Doublespeak by William Lutz

Doublespeak by William Lutz

Doublespeak is a kind of writing technique wherein words are replaced with better sounding ones. It makes writing seem more For example, people use "passed away" instead of "died." See? Doesn't that sound better? There are 4 types of doublespeak: euphemism, jargon, gobbledygook and inflated language. 

Personally, I seem to be interested in jargon because I can relate to it. I think that every age group has their own jargon and sometimes it is quite funny! Euphemism and inflated language is sort of the same in meaning. Gobbledygook is quite interesting as well. It is what I could call "nosebleed."

Overall, I think that doublespeak is an "okay" style or writing. I absolutely have nothing against it. It just needs to fit in the right kind of writing or the right topic. 

Time Savers

Time Savers

Time Savers is a type of propaganda that well.. saves one time. It is usually seen in fast food advertisements where the tag line is "Save yourself time by..."  or "In just 5 minutes..." or "You just have to drive-thru!" 

Most people are swayed by this type of propaganda because nowadays, as people say, "Time is gold." It is something even more valuable than money, I believe. People need more time to do more important things, that is why most prefer the not so important things to be done quick. This is why fast food is becoming such a fad. Another example could be quick and easy workouts or diets that leave one not feeling good. 

Everybody should watch out for time savers. All that everybody needs to gain some time is to practice time management and prioritizing. That way, everybody wins. 

Propaganda Techniques in Today's Advertising by Ann McClintock

Propaganda Techniques in Today's Advertising by Ann McClintock

After reading this essay.. I was amazed. Everything in this essay is very, very, very true. Ann McClintock says that people, of all ages and races, are swayed by propaganda at least 500 times a day. How? Through advertisements. It is true that all of us are amazed somehow even over the most useless thing being advertised - then we buy that item.


She also describes the seven types of ads: Name Calling, Glittering Generalities, Transfer, Testimonial, and Bandwagon. Most of these types apply to ads or campaigning in the political world. Here are some examples for each type:

1. Name Calling
When I was in the States a few years back, I was able to catch a TV commercial for Claritin, an allergy medicine. It was frankly compared to Benadryl, another allergy medicine. I remember this commercial so much because comparing brands in a commercial is quite odd since they don't do that here in the Philippines.

2. Glittering Generalities
Now that it is campaigning season here in UP, I'm sure every runner uses this propaganda tactic. I have heard it all, that the candidate cares, that he will make the school better and that, overall, he is the best candidate out there.

3. Transfer
I think an example for Transfer would be events that coordinate with big names. For example, UP JMA's ADHOC event collaborates with big brands like McDonald's and Nokia. How can people say no to that?

4. Testimonial
I always see this commercial of ProActiv acne remover. In it are huge celebrities like Justin Bieber and Katy Perry. I actually have no idea if they really use this product but in the commercial, they say they do and that it works.. that it really works.

5. Plain Folks
Usually, politicians use this propaganda tactic. For example, Manny Villar's slogan during the 2010 election was "Ako ang tunay na mahirap." He relates himself to the masses and says that he is like the masses in order to obtain their vote.

6. Card Stacking
Usually, shampoo and toothpaste commercials use this tactic. For example, Head and Shoulders says that it removes 99.9% of dandruff when in fact when I use their product, I get more dandruff.

7. Bandwagon
Most ads use this technique and people are easily swayed by this. For example, McDonald's usually features people of all ages in their commercials and they usually have 5 or more commercials on air or on TV simultaneously. This tells people that you are "not cool" if you don't eat at their fast food joint.

Overall, I think that people should be more careful and think twice when encountering a propaganda or simply and ad or someone campaigning to them. One should always watch out and never be swayed by the 7 propaganda tactics.

Am I Blue by Alice Walker

Am I Blue by Alice Walker

First of all, this short story has a very good title. Its title is clever as it summarizes the whole story. The word "Blue" can mean a lot of things. It can mean sadness, or coldness or the color itself - but in this story, it is the name of a horse.

The author describes how she has been watching and feeding Blue ever since she moved to that neighborhood where Blue stays. She had been feeding Blue apples, specifically. One day, Blue meets another horse whom Blue creates a good friendship with. Sadly, that other horse dies. In the end, the author is also sad for Blue and she can not stand to eat any more apples.

This story is quite beautiful in a way that the author describes how even animals can feel. How she relates the apple at the end is also very clever. I liked this story a lot because we, humans, can feel what Blue is feeling... which is in fact, being Blue. We all have experiences in life which makes us Blue.

Overall, I recommend this story for everybody to read because it has a lot of morals and it will make on realize a lot of things about life - all from a horse named Blue. 

Two Views of the Mississippi by Mark Twain

Two Views of the Mississippi by Mark Twain 

Of course, everybody knows or at least has heard of Mark Twain. He is an author famous for his books like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Prince and the Pauper. From reading this excerpt, I also learned that he was once a boat pilot at some point in his life.

In all honestly, I did not quite understand this short story right away. His story writing sort of gave me the dragging vibe. I had to read it again before I understood what he was writing about. It is literally about the two views of the Mississippi River but I believe that there is a deeper meaning to it.

This short story actually talked about humans and how we are with nature. Mark Twain implies that we take and use nature all the time, yet we do not give back to nature. Look at the world now, since we haven't taken care of our world, Global Warming and melting ice caps are what are taking over. Also, just like Mark Twain appreciates the beauty of the river, humans appreciate the beauty of nature.

This is a good read, one for a person ready to reflect on his or her life. 

My favorite movie genre

RomComs

"Rom Com", a colloquial term, is short for Romantic Comedy. This is my favorite movie genre because it is both Romance and Comedy; love and laughter. Love and laughter are my two favorite feelings, probably the two best feelings in the world. When it comes to romance movies, I like tear-jerkers because somehow, they make me feel good. That feeling deep down in my heart as I watch Mandy Moore receive a telescope from Shane West in  A Walk To Remember is a great one. On the other hand, comedy balances out the dramatic plot of a romance. After all, who doesn't like to laugh? Put these two together and the best genre of movie is created. 

Sexism and Language by Alleen Pace Nilsen

Sexism and Language by Alleen Pace Nilsen

Sexism and Language is a very true essay. It tells us of the realities of the battle between the sexes. It describes this battle in ways that make the reader realize how sexism is present in our world, even in the most simplest ways. For example, names of people are sexist. Girls have "shallow" meanings to their names; girls are named after flowers. On the other hand boys have "deeper" meanings to their names; boys are named after such things like bravery and strength.

I believe that in this world, we should fight for equality and fight against sexism. Although it is likely impossible for this to happen since this situation has been present ever since, one can simply be a good example by not being so quick to judge a person. After all, we are all equals, nobody is better than the other.

Again, I liked this essay because it made me realize the reality of this world when it comes to the attitude of the world; how people are judgmental and how people see other people based on their gender or even race.