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Monday, January 30, 2012

chapter tres

Understanding How Arguments Based on Character Work. Sooo.... would you come to me and ask me about basketball? Do I look like the type of girl who watches it and knows all the penalties and shiz? No. I don't even know if there are periods or quarters or whatnot. Now think about a new topic.... maybe fashion or something more feminine? Then I'm your girl.
Basically the topic in this section of the chapter was about establishing credibility and finding the right sources to believe the information. They gave examples about the "car guy" in the neighbor hood when you have car problems, and the short-order cook at the local diner. You are less likely to believe things or be swayed by an argument unless the source is someone credible.
They also have some claims to think about:
1. A person (or group) does or does not have the authority to speak to this issue.
Lets go back to me and the basket ball issue. I have never played basketball in my life or really known anyone who is crazy about the sport. I have only been to maybe three games ever. All of this would definitely not give me the authority to speak to this issue.
2. A person (or group) is or is not trustworthy or credible on this issue.
Since we already established that I know nothing about basketball, I am already not credible. However, if I put on a jersey you may think that I had knowledge about the sport. In which case, I would lie to you, making me even less trustworthy about the issue.
3. A person (or group) does or does not have good motives for addressing this subject.
Say you were going to give me a million dollars if I answered your basketball question. Chances are I would figure out an amazing answer, right or wrong, just to get the moolah. This would be an example of a bad motive.
In the end, I do not know basketball. I do not have authority, credibility, or good motives. Put me against a pro player in a basketball argument and 100% of the people will believe the player. Like it says in the chapter, you are more swayed in an argument by those who have all the necessary traits.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Chapter fourteenizzle

What I responded to most in chapter 14 was the part about visual arguments based on character. The section started by comparing two papers, one written on a looseleaf piece of messy paper, and the other nicely typed. This immediately made me think of legally blonde.... don't judge me. She comes in with her little happy self and submits her resume in a very nontraditional way, on pink scented paper. I can only imagine what the man reading her paper was thinking. The section then went on to explain how appearances shouldn't count for much, but they do. It is best to seem "authoritative and credible." Relating back to legally blonde, obviously her paper, in a legal business environment, would not be treated with as much respect. The section explains that to have respect, it is best to visually prove that you deserve it. They give the example of the university website... to be honest I like my legally blonde example better. Later they explain how the design reflects your character. They say that fonts can tell a lot about a person, wether they are warm and inviting or efficient and contemporary. Also, the color means a lot, helping the reader visualize whatever you are portraying. 
After reading the chapter, I decided to pull an Elle Woods, and make my writing pink. Sorry it's not scented, if I could I would.


Ideas for WP1:
I really like animals, little kids and nonprofit organizations so something to do with any of those seems like a good idea. I seem to respond more to the emotional aspects and funny aspects so I have to decide what will be easier to put together. Kinda sorta nervous because I am not a very artistic person.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Me.

Wow, well since I have never blogged before we'll see how this goes....
Hi! My name is Rachel, obviously since the title of my blog is "Rachel's Wonderful Blog." I am a Freshman at the good ol' ASU. I am currently majoring in Business Sustainability, but I am thinking about switching to Business Law because being a lawyer sounds pretty fun. Who doesn't want to yell at people and get their way? Other than academics, I am involved in Kappa Kappa Gamma (a sorority) and am rushing for Alpha Kappa Psi (business frat). I love to dance, and have been involved in classes since I was a wee little one. While I am all about having a good time, education is surprisingly still very very very important to me. If all falls into place, I hope to attend Harvard Law School. I know you are thinking that a girl like me would never get in.... well watch me prove you wrong. Oh and that's something else about me, I obviously like to shoot for the stars. Another thing I am probably most fond of is people. Now I'm not saying I want to be your best friend, probably not even your friend, but I do like to talk and you like to listen. Yeah I can listen too, and I will probably give you awesome advice, but talking is my forte.
List of other things I like because I got tired of writing sentences:
-giraffes
-pink
-cheese
-sparkles
-movies that I can understand
-you
-crafting
-bacon
-facebook
-long walks on the beach... but really.

Hmm, I really just rambled didn't I? Oh well. You read it anyways.