindling system. The loss of revenue is causing the loss of teachers while the student body is constantly increasing alongside the price of education. The only thing that sheds light on this diminishing system is the contents of Prop 30 and what it can do to aid our schools and ultimately younger generation if it passes.

According to Governor Jerry Brown's advocated Proposition 30 ballot, if passed it will issue a temporary increase on sales tax from 9.25% to 9.50% for four years and income tax between 1-3% for those who make over $250,000 annually for seven years. The money earned from these tax increases will generate around $6 billion which is intended to go to funding for our school system, most of which to K-12 schools. This goes together with the dissolution of Prop 38 in which, "The estimated $6 billion in added revenue would be deposited into a special account dedicated to education and early childhood programs; formula for distribution to local schools would be based on enrollment" (Rocklin.K12). With this increased funding going towards education, it will negate the $5.5 billion trigger cuts that were to be issued on Jan 1^st 2013 if Prop 30 does not pass due to the ~$6 billion gap that will be present. They will also help rescind CSU’s tuition hike that was put into effect earlier this year thus enabling a larger student body and faculty. All of this money coming into the schools will make acquiring an education easier than it is now with less stress on the need for money to pay for classes and materials, and less faculty being cut meaning more classes for more students.

I am able to see first hand what Prop 30 can and will do if passed because I myself am an aspiring student currently enrolled in college. It is difficult enough to try to get the classes that I need each semester and then furthermore paying for books and units for each class is constantly rising making it harder and harder. With classes dwindling and the student body increasing in size, taking more money out of education is going to make it much more challenging, not just for me but also for all my fellow peers and any students attempting to get an education. An education means a future in this day and age and if everyone is going after one with limiting opportunities it will discourage students to give up because it will seem like an impossible feat when an education should be a right rather than a privilege. The need for teachers and classes is dire and we can’t afford to continue cutting departments because the end result will cost more in the bigger picture.

            Proposition 30 will not only fund schools but it will also fund California’s public services, divvying money into other necessary areas with realignment funding going towards programs like substance abuse rehabilitation, law enforcement, and prisons. The desired outcome is to see an increase in public safety by guaranteeing jobs for those who have earned a second chance and focusing attention in departments that protect the community. Now this may not have anything to do with education reform but it is entitled change that is granted along with school funding from Prop 30.

            Now the opposition may be against certain areas that are getting the extra funding, particularly prisons due to the fact that inmates seem to get more than they would if they weren’t actually in prison. Things like new beds, meals, and programs are provided to them every day and the majority of voters don’t agree with these privileges and want to see the money elsewhere. The other half of the opposition is against Prop 30 mainly due to the increase in income taxes that they would face because of their high income. But the truth is that if they’re making enough to be taxed three quarters of a percent more due to their higher income than the average citizen, then why not help the economy that is trying to keep them running? The cost of paying the taxes and not funding education is much less now than our future failing economy will come to be. They can either pay a little more now, or inevitably see the fall of their business in the future due to lack of workers with required training and education. It is a small price to pay in order to keep their jobs or businesses afloat in the long run.

            As economy drifts, and funds are relocated we need to take the time and rethink where these funds should be going and how we are going to acquire them. In order for a prosperous future and growth of a younger generation we need to reapply the importance of education in our society and make it easier for students to be able to achieve the education that they need and desire. The first step to take initiative and start reform is to vote yes on Prop 30.

Formal Paper I: Final Draft

Zack Newland

English 2

Instructor Knapp

October 7 2012

Education Gone Missing?

            The future prosperity of any society is based on the success of its younger generations and their abilities to acquire the necessary knowledge and tools to ready them for the coming problems and difficulties that the society will face.  If the youth of our day and age are going to be our future and they are unprepared for the tasks that are presented to them, then how are we, as a whole, going to be able to progress through such tasks and ultimately survive? In order for our youth to be able to take on such challenges and be capable of working the future jobs and positions that we will need them to fill, they must first have the proper training and education. This, however, is becoming increasingly difficult due to the critical nature of our economy and its fragile structure.

California was once a dominating state candidate on the educational standings of our nation, but over the past years this has changed quite drastically and what was once the great Golden State in the top 10 position of education has declined and now rests in the bottom 10%. A steep fall which is very strange given California’s very prosperous past in many areas, one in particular being the major bloom in Silicon Valley. It would seem that this bloom would carry a healthy nature for those around it and thus feed for more growth with such a bright generation, but there is one main factor that manifests all growth in this world and that is the monetary factor that is key to all capabilities. Every system is run with and through the possession of money, which enables any such system access to its required needs. Because of California’s fragile economy, there have been constant budget cuts in the area where we need it most, and that area is our school system. It is clear that an education is necessary for the growth of our nation, yet these budget cuts are taking about $6 billion away from what is already a dwindling system. The loss of revenue is causing the loss of teachers while the student body is constantly increasing alongside the price of education. The only thing that sheds light on this diminishing system is the contents of Prop 30 and what it can do to aid our schools and ultimately younger generation if it passes.

According to Governor Jerry Brown's advocated Proposition 30 ballot, if passed it will issue a temporary increase on sales tax from 9.25% to 9.50% for four years and income tax between 1-3% for those who make over $250,000 annually for seven years. The money earned from these tax increases will generate around $6 billion which is intended to go to funding for our school system, most of which to K-12 schools. This goes together with the dissolution of Prop 38 in which, "The estimated $10 billion in added revenue would be deposited into a special account dedicated to education and early childhood programs;  formula for distribution to local schools would be based on enrollment" (Rocklin.K12). With this increased funding going towards education, it will negate the $5.5 billion trigger cuts that were to be issued on Jan 1^st 2013 if Prop 30 does not pass due to the ~$6 billion gap that will be present. They will also help rescind CSU’s tuition hike that was put into effect earlier this year thus enabling a larger student body and faculty. All of this money coming into the schools will make acquiring an education easier than it is now with less stress on the need for money to pay for classes and materials, and less faculty being cut meaning more classes for more students.

I am able to see first hand what Prop 30 can and will do if passed because I myself am an aspiring student currently enrolled in college. It is difficult enough to try to get the classes that I need each semester and then furthermore paying for books and units for each class is constantly rising making it harder and harder. With classes dwindling and the student body increasing in size, taking more money out of education is going to make it much more challenging, not just for me but also for all my fellow peers and any students attempting to get an education. An education means a future in this day and age and if everyone is going after one with limiting opportunities it will discourage students to give up because it will seem like an impossible feat when an education should be a right rather than a privilege. The need for teachers and classes is dire and we can’t afford to continue cutting departments because the end result will end up costing more overall.

            Proposition 30 will not only fund schools but it will also fund California’s public services, divvying money into other necessary areas with realignment funding going towards programs like substance abuse rehabilitation, law enforcement, and prisons. The desired outcome is to see an increase in public safety by guaranteeing jobs for those who have earned a second chance and focusing attention in departments that protect the community. Now this may not have anything to do with education reform but it is entitled change that is granted along with school funding from Prop 30.

            Now the opposition may be against certain areas that are getting the extra funding and even those that are being issued the raised income taxes. But the truth is that if they’re making enough to be taxed three quarters of a percent more due to their higher income than the average citizen, then why would they not want to ultimately help the economy that is trying to keep them running? The cost of paying the taxes and not funding education will turn out to be much less than the future failing economy. They can either pay a little more now, or inevitably see the fall of their business in the future due to lack of workers with required training and education. It is a small price to pay in order to keep theirs jobs or businesses afloat.

            As economy drifts, and funds are relocated we need to take the time and rethink where these funds should be going and how we are going to acquire them. In order for a prosperous future and growth of a younger generation we need to reapply the importance of education in our society and make it easier for students to be able to achieve the education that they need and desire. The first step to take initiative and start reform is to vote for Prop 30.

Formal Paper I: Rough Draft

Zack Newland

English 2

Instructor Knapp

October 7 2012

Education Gone Missing?

            The future prosperity of any society is based on the success of its younger generations and their abilities to acquire the necessary knowledge and tools to ready them for the coming problems and difficulties that the society will face.  If the youth of our day and age are going to be our future and they are unprepared for the tasks that are presented to them, then how are we, as a whole, going to be able to progress through such tasks and ultimately survive? In order for our youth to be able to take on such challenges and be capable of working the future jobs and positions that we will need them to fill, they must first have the proper training and education. This, however, is becoming increasingly difficult due to the critical nature of our economy and its fragile structure.

California was once a dominating state candidate on the educational standings of our nation, but over the past years this has changed quite drastically and what was once the great Golden State in the top 10 position of education has declined and now rests in the bottom 10%. A steep fall which is very strange given California’s very prosperous past in many areas, one in particular being the major bloom in Silicon Valley. It would seem that this bloom would carry a healthy nature for those around it and thus feed for more growth with such a bright generation, but there is one main factor that manifests all growth in this world and that is the monetary factor that is key to all capabilities. Every system is run with and through the possession of money, which enables any such system access to its required needs. Because of California’s fragile economy, there have been constant budget cuts in the area where we need it most, and that area is our education and school system. It is clear that an education is necessary for the growth of our nation, yet these budget cuts are taking about $6 billion away from what is already a dwindling system. The loss of these budgets is causing the loss of teachers while the student body is constantly increasing alongside the price of education. The only thing that sheds light on this diminishing system is the contents of Prop 30 and what it can do to aid our schools and ultimately younger generation if it passes.

According to the Proposition 30 ballot, if it passes it will issue a temporary increase on sales tax from 9.25% to 9.50% for four years and income tax between 1-3% for those who make over $250,000 annually for seven years. The money earned from these tax increases will generate around $6 billion which is intended to go to funding for our school system, most of which to grades K-12. With these increased funds going towards education, it will negate the $5.5 billion trigger cuts that were to be issued on Jan 1^st 2013 if Prop 30 does not pass. They will also help rescind CSU’s tuition increase that was put into effect earlier this year thus enabling a larger student body and faculty. All of this money coming into the schools will make acquiring and education easier than it is now with less stress on the need for money to pay for classes and materials, and less faculty being cut meaning more classes for more students.

I am able to see first hand what Prop 30 can and will do if it is passed because I myself am an aspiring student currently enrolled in college. It is difficult enough to try to get the classes that I need each semester and then furthermore paying for books and units for each class is constantly rising making it harder and harder. With classes dwindling and the student body increasing in size, taking more money out of education is going to make it much more challenging, not just for me but also for all my fellow peers and any students attempting to get an education. An education means a future in this day and age and if everyone is going after one with diminishing opportunities it will discourage students to give up because it will seem like an impossible feat when an education should be a right rather than a privilege. The need for teachers and classes is dire and we can’t afford to continue cutting departments because the end result will end up costing more overall.

            Proposition 30 will not only fund schools but it will also fund California’s public safety, divvying money into other necessary areas with realignment funding towards programs like substance abuse rehabilitation, law enforcement, and prisons. The desired outcome is to see an increase in public safety by guaranteeing jobs for those who have earned a second chance and focusing attention in departments that protect the community. Now this may not have anything to do with education reform but it is entitled change that is granted along with school funding from Prop 30.

            Now the opposition may be against certain areas that are getting the extra funding and even those that are being issued the raised income taxes. But the truth is that if they are making enough to be taxed three quarters of a percent more because that make much more than the average citizen, then why would they not want to ultimately help the economy that is trying to keep them running? The cost of paying the taxes and not funding education will turn out to be much less than the future failing economy. They can either pay a little more now, or inevitably see the fall of their business in the future due to lack of workers with required training and education. It is a small price to pay in order to keep theirs jobs or businesses afloat.

            As economy drifts, and funds are relocated we need to take the time and rethink where these funds should be going and how we are going to acquire them. In order for a prosperous future and growth of a younger generation we need to reapply the importance of education in our society and make it easier for students to be able to achieve the education that they need and desire. The first step to take initiative and start reform is to vote for Prop 30.