WRITING PROJECT #2 | THE ARGUMENT In David Foster Wallace’s speech, “This is Wat

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WRITING PROJECT #2 | THE ARGUMENT
In David Foster Wallace’s speech, “This is Water,” Wallace speaks to Kenyon College graduates about how to critically approach the so-called “real world.” More specifically, our ability to choose is a common motif found in his speech—what and how we choose to think about our world. Wallace uses this premise to argue that people, whether religious or not, are always choosing something, someone, or some entity to worship. Worship of things like sex, greed, money, etc. thus becomes defining qualities of American culture, producing a nuanced representation of core values and beliefs.
For this writing project, write an argumentative paper in which you select one idol our culture collectively worships and argue if this is a positive or negative statement on society. Please keep in mind this paper is not a religion paper, nor is it a paper that defends or attacks the existence of polytheistic or monotheistic belief systems. Instead, try to focus on some of the secular idols that Wallace suggests and synthesize the results of your research in a clear and engaging way. To help strengthen your argument, you will incorporate at least 3 credible sources to help provide evidence supporting your argument. Be sure to evaluate all sides to the issue to develop a well-rounded position.
If you are the kind of writer that needs organizational guidance, refer to Chapters 13 & 38 in your textbook for an overview of how to organize a basic argument.
Helpful Tips:
To be arguable, a position must reflect one of at least two points of view.
A well-balanced argument discusses the other point of view and ultimately reasons why your point of view is stronger or better supported. This is called a rebuttal, and it involves intimately knowing your topic’s points of contention (major differing points).
Paper Guidelines:
MLA Format (Double-spaced, 12 point font, 1” margins)
Minimum length: 2 pages *does not include a Works Cited page*
Minimum of 3 credible sources
Possible points: 100
Applying DFW’s “This is Water”
This table provides a helpful approach to this assignment. I like to use the analogy of a doctor’s inquiry of symptoms to determine a patient’s diagnosis. We understand that smaller issues (or symptoms) are indications of a larger issue. In the same way, this paper asks you to address a diagnosis (something we worship), and your research will investigate the symptoms of this kind of worship.
For example, one can argue that we worship our body image (or physical worth), and one of the symptoms of this worship is the prevalence of sexual appeal in movies, advertising, videogames, etc. Note that the symptoms you explore will provide evidence and substantial support for your argument. You can also think of these as supporting points.
**NOTE WELL: Your paper does not have to investigate any of these three kinds of worship. There are numerous ‘idols’ that we worship. This table only serves as an example of some of those idols. You are welcome to use one of these idols, but you are not required.
SYMPTOMS:
These are patterns we see at both the micro and macro level. We don’t necessarily worship these things; instead, they point to a form of worship.
Symptoms provide a specific angle or lens with which you can view your topic.
Your research will investigate these symptoms. Data will help solidify your claims that (1) the worship exists and (2) the worship yields specific consequences or benefits.
DIAGNOSIS:
What we worship can be determined by the symptoms of the worship.
Notice that each diagnosis is broad and abstract, compared to the specific nature of the symptoms.
The Prevalence of Eating Disorders
Unsatisfactory Diets
The Booming Cosmetic Industry
Standards of Beauty in the Media
Depression
The Sexualization of the Youth
Body Image
Disparity between Economic Classes
Cost of Living
Income levels
American PTO vs European PTO
Corporate Greed
Materialism
Money
Average Number of Friends on Social Media Sites Such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
YouTube Phenomenon
The Nature of ‘Comments’ and ‘Likes’
Decline of Social Skills
Public Validation

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