Phoning Home- Geico Commercial

http://www.ispot.tv/ad/AZIA/geico-spy-its-what-you-do


Geico commercials are infamously known for being entertaining and funny. They appeal to people's sense of humor in order to be remembered. They also work in series in order for themes to run in between commercials, so when you see one commercial you are reminded of the other ones similar to it.

C'mon little guy, you can ketchup!

There comes a time in every wiener dog’s life when you look in the full length doggy mirror and ask yourself, am I going to be a plain old boring hot dog forever? Or am I going to jump this rusty chain link fence and join the rest of the wieners in an epic stampede across the globe to seek out the most amazing tasting collection of Heinz Ketchups, so that I can be the best hot dog I can be? And that moment is a defining one, for every wiener dog. These little dogs chose wisely to Meet the Ketchups.

Everyone knows that the best commercials are the ones with cute animals and this beautiful Heinz Ketchup Ad is no exception. It starts with an adorable Dachshund dog (aka wiener dog) dressed as a hot dog running in a field. Then it goes into a whole stampede of hot dogs running towards people dressed in Heinz ketchup, mustard, and a little ketchup packet (omg)! The people smile and cannot believe the amount of dogs coming towards, and this is an appeal to pathos because of the emotion that is conveyed in this scene. The dogs jump onto the ketchup people and start to lick their faces, which is just so cute! In the end, the dogs are held in the arms of their beloved ketchup. Instantly the target audience is definitely towards dog lovers and people who like cute things in general; but then later on in the commercial it appeals to people who love condiments (which is most people). While it appeals to pathos, it also appeals to humor ~ because who doesn't like a dog in a cute costume. I think this commercial is super effective because I really want to get Heinz ketchup now.

The Real Cost

I believe The Real Cost smoking ads are extremely effective at what they are designed to do. Firstly, to the people who do smoke, they explain that the habit costs more than your money, it literally decays your body. To the people who dont smoke, they use a fear method of showing an exaggerated result of buying a pack of cigarettes. The atmosphere is almost guaranteed to be gloomy and almost frightening. There are multiple versions of this ad, but the teeth and smooth skin ones are the most common in my opinion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks2L6XFLAeA

Never trust a strange goat, also don't buy a goat from a man in a neck brace.

This commercial was one of my favorite commercials from the 2013 Superbowl. It starts off by using logos as the man in the commercial notices a goat for sale, but not just any goat, a goat that enjoys eating Doritos. As we can see, the man looking to purchase this goat also likes Doritos, so of course its logical that this transaction should take place. Also there could be some pathos going on here, the man pities the goat for sale, but we really don't know so moving on... When the man and his new friend arrive at home, the man begins to share and show off his massive surplus of Doritos. After the goat continues to devour 156 bags of Doritos, the man realizes that he made a mistake. While it seemed logical to purchase this goat, it really wasn't because the goat is eating all of his Doritos. At the end of the commercial, we have extreme (maybe not actually) pathos for the man as we see the goat make an attempt on the mans life. I don't actually know if hes still living. Overall obviously just a huge promotion for Doritos, and not just humans enjoy Doritos.

Puppyhood (by BuzzFeed)

One of my favorite ads that I have ever seen, besides the obviously incredible Extra Gum commercial, is "Puppyhood," a Purina dog food commercial by Buzzfeed. This comedic ad focuses on a funny, kind of awkward guy who happens upon a tiny, ADORABLE puppy for sale. On a whim, he takes this doggie home, and we, the viewers, immediately love this duo! From laying down the ground rules to naming the puppy Chloe, the man seems to see this dog more as an equal rather than a pet. The way he communicates with her is hilarious, and their budding relationship is endearing! Basically, as he tries to explain to her things like music and boundaries, Chloe, as many puppies would, pays little to no attention to his commentary and goes on her merry way teething on his fingers. Furthermore, it seems this man has never had a dog and does not know the most conventional way of taking care of her or any dog in general, but he figures it out by-and-by... For example, he discovers that "there's food just for puppies!" and that Chloe's poop ironically looks like dog poop!
        Towards the end of the ad, conflict ensues when the man wakes up to find Chloe ripping apart a project he had been working on and was to present the following day. He is hurt and explains that he needs some space. At this point, the viewers hope and predict the two to make up and overcome the obstacles of a relationship... Of course, the man apologizes for "freak[ing] out," and the two enjoy a nice breakfast, which consists of cereal (for the guy) and Purina Puppy Chow (for Chloe). Thus, Purina has taken advantage of the undeniable adorableness of a puppy, the humor in the relationship between a man and his dog, and a large target audience (dog lovers/owners), to advertise their product and encourage people to choose Purina the next time they're out shopping for dog food.

WATCH THE VIDEO!!      

                                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3MtFGWRXAA

Appeal to Culture

Commercials like this are bound to attract fans of Star Wars. This tactic is very effective if popular icons are used. Comedy is also a very effective advertising strategy. This definitely makes me want to at least try Brisk tea!

Man on the Moon

This is from Christmas, and it's also for British department store John Lewis. It is just so sweet and touching. It starts off with the little girl doing something she loves, looking at the moon. She notices a man, and he is alone. We feel sorry for him because he looks sad, bored, and lonely. She wants to talk to him, or help him somehow, but he letters won't reach him. She continues to watch him everytime she comes home, wanting to help. Paper airplanes and arrow messages keep failing. At this point, we feel in the pits because whatever she does it doesn't work and the man is still as lonely as ever.
Christmas comes and it is all happy again, but the juxtaposition of the little girl's Christmas and the man's lonliness brings back the heavy weight in the heart. But then, the music comes back and the man looks up to see a present on balloons! He is so happy and so is the audience. We find she gave him a telescope, and now he has a buddy "half a world away". Everyone is happy and the man feels like he is loved, with John Lewis accomplishing their goal.

I'M GOIN IN!!!!!

There are certain things in this universe which science cannot explain, some things which lies so far beyond the realm of reality that the only way to comprehend their meanings is to thoroughly study them any way we can. This commercial is not one of those things. But it is really funny. Okay, so we start off with this 80s haired 80s kid in a video store about to check out star wars. He finds the copy of Star Wars The Arcade Game for the Atari 2600 and gives a passing remark on how "it's great in the arcade." He plugs in the console and what we are presented with is Pathos city as we're teleported into the highly immersive Star Wars universe. We truly believe in this section that the kid is actually in Star Wars to the extent that we should be dodging tie fighters and fire balls right along with him. He's experiencing total euphoria in this brief test of the game, thus showing that Star Wars The Arcade Game for the Atari 2600 is the ultimate source of satisfaction. The Pathos really kicks in when the poor gamer decides to put his own life on the line when he's "GOIN IN!" We are concerned about what will happen to him. Will he make it out? Will he survive? Will he continue on to College to pursue bigger and greater things, marry a woman, start a family, and pass on his legacy and therefore leaving his imprint on the world? These are the questions which are immediately answered when he sadly explodes in a fireball. However, the goal of the commercial is to convince these hip 80s kids that this game has highly immersive gameplay. This goal is achieved when gamergirl is confirmed and the kid returns from the grave covered in ash presumably victorious in whatever mission he was undertaking. His reaction should be ours at this point,"SOME GAME!!!"

Who needs Nicholas Sparks movies when you have Gum Commercials?

In the commercial Extra Gum: the Story of Sarah and Juan, they basically condense an entire Nicholas Sparks movie into two minutes and one pack of gum. Just with the title, they personalize the characters. It's not the story of two random people. It's Sarah. And it's Juan. Already, you feel a connection.
In the start of the commercial, they are just two high school students who make eye contact. It's specifically a scene that anyone can relate to. The actors have been carefully crafted to look youthful and slightly awkward, in an endearing sort of way. The girl has a braid. The boy has unruly hair. The eye contact was do to chance.
Later, Sarah drops her book at the locker, and Juan helps her pick them up. Obviously, this cutesy cliche is dripping with pathos. Another chance meeting! This is the moment. The moment when their fates hang in the balance. Will they continue to talk, or will they walk away, never to see each other again?
At this moment, the girl gives the guy a piece of gum. This is the moment they become friends. This is the first point in the commercial where something happened not  due to chance. This pathosimplies that without the gum, they never would have talked.
Several scenes unfold next. A kiss in the car. A walk in the park. A picnic. Prom. A fight, they makeup. The girl travels away. She comes back.
All throughout these emotional scenes, little glimpses of gum are shown. The guy takes out a pen. Draws a line. The viewer does not pay much attention.
The girl comes back from a long trip, to see little drawings of the scenes on gum wrappers and ta-da! The last picture is of the guy proposing. She turns around, and there he is, down on one knee. Obviously, they get married and live happily ever after.
One minute and fifty seven seconds of pathos all tied up in a little bow made out of a gum wrapper and stick figures.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLpDiIVX0Wo

Animal Cruelty

I think the most well know commercials for evoking an emotional response are the animal cruelty commercials.  These commercials feature Sarah McLachlan and her easily recognizable song, "In the Arms of an Angel"  These commercials show a slideshow of injured and neglected pets while playing this slow, sad song.  Its very obvious what these commercials are trying to do, but it still works on the masses.

https://youtu.be/9gspElv1yvc

The Little Things in Life

The commercial I chose is another Extra commercial. This one is about a relationship between a father and daughter as they both get older, up until she moves out and goes to college. The dad always makes a swan out of the gum wrappers and gives them to the daughter, who turns out to have been keeping them all. This commercial uses pathos to appeal to the emotions of the viewers with the relationship between the two and how he is always there for her.

When you cry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLpDiIVX0Wo 

So for those of you who haven't seen this video all over Twitter, here it is: the Extra gum commercial that has made everyone do the ugly cry. This commercial basically screams pathos throughout the entire thing. A young couple in their teens (going through different stages of their relationship) transferring into adulthood. Going through each scene, we see Juan and Sarah fall more and more in love with each other, and then chewing some gum right after. Weird combination, but insanely cute. This commercial appeals to the emotions in completely admiring their relationship and then sympathizing with them when they are fighting or are apart. Truly one of the best commercials ever, and makes me cry... every. Time. 

Make a Smellmitment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HXVfH1P8YU

In this commercial 2 men who had been fighting over which Old Spice scent smells best became best friends. The commercial uses pathos in many ways. The first most obvious use is the 2 men calling a truce to their argument and becoming best friends. Secondly, The commercial uses the 2 "endings" to get sympathy from people. Lastly, it shops the 2 men (now very old) sitting in chairs next to each other, this suggests that the 2 remained best friends for life. Old Spice uses pathos very strongly in this commercial and in my opinion it worked very well to get people to buy their products.

The Greatest 2-minute Love Story of all Time!!

For those of y'all that have never seen this Extra gum commercial that came out a few months ago, here it is: the best commercial of all time.

This commercial gives me chills every time I watch it, and it is such an amazing example of using pathos to evoke emotion in your audience. From the beginning, you can't help but love Sarah and Juan, they are two high school teens who seem to fall in love with each other the moment their eyes meet, when she offers him a piece of gum after he helps her pick up her books. After their first date, he draws a picture to commemorate the evening on the back of an Extra gum wrapper. Throughout their little journey, he continues to draw pictures of them spending time together as they seem to fall more and more in love (AW!!!). The story reaches a climax when Sarah has to leave Juan, and they are seen hugging at the airport (I couldn't help but she a tear at this part). However, the couple makes it through a long-distance relationship (basically everyone's relationship goals) and Juan proposes to her after setting up a surprise are exhibit of  all of his gum wrapper pictures! This commercial is so cute and tells a love story that anyone would love to have as their own. I don't even like gum, but I would buy Extra after watching this commercial!

First Date – Hyundai Super Bowl Commercial

        



                                                                                                                                                            


This 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad used pathos. It starts out with a kid coming to pick up a girl for a first date and the girls dad, Kevin Hart, lets them borrow his brand new car so that he can track them secretly. This first part should appeal to all parents who have children who are dating age and make them pay attention to the commercial and the tracking technology in the car. Then it shows the kids going places where the boy keeps finding the dad watching them. Upon locating the dad the kid shapes up and it confuses the girl. Eventually the boy brings the girl home and she walks off angry. This tells us that they are likely not going out again, and thus the dad has completed his mission of keeping his little girl away from boys. This of course is thanks to his car, which at the end of the ad startles the boy by beeping. Also through out this commercial there is an appeal to humor that appeals to most ages.

The Best Advertiser of the Modern Age

I am going to take this opportunity to share some of my favorite commercials from the best advertiser of all time. Gieco is well known for their numerous humorous television commercials. From the cave men to the gecko to the rhetorical questions to there current "It's what you do" series, Gieco has been the leader in quality advertising. The main goal of Gieco is to make sure you associate with their company. Because of their advertising they are probably the most well known insurance company. It's been a health strategy for Gieco. After all, who doesn't want to spend fifteen minuets to save fifteen percent or more on car insurance?

We Dont Make Jeep, You Do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKn5K5V7tRo

At the begging of the commercial it says, "I've seen things no man should bear and that every man should dare." In the background there is a picture of soldier cover dirt and muck, who looks like he just came off the battle grounds. right off the bat in this commercial it is using pathos, stirring up your emotions with pictures and what the narrator is saying. Then commercial goes on to talk about how it has been to the beaches of Normandy, to the far reaches of the earth, and how it out has out ran robot and tango with the dinosaur. now the audience is wondering who or what this person or thing is. the commercial keeps going talking about how it has seen the face of fear and fortitude, and witness great beauty in the making and how it has kept the company of kings and queens. then goes on to say i am no royalty or saint, but roamer and explore, only to find myself were belong. throughout the commercial it was hinted at that our mysterious figure was actually a jeep. At the end of the the commercial it say, "We Don't Make Jeep, You Do." Which leaves feeling happy or satisfied. 

Puppymonkeybaby

In this commercial the three guys are bored and have no plans.  Then this puppymonkeybaby comes out from the wall and totally starts controlling these guys through music and being hypnotized.  The puppymonkeybaby hypnotizes these men into follow him who knows where.  The commercial tries to show that if your bored that when you drink Mountain Dew Kickstart anything can happen and you wont be bored. This probably attracts kids or teenagers who get bored and want some energy to do fun stuff.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql7uY36-LwA

Taste the Feeling

In this Coca Cola commercial, they're using pathos to let us know that Coke makes us feel happy. They start the commercial by showing us the Coke in a cup which makes us think back to the last time we had a Coke, and how we felt when we had that. Next, it shows "Coke with ice." which turns into "Ice with Friends." which is called anadiplosis. This is a technique that tells a story that tugs at our heart. Next, it says "Friends with stories" which is also anadiplosis. This is shown by friends having fun together. Next, it says "Stories with Coke" which is followed by "Coke with smiles". This basically starts the whole commercial around again so we know its going to circle things back around and end with coke. The next few lines are "Smiles with strangers", "Strangers with fire", "Fire with Coke", "Coke with love", "Love with refresh", "Refresh with Coke", "Coke with music", "Music with madness", "Madness with you", "you with Coke", "Coke with feeling". This is when we finish our cycle of anadiplosis. The way they show these clips makes us want to do fun things and drink a coke. There are many different races showing that coke is for everyone. They use glass bottles reminding us of the past such as things we did or things we wish we did. At the end of commercial, we are told to "Taste the Feeling". This is telling us that coke is equal to the feeling. Coca Cola did a great job.

https://youtu.be/Xy6cSJEwfkY

Analyzing the Rhetoric of Commercials

We know political ads are full of rhetoric, because their goal is to get you to vote for their candidate . . . or possibly to get you to be afraid of their opponent. Regular commercial ads use rhetoric as well, because they are trying to persuade you to buy their product or to identify with their brand.

Watch this analysis of a Budweiser Super Bowl ad. 

After you listen to the analysis of this ad, find an ad of your own that uses rhetorical appeals. Embed or link the ad in your post, and discuss the audience, the visual elements, the rhetorical elements, and the effectiveness of the ad.

Warning... (I said the word!)

This is tricky! I have to say, if I were an American Literature teacher and was in this situation, I would discuss the use of the n-word in class and allow it to be said by whoever of the students feels comfortable saying it. I agree with the bearded man in the video we watched that this word was obviously used by Twain for a reason and is an important part of this iconic book... Therefore it shouldn't be neglected, but it also shouldn't be over-dramatized. As was mentioned in the video, not saying the word or buying a book without the word seems to give it a lot more power than it deserves. It certainly was used as a negative word during Twain's time, but it also had different meanings according to the African American culture. Therefore, reading the word in class, though likely to produce some discomfort, may produce a realization that Twain intended his readers to have.

  If the use of the n-word were to become a huge deal in my classroom, I might allow special class time to discuss the use of the word and why it makes us uncomfortable or offended. If a class member were well beyond uncomfortable and admitted it, then I would respect their feelings and not speak the word in class. Overall, I think that the use of this word, nigger, in Huckleberry Finn should not be given the silly power that it is. I would never EVER call anyone by this word, but without context, I don't find it any worse saying the actual word than discussing it. I apologize if I offended anyone by actually saying the word, but, if I did, feel free to confront me about it.

Too much controversy

I would choose to leave it in the book but do not say it out loud and skip over it when reading, because the book does accurately portray the historical perspective back then. It is technically not a “bad word” but I still do not think we should say it because it is just as offensive as any other bad word. Although it does cause pain for certain people and I don't want to hurt people; but in reality there is so much darkness in the world that you cannot avoid. I don't think it was Mark Twain’s intention for the word to be so controversial in his book, but he obviously is opposed to slavery in the end which ties in with the word but at the same time it does not mean slave -> I would not completely change the word. I think that growth is something that is important in life and trying to censor the word out completely is sort of a stint in that it doesn't give a person the opportunity to mature. Do not get me wrong though, I do hope to keep one’s innocence and not say it. It is a good book that has more to it then just that word, and so we should still get the chance to read it but not say it since it is unnecessary to say. BUT necessary towards the context of the book, history, and reality.

Politics and rhetorics

Sanders - My guess is that he is targeting farmers. It shows that he cares about the people of America and that people love him. He was smiling and other people were smiling and everyone looked happy, but i am really not sure what the message of the ad was trying to convey.

Trump- As always trump exaggerates his voice in his presidential ad. He tells us what he is going to do and gives us a visual on that action. The ad was very intense and I think he was just trying to get his point across.

Obama- repeated “Yes we can” and it was definitely a bit much for my preference but I asked one of my friends (who is a democrat) and she absolutely loved it. She said it was artsy, so obviously Obama was targeting a younger audience with this ad, because he show cases many celebrities and repetition is quite popular within the young-adult community. 

Huck Finn and the Challenges of the N-word

If I were a high school American Literature teacher, we would read Huck Finn. With the n-word being a part of the novel consistently, I would discuss the way the word is used in the novel, especially in relation to pre Civil War times. I think I would have the students say the word. It captures the mindset of the characters and allows the students to feel the weight of the separation between whites and blacks back then. The word is not being directed at a literal person (yes I know the book refers to characters that way but I'm talking about real life people) and when the book was written, it was not a "bad word".

Varied opinion

I personally believe that the "n-word" is the most important part of  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, so I actually intend on replacing every word in the book with the "n-word". I will have class periods where the only word I will allow to be said is the "n-word". Other days I will play secular rap music on max volume and force the students to write down how many times the "n-word" is used and then take it up as a test grade.

Huckleberry Finn and The N-word

If I were a American Literature teacher today and I was teaching Huckleberry Finn I would teach it one of two ways. I would make it optional to say it or I would encourage the students to say it. However I would not make anyone say it against their will. Also I think the lack of the use of the N-word today shows how far the African-american people have come since the 1800s.

If I were to make it optional it would be in a class that was ethnically diverse. This would allow the group to hear it some and become somewhat accustomed to it, but it would allow them to still have the exposure to it. If a student came to the n-word and did not want to say it the would not replace it with anything, they would just skip over it. This would allow for the presentation of a teaching point but it would not make students overly uncomfortable.

If I were to encourage saying the n-word it would be in a class that is mostly not African-american. This would allow the other nationalities to hear it and become accustomed to it with out offending any or many the students. This method would also allow for plenty of teaching moments. Again in this scenario if a student did not feel comfortable saying the word, then they would simply skip over it allowing for everyone to "hear" the word in their own minds.

No No Word

If I were the teacher it would definitely depend on the makeup of the classroom. If it were all white/no black kids I would discuss why or why we shouldn't use the word and the controversy behind the word but in the end I wouldn't use it. I myself am very uncomfortable using that word, and I have quite the potty mouth. If there were black kids in the class I would let them use it if they wanted because it's not really my place to tell them they can't say it. In college I didn't know reading out loud was a thing? If it was just me, the teacher, reading it out loud I would skip over it but if the students were reading it out loud, well they're adults and I can't really tell them not to say the n-word. I would, of course, first discuss the use of the word  and then decide as a class whether or not to use it.

Shhhh

I would probably address it in the way where we read the book with it in, but just skip over saying it. If my class was mixed and the African American students approached me and said that it didn't bother them, I might consider having a discussion with all the students as it does teach valuable lessons about the past. However, I would not directly try to bring about this discussion.
Although I feel that it is an important part of the book, I don't feel fit using it as it is another race's. It would be like some other friend of yours trying to get in or make jokes about something you and your best friend have (except in the case of the n-word, it would be a more serious topic). Some things just belong to certain culture's or races, and I think it is better to leave certain things and not integrate that particular nuance into all cultures.

The N-Word

If I was a high school english teacher and I had the choice to read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I would choose to read it, and not the edited version. I believe the n-word is used for a reason and taking it out completely is not how this should be handled. I do, however, believe that the word should not be said in class, regardless of the color of my students. The way people used to use the word was not meant to be a term of endearment like it is used today, so I would not have my students use this language.

Sensitive People

As an American Literature teacher, I would never use an edited version of any so-called "great novel". By high school kids who aren't living under a rock should at least know of the N word. Saying it out loud in class will do more harm than good, however removing it completely from the book is a step overboard. Not wanting to say it yourself is fine, but ignoring it completely is idiotic.

Fo Sho My N-Words!

I have made a pact with myself that I would never use the n-word for fear that my already radiant white skin will illuminate to a level which can be seen from orbit. However, in this strange alternate reality where I have become a lucky teacher of an American Literature Class I will face the inevitable challenge of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I recognize that I am a middle class white, cis, straight, male and therefore am the major cause of every problem in society due to the sheer amount of privilege that I am burdened to carry for all of my days. So for me to have the audacity to say the n-word in class and potentially offend a special little snowflake, would not be checking my privilege at all. I need to be sensitive to these gentle, majestic creatures because the last thing I want to be is "problematic". It's not as though these children in my class are real people who will have to go into the real world to face real problems and challenges, so what's the point in preparing them for something they realistically should never have to think about? We live in a culture where college campuses are gracious enough to offer safe zones so that these special little snowflakes can continue in their personal world without racism and bigotry. Whose to say that in 10 years time, every potentially triggering thing will have trigger warnings so that the snowflakes will never have to be unexpectedly offended by anything ever again. Could we not try to work through these racial issues with co-operation and the intent on building a strong relationship which bridges the races? That's not my decision to make at all! Remember all the privilege I have? Someone with my amount of privilege should never be allowed the opportunity to try to make a difference. That's crazy talk. So if I were to teach The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn I would use the version with the n-word, but I would also strategically divide the entire class into teams and make reading the book an at home assignment. That way I'll never have to read aloud in class! Then when the time comes to talk about the n-word, I'll assign a series of articles to read and videos to watch (which use the n-word) so that the students will get an introduction at home and understand what I'm referring to when I say "n-word" instead of the actually n-word in class. Genius if I may say so myself. 

The N word

If I was teaching The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn I would choose not to hide the word from my class.  I think that if you decide to change the word or just skip over it the point that Twain's book would not be the same.  There is a lot of meaning behind the book and if you change it then the book wont be the same.  Maybe if the class consists of younger high schoolers that just think that its fun to say then they wouldn't say anything.  If they are older and understand what the true meaning behind it is then they might understand the book more.  

Consistency is key

Many teachers around the United States have differing opinions on the issue of the N-word in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  While i do not agree with substituting a different word into its place, i do believe it is important to make sure all students are in a safe, comfortable learning environment. In some cases, the word could be read in class with no issues, but i think being consistent from class to class is important for the teacher as well as the rising students. Because of this, I think the best option is to leave the word in, but to skip over it.  The students will still acknowledge the presence of the word and read it in their head.  This gives close to the same effect as reading it out loud while still making sure the students are not too distracted to learn.   

N word

I am very confused on my opinion of this topic. Before class yesterday I felt very strongly that the N word should be left in Huck Finn and should be read but Mrs.Carnes and Kyle swayed my opinion a little bit. I thought (and still think) that the word is important to this book because it shows how the language was in this time period and adds to Huck’s character. Huck Finn is a great work of literature and this word was used for a reason. There really isn’t a replacement for it. I think that is necessary to the book but I don’t think it is necessary in a school environment for the word to be said if some students or even one feels uncomfortable. I personally do not see anything wrong with reading the N word while reading Huck Finn because it is not being said or used to actually call anyone that. If someone in our class were to call someone a nigger I would have a problem with that but in the context or reading a work of literature I think it is almost necessary to see that it IS shocking how people used to talk and how things have changed. I completely understand why Mrs.Carnes has chosen for us to not say it and if I were in her shoes I would make the same decision. We are in a Private Christian School and even if all of the students said they are okay with the N word being said there may be parents that have issues with it. Once we get out in the real world we won’t be able to escape a lot of this kind of language and im sure we will disagree with a lot of teachings we are taught in college. But that’s what makes Fideles great. We don’t have to worry about anything except for our education. We are sheltered from a lot of the things that public schoolers face which has its positives and negatives. For many of us we face enough unchristian behavior outside of school and it is nice to not have to deal with the distractions and we are able to focus on our education while at school. I know this is a disadvantage for some people who do not face any of the “real world” problems in high school because when they go to college it will be overwhelming. I think that if the N word being said in class would be upsetting or distracting for someone then it should not be said and we are privileged enough to go to a school where we can be sheltered and we can voice our opinions. I would choose the third option to leave the word in the book but not say it out loud.

Here's my opinion about the N-word...

If I was a Lit teacher and my class was reading Huck Finn, I would have the students skip over the N-word when reading allowed. I would tell them from the beginning that that is how we were going to do it, regardless of what color students I had in my classroom. Although I am not personally offended by the N-word, I don't think that is a thing that should be said in class. It was created to be an extremely offensive word, and honestly I would never want to say it myself. I know that today the meaning has changed, and has become popular in black culture, as a term of endearment, or show of respect. However, just because the word has changed for some people doesn't mean that it has changed for everyone. It is still seen as, at the very least awkward, but mostly just offensive for white people to call a black person the N-word today.

I really don't think that skipping over a word while people are reading in class could possibly detract from the book. You still see the word. It's there. At that point, I would ask why a person would want an excuse to repeatedly say a cuss word in class?

My hitta

Wow! What an honor it is to be a lit teacher... I feel almost sanctioned by God.

So, it is now time to read and discuss the great American novel, Huckleberry Finn. The 60 minute video really made me think. It really is hard to decide what the best option is. I would rather not hurt anyones feelings, but I'll have to go with the last option: for all of us to say the n-word. Although it may be uncomfortable for some students, especially those who are African American, I think it could bring up a lot of good topics for discussion (like the man with the beard said). Also, the other teacher mentioned that in life you're gonna be put in uncomfortable situations. These situations lead to growth and even the forming of your own opinion. Lastly, I don't think we should give the word as much power as we do. To be honest, its all in the way a person uses it. If its not being used in a negative/bad racial sense, why do we cower at the sight and hearing of it in the book?

And whats behind door number 4??

Personally I think that when teach Huckleberry Finn, I would confront the controversy with the class. There is obviously such a thing as giving a word its power, and I think by not confronting the controversy, the word is just more empowered. I think my main objective by using the word and confronting the controversy that is behind it would be to have my students realize its really not the controversial topic its made out to be. I believe that this is the better approach rather than the others, because without confronting the word a firmer belief of controversy, and a lack of knowledge on the topic is instilled in the students. Replacing the word with "slave", is changing Twain's work and changes the meaning of the book, and by removing the book all together, the students miss out on the greatest piece of American Literature ever written.

the word

If I were an English teacher, I would have my class read Huckleberry Finn. I would not use the edited version, because I believe it is important to not edit history. Huckleberry Finn does portray the culture historically accurately. Many people were racist and did use that word. However, I would not have the class say the word. It is an insultive word. While not a "cuss word," I would say that is is just as bad. I would not allow my class to use any words that are "bad," including that word.

The Huck Finn Quandary

First of all, I doubt I will ever become a high school literature teacher. Teaching is something I have an interest in, but I sure do not want to teach literature. However, hypothetical case that I was a high school literature teacher, we would probably read Huck Finn. The reason for this is not related to the N-word. It is simply because it is the first book in a long while that I have actually enjoyed. With that being said, we would read it with the N-word in the text, but we would not say it out loud. We would talk about it, but to be honest, we would not make a big deal out of it. It's a word - I don't get the issue. It's a hurtful word, so don't say it. We don't need this much controversy over it.

The N-word

Mark Twain was great write and is credited with writing the greatest American novel of all time but in it he uses the N-word in it 219. Many people have taken offense to this because they feel like this word should never be used in a classroom setting or even discussed . As I disagree with this and think that with it being such a big part of the book that it should be discussed in class and if everyone was okay saying it and where mature enough to realize that it is just a word and that it was the kind of language they used back then

To Say or Not to Say

I would personally go with the third option with a little bit of qualification. I would still discuss the controversy, but in the context of explaining why we weren't going to say it in class. I have grown up being taught that the n-word is a bad word and that it shouldn't be said in any context, and likewise I would not want it said comfortably in my classroom. But, it would also bring up the interesting topic of curse words and how they are used in literature, if they serve any actual purpose, and what they do to the story and characters. Whether or not I give power to the n-word by not saying it, I believe it is better to not single out or alienate students the classroom.  

Huck Finn and the N-word

There is a reason for Twain's use of the N-word in Huck Finn. He didn't put the word into the book to offend people he put it there for multiple reasons, I don't know these reasons but I do know that Twain's purpose was not to offend people. With this said I would choose option 4. I would talk about it in class and have everyone share their beliefs around the word. If there was too much controversy and the students did not want to say it then we wouldn't say it but if everyone was okay with it then we would be reading it out loud and talking about it a lot. The N-word plays a major role in Huck Finn and its importance should not go unnoticed. The word appears in the book 219 times, if that doesn't tell you it's there for an important reason I don't know what will.

Oh for the love of controversy!

Oh gee! I'm a Lit teacher!! How amazing! 
If I had to teach my students about the novel Huckleberry Finn I would choose the fourth option which is:  You discuss the controversy, and both you and the students use the word. I feel like it is a very important part of the novel. It's not like it's there purely for the purpose of making people uncomfortable. The n-word has a very negative connotation with whites... But I don't think it's as negative to african americans using it. Like the man with the beard said, it's a term of endearment. If you're a bro, you're an n-word. 
I feel like the best way to handle this would be to discuss so everyone can get their feelings off their chest and be able to affect the way we read it. If there are too many problems we won't say the word. End of story. It's up to my students so that I don't put them in that awkward situation.  

Teaching the Controversy: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Picture it: the year is 2026. You have succeeded beyond your wildest dreams; you are the envy of your friends and neighbors: you are a high school American Literature teacher.

It's time to teach what is ostensibly the greatest American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Excited as you are, you know that you are going to have to deal with the most controversial aspect of the novel--the use of the n-word, which appears 219 times. Here are some options:

1. You decide not to teach the book because it's offensive or because you want to avoid causing pain. For one such perspective, read this New York Times article by a law professor who argues we should not teach it.

2. You use New South Books' bowdlerized version, which replaces the offending word with "slave."

3. You leave it in the book but do not say it out loud and skip over it when reading aloud.

4. You discuss the controversy, and both you and the students use the word. 

What do you choose to do and why? Does your answer change depending on the makeup of the class (i.e., racial composition or high school vs. college)? It may help to think about this argument in terms of  logos, pathos, and ethos.

 

Each of the four options above reveals what your priorities are as a teacher. Think about what your top goals would be and which option would help you achieve them. And because I know you so well, I fully expect that you will come up with at least four other options that I haven't thought of yet!

The Fun Subject about Politics

Politics in my opinion is stupid, especially the ads. In each of the ads that were presented, 1. The Candidate tried to relate or make the people feel that they can trust this politician or idiot. 2. they are promising to do something that will never actually happen. 3. The repetition that is used in the ads. the use of repetition in the ads, is the key to success for these politicians. if they just say it a lot, people will just believe them. All the politicians did use the rhetorical techniques in their ads.

YES WE CAN (x2372003) WHAT?!

Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, and Barrack Obama certainly used different tactics, including emotional and logical appeals, to gain support. I don't think I would be so annoyed by a couple of these (remaining un-named for now) if all, or even the majority, of the people watching understood what it was these candidates were about. However, I have a very unsettling feeling that the basis for too many peoples' political views and decisions stem from these ads or other types of propaganda... 

     I was kind of confused watching Bernie Sanders' video because all I understand now is that he supports farmers, animals, and people screaming his name. There was absolutely zero information on how he intends to help our country and effect change for good. I don't even think there were any spoken words, or at least I don't remember any (but I'm not going to watch it again to make sure)... On the upside (for him), he certainly may appeal to farmers and some middle class people who know little to none about the state or needs of our nation and just want a president who seems nice and "helpful."

      Donald Trump's ad is definitely one that appeals to those who know more about politics and our need for ACTUAL beneficial change to be enforced. His ad is rather short, logically states his plans to help our country, and, though intense and mildly frightening, shows himself to be bold, dependable, and confident... And I'm pretty sure that's better than "nice" and "helpful" in regards to the person LEADING our country. However, Trump may not get the votes of those who know very little about politics and are just waiting for the CNN talk show to come back on so they can be told why the lower class is being ripped off and how Hillary Clinton is so strong for going through what she's going through. 

       And finally... Yes We Can WHAT, Obama?!? Divide people even more? Make people more dependent on government?? His ad appeals to emotions and uses celebrities and a pretty acoustic song to pull at the heart strings of its listeners. It uses pieces of his "YES WE CAN" speech, which is basically the repetition of those very words, and puts them into a song (the best obvious choice) which is sung by some well-known celebrities. Now, unlike Bernie Sanders', from Obama's ad, I actually can see that he supports "change," however, based on his ad, I am not quite sure WHAT that change is or HOW in the world he intends on making it happen. The use of words like "hope" and, let's not forget, "yes we can," make his supporters feel like he is a wonderful, understanding man who wants the best for the people of the world. If they knew all the facts, they would probably discover in him and his plans just the teeniest bit of tyranny, but most of his supporters don't know the facts... Instead, they are blinded by what the media shows them... a cool, hopeful president with all of the answers. 

     Though I may not know as much about politics as say my parents or probably many of my classmates, I do try to keep up with the happenings of our nation as much as I can, and I am hopeful for a president who will actually get things done to strengthen and unite America, rather than further separate our people and take away our position of power in the world. I didn't expect to have this much to say about these ads or these candidates, but there you have it!