Monday, January 3, 2011
Journal 1
This class is about arguments, and your reading for this week examined the different elements of many kinds of arguments. Now, it's time to make an argument of your own. Challenge or support the title of this chapter: is everything really an argument? If you are challenging the title, then you may want to consider situations where no argument is being made or reframe one of the kinds of arguments the chapter identifies as something other than argument. If you are supporting the title, you may want to consider other experiences you've had where you now realize you were hearing/speaking an argument. Either way, support your response with examples from the text and from your life experiences.
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This is Kassandra Carr's post:
ReplyDeleteIn my eyes, everything is an argument because a decision is always being made about something whether we notice or not. People tend to argue more with their own self than with other people. A good example would be whether or not I should eat that second slice of cake or just wait until the next day. The added fat could be a plus or a negative on a person. I’m not saying that there are never arguments with others because there are. My brother and I will always argue about whose turn it would be to wash the dishes and several things would have to be taken into account such as who had practice that night and who washed them the night before. A major argument that I continuously have with my self is when will be the best time to transfer to another school. Money, academic requirements, and housing are thought about every time I think about what to do. There are pros and cons to me leaving this university and going somewhere else. At the moment, my pros surely outweigh my cons. However, the major con of money is holding me back because I will no longer have Bright Future’s paying for my education. So should I just stay and wait it out or just leave and focus on my happiness and my career? There is not a straight answer to this question because of the various ideas I have to take into consideration. So the argument continues and the list of arguments will never end.
This is Mitch Thompson's Post:
ReplyDeleteIn the world we live in, everything around us is some sort of argument. Everyone has different opinions on all sorts of topics and they argue their side every single day, even if they aren't doing it consciously. One of the points made in the article "Everything Is an Argument" is that the clothes people wear, and the logos and words displayed on them are arguments, and I think that is true. Whether you have a tee-shirt with Obama's face on it, a Tennessee Titans jersey, or a Led Zeppelin hoodie, you are making an argument that those are your preferred choices over, say, McCain, the Miami Dolphins, or Pink Floyd. Personally, I wear tee-shirts almost every single day with one of my favorite bands' names or logos on them. Even though I'm not trying to start a conflict with anyone who disagrees with my taste in music, I am clearly displaying my side of the potential argument that could ensue by wearing a simple tee-shirt. This is just one example of how a simple act, like picking a shirt out of your closet, can be unexpectedly turned into an argument. There are many other ways in which people make arguments in their daily lives, and many may not even realize it.
This is Alex Carmona's Post:
ReplyDeleteAs human beings it is in our nature to analyze every situation that comes our way, and in turn make a valid decision of what to do next. In making those decisions we critically argue out alternatives in order to chose the perfect outcome. In supporting the title "is everything really an argument,” I can look back on my own experiences for which this statement proves true. Just as the article discussed arguing out alternatives for a college major, my experience in choosing which college to attend had a similar outcome. After applying to five schools in the Florida public university system, I looked at all of the various entities that each college offered. In arguing out which colleges were for me and which ones weren't, I had to make a decision between choosing FSU or USF. By then visiting both schools, I was able to argue the pros and cons of each university to my parents, friends and even teachers to make my decision of attending FSU. While this is just one out of an infinite number of arguments that I have made and will continue to make, the bottom line is that as human beings we will continue to argue out just about everything that comes our way on a day to day basis.
This is Mitch Thompson's response to Alex's post:
ReplyDeleteI think the topic of choosing where to go to college is an excellent way to express how everything is an argument, since the whole college process is one. Each school argues with the others about which is better, thus creating an argument between yourself, your peers, and your parents on which to attend. Since I pretty much went through the same exact thing as you when choosing a school, I can definitely agree with and relate to your post.
This is sab10's post:
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that every single thing a person says is a argument. For example, in the reading, it mentions that signs are argumentative. I think that signs are present just to inform people of something not arguing for it. Just because there is a sign saying Orlando South does not mean that someone is arguing for Orlando. Shirts with sports teams on them also aren't argumentative. I'm a Florida Panther fan and just because i wear a jersey doesn't mean I'm arguing that they're a better team. They're one of the worst I just wear it because I'm a fan.
Alex's response to sab10:
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this because by wearing that jersey, you're arguing that you favor them over any other team playing against the Panthers. You have arguments for why you are a fan of that team and arguments for why you are not a fan of the other hockey teams out there. And that sign that says "Orlando South" is an advertisement paid for by Orlando to let drivers know that there is an exit coming up and to go towards that destination if they choose to do so.
Kassandra's response to Alex and sab10:
ReplyDeleteYou just said that everything is not an argument; however, your post is an argument within itself. The Florida Panthers are not the best team as you stated but you made an argument that you wear the jersey because you are a fan and you don't wear it because they are a great team. You had to make a decision whether or not to represent this team because you like it and others may feel embarrassed to boost up a team that is a failure. Jerseys are advertisements for a team and that’s exactly what you are doing for this team. Having signs for people to follow is to inform them but a people can make an argument whether or not the sign is necessary to follow. There are two sides to everything; therefore, there will be an argument regarding the topic so I do not agree with you
Everything really is an argument. After reading this excerpt I have been shown a new way to look at life. At first glance a sign reading "stop" just meant "stop" to me. Now actually being described the deeper meaning behind that common word, "stop" is posed to inform all who approach it. After reading the section about branded clothing sporting logos of specific mascots, it got me thinking...i'm arguing without even addressing the issue. This is apparent, especially against rival schools. Whenever I walk by an individual wearing a Gators logo, I automatically despise them. They could just be borrowing the piece of clothing from a friend, but I wouldn't be thinking about that right then and there. I would want to shout "Gator's Suck!" or "How about those Seminoles?" at them.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started to read this article I thought it was ridiculous to claim that everything could be an argument. I told myself that if you were wearing that same mascot jacket but it didn't have any writing or tags on it at all, how can that still be an argument? Upon further processing I ran myself into a hole, realizing that wearing that style of clothes is informing or convincing another person that you belong to the group that wears that style of clothing, or that you prefer that type of jacket or fabric, or even informing people that you wear jackets or even clothes at all. Seeing as how I cannot argue my way out of disbelief that everything is an argument, I would say that the title of the article, "Everything is an Argument," is in fact truth.
ReplyDeleteI also checked up on the definition of 'argument' in merriam-webster's online dictionary and the fact that it can also mean "An outward sign, or indication," agrees with the article's claim that informing and explaining can also be considered parts of an argument.
I believe that everything around us is some sort of argument. Everyone has different opinions on topics and anything you say, do, or own to represent your belief can be interpreted one way or another. I find myself internally battling with myself on a daily basis. I cant begin to name the times when i have been caught mumbling to myself to make a decision. Every decision I make I subconsciously weigh out the pros and cons for the end result and try to come to what I believe is the best choice. Today for example I went to the store and bought Christmas themed cups. It is after Christmas but through debating the pros and cons I came to the decision that the discounted Christmas cups were a better choice than the full priced solo cups. This is just one example of an argument I have had today, but after reading this article and looking around at the world around me I strongly agree with the title and that everything really is an argument.
ReplyDeleteIn resonse to Kassandra Carrs post I agree when you say that most arguments are internal because every decision we make is an argument. Although external arguments happen, the bulk of arguments are internal and between ourselves as we try to figure out the best possible solution to a senario.
ReplyDeleteLife is full of decisions, from what time to wake up to what to cook for dinner; one constantly analyzes one's actions, balancing the pros and cons self-consciously. One makes an argument as to what is best to eat in terms as to whether what tastes best and what's healthier. One also makes an argument as to when to go to sleep, balancing the benefits and consequences of staying up late. The reading describes the different types of arguments and explains that an "argument" isn't necessarily a fight or disagreement but the process of analyzing decisions. A road sign may not seem like an argument but it's a perfect example of one; for instance, one reads a stop sign and evaluates the situation, deciding weather to stop or not. Although it may seem like an easy decision, one's brain goes through the entire process in less than a second. Arguments are also made on a larger scale, wearing a rosary or cross is an argument made to inform others of one's beliefs, morals, and religion. A great example of a major argument most people make, is deciding which university to attend. I made a list of all the different advantages and disadvantages each university presented and made the decision based off the argument I was able to make for each university. From the smallest decisions in life like what to wear to the major decisions in life such as when to marry or when to have a baby, one makes decisions everyday and their involved in all aspects of life.
ReplyDeleteIn response to sab10's post:
ReplyDeleteAlthough a road sign such as “Orlando South” may seem unimportant, its serves as an argument to inform. It informs drivers of the direction they’re headed in. It allows drivers to analyze the situation and decide whether they’re headed in the right direction, or whether they need to turn around. I see your point with the Florida Panthers jersey, but although you may not think about it, you’re making an argument that even though they’re a struggling hockey team, you’re a dedicated fan and will continue to represent you’re team.
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ReplyDeleteTatiana Bedoya's response:
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started reading, I was against the idea that everything is an argument, but after reading and further analyzing, I support that everything is someway is an argument. It is human nature to disagree with one another, therefore making arguments inevitable every single day. During high school, I argued with my parents every single day about something insignificant. Whether it was for not cleaning my room or because they wouldn't let me go out, there was argument. They would give their opinion and I would argue mine. There was an argument on whether I should go to FSU or UCF. They argued that UCF was closer to home. I liked the campus more at FSU. We argue about everything and anything. We aren't meant to agree with everything everyone else says, therefore the arguments will never end
At first, I didn't consider everything to be an argument. I thought street signs were just helpful information and instructions, sports shirts just represented what team you like, and "Hi, how are you?," was just an everyday question. But after reading this article, I understand how everything is an argument. For example, I am a huge Justin Bieber fan, and I own several shirts, a sweater, and all of his CD's. I bought all of these items to support him and because he is my favorite artist. Not only that, I am arguing that I think he has great music and he's one of the best artists in Pop music, where as other people strongly disagree.
ReplyDeleteI also never realized there were so many purposes for arguments like to make decisions, to convince and to explore. After reading this article I realized I have many arguments with myself. One of them being if I should transfer to FIU next year. I continuously weigh the pros and cons. Transferring would be cheaper, I would be with my friends, I'd have two jobs, and I would be home but then again I'd be transferring to a lower ranked school. I have yet to come up with a clear decision and I argue this topic with myself everyday which eventually leads to other arguments. This process is on going and I now agree that everything, somehow, is an argument.
In reponse to Kassandra Carr's post
ReplyDeleteI agree that we argue with ourselves more than anything. Everything we do in our lives requires an internal argument. We have to make the decision to eat at a certain time, to go to class, to do our homework, to study, etc. College is an argument we can all relate to since we currently went through the process. When I was thinking about applying to out of state colleges, I had that same argument.
Before I never thought of everything as an argument,until after the reading. The reading was an argument in itself by saying that everything is an argument. Since all the things we do, do suggest things about us whether they are intentional or not. They all tell a story of some sort whether it be you are a healthy eater because someone decides not to eat lots of sweet, perhaps you are arguing that one school is better than another by wearing their logo on your shirt. I have encountered those people who act as though they are better than others. Of course they never said that verbally but you could tell by the way they acted and treated those around them. Arguments can be in many forms. So yes I would say that everything is an argument.
ReplyDeleteIn Response to rhe10
I agree with what you said, as the author pointed out arguments search for the truth and then persuasion is something different, though they are hard to differintiate some times. By weighing the pros and cons over the christmas cups you were searching for your truth in a way.
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ReplyDeleteEverything is an argument. Typically, when you take a stance on a situation or idea you have made up your mind to support that notion. The reading describes many types of argumentative approaches. The article also shows the effectiveness of using other types of argumentative approaches. I know that when I was younger my sister and I would argue who would ride in the front seat of the car with our mom. She would say, "I'm the oldest, so I should ride in the front." My argument was, "She always rides in the front, so I should be in the front." Yet, my statement was not strong enough to my mother for some reason, and my sister always rode in the front. Mom said, "When you get to be your sister's age you can ride in the front." I knew then that she had made up her mind along time ago. Yet, in the article I saw different techniques to persuade and inform an audience, and you might just be able to convince him or her. Especially, in a mantra or pray. A perfect example, was when the brother lost he's gay brother and conveyed a message so subtly and soft that you couldn't be offended yet allowed them to few a situation differently. Even in pictures to the clothes that you wear, you state an argument. By choosing the purple shirt over the blue shirt you showed a preference and picked a side. Regardless of the magnitude of a situation we always takes sides. Some issues will never be resolved, some situations will be minimal, however, everything is an argument.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Alex Carmona's Post:
ReplyDeleteI agree that every decision we make is an argument because we have to decide between the pros and cons of whatever our choices are. Choosing which college to attend is a huge argument, one of which I'm still arguing. Do you stay close to home? Do you want to be in Tampa or Tallahassee? Which school looks better in the long run? etc. Not only is the argument with yourself on what school to attend, but the colleges themselves argue trying persuade and convince you to attend their school. With that being said, I agree that choosing a college and every other decision someone makes is capable of being an argument.
Cameron's response to Mitch Thompson:
ReplyDeleteI definitely understand that when you make a choice in your everyday life you may not consciously be making a statement about you choice. Of course political issue raise arguments, however, the clothes you wear or what music you listen to you probably aren't raising an argument, instead you are not consciously trying to raise an argument, but just have a preference. Therefore I see everything can be seen as an argument, however, that may not be the case.
When I initially read the title of the article, I thought it was completely ridiculous. However, after reading the article and thinking about my own life, I've decided that I agree with the title. When I thought about my day, I realized that I start my day off by thinking "should I stay awake now or go back to sleep?" and I end my day by thinking "what time do I need to wake up tomorrow?" Life is full or arguments, whether it's deciding to wear a Yankees shirt or a solid color shirt, or if you should buy a new car or not, every decision you make is an argument. Although deciding between wearing a Yankees shirt or a solid color shirt may not seem like an argument, it is, because your arguing with yourself whether or not you want to show support for the Yankees that day. As minuscule as some decisions may be, people are always weighing the pros and cons of both sides of the decision, thus arguing with themselves.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Sab10's post:
ReplyDeleteAlthough things as simple as signs may not seem like an argument, they actually are because they force you to make a decision. If you see a sign for McDonalds you may automatically think "I'm not going there" and brush off that possibility immediately, but you deciding not to go there is an argument. You had to decide, even though it may have only taken a split second, whether or not you wanted to go to McDonalds. Someone else doesn't have to be arguing with you to make it an argument.
At first I thought I agreed with the title that everything is an argument, then after reviewing it over I came to the conclusion that this was untrue. I think that there are sides to each story, but not always necessarily an argument. I think that in life people have their own opinions but we do not have to always argue over them because there are some clear cut answers that do not have to be argued over. I don’t agree with thinking that it is considered arguing when you’re contemplating what shirt to wear that day, that’s simply a decision. And I do not consider a decision or opinion the same as an argument.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Evan Kastrenakes:
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with your “argument” that everything in life is an argument. For example when you said that you were arguing with yourself about to where a solid shirt or a Yankees shirt, I think that that is a choice not an argument. Usually people do not sit there when they are getting dressed in the mornings debating over the consequences of wearing each shirt that day. Granted, I do weigh the pros and cons of things, I do not do it for every decision I make, so I’m obviously not arguing with myself about everything.
IN response t Jackie Randolph I agree that making a decision is not an argument. However i think that opinions are arguments because everyone has a different one and will never agree
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBrooke's response:
ReplyDeleteI don’t believe everything is an argument. That’s because you could be having a conversation about anything. What you going to wear today, what time you going to leave to go somewhere? Things like that aren’t arguments there things you going to do. I think an argument is something between two people and your debating something. Also you decide what you are going to do. Deciding is not arguing, it just making your mind up about something. I also believe that not everything’s an argument because if you are in a conversation, let’s say it’s about what you’re going to wear today. You probably already know what you want to wear or have an idea but you just want your friend’s opinion. That’s not and argument that’s making shore you don’t look funny.
MTH's response:
ReplyDeleteEvery interatction we have with other people is grounds for an argument. People will always develop their own opinions, which are going to conflict with others causing arguments. These arguments will not always be people yelling at each other but more than not simply be disagreements. This is all determined by personal prefrences on each issue. When deciding which side of an argument one is on many factors are taken into consideration. The main factors will always be the pros and cons that one views as his/her side of the argument. Arguments will never hange simply because of personal prefrence.
I personally believe the passage in which it explains everything is in fact an argument. I am in Alpha Tau Omega, a fraternity here at FSU. When I am wearing any letters on my clothes or car around campus, I am arguing that other guys who are not in a fraternity should join ours. I am representing myself, along with over one hundred other guys and our beliefs. I am not just arguing by wearing the letters, but how I act while wearing them gives other people either a positive or negative connotation of our fraternity. We hold high standards and value true merit in our rituals. Along with representation, we are showing the lovely ladies on campus that they should get to know and meet us, as we bring a lot of fun and excitement to the campus. Everything we do is an argument, even if it is as simple as wearing a t-shirt across campus to get to class.
ReplyDeleteMy peer response is directed towards the post submitted by Nicole Halper. She explained how everything we make is an argument because every decision has a pro and a con. Even if there is no con to making the decision, would it not be a bad idea to not follow through with said idea? Deciding on college is definitely an argument because there is a wide range of pros and cons.
In my opinion, everything is an argument. A simple process used for reasoning can define an argument. Most of the time we are arguing with ourselves, referring to our thought process. Before I wrote this post, I read the article and acknowledged each example, realizing everything truly is an argument. When my parents were ready to buy me a car there were many things they argued about. For instance, they decided to invest in a larger car for safety, rather than a smaller car, which would have been much cheaper when it came to purchasing gas. In addition, before entering high school I decided to give up swimming as a sport and direct my time towards academics. I argued all the pros and cons, and looking back I am very glad with the decision I made. I am no longer a swimmer, but I am at the college of my dreams, therefore, by arguing to myself I was able to make the best decision.
ReplyDeleteWhether we want to believe it or not, arguments are present in society daily. If you turn on the news you can hear about many political debates. Prior to the election of President Barack Obama, the television channels were overflowed the airing of campaign speeches. John McCain and Barack Obama were constantly arguing to support their political clams. Arguments aren’t meant to force people to choose sides, but to rather find common grounds. In a world for of individuals, opinions are likely to contradict one another. Whether it is personal or public, everything is an argument.
Is everything an argument...I don't think so. I was reading the chapter online and I saw the street sign about the hurricane shelter. This street sign isn’t an argument, it is truly informing. The sign isn’t arguing anything; it is just informing residents that there is a hurricane shelter. There are many street signs that simply inform and have no argumentative meaning.
ReplyDeleteAnother situation where there is no argument present would be when you are cold and put on something warmer. I am not stating that it is never an argument, but for me it is not. Some people may debate over putting on a sweater. For example, my dorm is freezing right now and I decided to put on a sweater. There is no argument involved; I just did it. I know that some people may say “Oh, but you are arguing in your head if you should put a sweater on or not whether you realize it or not,” but I am not debating in my head saying should I put on this sweater? It is a natural reaction when I’m cold to put on a sweater.
There are many situations that I think twice about in my head, but there are also situations where there is no argument present. I don’t believe that there is a debate in my head when I choose what to wear at 7am. I pick the closest shirt and put some jeans on. I am not mulling over the consequences of wearing a solid shirt instead of a striped shirt. If I was going out to a nice dinner, then I would over think what I was wearing, but to an early class, not so much.
In response to Corinne Sarvis's post, there are actually not arguments in every situation in the world. You are defending situations that do require much thought and consideration. You are overlooking the minor situations in every day life, such as putting on a sweater. There are situations where there is not an argument present. In the situations you addressed there is so many aspects to think about, but you need to think more about every day life situations.
ReplyDeleteIn response to mab10f's post:
ReplyDeleteI too am a part of greek life here at FSU. When I am wearing Delta Zeta letters I make sure to look my best and represent the sorority in the best way possible. On days when I am not looking my best I argue with myself whether or not to wear letters. As an individual I am representing an entire sorority, so I would hate to set a bad example. By joining Delta Zeta I am arguing that I support their beliefs and preferred them over other sororities.
In my opinions, yes, there is argument in everything a person says. These arguments may not be a blatant "You're wrong and I'm right, this is why." They can be very passive or mutual arguments displayed in the form of opinion. In pop culture, shows on television like "Jersey Shore" are highly entertaining to some audiences, while to others, the show is thought of as a waste of time and even more harshly, "Trash". It's all a matter of opinion, but how a person chooses to form that opinion is what lays the foundation for an argument to develop.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Tatiana Bedoya, I agree that we as humans find an argument and dispute facts in everyday life. Maybe it's because we're bored? But the fact remains that every detail in our life has room to be argued, and we seize that opportunity and argue!
ReplyDeleteI believe that everything really is an argument. I have raised this conclusion because as human beings when we have to make a decision on something we think about the pros and cons of weather or not we should do this or not. You are now creating an argument internally because you are deciding whether or not the subject at hand would benefit you or not benefit you. Throughout our days humans create arguments numerous times a day. These arguments can range from anything to which way would be faster to get to work or what should I have for dinner, which in turn creates a conflict leading to the arguer determining the pros and cons of the task at hand then assessing which one would be better for him. In life everything is a argument, because there is always two sides to each argument. You could either go one way or go the other way. An argument necessarily doesn’t have to fit the cliché analogy of it being a dispute with yelling and screaming between two people, which could be the case but is not most of the time. The definition of a argument is a dispute or quarrel in which a disagreement is present. With this statement I think everything is a argument. There is always two sides to each statement whether it will benefit you more or less, or which would is the right thing to do but overall everything in the world is a argument because there is always two sides to everything.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Alex Carmona's post:
I do too feel the same way that it is human nature for us to analyze every argument and that we do put our best judgment forth on whether we should agree or disagree with the argument in front of us. I really like the example you used about picking a college because that example makes it seem very realistic and very down to a understandable level.