A Question of Ethics

    This week in class we discussed advocacy and how it relates to argument.  Advocacy is allows us to decide what is worth caring about and how we can find a means by which to alter our future to one we desire. Many topics were discussed such as styles of advocacy, how to become an advocate, the true meaning of advocacy in general. However, what really caught my attention the most was a topic that fell under research for advocacy and argument. This particular issue that caught my attention was the ethics of being a researcher. With so many new technological advancements there are increasingly more and more questions about what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to the way we obtain more knowledge. An important aspect of ethical research has to do with being open to new interpretations and changing your current beliefs based on the new information you receive.
     When researching or writing about another work, it is important to give credit where credit is due. By doing this it can be ensured that the work is not misrepresented, falsified, or fabricated. This is becoming increasingly more of an issue as we develop new, easy ways to share information. This has lead to the development of new guidelines and caused people to question what information can be exchanged without violating the rights of the original author. Ethics also calls into question how far is too far? In some cases people feel their personal rights are violated for the sake of scientific advancement. This is an argument that has been going on for decades, yet it is still a hot topic today. This is mainly due to the fact that all kinds of research is readily accessible and that many are not sure where to draw the line. But where should we draw the line? How far really is too far?

Visual Modes of Communication

     This week in class we discussed visual modes of communication. We spent much time on the logos and pathos of images and how great of an impact this has on an audience. I never really thought about how the arrangement of each element has an effect on the viewer. The way words, pictures, and colors are put together provide the audience with different ideas about the message and affect how the message is viewed. Although the presentation and position of words is important, and contribute to how visual arguments are made, the impact of color can not be overlooked. Although it is just one of many elements that make a visual useful, it is an element that carries great importance.
      As we look around us, we are bombarded with advertisements. They are on television, on billboards, and in newspapers. However, as we look at these advertisements we are not always aware of how much of an impact they are making, or what necessarily drew our attention to us in the first place. There are many elements that go into making a successful ad and capturing the reader’s attention. Color is one such element. The color scheme for each advertisement is no accident. The hue, the saturation, and the brightness of each color all contribute to the overall message of the ad. Some ads are brightly colored, while some are not. This is no accident. The colors chosen all contribute substantially to our emotions. For example, an ad for new Trident Vitality gum. This ad campaign uses bright colors such as sharp oranges, greens, and reds. This not only captures the attention of the audience, but also makes them associate the product with health, freshness, and healthy living. On the contrary, an ad for a law firm chooses dull, business-like colors. This evokes a more serious emotional response. Every ad may seem to be similar, however it is important to know just how much the color of an ad can impact you.

A Helping Hand

The disaster that recently occurred in Japan is tragic to say the least.  Lives have been ruined; a country has been entirely demolished. In this time of great despair, it is hard to find a light at the end of the tunnel.  But perhaps there is some hope as we turn to each other for support.  Charity organizations are advertising on televisions, radios, and Internet sites.  Everyone has the opportunity to support the people in Japan whose lives have been so greatly affected by this terrible incident.  But as I look for ways to help I can’t help but question our true willingness to help others.  Do we only offer aid in times of natural disasters?  There are millions of people in need of our assistant each day yet it seems we are not willing to lend a helping hand on an everyday basis.  However, as I was surfing YouTube recently I came across a company that understands that helping is important no matter how small the gesture.

Toms is a philanthropic organization that is dedicated to helping underprivileged children around the world.  This organization has been around for approximately 4-5 years.  They sell shoes that $40, but for each pair sold on pair is donated to a child in need.  They come in an assortment of colors and materials.  Over the years they have expanded and now even sell heels and have a wedding line.  On the Toms website you can even purchase their “one for one” collection t-shirts and pair of shoes will be donated.   This company has developed into multimillion-dollar organization and is still continuing to grow and expand. This organization and those who help it prosper clearly show that all hope is not lost. People are still willing to help others in need. However, it is still true that bigger steps can be taken to offer assistance to others on a daily basis.

Cars and the American People

      Recently we have seen several car commercials in class. Many classmates decided to analyze the appeals car companies make to American audiences so that they buy their products. However, all of the car commercials that were analyzed were American car companies. They spoke to American values and American life. But what about foreign car companies? How do they appeal to an American audience? 
      American car companies such Ford, GM, Dodge appeal to American values of hard work, commitment, and determination. They continuously portray their vehicles as rugged and tough, and “built to last”. Through these appeals they hope that the audience will trust their cars and trust them as companies. In several new commercials these American car companies draw upon emotional appeals to get their audience on board. In one commercial, Dodge makes its new vehicle, the Challenger, synonymous with the freedom.  In the commercial, as the Challenger rolls through the battlefield of the Revolutionary War, a flag is flying out of the window. This is a very “American” commercial in every sense. By portraying the past in a humorous, modern light, it appeals to our ideals of freedom, justice, and strength. This commercial places an American car, the Challenger, in a very American atmosphere.
       Foreign car companies are very effective in conveying their messages to American audiences as well. Companies such as Hyundai, Honda, and Nissan appeal to their American audience in a different way. Instead of capturing the importance of the American values of hard work, determination, and commitment, they stress the importance of harnessing the future, as their cars are always becoming sleeker, and more energy efficient. Instead of showing their cars in a rugged light, they appeal more to the audience’s desire for luxury. These companies understand their audience just as much as American companies, yet they use different tools to convey their messages, making them just as effectively as American companies.