In Class: Logos Artifact

For my Logos argument I brought my daily planner. This fulfills the logos argument by having a logical order of the days of the week. Also, because it is a planner it helps me keep track of assignments and random things that need to get done. I think that I would probably be lost without my planner and certainly wouldn't be able to keep up with all of my work on a daily basis. The idea that it is a logical argument simply comes from the fact that it is a logical tool used for clarification and organization, which I believe is an appeal to Logos.

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos arguments incorporated with my space

As the prompt stated, this is an open-ended question that will  help with the argument I want to make in my essay. Because I am a visual person I am going to put the definition of the three types of arguments on my blog, then use them as reference points as my writing progresses.

Ethos: the "self image" a writer creates to define a relationship with readers.
(here, in my writing, I would consider Ethos to mean: the image projected by the space itself.)

Pathos: The emotions that this place gives another person and that gives people their perception.

Logos: the evidence to make a logical appeal

Ethos:
This could be the prefect place to argue about the social views this space takes on (weather negative or positive). I could explain how a place where people come to reach a goal is a bonding, uplifting experience. I could also argue that if the goal IS to fight the other person the image perceived may be negative.

Pathos:
This could be the section where I mirror the fact that the gym is so much diffrent at night that at day, with the similarity that first timers have nerves, fear, adrenaline(not because they are about to get hurt, but because they donot fully understand what is done in a gym like this), whereas the long time fighters have an interest, learning, comfort, compassion. All of these things feed into the overall ENERGY of the gym the "fighter's spirit" as some call it. And can completely be felt when you compare the way the gym feels before and after a work out, or at different times of the day. MUST PROVE WHY!! good place to use what you know, but explain and keep asking further questions!

Logsos:
This section could be used to strengthen each of the "fact" that are made in the paper. An example could be this place is for grown men. Why? because there are large boxing gloves hanging from a cabinet. Use signs, and colors, and whatever you see hear fell etc. then back those items up with in depth explanation.

MY PLACE: essay #1

Choosing a place to analyze for my first essay was a difficult decision to say the least. I was quick to decide on an MMA gym, mostly because I could relate to the space and the people in it. But then I began to wonder if my close ties would interfere with actually analyzing the space itself and not the sentimental values it holds with me.

I started to think about a high end car sales lot. I thought that this would give me a strong area to discuss the differences of people that entered the lot, from the used section to the new, or the people who haggled the prices and the ones who were fine with the sticker prices etc. 

With all of my ideas for both places swirling around in my head I had to do some serious thinking. My final decision came only when I asked myself this one simple question: "What make this space appealing?" This seemed like a simple enough question, but when I thought hard about it the answer came only when I analyzed myself. I know the MMA gym, I know the feelings that everyone in this place have. I know the type of person it appeals to, and why. I can tell you a novel of the pre conceived ideas that individuals have about this place, and most importantly this is the spot that I know best. 

I believe it will be a challenge to set aside my bond with this space and only state factual information, but I know that it only mattes what I write on the page, and not what it necessarily in my heart. 

In Class: My Ethos Argument

My Ethos argument is my TCU college ID. I believe this particular item appeals to character in many ways, the most obvious of which being that it indicates that I am in college. The ID has the TCU logo on it and even a picture of my very own face! This may be pretty standard as far as identification cards go, but it shows who I am and where I belong. College, in our culture, is viewed as a prestigious place, where the elite go to hone their skills for employment that will, no doubt, provide wealth and happiness. Now, we all know that this is certainly not a guaranty for everyone enrolled at TCU. But what it does guarantee is that I am currently on a good path, have worked hard in the past, and have the opportunity for higher learning or a well paying job in the future...Plus I have a beard in the picture, which is definitely bonus points.

In Class: Pathos- how understanding emotion may help in my first essay

Having some sort of understanding for what others are feeling the first time they walk into an MMA gym would certainly help with writing my essay. I would know from experience that going into a place where fighting is occurring seems like you are entering a place of hostility. It seems like everyone in the room is an ex convict looking to choke or knock you out. BUT... Also from being in the sport for many years I know how the veteran fighters are feeling when they enter this space. They are feeling a sense of respect and they know that this place is a place of learning. No where in their minds are they wanting to harm another person, they know this is a sport, and a direct one at that. I can see that in my paper I would like to convey the contrasting ideas between the two types of people that enter an MMA gym (the new and the old).

In Class: Artifact Pathos

My artifact that I brought to class today is a gold metal. This summer I competed in the Texas State Grappling Championship and won first place in the division. There were more than a thousand people competing and over two thousand spectators. As I walked up for my first fight I felt my nerves in the pit of my stomach. The bell rang and suddenly I focused, I felt totally comfortable. The fight went well as I ended with a submission with two minutes left. My nerves the rest of the day, and into each of my 5 fights were just the same as before. Finally, after the final fight, my hand was raised and my name voiced loud over the intercom. My nerves were gone, no more adrenaline just a simple feeling of pride. I never thought I could feel as good as I did at that exact moment, that is until my brother (and one of my training partners) ran on the mat, picked me up, and carried me around the ring. At that moment I knew that this day was special. My artifact represents all the hard work, the dedication, and emotion that went into that day. I will always remember how good it felt every time I look at that metal.

The BP oil spill

After watching the BP oil spill advertisement I really wasn't all that impressed. I thought "I could have written that script, and all she did was throw out some random facts throughout the video." But as I began to watch the video I realized that a vast amount of argument and persuasion techniques were used!

Persuasion was the first style that caught my attention. Normally commercials are used as arguments, meaning that they have, at least, a reasonable point of view. But in this ad persuasion was used to change the viewers opinions. This was very apparent when the spokes woman stated: "we will keep looking for oil, clean it up if we find it, and restore the gulf coast." This quote instils a calm to the situation and could be very effective in changing some peoples opinions.

Sub-categorically, argument is added to the mix. There is a list of the actions that should be, and have been taken, including: "talking to restaurant and hotel owners...working with communities...and we have 19 centers in 4 states." These all are a was for BP to argue that they ARE doing something about the spill. This is certainly a way for them to sway the opinions of numerous people.

The next type of argument that stuck out was the Rogerian approach. This is normally used to find a common ground with others. Here in the videos the woman says "BP has taken full responsibility for the clean up in the gulf," this statement expresses that both sides are working towards a common goal. It almost challenges the idea that BP are the bad guys.

The video was very informative to say the least. From second :25 to the end, facts are scattered throughout the commercial. There is even a headliner that states "keeping you informed." This approach can be very persuasive to the audience for the simple reason that it is hard to argue with hard numbers.

Evidence goes right along with the Informative section of the video. One appeal to Ethos that the video conveys is that Iris Cross (the spokeswoman) is from New Orleans! This lets the viewer know that she is from a place that was effected by the oil spill. And if she can be on their side, what facts do I need to learn to do the same?
  
To tell the truth I was a little half hearted to analyze this video. I thought that I knew all of the facts and that there was nothing this videos could say to change my negative perspective about BP or the spill. I was almost certain that a one minute video wasn't going to change my mind. But after really magnifying each of the arguments made in the commercial, I can honestly say that I have a better understanding for the efforts being made by BP. Perhaps I have not forgotten the terrible accident, or who was responsible, but with a little effort I think I can forgive and move forward.