RHE 309K: Rhetoric of Freaks and Geeks

An undergraduate course in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing at The University of Texas at Austin, created and taught by Sarah A. Riddick.

[freaks309]

I found this all too relevant to our class.

[voce-quer-no-baile-ir-comigo-ir]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8L0NlstyhU)

[freaks309]

One participant discussing pit bulls: “I think, just like people are, they’re just a bit misunderstood.”

[manuel-irl-iirc]

Essay 3

Although I’m not entirely certain about how my essay will be structured, I’m sure it will contain a proposal argument about the acceptance and appreciation for the imperfections of secondary characters. I intend on making some kind of “rebuttal” against a story with little to no secondary character focus if I can find a good example. I also hope to make a causal argument about why secondary characters tend to be relatively ignored by both authors and audiences, which I would like to tie into my proposal argument.

manuel-irl-iirc

[freaks309]

Blog Post #9.

Proposal - Why it is important to reconsider how scientist are portrayed in media.

I would like to compare Dr. Walter Bishop's ‘freak’ qualities to real life scientists, such as Nikola Tesla, and see whether or not the Dr. Frankenstein portrayal of scientist has any real life examples. Next, I want to evaluate whether or not a ‘mad’ scientist portrayal of Nikola Tesla has hurt or benefited his image. From this evaluation of Nikola Tesla I can give evidence as to why media’s portrayal of scientist is acceptable and grounded in some type of truth, or something that needs to change, or maybe somewhere in between. I also want to evaluate how the ‘mad’ scientist stereotype is interpreted as a positive message for one particular audience and is interpreted in a negative way for another. That is, the reason why the stereotype may persist is that one community may be interpreting the message as a good thing and may be taking positive message from it, while for the general public the message is much more complicated and interpreted in many different ways that leads to an overall negative image of scientist. I will then discuss how directors and writers, such as J. J. Abrams, have been taking steps to change what it means to be a ‘mad’ scientist. 

-robertjwilson

[freaks309]

Blog Post #9

In my essay for 3.1, I will focus on how society views “freaks” among religions. I will be discussing the Westboro Baptist Church again and exploring different views toward the church community. In addition, to prevent this essay from being Christianity-exclusive, I will also be discussing other groups from other religions which have been portrayed negatively by the media and the implications of that. I will also evaluate how these different groups compare and contrast with each other. These other groups will include American Muslims and possibly American Jews, if I can find substantial information to build a strong argument.

In my argumentative essay, I will be heavily building a rebuttal argument, specifically through the use of refutation and counterarguments. I will acknowledge the point of views from all sides, and incorporate my own argument as to why both sides are valid, and come to the conclusion as to why one side’s position is stronger.

In the end, I will make a proposal argument, discussing what society should do about these “freaks.”

-Written by clairerhe309k

[freaks309]

Blog #9

[freaks309]

#9

For essay 3.1 I will argue that Jack is a freak to society, since . The essay will start with the definition of a freak and how Jack fulfills the criteria. Since I am using the movie I will reinforce my position not with just words that are spoken but also with the images the images that the director shows.

I will probably also touch on the fact that Jack, as with most fictitious freaks created for entertainment, is not a good representation of his group. So while he may be a freak, the group he represents, those with mental disorders, are a normal part of society.

-Philip Posey

[freaks309]

#9

I am not completely sure how I want to layout essay 3.1 effectively, but I was thinking of using a couple of different types of arguments. First, I thought of giving the definition of giving a freak and geek, in order for the audience to know the definition of what I think what entails of being a freak or geek.

 Secondly, I wanted to evaluate Napoleon’s life and how he is treated by society. If I lay out Napoleon’s life in the paper then I think it will be easier for the audience to sympathize with him. 

Lastly, I thought it would more interactive if I ended it with a proposal on how Napoleon fits being a geek and freak, but how society should treat him no differently because we are all a little freaky or geeky. However, I wanted to leave the end kind of open ended, so that the audience can decide whether Napoleon is more freaky than geeky or vice versa and how he should be treated by society.

Throughout the paper I am going to use a variety of arguments and counterarguments so it does not come off too bias. Therefore, the audience can either sympathize with Napoleon and other people of his nature or decide that those people are nerds and should be treated like one. 

[freaks309]

#9

For essay 3.1, I am going to argue that the joker is indeed a freak to society. Many examples regarding his personality and actions will be incorporated into my paper. I am also going to compare some of his traits to other “freaks” in society and see how they compare. Some people I am  looking at to compare the Joker with are other super heroes and villains. For this paper, I am really going to focus on the point that the Joker is indeed a freak. The whole paper will be arguing towards this statement. The 3 main points I am going to make are most likely going to be: 1. What makes the Joker a freak? 2. What does the Joker do that is freakish? 3. How does the Joker differentiate himself from other freaks? 

[freaks309]

9

-Alexmamoga

[freaks309]

"Of course I know how to roll a joint."―Martha Stewart

For Essay 3.1 I will use the evaluation and rebuttal arguments to express my point that stoners aren’t bad people and should be accepted by society.

I will use evaluation by laying out what it takes to be an acceptable part of society then explaining how stoners meet these criteria.

Of course, since the stoner lifestyle revolves around a plant that is illegal I will lay out arguments against stoners. Or else the essay may appear one sided. But I will counter argue these points and attempt to prove that the stoner should be accepted.

Arguing pro-stoner will be an uphill battle, the label “stoner” is hardly ever seen as a compliment or as any type of positive connotation. Stoners do break the law and seem to not have any positive benefit to society. But it will be my job in this essay to convince the reader that the stoner is not the fool of the king’s court, but rather an alternative thinking adviser.

“Marijuana is quite possibly the finest of intoxicants. It has been scientifically proven, for decades, to be much less harmful to the body than alcohol when used on a regular basis (Google “Science”).”―Nick Offerman

-Christian Trudeau

[freaks309]

Trump

I am planning to structure my 3.1 essay using three of the six types of arguments.  To begin, I will state Donald Trump’s current position in the United States Political Scene.  Then, I will use definition argumentation.  This will allow me to define what a freak is and compare the jargon to Donald Trump. After the definition argument, I will use a narrative argument to fully convey my opinions of whether or not he is, or is not, a freak, or even both.  Lastly, I plan on incorporating rebuttal arguments in order to build a case that he is and is not a freak depending on the viewpoint.... possibly making him a super freak...

-Craig 

[freaks309]

9.

I think that the approach I would like to take with 3.1 would be one of multiple approaches. Not necessarily in this order, but I do want to have a proposal, a bit of narrative, and a rebuttal.

 With the proposal I would be eventually proposing why it is important that people pay attention to movies like Forrest Gump and consider representation of people with disabilities in film. 

With the narrative I would be able to incorporate my own big picture ideas (I think) and give personal experiences, maybe even ask others if that is okay to do.

Lastly, with the rebuttal I would be able to bring attention again to the argument of representation and follow it up with my proposal, while providing evidence as to why my ideas are valid. 

[freaks309]

Final essay argument styles

For essay 3.1 my main goal will be convincing the reader that Britney Spears is indeed a freak to society. I can speak on her negative presence in the media, her crazy live performances and her freakishly weird amount of success considering that she can't sing.....at all. I can use definition arguments, which will set out criteria of a freak, and then i can make arguments as to how Britney meets that criteria. Also, I will most likely use evaluation arguments because it will help me to express my own personal views aside from what is presented through the research of others. -Inez Hicks

[freaks309]

Blog Post 9

For 3.1, I’m going to use narrative, rebuttal and evaluation.

I will be using narrative to share personal stories and perspectives of my friends who are scientists.

Then, I will evaluate by comparing their experiences to my first essay about the stereotypes of scientists and associated characteristics.

If I find any contradicting points, I will use rebuttal to disprove my own claims from essay 1.1 and essay 2.2

-written by eclecticcheesecakepersona

[freaks309]

Blog Post #9

For 3.1 I plan to use multiple types of arguments. 

I plan to start my essay with a rebuttal. I will state the common thoughts that society has on those with autism and how it can effect these individuals self esteem and interaction throughout their lives. 

Narrative will allow me to use personal stories and experiences with my friends who have autism to back up my argument that the way society views and treats individuals with autism can be very hurtful and demeaning. 

A causal approach will give me the opportunity to state what I feel society does that leads to these negative opinions/views. Because people judge individuals with autism before they have a chance to get to know them and their diagnosis specifically, misinterpretations and views are placed on all people who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. 

With a proposal I can finish off my essay by stating that society should be more open and accepting towards those who have autism because we do not know their story, their experiences, or to what degree their diagnosis effects their life. We should get to know a person for who they are, not what we think their diagnosis is.

-Shelby V.

[shanaramalama-blog]

Blog Post 9

I’m going to structure essay 3.1 using the evaluation and causal structures. This is because what I’ll essentially be doing is analyzing what made The Stooges’ music reactive and finding the social commentary in their music, laid against the social context in the U.S. during their most active years. By using an essay structure that is mostly evaluative, I think I can get the absolute most messages out of the music/lyrics. By using causal as a sort of secondary structure, I can support my assertions by drawing out the connections that show why the music was reactive to it’s setting/time frame.

-Shannon.