Talking about homeless people is very important to me. I care deeply about the poor people who do not have much to live off of, but are still managing to survive. I was especially involved with the discussion this week, since I am a member of the Teens Alone Board. As a board, we discuss how to raise money to publicize Teens Alone, a nonprofit organization, so that teenagers with problems may have a place to speak of them and feel better about themselves. We concentrate on homelessness, and last year we hosted a Battle of the Bands focused on homelessness to raise money.

                The works we had the opportunity to read were quite spectacular. I really enjoyed analyzing all of them for rhetorical devices, and I was actively engaged in the message the pieces were trying to get across. The movie, ‘The Soloist’, was also very moving.

                Million Dollar Murray, by Malcolm Gladwell, intrigued me for many reasons. The thesis, that we should solve homelessness rather than manage it, was interesting for me to consider. At Teens Alone, we try to counsel homeless teens. Also, we supported a bill that would give homeless people more money to lift them off their feet and off the street. I found these actions to fall in the ‘manage’ category rather than the ‘solve’ one.  I then thought if what we are doing is wrong, for which I decided the answer was most definitely ‘no’. Managing homelessness is just as important as solving it, though it should always be complemented with an act to solve it. We cannot simply think about solving the issue when there are several homeless people suffering on the street. We must help them in the process. I also liked Gladwell’s idea that homeless people can be encouraged to use skills to work or to follow the rules in order to gain advantage, such as an apartment. This greatly decreases tension on the streets and gives the homeless people a chance to start making some money. This is an offshoot of what Gladwell describes, but it is essentially true in essence.

                Dumpster Diving was very entertaining to read. I loved it! I was hesitant to read it at first, but I fell in love with it after getting a taste of Eighner’s subtle sarcasm and humor. I found his writing to reflect my free writing, as we undoubtedly share an amazingly similar sense of humor.  It was very interesting to read a piece instructing how to find what could become treasures in a dumpster. I had expected a piece written by a homeless man to be about the miserable lifestyle he leads, but I was in fact shocked by the undeniable optimism Eighner presented. It is nice to know that he has successfully adjusted. It is imperative that he does in order for him to survive. I also liked his attitude. If he has to do it, he may as well like it. I hope people have a more positive look on homelessness after reading this article. Perhaps to some, like Eighner, it is an art.

                ‘The Soloist’ was a great movie, as it showed some of the more serious and unfortunate aspects of homelessness, as compared to Dumpster Diving. Nathaniel was great musician, a prodigy even, but even he could not escape the horrors of homelessness as a victim of schizophrenia. It was painful to see how such a dedicated, talented, and hard-working man could see all his work go to waste because of a mental illness. I hope the movie allowed people to see that it is absolutely essential in today’s society to rid people of their illnesses as much as possible. We may then uncover great talents, causing America to become very powerful. Also, I hope more people like Steve Lopez, who have the power to bring certain issues to the surface, do so. When people know about the unfortunate states of the homeless, and that it can be prevented, perhaps something will be done. 

Rhetorical Modes Answers:
1. Definition
2. Narration
3. Classification/Division
4. Example
5. Description

  1.    Grief is the tragic feeling of remorse and vast emptiness that often occurs after a devastating loss. It is most commonly experienced after a long stretch of time, gradually becoming more severe with each day. It is usually psychological, though it may arise from an event that is not. Grief is not easily avoidable, and one must undergo the grieving process in order to heal.  Grief is not merely sadness, but it is a state of complete dejection combined with hollow and disconsolate feelings.

   2.   When I was eight years old, I could tell you, without a hint of doubt on my face, that my fish were the best pets any little girl could ask for. I loved to watch them race to the surface of their fish tank to nibble the flakes I so lovingly sprinkled for them.  They were my pride as well as my friends. One unfortunate day however, my dad awoke me with some bad news in store. One of my fish had died. At that moment, my eyes shot wide open, and I rushed downstairs, unwilling to believe my father.  My hopes were dashed instantly as soon as I saw the fish tank. Even after we had buried my fish in the garden bed, my grief was still evident. I cried and sat alone in my room, dejected. It seemed to me at the time that I would never be happy again. But as time passed, I gradually learned to better manage my emotions, and am happy to say that I am now healed.

  3.    Grief is not easily classifiable, and there exist several divisions and stages to aid those who desire specialized information and help for their grief. One such division, anticipatory grief, occurs before a calamity. Another division of grief, healthy grief, requires physical and mental energy to cope with changes.  Absent grief on the other hand, is grief without the exhibition physical or emotional symptoms. Unresolved grief occurs when one is so emotionally scarred, that he or she cannot undergo a healthy grieving process. Complicated grief is most seen when symptoms are never truly resolved.

   4.    A single event can inspire grief in different people in various ways. For example, in the TV movie ‘After Jimmy’, each member of Jimmy’s family exhibits and handles grief associated with Jimmy’s death in a unique way. Jimmy’s mom is very emotional and psychologically stressed, and is often shown bawling and having fits of frustration at the very mention of her son. Jimmy’s dad on the other hand, is definitely glummer than before the death, but he seems to be handling his emotions and grief in a healthy way that allows him to continue to be a competent member of the workforce.

    5.   Grief takes a considerable toll on people both physically and emotionally. A tightness in the throat and heaviness in the chest are not uncommon symptoms to those experiencing grief.  Often, one feels dizzy and senseless, unable to think rationally. At times, even the most mouth-watering and delectable treats seem unappetizing, becoming more of a chore than a desire. When the anniversary of the calamity approaches, one can feel the tears well up in his or her eyes and can feel the natural smile turning into an unavoidable frown.

 

          In his speech, President Barack Obama argues that Assad’s use of chemical weapons is against the accepted international norms, and that the United States must make diplomatic efforts with other international powers to pressure Assad to give up his weapons. Obama’s tone is serious and clear for his intended audience, the citizens of the United States of America.

President Obama makes use of the three appeals-pathos, ethos, and logos-in his speech. By beginning with the phrase, “My fellow Americans”, the president is establishing a sense of unity and trustworthiness in the audience, and is therefore demonstrating ethos. By recognizing the audience, President Obama is able to secure its interest in his speech, as well as soften up those who may not agree with him. Also, the fact that he is in the white house as the president causes the nation to hold a level of respect for him. The president also makes use of logos by supporting his argument with facts. For example, Obama says, “Over a hundred thousand people have been killed. Millions have fled the country” when referring to Syria. President Obama uses pathos to support his argument as well. “Men, women, children, lying in rows, killed by poison gas. Others foaming at the mouth, gasping for breath. A father clutching his dead children, imploring them to get up and walk.” These vividly horrible images serve to cause the emotional audience to despise the Assad regime, and to therefore support the president in his effort to pressure Assad to give up his chemical weapons.

The rhetorical situation is clear in this case. The argument fits into the world because it is current and relevant to today’s international politics. There exists exigence, since Assad is supposedly currently challenging valued American ideals, such as justice, freedom, and liberty. President Obama’s argument is based on the American value that one should seek to support the justice that he or she believes in, but it is also based on the more political fact that Assad’s use of chemical weapons defies the accepted international norms set by the United Nations as well as the prediction that if allowed to continue his use of chemical weapons, Assad will affect the security of the United States.

President Obama’s particular and professional word choice allows the listener to attempt to follow along with the views and arguments presented, even though he or she may not agree with them. The president does not use slang, which elicits a respect from the audience, since the issue is serious.

President Obama makes use of metaphor when he states that “America is not the world’s policeman”. The comparison is appropriate, since it clarifies Obama’s plan for intervention in Syria. It reaffirms that Obama does not merely wish to interfere in other countries’ politics, and instead wishes to support American values by preventing deaths. He also mentions that such measures are necessary for the future security of America. The metaphor is important because many Americans believe that Obama is taking a policeman- like role. By making the comparison, Obama is directly addressing these concerns in a way that is understandable to most citizens in the nation.

In his address, President Obama presents his ideas after rebutting the public’s views and statements. He calmly presents an opposing view and then gives reasons to explain why it is not true. While he is explaining this, he makes it a point to clearly describe his own views, turning the focus on why pressure should be exerted on Assad, rather than why it should not. This arrangement is extremely effective, since the president is showing the audience that he recognizes their concern, but it accomplishes his goal in that the focus of the speech develops his views, making it more likely for the audience to reflect upon his points and therefore agree with him.  

 

             Here is President Obama's Address to the Nation regarding Syria:

             Gazing out my window, I see nothing. Okay, that's a lie. I do see something, but I can honestly say that Wyoming's plain green landscape is not unlike what I've already seen in my home state of Minnesota. There are not even any cows here.
             I reluctantly begin to pick up my copy of Pride and Prejudice, when I suddenly have a ridiculous idea. "Do you want to play I-Spy?" I ask my sister, trying to make a joke of the barren and frankly boring scenery.
             "Oh, yes," she responds, laughing. We both share the same, silly sense of humor.
             We continue our nonsensical game (which solely consists of describing grass), until we see what seems to be a school. Our mouths drop open, and we look at each other incredulously. There's a school here? There aren't even any houses with children to attend it. Despite this irony, I am amazed that we have witnessed a sign of civilization. The only way this day can get better is if I spot some cattle.
           After what seems to be eons, we reach our destination. I jump out of the car and turn around to face it. Devils Tower. With the round sun setting in the red-orange sky, the monument looks magnificent; it is the focus of a glorious painting.
            I am awe-struck, and I look at my family, expecting to see the same emotion translated on their faces. This is not, however, the case with my mother. She is frowning at the geologic wonder. It is not a frown of anger or sadness, but of disappointment.
            "What now?" My sister asks my mom, obviously questioning the same expression I had noticed.
            "It's so dark!" My mother exclaims.
            "So what?" my dad asks, somewhat irritated. "The park hasn't closed yet."
            "I can't take my pictures in the dark!"
             I exhale loudly. My mother has an unhealthy obsession with taking pictures, and I can truthfully say that no one in my family is too keen about this passion.
             "We can't do anything else," I say somewhat obstinately. "We're already here."
              "We can visit it today," my mom decides. "but we have to come tomorrow again for my pictures."
               My sister and I wail in protest, and my father is thoroughly disgusted with the idea.
              "You can go alone if you want," my sister offers. She must be pretty darn dumb if she thinks our mom is going to change her mind.
               "No! What is the use of pictures if you are not even in them?" my mother yells. I understand that it's important to preserve memories, but do we need to preserve so many? Especially when we won't even look at half of them?
               "Okay, whatever. We'll all come back tomorrow." my dad says, ending all further discussion.
               We jog over to the ticket booth, desperately hoping that there is still time to explore Devil's Tower. Even if there isn't, I won't be too bummed out. We're coming back tomorrow, remember?
                Luckily the park hasn't closed yet, and we proceed towards the Tower. As we get closer, I am privileged to ogle at its impressive size and splendor.
                "Wow, it's so beautiful!" my mom exclaims. "Stand right here, you two."
                Sighing, we stand where she wants and wait for that too familiar flash.
                "Okay, you guys can go look around now." she says.
                 The robotic smiles slowly disappear from our faces. This is going to be a long visit.


               
  If you are inclined in some way to visit this national monument, click here to go to the National Park Service's website for Devils Tower.

Here is a video on the tower (This is how Devils Tower looked the following morning).

 

 

Experience Devils Tower (above) in all its glory.