Rhetorical Analysis #2

From Fly-Girls to Bitches and Hos Rhetorical Analysis

                I read the essay From Fly-Girls to Bitches and Hos by Joan Morgan. It is about how the pervasive sexism and misogyny in the Lyrics of Hip Hop. The purpose of this essay is to not only address the issue of sexism in Hip Hop, but to understand and analyze it. She argues that by understanding what is happening in the Hip Hop culture to create such a negative view of women, we can change these bad institutions within the culture, which will result in a change in the way women are represented. Her intended audience for this essay is definitely anyone involved with the Hip Hop culture, particularly black men and women because of the terminology and her writing style.

                Writer’s Strategy 1 Purpose: The purpose of this essay was to try to understand the reason for the sexism and misogyny in Hip Hop. I believe she addresses the issue by going deep into the culture in order to understand where this negative view of women comes from. She analyses the conditions that many black and brown people live in here in America. I interpreted the essay as her saying that the attitudes that are demonstrated towards women can are translated to other aspects of the lives of black men. They treat the men around them and even themselves in similar regard as they do women. Society might have caused black people to have a negative view of themselves, as a result there is more black on black violence, substance and alcohol abuse, and sexism towards women.

                Writer’s Strategy 2 Rhetorical Appeals: Joan Morgan uses all three appeals in order to make her point, but the two appeals that are used the most are ethos and pathos. She uses ethos when she describes her experiences her friend and family had. For example she explains what happened with a family friend of hers “She was a troubled young woman with a history of substance abuse, aggravated by her son’s murder two years ago. She was found beaten and burned beyond recognition. Her murderers were not ‘skinheads,’ ‘The Man,’ or ‘the racist white power structure.’ More likely than not, they were brown men whose faces resembled her own.” (603). This example not only shows her credibility, but it also makes an emotional connection to her audience. She is effectively able to show her own experiences to the Hip Hop and black community and she appeals to them emotionally in order to drive her point.

                Writer’s Strategy 3 Style: Joan Morgan’s style of writing was specific for members of the black community that are connected to the Hip Hop culture. She used slang and terminology that seemed specific to the audience she was targeting. She would use terms such as “sistas” to refer to black women, and she referred to a black man as “a brother”. This type of language was used throughout the essay, this suggest to me that she is aiming for a very specific audience.

Kilbourne Blog Post

Blog 10/21/12 Kilbourne

                The article “Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt” Advertising and Violence by Jean Kilbourne is about the dangers of sex in advertising. She writes about the role these advertisements play in women’s lives. Advertisements for almost any product have used sexually explicit ads that are degrading to women in order to promote their product. Unfortunately these ads have a lot of unintended consequences, for instance they promote objectification, and violence toward women.

                Kilbourne uses many examples to explain how depicting women as sex objects is dangerous. She states that these ads promote violence towards women because they objectify them, making it easier for men to abuse women. She says that “Turning a human being into a thing, an object, is almost always the first step toward justifying violence against that person. It is very difficult, perhaps impossible, to be violent to someone we think of as an equal, someone we have empathy with, but it is very easy to abuse a thing” (585). Kilbourne makes a good point that even though the ads themselves don’t directly cause violence, they justify it, and embed it into society. These ads give the message to men that it is ok to harm women, and it gives the message to women that they are less than men and to expect to be abused.

                Kilbourne acknowledges that men are often objectified as well, and it isn’t ok, but it also isn’t as dangerous. The reasons for this are when men are objectified there never in any danger, and it holds little bearings with reality. When women are objectified it is more frightening because it is often true. The connection these ads have with reality are uneven between men and women, women are almost always the ones depicted in a way that is dangerous and far too close to reality.

                I personally agree with Kilbourne completely, women are unjustly treated as being inferior to men in every aspect of society. Even though I believe that society today has made great strides in the way that women are being treated. Unfortunately we still have a long way to go, women’s rights are still an issue today and are constantly being addressed in current politics. Recently the Lilly Ledbetter act was passed which makes it illegal for an employer to pay a woman less than her male coworkers for the same job. An issue that is often spoken about in the news today is issues regarding a woman’s right to choose what she is allowed to do with her body in the regards of healthcare, contraceptives, and abortions. There are controversial issues today regarding a woman’s rights, but there has never been political issues regarding a man’s rights as it relates to healthcare, and I don’t ever expect to see such a debate. I believe that these issues do relate to what Kilbourne is saying because it is primarily male politicians trying to make these decisions for women. These politicians objectify women, much like ads depict them. It’s unfortunate to see how society treats women at this point in history and believe that everyone should do their part to make a difference.

Proposition 30 Op-Ed Final Draft

Op-Ed Prop 30

Emilio Cantu-Gil

Professor Stacy Knapp

English 2B

October 14, 2012

                California is renowned for its world class educational system that educates millions of students every year. People travel from all corners of the earth to study here in the Golden State. Unfortunately, if the budget crisis continues, this won’t be true for much longer. California’s educational system has faced $20 billion in cuts in the past four years, and as a result over 30,000 educators have been laid off. California will suffer, taking its students down with it, unless California passes Proposition 30. Prop 30 is the only initiative on the ballot this November that protects school and safety funding. As a community college student I will be personally impacted by the passage of Prop 30, along with 15,000 other students whom I attend Cabrillo College with.

Proposition 30 is important for California and its citizen’s future, not only because it prevents further cuts to schools, ensures further funding for safety programs, but it also balances the budget. It accomplishes these goals by raising income taxes by 1% for only the wealthiest families making over $500,000, 2% for families making $600,000, and 3% for families making $1,000,000 or more. For individuals making $250,000 their income taxes will be raised by 1%, individuals making $300,000 will be raised by 2%, and individuals making $500,000 will be raised by 3%. It also raises sales tax for everyone a quarter cent for every one dollar you spend for the next four years. According to the California Labor Federation, California sales tax will still be lower under Prop 30 than it was last year. It is estimated that 90% of Prop 30’s revenue will come from California’s highest earners.

Prop 30, if passed, will prevent future cuts to schools by raising billions of dollars in revenue. This will allow for smaller classes, updated textbooks, more teachers and faculty. It ensures further funding for public safety programs by guaranteeing it in the states constitution. In addition safety programs will be localized so elected officials can decide how it best helps their community. It will also help fund certain prison programs. Prop 30 balances the budget by helping pay for years of debt that the state of California has accumulated.

The Independent Voter Network opposes Prop 30, and claims that the budget crises is the result of systematic, legislative and budgeting issues that can’t be fixed by a tax increase. Instead they believe we need to enable legislature without the “shackles” of term limits, so they can save California with supreme legislative power. They say that budgeting is a “nuanced process” that should only be handled by our elected representatives. If we as a state don’t like what are legislators are doing, we can simply remove them from office in a future election. Personally, I don’t believe the solution that is being proposed by the Independent Voter Network will effectively fix our state budget issues. If this was a valid solution to our budget issues, wouldn’t they already have been enacted? The budget crisis needs a more effective and immediate solution, and Prop 30 is that solution.

If Prop 30 doesn’t pass the consequences will be astronomical for students in the California educational system. Schools will suffer an additional $6 billion in cuts; $5.8 billion of those dollars will be cut from public education. Students attending the CSU system can expect a $150 tuition increase, and K-12 students will have their school year reduced by three weeks. According to the California Federation of Teachers, the cuts to Cabrillo College will result in a 7.3% reduction in funding. This $3.5 million dollar cut is equivalent to denying admission to 780 students, cutting one in thirteen classes, or eliminating five average-size programs. This will result in a reduction in support staff, reduced counseling, and cuts in services. These services include the Writing Center, Math Learning Center, Tutorials, Children’s Center, Financial Aid, Division Offices, The Library, Student Employment, Student Affairs, and other services that greatly support the students. Just the reduction in services will eliminate roughly 95 positions, and these are just the cuts that are occurring to Cabrillo. Imagine the devastating impact that these cuts will have on the other millions of students throughout the state. To me, and other students, this could mean that classes that we need to transfer may get cut, or it may take longer for us to complete our AA degrees. For other students it means that they’ll need to take out more loans because tuition has become more expensive, or they can’t get the occupational classes they need in order to go back to the work force. These cuts are very real and will be felt by every student and their family.

Prop 30 is supported by people and organizations that have California’s best interest at heart. According to yesonprop30.com and the California Labor Federation these groups and people include Governor Brown, the League of Woman Voters of California (LWVC), individuals in law enforcement, educators, community groups, the CSU board of trustees, Academic Senate, California Faculty Association, CA Student Association, CA Teachers Association, among others. These groups advocate and fight for Prop 30 because they all agree that passing Prop 30 is is the best thing for California’s students, and its future.

I cannot stress enough how vitally important passing Prop 30 is for the future of California’s education. This Proposition will protect and ensure continued funding for all levels of our educational system. If you are a student, this decision will directly affect your education as it does mine. If you are a parent, this will affect your child’s education, and the community you live in. If you are an educator or law enforcement professional, this will affect you and your community. If you are a California Citizen, and you care for our students, public safety, a balanced budget, and the future of California, there is absolutely no reason you shouldn’t vote YES for Proposition 30!

Works Cited

"Cabrillo With or Without Prop 30." PowerPoint. Cabrillo College. Cabrillo College Federation of Teachers, 27 Aug. 2012. Web. 2 Oct. 2012.

"Newspapers throughout the State Agree - Yes on Prop 30." YES on 30. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yesonprop30.com/>.

"Proposition 30 Best Option Available to Fund Schools." The Modesto Bee. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.modbee.com/2012/10/13/2412776/yes-on-proposition-30.html>.

 "Take a Stand for Schools and Local Public Safety." California Labor Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.calaborfed.org/index.php/site/page/yes_on_prop_30_take_a_stand_for_schools_and_public_safety>.

"Unfiltered Political News. For You. By You." Independent Voter Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://ivn.us/2012/09/10/proposition-30-wont-fix-california-budget-issues/>.

Prop 30 Almost-Final Draft

Op-Ed Prop 30 Almost-Final Draft

Emilio Cantu-Gil

Professor Stacy Knapp

English 2B

October 14, 2012

                California is renowned for its world class educational system that educates millions of students every year. People travel from all corners of the earth to study here in the Golden State. Unfortunately, if the budget crisis continues the way it is, this won’t be true for much longer. California’s educational system has faced $20 billion in cuts in the past four years, and has laid off over 30,000 educators. California will suffer, taking its students down with it, unless California passes Proposition 30. Prop 30 is the only initiative that protects school and safety funding.

Proposition 30 is important for California and its citizen’s future, not only because it prevents further cuts to schools, but because it ensures further funding for safety programs, and it balances the budget. How it does this is it raises income taxes 1% for only the wealthiest families making over $500,000, 2% for families making $600,000, and 3% for families making $1,000,000 or more. For individuals making $250,000 their income taxes will raise 1%, 2% for individuals making $300,000, and 3% for individuals making $500,000. It also raises sales tax a quarter cent for every one dollar you spend for four years, which, according to the California Labor Federation, will still be lower than last year’s sales tax. 90% of prop 30’s revenue will come from California’s highest earners.

Prop 30, if passed, will accomplish a lot. It prevents future cuts to schools by raising billions of dollars in revenue. This will allow for smaller classes, updated textbooks, and more teachers and faculty. It ensures further funding for public safety programs by guaranteeing it in the states constitution. In addition safety programs will be localized so elected officials can decide how it best helps their community. It will also help fund certain prison programs. Prop 30 balances the budget by helping pay for years of debt that the state of California has accumulated.

The Independent Voter Network, who oppose Prop 30, claim that the budget crises are the result of systematic, legislative and budgeting issues that can’t be fixed by a tax increase. Instead we need to enable the legislature without the “shackles” of term limits, so they can save California with supreme legislative power. They say that budgeting is a “nuanced process” that should only be handled by our elected representatives. If we as a state don’t like what are legislators are doing, we can simply remove them from office in a future election. Personally I don’t believe the solution that is being proposed by the Independent Voter Network will effectively fix our state budget issues. The budget crisis needs a more effective an immediate solution, Prop 30 is that solution.

If Prop 30 doesn’t pass the consequences would be astronomical for California. Schools will have to suffer an additional $6 billion in cuts; $5.8 billion of those dollars would be cut from public education.  CSU students can expect a $150 tuition increase, and K-12 would get 3 weeks of school cut. I know that in my Jr. College, Cabrillo College, this would mean a 7.3% reduction in funding, that’s $3.5 million. This would be equivalent to not admitting 780 students, cutting one in thirteen classes, or eliminating five programs. This would result in less staff availability, reduced counseling, and cuts in services. These services include the Writing Center, Math Learning Center, Tutorials, Children’s Center, Financial Aid, Division Offices, The Library, Student Employment, Student Affairs, and others that greatly support the students. Just the reduction in services will eliminate roughly 95 positions, and these are just the cuts that are occurring to my JC, imagine how it affects all other schools in the state.

Prop 30 has the support from people and organizations that only have California’s best interest at heart. According to yesonprop30.com and the California Labor Federation these groups and people include Governor Brown, the League of Woman Voters of California (LWVC), individuals in law enforcement, educators, community groups, the CSU board of trustees, Academic Senate, California Faculty Association, CA Student Association, CA Teachers Association, and others. These groups advocate and fight for Prop 30 because they all agree that passing Prop 30 is is the best thing for California’s students, and its future.

I cannot stress enough how vitally important passing Prop 30 is for the future of California’s education. If you are a student this decision will directly affect your education as it does mine. If you are a parent, this will affect your child’s education, and the community you live in. If you are an educator or law enforcement professional, this will affect you and your community. If you are a California Citizen, and you care for your states future, there is absolutely no reason you wouldn’t vote YES for Proposition 30!

Works Cited

"Newspapers throughout the State Agree - Yes on Prop 30." YES on 30. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yesonprop30.com/>.

 "Take a Stand for Schools and Local Public Safety." California Labor Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.calaborfed.org/index.php/site/page/yes_on_prop_30_take_a_stand_for_schools_and_public_safety>.

"Proposition 30 Best Option Available to Fund Schools." The Modesto Bee. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.modbee.com/2012/10/13/2412776/yes-on-proposition-30.html>.

"Unfiltered Political News. For You. By You." Independent Voter Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://ivn.us/2012/09/10/proposition-30-wont-fix-california-budget-issues/>.

Prop 30 Rough Draft

Op-Ed Prop 30 Rough Draft

                California is renowned for its world class educational system that educates millions of students every year. People travel from all corners of the earth to study here in the golden state. Unfortunately if the budget crisis continues the way it is, this won’t be true for much longer. California’s educational system has faced $20 billion in cuts in the past four years, and has laid off over 30,000 educators. California’s educational system will suffer, taking its students down with it, unless California passes Proposition 30. Prop 30 is the only initiative that protects school and safety funding.

Proposition 30 is important for California and its citizen’s future, not only because it prevents further cuts to schools, but because it ensures further funding for safety programs, and it balances the budget. How it does this is it raises income taxes 1% for only the wealthiest families making over $500,000, 2% for families making $600,000, and 3% for families making $1,000,000. For individuals making $250,000 their income taxes will raise 1%, 2% for individuals making $300,000, and 3% for individuals making $500,000. It also raises sales tax a quarter cent for every one dollar you spend for four years, which will still be lower than last year’s sales tax. 90% of prop 30’s revenue will come from California’s highest earners.

Prop 30, if passed, will accomplish a lot. It prevents future cuts to schools by raising billions of dollars in revenue. This will allow for smaller classes, updated textbooks, and more teachers and faculty. It ensures further funding for public safety programs by guaranteeing it in the states constitution. It will also localize safety programs so elected officials can decide how it best helps their community. It will also help fund certain prison programs. Prop 30 also balances the budget by helping pay for years of debt that the state of California has accumulated.

If Prop #0 doesn’t pass the consequences would be astronomical for California. Schools will have to suffer an additional $6 billion in cuts; $5.8 billion of those dollars would be cut from public education.  CSU students can expect a $150 tuition increase, and K-12 would get 3 weeks of school cut. I know that in my Jr. College, Cabrillo College, this would mean a 7.3% reduction in funding, that’s $3.5 million. This would be equivalent to not admitting 780 students, cutting one in thirteen classes, or eliminating five programs. This would result in less staff availability, reduced counseling, and cuts in services. These services include the Writing Center, Math Learning Center, Tutorials, Children’s Center, Financial Aid, Division Offices, The Library, Student Employment, Student Affairs, and others that greatly support the students. Just the reduction in cervices will eliminate roughly 95 positions, and these are just the cuts that are occurring to my JC, imagine how it affects any other school in the state.

Prop 30 has the support from people and organizations that only have California’s best interest at heart. These groups and people include Governor Brown, the League of Woman Voters of California (LWVC), individuals in law enforcement, educators, community groups, the CSU board of trustees, Academic Senate, California Faculty Association, CA Student Association, CA Teachers Association, and others. These groups advocate and fight for Prop 30 because they all agree that passing Prop 30 is is the best thing for California’s students, and its future.

I cannot stress enough how vitally important passing Prop 30 is for the future of California’s education. If you are a student this decision could directly affect your education if it does mine. If you are a parent, this could affect your child’s education, and the community you live in. If you are, or care about educators and law enforcement professionals, this could affect you and your community. If you are a California Citizen, and you care for your states future, there is absolutely no reason you wouldn’t vote YES for Proposition 30!