Heston Allred

Discussion Board Question 8/25/10

Page 609
1. Goodman argues that western culture is a cause of many womens
negative attitude toward gaining weight. She uses Beckers research to
prove the above point as well as to build off it in order to make more
general claims. For example in paragraphs 15 to 17 she ties Beckers
research that found that eating disorders are a cultural byproduct in to
a broader claim that our western culture is causing girls, to hate and
harm themselves.
3. She sets up a casual argument by stating a certain effect. The effect
is how women view themselves in regards to their weight. She then
traces the cause to the entertainment industry. I found the argument
mildly effective. As with most casual arguments her claims along with
the evidence she provided led me to believe her conclusions were
possible, maybe even likely, but not conclusive or concrete.
Page 630
1. Munson argues that Indian logos, support and maintain
stereotypes of a race of people and thus are a form of racism. I think
her argument is stated where and as it is so she can get her point
across quickly and powerfully and then be able to easily build on it. I
think her purpose in writing the article was to object to specific
arguments, rationale, and claims about how the use of, indian logos
isnt racist. Her choice of format, in my opinion, seems to go well with
that objective. The format presents the material in a way that makes it
easier to understand her objections in reference to what she is
objecting to than that of a, regular papers format. Also it is more,
user friendly in the sense that the whole article doesnt need to be
read to understand her position or the claims she makes when
compared to a normal essays format. So I believe the selection of this
format was more effective than a regular papers format.
2. I think her argument would be strengthened if she rearranged the
order of the themes and questions by putting more controversial ones
first and less controversial material last. This would make the paper
end on a more positive note, which I think would help the ethos
element of the article. There are both advantages and disadvantages
to the implicit organization of a paper depending on your audience and
the purpose behind you writing.
6. I dont believe it is necessarily true that groups being targeted by
supposed racism are necessarily best positioned to determine whether

racism has occurred. Take for example the case of immigration policy
here in Arizona. Certain groups and also individuals that I know believe
immigration laws to be racist and so naturally believe they are the
targets of racism. I believe, however, if the bigger picture is analyzed
in the context of national immigration policy and the unique
circumstances of Arizona in regards to the issue valid arguments could
be made for both sides. In other words both arguments for and against
the claim that the laws are racist could reasonably be made.
I think racism and the true nature and definition of it is often,
though not always, to ambiguous, evolutionary, and subjective to allow
for one group, whether they are the supposed recipients of the racism
of the givers of it, to be the sole determining factor as to whether it
has occurred. However, I do believe both parties input, opinions, and
ideas are beneficial when deciding whether it has happened. I believe
a third party outside the issue is almost always necessary when
deciding things like this and even then it can still be difficult. I think the
situation here in Arizona with the border is a perfect example of what I
mean.