FAFAFINES

Issue: What are the consequences of being a Fafafine in the Samoan culture?

Claim: Being a Fafafine in the Samoan culture effects the individual’s social life, relationship his/her family, safety, and likelihood of employment.

Reason: Because Fafafines are looked down upon in the Samoan culture and are treated differently.

Implicit Assumption: The dangers and consequences that Fafafines face are greatly outweighed by the personal satisfaction and choice of being a Fafafine.

Contract: How does the Samoan Culture affect Fafafines?

Audience

Audience statement: My audience is individuals who are unaware of the Samoan Culture and who think that Fafafines are accepted in the Samoan Culture. My audience is also made up of those who accept Fafafines and accept their decisions to be Fafafine.

1. Why does my audience find my claim unacceptable?

First off, my audience is not aware of the Samoan Culture and the traditions within it. My audience is mostly made up of non-traditional people who view Fafafines as normal and acceptable in the Samoan Culture.

2. What does my audience value in terms of my argument?

a. Cultural Traditions
b. The importance of family


3. What are my audiences’ primary concerns?

a. Human Rights/Freedom of Choice
b. Social Acceptance and Equality

4. Counter Arguments

a. Although Western Samoa is under British Rule, American Samoa is a territory of the United States. Because citizens of American Samoa are subject to U.S.laws, Fafafines are protected by those laws and are entitled to freedom of choice.

War In Iraq

Issue:What are the consequences of bringing home our troops on the U.S. Economy?

Claim:Bringing home our troops from the Middle East would stimulate the U.S. Economy?

Reason: Because bringing home our troops would cut costs that have resulted from being at war for so long.

Implicit Assumption:The cost of the war in the Middle East greatly overweighs the national Security and Peace in the Milddle East.

Contract: How does the War on Iraq affect the average tax payer?

Audience

Audience statement: is Pro-war on the Iraq basically all American citizens who do not believe that the war is more important that the U.S. Economy.

1.Why does my audience find my claim unacceptable?
My audience feels that the War in the Iraq is more important than the U.S. Economy.

2. What does my audience value in terms of my arguement?

a.National Security
b.Freedom and World Peace
c. Stong Military

3. What are my audiences primary concerns?
a. less millitary prescence in Iraq.
b. higher taxes to fund more efforts.
c. lack of jobs in U.S.

4. Counter aruguments

a. The war in Iraq provides jobs for millitary soldiers so they can financially support thier families.
b.The war in Iraq provides jobs in the U.S for example the production of military vehicles, Air craft, Ammunition, and all other products and services used by the millitary.

PHOENIX SUNS CEO ADMITS HE'S GAY

 

Issue Question:
So, what are consequences of current Phoenix Suns CEO and former NBA Executive Rick Welts' decision to openly admit that he is gay on the NBA itself?

Claim:
The number of NBA executives, players, officials, and employees that have admitted their homosexuality is very small. These people who have admitted they are gay have been looked upon differently by those in and out of the NBA. Welts' decision to openly admit he is gay will greatly affect the NBA and its economic future.

Reason:
Because the NBA is a predominantly heterosexual organization, Welts announcement that he is gay will influence major sponsors and marketing relationships with other organizations. The NBA depends on these companies for revenue. For example: Gatorade, Sprite, T-Mobile, etc. Also, the NBA fans and their attendance at games, purchasing of merchandise, and their opinion greatly influences revenue for the NBA.

Implicit Assumption: These official sponsors of the NBA, along with NBA fans are what fuels the economy of the NBA.

Contract:
How does Welts' announcement affect the NBA's financial position?

Audience Statement:
My audience are those people who are for Welts' announcement and against gays holding high executive positions in the NBA, which include all NBA employees, executives, players, and also NBA fans. These individuals believe in a traditional structure  of leadership positions in the NBA.

1. Why does your audience feel your claim initially unacceptable?
My audience feels that Welts shouldn't have made such a public announcement. These people feel that his announcement will not greatly affect the fan base of the NBA. They feel that it will have a positive affect.

2. What does your audience value most in terms of your argument?
a. NBA fans' and NBA official sponsors' interests
b. Equality and Human Rights
c. Profitability and longevity of the NBA

3. What are your audience's primary concerns in terms of your argument?
a. Homophobic atmosphere in the NBA
b. NBA fans' and NBA official sponsors' views on homosexuality
c. The future of the NBA

4. Counterarguments
a. Rick Welts' announcement will raise awareness of homosexuals in executive positions not just in the NBA but in all large and well-known organizations, and encourage acceptance of homosexuals in the workplace.
b. Welts' announcement will allow other potential official sponsors to change their perspective on the NBA and open doors for companies to be an official sponsor.


Rick Welt's has been an NBA executive for more almost 30 years. He authored the concept of NBA All-Star weekend, he was in charge of marketing for "The Dream Team" who went on to win the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, a former NBA Executive Vice President, has held many other executive positions, and currently serves as the CEO of the Phoenix Suns.

"The Forgotten Man" by Maynard Dixon

 

Even though "The Forgotten Man" depicts the face of one individual, it illustrates exactly what happened to millions of people during The Great Depression. The man is obviously sad, head down, and sitting on the side of the road. The man's features are hidden by the shadows. The scene is enhanced with people passing by who are faceless, almost non existent other than their legs and feet. The man seems tired, with one foot out, kind of like when you walk or run for a long distance and you can't bare to sit properly. Many of  Dixon's pieces show grim images of men without work.

Everyone in the world today can either relate or sympathize with what is going on in this painting. Dixon gives the viewer a front row seat of what life was like back then and causes us to contrast and compare it to what is happening today. Just like the forgotten man, many people today have lost their jobs, are homeless, and feel like there is no hope. People are upside down on their mortgages, graduating and can't find a job, and taking pay cuts. Just the other week hundreds of employees from Novell right here in Provo, Utah were let go. We can see the current affects of our own depression happening right in our own backyards.

The future of the Nation's and World's economy seems to be an uncertainty. Dixon's painting that was illustrated more than 80 years ago on a piece of canvas also shows that history has sort of repeated itself. I don't think Dixon intended to forecast what was going to happen in the future, but it does cause us to reflect and think about it. As we look at ourselves and our own lives, are we the ones sitting on the curb or are we the ones that are passing "The Forgotten Man" by? I watched a piece on KSL5 the other night about homeless shelters and how full these shelters have become with homeless people. I see people begging for money or work on almost every corner. For me, I think we are all sitting on the curb. I think everyone is a little uncertain, a little sad, a little down. We sometimes find ourselves in the shadows of the economy, and I think we feel that the people around us are walking by like everything is OK in their lives. The fact is that we are "The Forgotten Man" and the people walking by at the same time, it's just we are to prideful or scared to admit it.

Carnival Cruise Line Advertisement

A week ago my husband I were watching television and a commercial caught our eye. It was an advertisement for Carnival Cruise Lines. It seems that because summer time is nearing more commercials especially for cruises and vacations are being aired. The commercial involves a family whose daughter is surprised at the transformation that has taken place where her hard working father is having fun and not worrying about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. (Click on the video below)

Carnival's argument is that their cruise lines are the best in the world and they are the cure for the stresses of everyday life. The daughter's perception of the normally hard working and stressed out dad are now replaced by slow motion images of that same man dancing, playing, and having fun. Carnival seems to be implying that this is the type of enjoyable and life changing experience that only their company provide. 

With the commercial being from the perspective of the little girl, it seems like the audience Carnival is focusing on is two target markets: Young children who see their parents work too hard and want them to have fun and adults who feel they need to relax. These commercials also seem to target first time cruise-takers.

Obviously the goal of the commercial is to entice you to choose their company for your next summer vacation . Carnival also shows the wide variety of leisure activities that you will experience on one of their cruise ships. With the slow motions shots of dancing and laughing they are also creating an image of fun and relaxation.

As soon as the commercial is done, the Carnival banner appears and anyone who has seen the commercial and feels compelled to contact them can call the 1-800 number or go online to their website. This makes it convenient for anyone to arrange their travel arrangements right away.


Overall, the commercial was effective. It had great imagery with the slow motion shots. The dialogue was a man's voice yet it was from the daughter's perspective, and that seemed to create a story-like mood. It definitely appeals to any person who is stressed, works too hard, and is looking for a way to so called "let loose!" It also appeals to any child who would love to see their parents just "chill out!"