TOW #28 - Victor Wooten's "Music is a Language"

      An infant learns language through experience. His mama does not instruct language lessons; but instead, she talks to him. He learns by communicating back. However, this process does not only occur with language, but as American bass player, Victor Wooten expresses, also with music. In a TED Talk entitled, Music is a Language, Wooten employs the comparison of a musical instrument to a speech instrument (the mouth), and a rhetorical question, in order to preach that the language of music is an unbreakable freedom. In Wooten’s childhood, his eldest brother gifted him with a guitar; that was not the beginning of Wooten’s musical instruction as he had been listening to music up to that point. As part of Wooten’s lecture, comparing the guitar he received to the human mouth, he says, "It wasn't about learning the instrument first [...] it's about what you have to say" (Wooten). Just as one learns to speak through language, he/she learns to play music through an instrument. Language and music are expressive tools that convey emotions, no matter what instrument is employed. It is about how one chooses to use these tools. Looking at a musical situation in a humorous manner, some choose to shed musical light in privacy. Justly, Wooten states a rhetorical question after recalling the story of a woman who enjoyed singing in the shower. Justifying her actions, he says, "You're singing because it feels good [...] so why does that change when someone outside starts to listen?" (Wooten). There is a freedom when it comes to singing in privacy, which becomes lost as we grow and learn, and we need to keep that freedom from falling away. The woman singing in the shower was fearful of other hearing her. If society is able to look at language and music as two freedoms, performing music will be just as simple as talking. As Wooten continues to preach, there is no measurable difference between these two freedoms.

Visual: https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Interview_Victor_Wooten_Zen_and_the_Art_of_Playing_to_Infinity

Caption: "Expressive Freedom"

TOW #27 - Sanford University Commencement Speech by Steve Jobs

            If a butterfly is stepped on in the present, it has the ability to alter the future. The present impacts the future because every event is set in place with respect to some consequence of that. This message, also known as “the butterfly effect”, is in regards to Steve Jobs’ commencement speech given to the graduating class of Stanford University on June 12^th, 2005. Throughout the speech, Job shares stories of his past experiences, and how they have played on a role on his present life. Here, he employs repetition of the word “connect”, and an analogy in order to stress to the audience of future leaders, that everything happens for a reason. Jobs, unlike his audience, did not finish college, and recalls this decision as one of the most honorable of his life. Jobs uses the repetition of the word “connect” when saying, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future” (Jobs). The repetition of “connect” symbolizes that all of life’s decisions are strung together, and impact each other; in other words, every event, good or bad, happens with a purpose behind it. The future is all us humans have, which is why trusting the future and its reasoning are vital. Jobs continues to speak of his past experiences, specifically being fired from Apple Company, and how that event led him to his present work and family. When describing this occurrence, Jobs uses an analogy for comparison. He says, “It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it” (Jobs). Jobs compares this experience to taking medicine because at first, both events seem harsh and unwanted, but they end up having pay off in the end. In Jobs’ case, he had to rely on his ambition and hope to connect the dots of his future for him. He had to trust that everything in his life happened for a reason.

Visual: http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-jobs-commencement-speech-2005-2011-8

 

Caption: "Connecting the dots"

TOW #26 - Michael Botticelli's "Addiction is a disease. We should treat it like one."

            A disease is defined as a disorder of structure or function in a human. If this general statement is the case, then why is it that society views disease as a physical illness; a diagnosis only cured by numerous visits to the hospital? According to Michael Botticelli, an American public official and director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, disease is not only a physical illness, but also the mental hardship that comes with substance addiction. In a TED Talk entitled, Addiction is a disease. We should treat it like one, Botticelli employs polysyndeton and the comparison of addition to disease in order to preach the title of his lecture. Botticelli, after informing the audience of his sexuality, describes an AIDS awareness program he was involved in. He says, "Years ago I was a volunteer for the 'Names' project [...] to show that people who died of AIDS had names and faces and families and people who loved them" (Botticelli). The listing of “and” reflects the fact that people struggling with substance addiction can and do have all of the love and support that others do. In other words, an addict is still a human, and deserves the same respect as any other patient of a disease. In addition, Botticelli plays on the idea that patients and addicts are not different, yet they are treated different. Here, he says, "If you have cancer you get treatment. If you have diabetes you get treatment. If you have heart attack you get emergency services. [...] But somehow people with addiction have to wait for treatment" (Botticelli). It is not just; it is not fair that people suffering from addiction have to wait in the back of the line for the treatment that they deserve. Addiction is a disease because it causes disorder in one’s life, and it takes over a person physically and mentally, just as any other disease would. Botticelli makes it clear that is time to change the stigma surrounding addiction, and treat those who need to be treated.

Visual: http://www.rivermendhealth.com/resources/white-house-drug-czar-michael-botticelli-presents-rivermend-healths-dr-mark-gold-with-path-foundation-ny-lifetime-achievement-award/

 

Caption: "Disease Control"

TOW 25 - Margarita Engle's Enchanted Air

To children, the world is a wondrous place filled with adventure at every step. This makes the colors seem brighter, but the hardships furthermore arduous.  Margarita Engle, Cuban-American poet, addresses this idea in her memoir entitled, Enchanted Air. Here, she entails her childhood, going back and forth from Cuba to America by plane; her story takes place during the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959). In two poetry-styled chapters toward the beginning of the memoir, Engle employs personification, and the repetition of the word “two” in order to convey her dreams as a child. While viewing the sights of the Cuban environment, Engle describes the plants using personification. She says, “trumpet flowers love to move around, dancing […] maybe I will be a scientist someday, studying the dancing plants of Cuba” (Engle). Referring back to the idea of a wondrous world to the eyes of a child, Engle presumably details the flowers as dancing because her young imagination is able to view the beauty of the flowers in this unique way. Also, her interest in the personified flowers spark her dreams of becoming a scientist; Engle connects an image to her longings in life. In addition, after mentioning the fact that there are two ways of talking between the two countries which Engle are affiliated with, she employs the repetition of the word “two.” She mutters, “Two countries. Two families. Two sets of words” (Engle). The fact that Engle has two sets of (everything) is unfortunate because it represents the fact that she has no solid home. In comparison to her dream of becoming a scientist as an adult, Engle also has a dream that one day she will have that solid home. Furthermore, because Engle has “two sets of words”, it’s like she has two personalities to play in regards to her two cultures. Overall, Engle’s dreams lie within the future of her cultures. 

Visual: http://chamindra.blogspot.com/2011/07/dreams-of-child.html

Caption: "Dream of a Child"

TOW #24 - Cover from Newsweek Magazine (Is your Baby Racist?)

            Some people argue that the roots of discrimination dwell inside human nature, and others revert to the idea that discrimination is a learned process; therefore, a newborn child not yet exposed to racist beliefs, cannot be discriminatory. To take a stance on this issue, Newsweek published a controversial magazine cover, the title being “Is Your Baby Racist? Exploring the Roots of Discrimination”, on September 14^th of 2009. The cover also displays a photo of a male Caucasian infant. Due to the questioning, and emotional appeal of the photo, I feel as though the cover argues that discrimination is learned though experience and lesson, and this, I arguably agree with. The thought provoking statement “exploring the roots of discrimination” refers to human nature, this being the root of humanity. By nature, every human being is, more or less, the same. As the saying goes, “we all bleed the same blood.” Therefore, a child not yet exposed to discrimination, is unaware of the fact that humans see other humans as “different” based on external attributes. Furthermore, the abrupt question on the cover almost comes off as offensive to the viewer because it can easily be mistaken as an accusation; that Newsweek is accusing their viewers of teaching discriminatory values to an innocent child. However, the point of this questioning is to make the viewers evaluate the roots of discrimination, and how a parent’s views on discrimination could impact their child’s. For example, if a parent repetitively enforces to their child that all people of any other religion (than their own) deserves to be discriminated against, that child would logically feel uncomfortable around people of another religion. In addition to the phrasing on the cover, the photo shows a baby of a race and gender that, typically, does not face as much discrimination in society. Similar to the phrasing, the photo forces the viewer to internally argue what causes discrimination, nature or experience.

Visual: https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.digication.com/M9426704b5b5063dd1659a4cb984cde35.jpg

 

Caption: "Discrimination Draws Upon Experience" 

TOW #23 - Zak Ebrahim's "I am the son of a terrorist. Here’s how I chose peace"

            In modern society, islamophobia, has undoubtedly become a growing issue. This factor connects to the stereotype that a person of the Islamic faith must practice terrorism, or justly, that terrorism in a trend in certain families. Due to the repercussions of these issues, peace campaigner and author, Zak Ebrahim, gave a TED Talk entitled, I am the son of a terrorist. Here’s how I chose peace. In the lecture, Ebrahim argues that a son does not have to be like his father, in order to break the stigma surrounding peace in the Islamic faith. A societal belief is that Muslims and Jews are enemies, and therefore cannot be friends; fortunately, Ebrahim did not let this false hood impact his childhood friendships. He describes, "I had never had a Jewish friend before. And frankly, I felt a sense of pride in having to overcome a barrier, that for most of my life, I had been led to believe was insurmountable" (Ebrahim). The fact that Ebrahim was willing to overlook the difference of religion, and the beliefs his father instilled in him, proves that acceptance is more powerful than family trend (of hatred). In other words, the history does not matter; the ability to forget that history is what matters. In addition, to wrap-up his argument, Ebrahim shares the inspirational tale his mother told him. He says, "She looked at me with the weary eyes of someone who had experienced enough dogmatism to last a life time, and said "I'm tired of hating people."" Her weary eyes represent the hatred that had been placed in her mind for years on end. Hatred is not natural, it is only a concept that is taught, which is what Ebrahim stresses is possible to overcome. The saying “like father, like son” can apply in some cases, but not all, and Ebrahim is proof of this, and that stereotypes do not define a person.

Visual: http://www.halalinthefamily.tv/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/take-on-hate.jpg 

Caption: "Take on Hate"

TOW #22 - Margarita Engle's "Enchanted Air"

Imagine spending your days trapped in a place that does not feel like home; present is a strong longing to be somewhere else. In the memoir, Enchanted Air, Newberry-honor winning author, Margarita Engle, tells her tale of living in Los Angles but longing for her home country, Cuba. The memoir is styled similar to poetry through the use of stanzas, and takes place during the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959). In the first section of the memoir, Engle describes the beauty and benefit of Cuba – why it means so much to her – by employing a simile of innocence, and imagery in order to captivate what home represents. Engle looks back in time, and embellishes, though the use of a simile, on the first time that her parents took her to visit family and Cuba. She writes, “Already this Island is beginning to seem like a fairy-tale kingdom, where ordinary people do impossible things” (Engle 7). As an innocent child, as Engle is when experiencing Cuba’s air for the first time, the world seems like a magical place; a place filled with color and wonder. Similarly, that is the magical aspect to innocence, that a country has the ability to seem like a “fairy-tale kingdom.” Engle has hope for Cuba because she recognizes that everyone there strives for the impossible, one reason why she feels so comfortable with those people. Presumably, she admires them. In addition, Engle employs imagery when describing the memories of a house in Cuba. She writes, “Cool ceramic floor tiles on a hot day, and an open-air kitchen with roll up walls that are only needed during hurricanes” (Engle 10). The fact that Engle describes the specifics of the house, shows that she has paid close attention, that she cares about the little aspects. She cares because she feels at home in Cuba, and wants to experience all that there is about it, even the floor tiles or walls of a house.

Visual: http://www.esenciaexperiences.com/cuba-travel-ideas-luxury-cuban-holidays/bespoke-1950s-style-havana-holiday/

Caption: "1950s Cuban Home Style"

TOW #21 - Tim Urban's "Inside the mind of a procrastinator" (TED Talk)

                For some people, deadlines come easy; go home, do work consistently, and be cool as a cucumber the day before an assignment is due. Unfortunately, deadlines and homework in general, do not come second nature to some people, including myself. In April of 2016, Tim Urban, American internet writer, shared a TED Talk Lecture entitled, “Inside the mind of a procrastinator” where he employs visual metaphors and eye-opening diction in order to convey that there is a procrastinator in all of us, one we may never realize. During his presentation, Urban takes advantage of the digital board behind him, thus using it to literally illustrate the mind of a procrastinator. He does this with metaphors which are meant to represent parts of the brain, and the reasons why a procrastinator procrastinates. Referring to a procrastinator’s decision making process (area of the brain), he says, “An easy and fun place that's entirely out of the "make sense circle"; I call it the "dark playground”” (Urban). Personally, I know it is a frustrating time when the brain switches over to the “dark playground” when it is time to do work, so Urban comforts his audience by relating on this level. However, we are all human, everyone must go on break mode, which is a point that Urban stresses, while employing eye-opening diction, towards the close of his lecture. While presenting a calendar visual of the entirety of weeks in an average person’s life, he states, “I think we need to all take a long hard look at that calendar, and we need to think about what we're really procrastinating on because everyone is procrastinating on something in life” (Urban). After consideration, procrastination is not only involving homework or deadlines, but more importantly, life itself. There is something in life, whether it be relationships, exercise, religion, that people procrastinate on. Therefore, Urban makes a clear point that life is short, so we must not spend our time awaiting it, just living it, and doing what we need to do without hesitation.

Visual: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwjLpYLU7sDSAhXL5CYKHTmcD3oQjxwIAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaitbutwhy.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fwhy-procrastinators-procrastinate.html&psig=AFQjCNGwsNJ7OkrLkdQdSarJEkmINgO37Q&ust=1488854840947111

 
Caption: "Rational Thought Ruined"

TOW #20 - Hackschooling Makes Me happy by Logan LaPlante (Visual TED talk)

Reading Education by Emerson gave insight into school, its meaning, and how that meaning is distorted to the disadvantage of the student. However, Emerson was not the only wise mind to propose an ingenious schooling system; 13-year-old student, Logan LaPlante gave a TED talk in 2013 where he also presented similar ideas to Emerson. The lecture entitled Hackschooling Makes Me Happy, LaPlante addressed his connection to happiness, and how his unique “homeschooling” system has helped him to achieve that connection. His philosophy on schooling, I agree with due to his informal and personal tone; this connects him with the direct audience, and students across the country hoping for a different chance at education. An example of this philosophy is exposed when he says, "What if we based education on the study and practice of being happy and healthy?" (LaPlante). In reality, happiness is the key to life, so whatever in life makes one happy, has just reasons to be involved. Education is also a major part of life as schooling typically lasts from ages five to twenty-two, and lessons continue throughout the entire life. Therefore, if society spent those years on preaching the key to life, happiness may be more achievable overall. In addition, LaPlante continues the theme of happiness when he concludes, "If you ask me what do I want to be when I grow up, I'll always know that I want to be happy." (LaPlante). Upon hearing this in his lecture, I smiled. LaPlante, being only a young teenager, does not have much life experience, but certainly enough to realize how vital happiness is to a fulfilling life. When grown up, it does not matter what job one may have if he/she is not happy. Furthermore, his conclusion revolves around happiness rather than the schooling system because happiness comes first, which as LaPlante states, is why it should be a focus point in schooling. In other words, society can “hack” school, “hack” life, to achieve happiness.

Visual: https://outsidetheboxhomeschoolers.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/hackschooling-tedxuniversityofnevada-talk-by-a-13-year-old-logan-laplante/


Caption: "Hackschooling in a Nutshell"

TOW #19 - "How a Pro-Palestinian American Reporter Changed His Views On Israel And The Conflict" by Hunter Stuart

            The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is arguably like no other, a greater force than that over just land. Much of the time, a person’s opinion on the conflict stems from their religious and/or political views. Justly, an American journalist, Hunter Stuart published an article in earlier February describing his stay in Israel, and moreover, his developed view on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather than seeing the conflict in the eyes of most Americans, thousands of miles away, Stuart lived through it, marking him as a credible source. In addition, Stuart’s central claim, which is in support of Israel as well as keeping an open mind on the conflict, is in firm agreement with my beliefs. Prior to staying in Israel, Stuart, like many liberal Americans, viewed Palestinians as the “underdog” in the conflict, and therefore was in support of a two-state solution. However, the unfortunate fact, that Stuart remarks is that Israel is surrounded by people who believe Israelis have no place on this earth. He says “Personally, I’m no longer convinced it’s [two-state solution] such a good idea. If the Palestinians are given their own state in the West Bank, who’s to say they wouldn’t elect Hamas, an Islamist group committed to Israel’s destruction?” (Stuart). Stuart aims to highlight the fact that he has seen the behavior between Israelis and Palestinians, and peace is not near reach. It is not as simple as most Americans see it. If Israel loses the Gaza strip, loses Jerusalem, Israel is lost; it rightfully gained that land from the Palestinians, and desperately need it for protection. On the other hand, Stuart’s argument is not biased due to the fact that he explains the importance of keeping an open mind, and looking at both perspectives of the conflict. He remarks, "I guess, at least, I can say that, no matter how socially unacceptable it was, I was willing to change my mind. If only more people would do the same." (Stuart). Both sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, do have valid reasoning as to why certain land belongs to their side, which is why it is necessary to truly seek perspective from both sides. This way, each perspective can be analyzed, and viewpoints can change based on that. Stuart’s mind changed after staying in Israel, something that will stick with him in his travels, and life lessons.

Visual: http://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/A-view-from-the-frontlines-480829 

 

Caption: "Stuart in Israel"

TOW #18 - "Slime Wave" by Tom Avril (The Inquirer)

In the digital era that is today, it is a relief for parents to see their children playing with toys, and exploring creativity. The new phase of playing and crafting for kids all across the globe is slime, also known as ‘gluep’, originating in the 70s and 80s. However, rather than buying slime pre-made, kids are stocking up on glue, and borax, the two key ingredients in home-made slime. An article from “The Inquirer” entitled Slime Wave by staff writer, Tom Avril entails the recent uproar of slime, and argues that slime is more than just a ‘messy toy’ by employing deductive reasoning. First, the article introduces its claim being that slime has productive uses, and then goes on to list the multiple reasons to back the claim up; due to the fact that making slime is considered a craft, the process embraces creativity, and scientists have been teaching classes using slime as a model. A head-marketer at Newell Brands, an organization with relations to Elmer’s Glue factory, stated that he has “been impressed by the evidence of creativity on social media sites” (Avril). Kids invested in making slime are posting recipes online, and sharing their ideas with the web, using the internet for something positive along with using their hands for something crafty. Here, the author of the article backs up his claim with valid opinion from the head-marketer, making his argument even more believable to the audience. In addition, slime has also been used as a learning tool. For example, the article reads, “Under another name, the science museum also has used the substance [slime] for a lesson on the immune system” (Avril). The current slime phase is proving to be more than just a game; this claim is further backed up with information from scientist explaining that since the slime is so appealing to play with, it is making kids more interested in educational lessons when slime is used as a model. Therefore, the article succeeds to prove, through the use of deductive reasoning, that slime, if used properly, can actually be a tool for creativity and education.  

Visual: http://ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-slime/ 

Caption: "Creative goop"

TOW #17 - The Onion's "Study Reveals Pittsburgh Unprepared for Full-Scale Zombie Attack"

The fear of a zombie apocalypse, while unrealistic, is still fairly relevant to a handful of Americans, entailing why a satirical newspaper, The Onion published an article entitled, “Study Reveals Pittsburgh Unprepared for Full-Scale Zombie Attack” in 2005. Despite the sarcastic tone of all articles from this news source, examples of “zombie organizations and administrators” along with a daunting metaphor do not fail to make the threat of apocalypse possible. These aspects are employed in order to prepare Pittsburgh for an attack from the undead. According to the Zombie Preparedness Institute (ZPI), a mock scientific organization mentioned in the article, “when it comes to defending ourselves against an army of reanimated human corpses, the officials in charge have fallen asleep at the wheel” (The Onion 2). The metaphor describes the government officials, typically thought to ‘keep the state safe’, as the opposite in this case; “falling asleep at the wheel” refers to the officials not paying attention and taking charge of the issue at hand, the threat of a zombie apocalypse. This daunting metaphor aids to warn the audience, citizens of Pittsburgh, that they must take charge to remain safe in times of chaos. In addition, the article uses the words of mock zombie expert, Dr. Milton Cornelius to further describe the state of disaster. Cornelius remarks, “Today’s zombies quickly learn to open doors, break windows, and stage ambushes” (The Onion 4). Cornelius’ description of the zombies’ attributes aids to inform the audience what they will be facing if they do come across one of the undead, so they can be prepared to fight for their lives. Also interesting is the fact that Cornelius states that the zombies are capable of learning, something usually not associated with walking human corpses. Thus, by employing a metaphor, and mock information from zombie experts and organizations, The Onion was able to help prepare the citizens of Pittsburgh for a fight with the undead.  

Visual: http://all-that-is-interesting.com/survive-zombie-apocalypse

Caption: "Best to be Prepared" 

TOW #16 - Donald J. Trump's Inaugural Address

On January 20^th 2017, Donald J. Trump officially became the 45^th president of the United States. This fact angers some, worries some, yet excites others. It is a truth, whether favorable or adverse, that the people of the United States will have to, in some way shape or form, adjust to; not necessarily get used to, but adjust to. On January 20^th 2017, supporters and protesters lined Pennsylvania Avenue as Trump took the oath of honor, and give his inaugural speech. During his speech, addressing the entirety of “not-yet-great” nation, Trump employs anaphora and an allusion to religion in an attempt to bring unity. However, the question remains if he will do so. Using the anaphora of “we will bring back”, Trump states, “We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth, and we will bring back our dreams” (Trump). Prior to the inauguration, people wondered if President Trump would sound any different than candidate Trump. Although it is a matter of opinion, he proves the opposite here as he repeats “will”, implying a plan meant to persuade – something typical for a campaign. On the other hand, he does stress total unity by repeating “we”, referring to every individual of the United States. Going off this, Trump alludes to faith in god as he states, “The bible tells us how good and pleasant it is when god's people live together in unity" (Trump). Some Americans do not view Trump as a leader of unity as they read between the lines of his words. Despite the valuable lessons of the bible and Trump’s attitude toward them, there is a clear separation in the county due to his presidency. Currently, more than being classified as “great” or not, the United States is lacking middle ground, or in Trump’s words, unity. In other words, a strong fire that can bring people of varied opinions back together into a thriving nation; a strong fire that hopefully the new leader can create. 

Visual: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2017/01/20/JS118387253_AFP_TOPSHOT-US-President-Donald-Trump-spea-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqY1vlWu6X4ClJ13DpyYGHanCugcTyzyB-SXuPVffSvBI.jpgn 

"Thumbs for Unity or Separation?"

TOW #15 - Michelle Obama's 2016 DNC speech (text)

Knowing that the 2016 Presidential Election results were certainly disappointing for some, and at least unexpected, it is interesting to look back at the race, specifically the Democratic National Convention (DNC). During July 25^th through July 28^th, multiple powerful speeches were made at the DNC in support of Hillary Clinton, but one in particular, by first lady, Michelle Obama, highlights the country’s current strengths and well-bring for all people. In the speech, she employs a personal anecdote and resolute diction in order to emphasize the importance of selecting a leader that is fit for the children. Before jumping straight into her literal message, Michelle connects with the audience with a touching anecdote of her young daughters entering the spotlight. She says, “At the moment, I realized that our time in the White house would form the foundation of who they would become. And how well we manage this experience could truly make or break them” (Obama 4). Her words prepare the audience for a lead into Hillary Clinton, and the reasons why she will be best fit for the future. Without children, there is no future, something extremely difficult for any mother, even one as busy as Michelle, to imagine. Going off her quote, every child will be transformed in some way, partly dealing the country’s leader, so that leader must be strong. In addition, a resolute diction continues when Michelle reiterates, “And when I think about the kind of resident that I want for my girls and all our children, that is what I want. I want someone with the proven strength to preserve” (Obama 11). Hillary Clinton has the proven strength because she not only has raised a child herself, but has continued to raise the country’s children before and after the election race. Michelle wants a leader who can preserve, meaning keep the country stable, and the children innocent and intelligent, just as Michelle and her husband have tried to do since 2008. Thus, with a steady hand and clear thoughts, Michelle leads the country to another vital decision, a decision of the future.

Visual: https://theringer.com/why-michelle-obamas-dnc-speech-worked-so-well-ea6a13f279c9?gi=b53f723972e1 

 

Caption: "Preservation" 

TOW #14 - "The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo" by Amy Schumer (IRB)

            Amy Schumer, American comedian, is best known for her raunchy stand-up, entailing hilariously inappropriate stories from her past; but what many do not know is that behind the vulgar humor, she is a quiet, small-town girl. In her autobiography, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, she recalls anecdotes from her past that are without a doubt laugh-out-loud. Specifically, in an early chapter entitled, I am an Introvert, Schumer explains why she is “the textbook definition” of one by employing an analogy and simile to playfully mock the introvert stereotype. Schumer begins to define an introvert using an analogy, where she says, “If you’re a true introvert, other people are basically energy vampires. You don’t hate them; you just have to be strategic about when you expose yourself to them – like the sun. They give you life, sure, but they can also burn you” (Schumer 15). Schumer compares introverts to vampires, and other people to the sun because a vampire does need some life, just as all people need others. However, at the the same time, some people value much alone time as it is a time of pure reflection and recuperation, two key aspects to writing an autobiography. In addition, shortly after, Schumer draws on the process of being an introvert and going to public events. Including a humorous simile, she states, “Usually I will find a corner to hide in and immediately begin haunting it like the girl from The Ring, just hoping no one will want to come talk to me” (Schumer 19). Again, Schumer compares an introvert to a frightening creature, which ties into the fact that society views most introverts as company-haters; to counter-act this negative persona, Schumer jokingly exaggerates it to a topic which all people can relate to – public events and horror movies. Therefore, as Schumer gets closer with her readers through personal experience, she also attempts to balance out how some people view introverts due to the fact that she is a proud one herself.

Visual: http://www.thewrap.com/amy-schumer-i-didnt-have-a-perfect-/



Caption: "The Girl Herself"