1. I enjoyed this video because it explored an unpopular view and made me question my views on the issue of steroids as well as some of the things I’d been taught about the effects and dangers of steroid use. It’s very important to see what people with firsthand experience have to say about the matter considering that most of those who rail against steroids today do not have that same knowledge.
With that said, I had a few problems with things that were said and not said in this video. First, the men seemed to downplay some of the health risks that are involved with steroids. Dr. Norm Fox casually mentions the fact that “they [steroids] make the good cholesterol go down and the bad cholesterol go up” but does not elaborate on the problems associated with high cholesterol. He also semi-dodges the question of why doctors are wrong and does not address their specific arguments. Next, the study includes only “healthy adult men” which leaves out a number of people for which steroid use may be a concern. One also must consider the fact that steroid use is a relatively new development and while the report does utilize long time steroid users, it is safe to assume that it will take some time before we truly know all the side effects of steroid usage. Steroids today may not be the same thing that they were many years ago and that could be bad news for current users. While there is evidence put forth that suggests some of the health risks may be exaggerated, there is no mention of the psychological or mental effects of steroid use, most notably the condition commonly referred to as “roid rage.” This is something that could be of great concern to friends and family of steroid users. Finally, the steroid issue is most frequently discussed in the context of sports, and the impact they have on the games played. This is another issue not addressed in this clip. Even if some of the common beliefs about steroids turn out to be false, is it ethical for certain players to use these performance enhancing drugs while others may shy away from something that they still don’t completely understand? I was very surprised that a ten minute piece about steroids would not mention their connection to professional sports.
After seeing this video, I am slightly less skeptical of the belief that steroids can be used responsibly, though still not fully convinced. I still think it’s very possible that this could just be one of those things that work great for one person but produce entirely different results for another. Like most potentially dangerous substances, it seems very likely that there are safer ways of using steroids, namely limiting the frequency of usage and the dosage used each time. It appears that the men in this video did both those things. However, I think we still need to be concerned about what happens when people do not use these drugs responsibly, as that could make a huge difference.
2. I still have many doubts as to whether the benefits of steroid use outweigh the negative effects, and for the time being I think that sports leagues should uphold their policy of no anabolic steroids. At the professional level, I think drug testing is a good idea because it is pointless to say that athletes aren’t allowed to use steroids but not do anything to enforce that rule. Many fans today are worried that performance enhancing drugs in professional sports compromise the integrity of the sports, and it is almost certain that a number of players in baseball and other sports have used them. With testing, there is a better chance that the steroid problem will start to get better rather than worse.
I think high schools ought to enforce the same rules, as it is likely to be even more dangerous for people their age to be using these drugs, especially if they do not fully understand how they work. However, this is a little more difficult to regulate as different schools and states may have different laws. While a plan such as the one put forward in Texas creates a random testing situation similar to the one that Major League Baseball players currently face, but it does not guarantee that all students will be tested. Also, when many schools are not giving drug tests, a situation could arise where some young athletes aren’t given a chance to play professionally, while others do get to the pros, only to be busted for steroids once they’ve made it. The best way we can prevent high school athletes from using steroids as well is to try and shed them of the impression that all the pros are using them and that they must do the same if they want to have a chance. I believe that steroids are the same for every sport and while each league has the right to make its own rules, they should all take a stand against these drugs.
Given the pressure that is put on athletes from a very young age, and given the competitive nature that our country takes pride in, I think Hoberman makes a valid point in suggesting that this problem should come as no surprise. Once a few athletes decide to take a risk and try and get ahead in their game, it is only natural that others will do the same to try and keep up. Steroid use becomes the norm, athletes perform better, and young people are forced to make dangerous decisions in the hopes that it will get them to the place they dream of going. Though we are a society that encourages honesty and hard work, there is no question that we put great emphasis on being the best we can be. This often creates a difficult situation for anyone that is trying desperately to achieve a certain goal and feeling that if they cheat and get away with it, the dream will come true. Competition is the name of the game here in America, and when there are so many athletes across the country, they are constantly trying to find ways to set themselves apart from the rest. Unfortunately, in this case, that means that for many of them, steroids are just something that they must do in order to make it.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Paraphrasing
When writing research papers, students often rely more on quotes than their own ideas and interpretations. Although it is necessary to include valid sources, direct quotes should not make up the vast majority of a paper, but rather a mere 10% or so (Lester). Lester also suggests that students refrain from copying too many direct quotes when taking notes on their sources.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thesis
Because there are still many unanswered questions about what the Bush Administration’s “enhanced interrogation techniques” and because it is essential to hold our leaders, like any other citizens, accountable for their actions, I encourage you to support Senator Leahy’s plan for a Bush-Cheney Truth Commission to investigate any possible wrongdoings.
When I Grow Up...
1. The first article takes us through a study performed by the writers that is meant to give us some idea of the relationship between male action figures and society’s views on the ideal body. The authors believed that action figures would evolve with regards to body type as humans changed their perspective on what men should look like. After determining what toys such as GI Joe, Hans Solo, and Luke Skywalker would look like to scale with an average height male, they found that their bodies would be much more muscular than what we consider to be normal or preferable. This appears to support their hypothesis, though they mention a few things that readers should consider when interpreting the results: many action figures were not included due to their strict requirements of the study, the developing media trends are not necessarily proven, and it is unclear whether the toys are the cause or the effect of these trends, or if they are related at all.
Folstad’s editorial takes a critical stance towards the belief that action figures have any impact on body image. She expresses frustration at the fact that people have gone from attacking Barbie’s unrealistic figure to claiming that GI Joe promotes the same kind of unattainable body image for males. She believes that these are just toys, that we all stopped playing with them at a young age, and that boys and young men have desired a GI Joe-like figure for many years. She concludes by remarking that the whole situation has been “blown out of proportion.”
2. The first article has a much more informative and objective tone that the second. It is written much like a lab report explaining the step by step process that they used to come to their conclusion. It is very fair minded and aware of the possible flaws of the study, prefacing one section with “These findings, however, must be interpreted cautiously for several reasons.” Clearly, they do not want to simply make every reader believe as they do and are honest about their results. This can be targeted at anyone who is interested in learning more about the possibility of a relationship between body image and action figures as it allows for readers to form their own opinion based on this study.
The second article is, obviously, written like an editorial. Folstad has a firm point of view on the topic and comes across as very frustrated and dismissive of anyone with an opposing point of view. With such comments as “Will this ever stop?”, “Here we go again”, and “To suggest that even little boys measure manliness by taking a ruler to the G.I. Joes is comical” she makes clear that her mind is made up on this subject, and she is appealing to people who feel the same way and would like to reinforce their beliefs that the comparison she is addressing is ludicrous.
3. While the editorial was a little more enjoyable to read, I thought the first one was the better article overall, mainly because it relied on facts and evidence from a well conducted study. Folstad really did not have much to say to back up her claims and seemed to rely more on the hope that if she said “This is ridiculous” enough times, that people would start to agree with her. I don’t recall what my favorite childhood toy was, and I don’t believe I was ever denied anything because it was “too violent” or “masculine.” I do not think that toys like Barbie, G.I. Joe, or Luke Skywalker should not be sold because of the body image they may promote, but do I think it could have an influence on children? Certainly. Young kids are likely to consider those characters as heroic or inspirational and will therefore aspire to be like them. Granted, they are not likely to feel the same way as they get older, but these action figures to plant the idea that that kind of appearance is the ideal one, no matter how unrealistic it is.
Folstad’s editorial takes a critical stance towards the belief that action figures have any impact on body image. She expresses frustration at the fact that people have gone from attacking Barbie’s unrealistic figure to claiming that GI Joe promotes the same kind of unattainable body image for males. She believes that these are just toys, that we all stopped playing with them at a young age, and that boys and young men have desired a GI Joe-like figure for many years. She concludes by remarking that the whole situation has been “blown out of proportion.”
2. The first article has a much more informative and objective tone that the second. It is written much like a lab report explaining the step by step process that they used to come to their conclusion. It is very fair minded and aware of the possible flaws of the study, prefacing one section with “These findings, however, must be interpreted cautiously for several reasons.” Clearly, they do not want to simply make every reader believe as they do and are honest about their results. This can be targeted at anyone who is interested in learning more about the possibility of a relationship between body image and action figures as it allows for readers to form their own opinion based on this study.
The second article is, obviously, written like an editorial. Folstad has a firm point of view on the topic and comes across as very frustrated and dismissive of anyone with an opposing point of view. With such comments as “Will this ever stop?”, “Here we go again”, and “To suggest that even little boys measure manliness by taking a ruler to the G.I. Joes is comical” she makes clear that her mind is made up on this subject, and she is appealing to people who feel the same way and would like to reinforce their beliefs that the comparison she is addressing is ludicrous.
3. While the editorial was a little more enjoyable to read, I thought the first one was the better article overall, mainly because it relied on facts and evidence from a well conducted study. Folstad really did not have much to say to back up her claims and seemed to rely more on the hope that if she said “This is ridiculous” enough times, that people would start to agree with her. I don’t recall what my favorite childhood toy was, and I don’t believe I was ever denied anything because it was “too violent” or “masculine.” I do not think that toys like Barbie, G.I. Joe, or Luke Skywalker should not be sold because of the body image they may promote, but do I think it could have an influence on children? Certainly. Young kids are likely to consider those characters as heroic or inspirational and will therefore aspire to be like them. Granted, they are not likely to feel the same way as they get older, but these action figures to plant the idea that that kind of appearance is the ideal one, no matter how unrealistic it is.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Support Group or Self Hate Club?
1. Pro anorexia websites and blogs are absolutely not the answer for women who are struggling with eating disorders. While such websites may prevent themselves as “support groups” they in fact do nothing to help their members, and only cause sufferers to go deeper and deeper down the wrong path. I see them as nothing more than a chance for anorexic and bulimic girls to brag about their conditions, and even strengthen the notion that what they are doing is right and makes them beautiful. On one pro ana message board, a poster questions the life style she is currently leading: “But is this really the life I want? Everyone thinks I'm happy. But I'm miserable.” This is a rare instance of a young lady at one of these websites who recognizes that she has a problem that needs to be addressed. But she will not find that help here. Make no mistake, these women do deserve our support, but the way to lend support in this case is not to have them all come together and further convince one another that they have the right idea. We need to put an end to the blogs and websites that only make this situation worse and begin to get these innocent young women the help that they need and deserve.
2. While pro anorexia websites may not be the best way to help women who are suffering from eating disorders, they are an important part of the lives of many victims and we would be ill advised to dismantle them. It is important that we all realize that as strange as these sites and blogs may appear to us, and as unhelpful as we think they are, we really cannot begin to understand what is going through the mind of an anorexic or bulimic person. People with either disorder most certainly know that. And that is exactly the reason we cannot just step in and shut these places down. Aside from the questionable free speech issues that could arise from taking down websites that are only meant to be helpful and do not violate any laws, these girls simply need a place where they do not feel alone. A pro ana website user named Claire explains eloquently what the sites mean to her: “But at the end of the day, I can go online and talk to them there and I don’t have to worry about them judging me for how I feel.” It is clearly difficult for anyone with an eating disorder to talk to someone who is not and never has gone through their situation, and even if one attempts to do so, speaking with someone who doesn’t know what it’s like for them can only get them so far. Eating disorders are dangerous enough as they are. Perhaps the single worst thing we could do would be to make victims feel as if they are alone. That is the consequence of shutting down these sites.
3. It is apparent that pro ana websites and blogs do very little to fix the problems associated with eating disorders or to change the behavior of girls who have them. That does not mean, however, that they serve no purpose and should be banned. Therefore, the solution to this conflict must
1. Continue to allow the website and blog creators and followers to post content that may be considered controversial or unpleasant to others
2. Continue to give young women with eating disorders the opportunity to speak with others who understand their feelings and actions and do not judge them
3. Offer women something more than just a dialogue with fellow victims who may not have any intention of trying to change their ways.
The first two points, being mere continuations of our current policies, let us examine further the final one. While there is something to be said for having a place that women can go to and not feel alone, that is simply not enough when we are dealing with diseases that are potentially life threatening. They cannot only be given one side of the story, which is too likely to be the case when most people who suffer from eating disorders do not feel like they are doing anything wrong. These sites should feature stories of real women who overcame their struggles and are now leading better, healthier lives, and visitors should be given the opportunity to speak with these women just as easily as they can talk with those who are currently anorexic or bulimic. For sites that have message boards, there should be a folder with links to resources for anyone who is actively trying to get over their disorder and a section where girls who have decided to seek help can tell each other about how they’re doing as well as provide encouragement and motivation for those who are in the same situation. This way the women at pro ana sites do not have to feel like they are just suffering together, they are getting better together as well.
2. While pro anorexia websites may not be the best way to help women who are suffering from eating disorders, they are an important part of the lives of many victims and we would be ill advised to dismantle them. It is important that we all realize that as strange as these sites and blogs may appear to us, and as unhelpful as we think they are, we really cannot begin to understand what is going through the mind of an anorexic or bulimic person. People with either disorder most certainly know that. And that is exactly the reason we cannot just step in and shut these places down. Aside from the questionable free speech issues that could arise from taking down websites that are only meant to be helpful and do not violate any laws, these girls simply need a place where they do not feel alone. A pro ana website user named Claire explains eloquently what the sites mean to her: “But at the end of the day, I can go online and talk to them there and I don’t have to worry about them judging me for how I feel.” It is clearly difficult for anyone with an eating disorder to talk to someone who is not and never has gone through their situation, and even if one attempts to do so, speaking with someone who doesn’t know what it’s like for them can only get them so far. Eating disorders are dangerous enough as they are. Perhaps the single worst thing we could do would be to make victims feel as if they are alone. That is the consequence of shutting down these sites.
3. It is apparent that pro ana websites and blogs do very little to fix the problems associated with eating disorders or to change the behavior of girls who have them. That does not mean, however, that they serve no purpose and should be banned. Therefore, the solution to this conflict must
1. Continue to allow the website and blog creators and followers to post content that may be considered controversial or unpleasant to others
2. Continue to give young women with eating disorders the opportunity to speak with others who understand their feelings and actions and do not judge them
3. Offer women something more than just a dialogue with fellow victims who may not have any intention of trying to change their ways.
The first two points, being mere continuations of our current policies, let us examine further the final one. While there is something to be said for having a place that women can go to and not feel alone, that is simply not enough when we are dealing with diseases that are potentially life threatening. They cannot only be given one side of the story, which is too likely to be the case when most people who suffer from eating disorders do not feel like they are doing anything wrong. These sites should feature stories of real women who overcame their struggles and are now leading better, healthier lives, and visitors should be given the opportunity to speak with these women just as easily as they can talk with those who are currently anorexic or bulimic. For sites that have message boards, there should be a folder with links to resources for anyone who is actively trying to get over their disorder and a section where girls who have decided to seek help can tell each other about how they’re doing as well as provide encouragement and motivation for those who are in the same situation. This way the women at pro ana sites do not have to feel like they are just suffering together, they are getting better together as well.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Fallacy
If you convict my client, then you do not believe in true justice!
Either/or Reasoning
Career: Lawyer
Either/or Reasoning
Career: Lawyer
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Born to Run
1. I thought this ad seemed very strange upon first seeing it. The opening question in large text left me wondering where the makers of this ad were going with the idea. The dark background and seemingly ominous image of the running shoes made me wonder if this was some kind of attack or accusation against runners. I certainly did not expect the ad to be in support of running. However, as I saw the entire ad campaign on their website, I began to see that they had put much thought and effort into their message.
2. I do not run very often, especially not by the standards of Pearl Izumi. I don’t think the first ad made me feel at all ashamed that I am not a runner, nor did it do much to inspire me to start running. Call me strange, but racing to the point of exhaustion only to find a dead body in the woods or a back alley just isn’t for me. But again, their message did begin to grow on me as I read their vivid description of what it is to be a runner. I can’t promise that it will motivate me to start running on a frequent basis, but I’ll give it some thought.
3. The authors of this advertisement clearly wanted to give readers a different idea of what running truly is, or what it means to them. They make strong distinctions between running and jogging, which they argue is mistaken for running far too often. As part of their definition, they not that “real running makes other people nervous” and go on to explain that it is a much more wild, exhilarating experience than something like jogging. By setting up the advertisement in a short story format featuring main ideas in large text and a few photos, they hold the audience’s attention more easily than they would in a more traditional approach.
4. This ad is obviously promoting physical fitness by means of running. Also, by noting how few real runners there are today, they seem to promote the idea of individualism, of going out and doing something that few others will. Something that frightens others. We have to do it because we were meant to do so.
5. As I went through this advertisement, I did begin to wonder if perhaps they were coming across as a little too condescending towards joggers. They absolutely did alienate the jogging population at certain points, but at the same time, they did so in a way that is bound to make people read on, even if they feel somewhat insulted. I think there are a number of joggers who have read or will read this ad and decide to give running a shot the next time they’re about to jog.
6. I would say that pathos had the greatest appeal in this advertisement. The makers clearly want us to feel a sense of curiosity as to where they are going with this strange idea. What is so bad about jogging? Is there really such a huge difference between jogging and running? The ad also featured a few humorous lines such as “Our ancestors never jogged down a meal” and “ ‘Take a jog at it’ is not a saying for a reason.” They create a clear image of what running is, and motivate us to see if we have what it takes to be a runner.
The Reebok ad seems predominantly logos to me, although it does feature something of a joke with the math equation on the right side. However, it seems to be persuading us not to be too over the top when running, and the vomiting man on the left reminds us of the consequences if we do not listen. This could also be an example of pathos in that we might feel disgusted at the sight of this image.
7. I would choose the Reebok ad to appear in a magazine over the Pearl Izumi. While I ended up being much more intrigued by the entire Pearl Izumi ad, it’s just not realistic to include the whole thing in one magazine. If we were to have only the part about runners finding dead bodies, I think that others may have the same puzzled reaction that I initially had, and that they would never end up seeing the best part of the ad campaign. While I didn’t enjoy the Reebok ad quite as much, it is very attention grabbing, and is not likely to be so controversial, another possible problem with the Pearl Izumi ad. Also, given what was said about the lack of real running amongst people today, readers are likely to relate more to the Reebok ad than the Pearl Izumi.
2. I do not run very often, especially not by the standards of Pearl Izumi. I don’t think the first ad made me feel at all ashamed that I am not a runner, nor did it do much to inspire me to start running. Call me strange, but racing to the point of exhaustion only to find a dead body in the woods or a back alley just isn’t for me. But again, their message did begin to grow on me as I read their vivid description of what it is to be a runner. I can’t promise that it will motivate me to start running on a frequent basis, but I’ll give it some thought.
3. The authors of this advertisement clearly wanted to give readers a different idea of what running truly is, or what it means to them. They make strong distinctions between running and jogging, which they argue is mistaken for running far too often. As part of their definition, they not that “real running makes other people nervous” and go on to explain that it is a much more wild, exhilarating experience than something like jogging. By setting up the advertisement in a short story format featuring main ideas in large text and a few photos, they hold the audience’s attention more easily than they would in a more traditional approach.
4. This ad is obviously promoting physical fitness by means of running. Also, by noting how few real runners there are today, they seem to promote the idea of individualism, of going out and doing something that few others will. Something that frightens others. We have to do it because we were meant to do so.
5. As I went through this advertisement, I did begin to wonder if perhaps they were coming across as a little too condescending towards joggers. They absolutely did alienate the jogging population at certain points, but at the same time, they did so in a way that is bound to make people read on, even if they feel somewhat insulted. I think there are a number of joggers who have read or will read this ad and decide to give running a shot the next time they’re about to jog.
6. I would say that pathos had the greatest appeal in this advertisement. The makers clearly want us to feel a sense of curiosity as to where they are going with this strange idea. What is so bad about jogging? Is there really such a huge difference between jogging and running? The ad also featured a few humorous lines such as “Our ancestors never jogged down a meal” and “ ‘Take a jog at it’ is not a saying for a reason.” They create a clear image of what running is, and motivate us to see if we have what it takes to be a runner.
The Reebok ad seems predominantly logos to me, although it does feature something of a joke with the math equation on the right side. However, it seems to be persuading us not to be too over the top when running, and the vomiting man on the left reminds us of the consequences if we do not listen. This could also be an example of pathos in that we might feel disgusted at the sight of this image.
7. I would choose the Reebok ad to appear in a magazine over the Pearl Izumi. While I ended up being much more intrigued by the entire Pearl Izumi ad, it’s just not realistic to include the whole thing in one magazine. If we were to have only the part about runners finding dead bodies, I think that others may have the same puzzled reaction that I initially had, and that they would never end up seeing the best part of the ad campaign. While I didn’t enjoy the Reebok ad quite as much, it is very attention grabbing, and is not likely to be so controversial, another possible problem with the Pearl Izumi ad. Also, given what was said about the lack of real running amongst people today, readers are likely to relate more to the Reebok ad than the Pearl Izumi.
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