Joy article response

Joy is mainly concerned about the rapid growth of technology in our society. Specifically, he points out that the 20^th century was based around technology involving nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Now in the 21^st century, technology is centered on genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics. The difference between these two technologies is that while weapons of mass destruction require large facilities, rare raw materials, and can only be performed once, the technology of the 21^st century is mainly centered around knowledge. Once people acquire this knowledge, such technologies can be used (or abused) however one feels. Joy believes that we are moving forward without caution in the field of technology.  He fears that people may become power hungry, abuse this self-replicating technology, and our society will spin out of control in multiple ways.

In order to get his point and fear across, Joy uses various examples, anecdotes, and meanings that all contribute to the rhetorical appeals. One of his first stories involves his initial meeting with Ray Kurzweil, an inventor who Joy greatly admired. This meeting was the impetus for his fear of technology and its rapid advancements. In short, Ray spoke of his confidence in technology and how sooner than later, we were going to fuse into and/or work with sentient robots. In addition to this, Joy also alludes to several science fiction movies and technological books like, Robot: Mere Machine to Transcendent Mind. He continuously drops scientific names and authors that help to establish his logos. In addition, he addresses, in detail, the specific technologies, like nanotechnology, as well as the pros and cons. However, I feel his most effective approach was discussing his story of how he personally is affected by this growth of technology. Joy goes into great detail about his interest in computer programming, technology, and the success of his business. This allows him to establish ethos, showing he is very credible when it comes to discussing subjects like this. In addition, Joy shows concern that sine he worked in this field, he fears he helped to contribute to this potentially devastating growth of technology.

11 years later, I believe this problem is becoming increasingly more relevant. We are living in a society where a computer can basically fit into a cell phone or paper-thin tablet (at a reasonable price). While these are simple technological advancements, they have occurred in an extremely short period of time. This is especially true if you consider when computers themselves first became invented. In addition, technology in science is becoming more advanced, including things like using stem cells for genetic manipulation. While reading this article I kept imagining the story of Frankenstein, where a scientific experiment goes terribly wrong. With the quick advancements being made in technology, I strongly believe that this problem will consistently remain and grow. 

saturday proposal

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/national_world&id=8023163

The fear of a nuclear crisis continues to rise in Japan after the devastating earthquakes. Radiation has been detected in the air, plants, and water within the area.  They are also realizing that they were not properly prepared for such a situation. This is an extremely important issue because if the plant does meltdown and release radiation, people in the area will experience fatal health issues, everything will be contaminated, and this contamination will easily reach back to other countries via imports, water, and air.

http://www.centredaily.com/2011/03/20/2593867/bath-salts-trend-worries-authorities.html

This article looks at the issue of "bath salts" being sold in state college stores. These bath salts contain legal chemicals that people are using to get high. This is an issue because many people have ended up in the hospital for dangerous side effects. In addition, someone died from overdosing, and one man acted out irrationally while on it and stabbed a priest. This issue has existed with several other legal herbs that people also use to get high. The user's health is at risk, as well as other innocent bystander's health and safety.

saturday proposal

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/breaking/Flash-Mob-HM-Arrests-118277639.html

This article discusses the issue of a teen flash mob within Center City Philadelphia. These mobs have been occurring recently, and often result in arrests. This is an important issue to address because such actions have been taking place for over a year. When a large group of people come together like that, fights often break out, property is damaged, and innocent people can get hurt.

http://articles.philly.com/2010-10-22/news/24982123_1_facebook-posts-students-threats-at-high-school

This article looks at an issue of inappropriate Facebook messages and threats that erupted throughout a New Jersey high school. The students were left feeling anxious and scared. This is an important issue within many schools, where Facebook bullying and safety needs to be addressed. Students need to understand the danger that can occur on such sights.

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2011/02/25/aclu_chik-fliet_protest.aspx

Students within LGBTA were striking outside the chic-fil-a in the hub when they found our that the corporation does not support equal rights regarding sexuality. Although the specific one in the hub has not demonstrated this attitude, students do not want their money going to someone that does. This is important to address because discrimination against sexuality is still a common issue within society, and we need to continue to propose different ways to make everyone accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Friday proposal

http://www.nj.com/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1299474607156421.xml&coll=8

The state is not providing the funds and aid to students in New Jersey that is should, and the formula for determining who receives aid is flawed. This is important because without the proper aid, school budgets begin to fail, money is distributed unevenly, and students directly experience this struggle with cuts within their education system

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8021474.

Due to the recent natural disasters in Japan, many electronic, car, and other products have faced a halt in manufacturing. This is important because it will show a decline in the sales of the company, which is particularly bad during a recession. In addition, consumers may be affected by this hault and not have convenient access to these products for the time being. Overall, if the situation persists, the global market may see significant decreases.

A Modest Proposal

1) Respose to satire 

In Swift’s proposal, he sarcastically suggests a solution to several problems that the Irish society is facing as a result of abuse from English Protestants. Specifically, he focuses on the issues of the poverty stricken and the way they live. At the time of his proposal, Swift brings attention to problems like begging mothers whose children seem to only be a burden. The children are not adequately fed, cannot be properly taken care of, and according to Swift, cannot be considered useful members of society until about age six. He states that his suggestion will minimize the suffering of children and the monetary suffering of their families. In addition, he believes his proposal will prevent voluntary abortions, murdering of children, and supply the public with food and clothing that they may have been in need of. The way in which Swift uses satire is extremely effective in the piece. He proposes such an outrageous idea, to use babies as food, that the audience is left stunned while reading his work. However, rather than just stating his proposal, Swift rations it out and provides concrete examples, statistics, and counterarguments, similar to any political proposal that someone would employ. He states that such a proposal would reduce the political, financial, and social issues that the Irish are facing, as well as benefit wealthy Englishmen. Using satire allows Swift to “humorously” mimic the English landlord’s point of view, and bring awareness to the abuse that the Irish people face. Satire makes the piece much more interesting and takes a personal jab at the wealthy English viewpoint, without flatly stating that their actions are ridiculous. In reality, the purpose of the piece is to identify the prejudice against Irish Catholics (by the English) that was occurring at the time.  Swift is “pretending” to have this prejudice viewpoint and uses humor to show how outrageous the situation truly is.

2) A (Short) Modest proposal on censorship

            It is beyond obvious that the reason violence, sex, and substance abuse are so prevalent in our society is due to the over exposure of adult issues in television, books, and other forms of media. Therefore, I am proposing that we eliminate these evils completely. Without books, like Huck Finn for example, our society will become much more peaceful. With all of these inappropriate precedents gone, racial slurs and other forms of violence will no longer exist. Book simply feed our minds with issues that do not need to be addressed, They are the cause.of poor behavior. The elimination of television and other forms of media will keep young children and teenagers from seeing “adult situations” and problems that they should not know about. Why should a 6 year old know about the war in Iraq? Why are 12 year olds discussing who Snookie “smushed” last night at their lunch tables. Television shows, new stations, and newspapers provide negative information that our society should not know about. By completely eliminating all of these forms, we will no longer be exposed to many issues that serve as the impetus for debate and distress within our country. In addition, the elimination of all media and books will result in a less stressed, happier, and more productive society overall. There will be more time for family and personal relationships without the stresses that pop culture puts on us. Overall, the total elimination of all influential media is the only way towards the peaceful society that we aim to achieve.