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"

TOW #13 - Langston Hughe's "Bop"

            Music has the ability to draw people together, or break them apart; most of which depending on the history and genre. Langston Hughes, an American poet most famous for his then-new literary art form of jazz poetry, published the short essay, Bop in 1949. The essay revolves around a young boy, the narrator of the story, and his music teacher, Simple. The two converse about their thoughts on an Afro-style genre of music, “Be-Bop.”  In reference to racial issues during a time of deep segregation, Hughes employs juxtaposition and onomatopoeia in order to highlight the struggle of being a black male in a “white man’s world.” When asked the difference between re-bop and be-bop, Simple juxtaposes the two, saying, “Re-bop was an imitation like most of the white boys play. Be-bop is the real thing like the colored boys play” (Hughes 10). Juxtaposition helps to point out that be-bop was the original, but it was altered to match a white man’s taste, which angers Hughes. The narrator only knows of the altered version because in society, everything that is different from the (racial) norm, is wrong. In addition, while using onomatopoeia to demonstrate where be-bop style originated from, Simple claims that the scatting sound of the music references the brutality that the police put blacks through. Here, Simple says, “’That Negro hollers, ‘Ooool-ya-koo! Ou-o-o!’ ‘Old cop just keeps on ‘Mop! Mop! … Be-Bop! … Mop!’” (Hughes 23). The onomatopoeia represents sounds made by beaten victims, and the hitting by the police. Hughes attempts to inform his audience that sweet music can have an ugly background, especially in a world filled with racial hate. Simple’s music and life advice share a similar lesson of race. Therefore, Simple, similar to the role of Hughes to his audience, converses with the narrator so he can understand the reality of being a black male.

Visual: http://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=528062



Caption: "A Record of Race"

TOW #12 - Winston Churchill's "Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat"

                Britain declared war on Germany on September 3^rd, 1939, after promising to if Germany attacked Poland. That following year, Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of Britain, was appointed to lead his country in a time of grief. Specifically, on May 13^th, 1940, Churchill gave a speech entitled, Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat, in which he informed the cabinet that he only had his ambition to fight against the Germans, but he was willing to use it all. In the speech, Churchill employs triumphant diction and anaphora in order to prepare the British people for a long battle. As Britain heads in to a time of certain loss, it is Churchill’s diction, ordering for victory, which aids to the British people. After summarizing the roles of the House, Churchill says, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat” (Churchill 4). In other words, Churchill does not have the objectives a war, such as weaponry and extreme physical strength; however, he does have the most valuable subjective to succeeding in war, which is mental power. He is honest in his speech, and hopes that his people will fight with all they have, even if it is just the right mind set. In addition to a more fearless message, Churchill also attempts to be realistic with his people by informing them of the road that lies ahead. Using anaphora of “we have before us” he says, “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering” (Churchill 5). In order to prepare people for an event, especially one that involves great physical and mental endurance, they must know the circumstances. Furthermore, the repetition here emphasizes Churchill’s straightforward briefing, while also implying that the country will work together as one united front. Thus, Churchill’s purpose in informing his people is reached because throughout the war, Britain fought their hardest, and achieved their goal of victory.

Visual: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8TlkN-dcDCk/maxresdefault.jpg



Caption: "Road to Victory (full of blood, toil, tears and sweat)"

TOW #11 - Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman"

            Sojourner Truth, a women’s rights activist living during the mid to late nineteenth century, faced many struggles during her lifetime, being an African-American woman. Truth was born into slavery, but escaped with her infant daughter in 1826, where she went on to write speeches arguing her political and social opinions. One of her most famous works is called, “Ain’t I A Woman?”, from December of 1851. In this speech, Truth employs anaphora of her title phrase, and a frustrated diction in order to argue a woman’s distorted meaning in society. Truth’s introduction of the racist and unequal times of society lead up to her use of anaphora. When describing the set definition of a woman, she says, “I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children […] And ain’t I a woman?” (Truth 2). As Truth recounts, it is difficult for a woman to get necessities because men come first, with the scarps remaining. Furthermore, a woman can still be abused (“lashed”) even after bearing children for the man. The repetition of her statement toys with the fact that women are defined by such insignificant attributes, including all weaknesses. This attitude of utter frustration carries over on to her diction, when she says, “Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights?” (Truth 3). From the use of the word “intellect”, it is shown that stereotypes do not define a person. Therefore, everyone should have the same rights no matter their intelligence, which may or may not fit the conceived idea society has for that specific group of people. Overall, Truth does not conform to the distorted definition of a person to define that person.

Visual: http://eloquentwoman.blogspot.com/2011/04/famous-speech-friday-sojourner-truth.html




Caption: "Free Lecture!"