The Surrounding World

“Krishna was once said the most miraculous thing in all creation, is that a man should wake each morning and believe deep in his heart that he will live forever, even though he knows that he is doomed.”

We had been in school for a week when George Berkowitz, a senior, passed away on September 1, 2014 due to an unexpected heart failure during his sleep. George filled every room with color, excitement, and happiness. His friends always laughed at his silly gestures. He would reach out to every student in the school, no matter whom, and shed his light. There was never a dull moment with George. His energy lit the room with encouraging vibes, he brought life to every single moment.

George was my sister’s close friend and fellow classmate. He spent a lot of time around me the year prior, and I got to know him quite well; he would always text my sister and declare his love for her, in a joking manner. I laughed every minute I was with him, and when he was no longer there, I still remember Grace, my sister, waiting for his text, and me waiting to laugh again at his jokes.

When I heard the news I remember standing at my locker in disbelief; I was confused, upset, and scared. Why did this happen? This could not have happened; he was only 17. I thought.

I went home that day, and sat looking out the window thinking to myself. Life is truly short, and we really don’t know if tomorrow will come or not. So this led me to a bigger understanding and appreciation for the little things in life.

As humans we tend to complicate things. Complicate relationships. Complicate work. Complicate school. But why? Sometimes I think wouldn’t it be easier to not think, just do. Just enjoy what is in front of us.

After Berki’s passing I developed a greater awareness of taking each day at a time, maybe because I lost my uncle this past year too, or suffered with losing a close friend from home due to suicide. But, tragedy and loss has taught me a very important lesson, and that is life is short, precious, and challenging. It may seem cliché to say, but living in the present moment is something I believe in. If we are thinking about how we can change what happened yesterday, or predict what will happen in the hours ahead we lose site of the special moments worth embracing. We miss the moments that are worth living.

I myself am a victim of failing to live each day in the present, because I think about what’s next, what’s to come, and what I can do to prepare myself for the future. But this mindset is not what I believe works. The uncertainties in life have taught me to step back, reflect, and enjoy the little things, because I now realize you truly never know when these things will no longer exist.

THIS I BELIEVE IDEA: Small actions lead to big changes…

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Gandhi

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” Obama

Quotes such as these render the concept that we were put on this planet to do something. We have some purpose to serve, not ourselves, but the people and the world around us. This concept of making a difference may seem simple but often we fail to accomplish this phenomenon. I was raised to understand that we are here on this planet to contribute, not to take, but to give. As a small girl I was exposed to a starfish. My life was changed by the starfish and the story of the starfish. One small act of kindness can go a long way. My parents often referred to me as their “starfish,” this artifact represented the idea that I am here for a reason; I believe we all are here for some purpose. We are here to serve, to give, and to make a difference.

 

PASSION BLOG IDEA:

I am going to continue my blog on my passion for horseback riding. My experiences with horses are on-going and not close to ending, therefore, I still have many stories and anecdotes to share about my life with horses. My passion for them is strong, and I enjoy writing about the horses because it is something that has been a part of my entire life journey. Each story I have some message to share, and I like being able to tie this message back to my greatest passion.

 

CIVIC ISSUES BLOG: Two main ideas to write about…

Environment: Climate change; some believe this issue exists while others deny the science behind climate change.
Diversity in Hollywood; Awards shows held every year have recently been questioned for favoring white actors and actresses when choosing the recipient of the award. Particularly, the Oscars caused controversy over just this past year. This issue is now widely talked about in Hollywood. Various articles, social media posts, and newspapers covered this topic at length about both sides of the controversial issue.

 

 

 

 

 

Technology came full circle in just the past decade, with the rise of social media people have been greatly impacted in the fashion world. We see daily articles of what new clothes are out,and what’s the new popular outfit to wear. Then we instantly have access to go buy it because the prices and brand names are included on the site…convenient for the company isn’t it? Fashion companies have brought in large amounts of revenue because of social media and internet influence. Just the basic addition of online shopping. We are lazy American’s but if we don’t have to get up and shop for the clothes, and it’s just a few button clicks away why not place an order? These concepts have driven further trends in fashion because options are unlimited, and changing the trends are rapid because in one instant one outfit may seem pleasing, and the next day there is something bigger and better. It is just a google search away and we have this information right at our fingertips.

In addition to the mere influences we see in clothing, people are used as a persuasion mechanism to target consumers to buy the new clothing of the generation. Today the changes are seen every 4-6 months. People get bored nowadays with the same outfit, and need something new to spice things up. Often in the fashion industry the workplace experience is high stress because the pressures involved in pleasing consumers every half a year is challenging.

I think because of the surrounding influences from Instagram and twitter that fashion is experiencing the biggest shift that has ever been seen. As humans we fall toward the trap of popularity and security, and the fashion world makes it easy because social media highlights the fashion industry every day. Just go online, look up fashion and see what pops up I am sure you will find what it is you were looking for!

Resources:

Inspiration, By. “How Technology Is Driving the Fashion Industry Forward – Slyce Blog.” Slyce   Blog How Technology Is Driving the Fashion Industry Forward Comments. N.p., 2015.   Web. 26 Oct. 2016.

“How Social Media Has Changed the Fashion Industry – BBC …” N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.

“American Fashion Through the Decades | InterExchange.” N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.

Mae was memorized by the “peaceful scene…Mae found herself temporarily lost in it.” The seahorses, octopus, and tuna enjoyed the large and spacious glowing environment that Stenton created. The Three Wise Men and Mae admired the scene, similar to how Mae fully admired the Circle…at first.

The release of the shark and the description of how it devours the tuna in one bite, and immediately seeks for the next victim to prey on is gruesome. It does not stop until the entire tank is empty. Until the shark was satisfied. Sounds similar to the company wanting to close the Circle completely, right? Why were the Three Wise Men, Bailey, Ty, and Stenton not surprised by the brutal act taking place in the tank. In fact, Bailey and Ty saw it coming, and Stenton admired the situation. Mae held herself together, but knew something was wrong, something was off…the company was the tank.

Employees work to please, they give up their life for the Circle, and Mae is the prime example. Her privacy is no longer existent, along with thousands of others who want to fit in. They in a sense want to “survive” just like the seahorse, tuna, and jelly fish. And the shark/the Three Wise Men, don’t make survival an option. SeeChange, TruYou, and Transparency were not an option once the Circle closed. The employees were controlled by some outer force. They had no defense to stop it.

This scene offers a clear analogy to the Circle. Illustrating how employees are losing their say in anything. Mae feels powerful, she has over “62million viewers” admiring what she is doing daily, but this power is consuming her. Is she falling into the trap/tank, where she will not be able to escape?

In the text it references Mae’s fear at the end of the savage attack by the shark. Her concern represents what she knows the company truly is…the Three Wise Men enjoyed the horrid attack taking place because they are not much different from the shark. Their idea that technology will eventually replace all forms of personal communication and privacy is presented as a glorious undertaking for newcomers, but Mae suddenly recognizes the dangers of the technological enforcement.

The scene of Mercer’s departure, and Mae’s addicted nature to find him to reveal his private longing continues to show the corruption behind the company. No one has the right to privacy anymore…not once the Circle closes. But this is completely wrong. The Mariana Trench creatures show what the closing of the Circle will create.

Kalden, “Ty the Wise Men,” knows what he has created is not okay. The world needs privacy he tells her, and she rats him out. Her values and morals are completely masked by the Circle. Mae no longer can see what is right from wrong. The closing scene, showing Annie in the hospital, and Mae wondering when the time will come that people’s thoughts will be knowable as public information, saying that “the world deserves nothing less and will not wait”. Why is Mae thinking about this when her “best friend” is in the hospital? Clearly, she has been eaten by the shark.

Social media and technology have played a role in why women feel the desire to dress “racy.” Cultural acceptance has also shifted; clothing has shifted alongside this attitude of acceptance.

Fashion week is global and widely known. Fashion consists of many shifts that culminate a variety of ideas. Prominently, the sexual promotion in clothing is more accepted nowadays. The movements “flaunt your figure” and “free the nipple” illustrate today’s generation of a racy belief in fashion. Social influences, especially through social media, influence young girls and consumers to wear what is “popular.” Seeing daily articles, and posts that are worth over a million dollars, highlight the fashion of Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and other popular figures in the social world that promote a kind of dress that shows off skin. Crop tops, short skirts, low cut t-shirts, and sheer shirts that highlight the outline of breasts are rising fashion trends. Historically, this type of fashion would be deemed offensive, and inappropriate. But are they wrong? Are movements such as “free the nipple” not culturally acceptable? My idea is to look into the past, present, and future trends of fashion, analyze the changes we see, and the changes being made. Fashion changes daily, some are subtle, and others relay bold statements.

Ideas I will touch on in the essay, along with other topics include: In the 50’s sex was held to be more sacred, and the clothing reflected this belief. Ranging from corsets, and dresses that were tightly fitted underneath with excess material to mask the figure of the women. During these times showing off more than your hands and feet was “scandalous.” But now we walk down the street, and it is not uncommon to see short shorts, belly shirts, and no bras.
Marilyn Monroe, a “sex symbol” in the 50’s was seen as racy, due to her choice of clothing. Showing off her arms and legs was “racy?” A shock to us today, but fashion trends have shifted to greater acceptance of what is proper wear. My paradigm shift will look into these past times, and highlight the vast changes that fashion has experienced. It will also focus on the modern changes seen today, and the reason behind this shift will be addressed on a deeper level.

The Circle represents a near-future rising corporation. A corporation that uses technology to surveillance all public action. Is this right? Is privacy theft, as the Circle claims, or do we have the right to privacy?

The Circle generates a philosophy…if you are not being transparent with all personal information, then what are you hiding?  The story is based upon an omniscient tech company that digitally records all past, present, and future events. Their point to “close the circle,” to gain full transparency, and commitment from all employee’s centers around the idea of human rights. But how far do you go before human rights are violated?

In the Circle, Eggers exaggerates a phenomenon, “All that happens must be known.” Mae is enticed by the opportunities offered by the circle. The beginning of the novel introduces this environment of opportunity and greatness, however, as the novel progresses the idea of “sharing is caring” increases its complexity. No longer does Mae have the opportunity to speak alone with her friends/family. The one and only time she has to herself is the four-minutes of bathroom space. She uses the bathroom more than necessary. This goes to show, her desire for space and privacy. But if she wants this space, why is she willing to go to a level of full transparency? Who is she really trying to please?

Circlers sound progressive. They seem like they are moving into a generation where technology is put to a higher level of use. However, they take it too far. The Circle isn’t being progressive. It is being totalitarian. Relationships are broken, people are hurt, is this what their goal is? Why create Demoxie if it’s causing this trend.

The Circle’s digital network is dominant. The public sees the free advertised network as a great source of communication, but little do they know that this will soon be a mandatory usage. Mae along with a number of desperate employee’s volunteer to be “transparent” and neglect considering the consequences of this voluntary action. Their lives are ruled by a system of technological monstrosity.

To close the circle is to give up privacy, to give up all personal information to the public. Perhaps they see this as a human right, but is it? There is information that isn’t publicly necessary to share. Sharing your private information with the entire public is not a human right, it is invasion. Closing the circle will create a mandatory label on this technological system, which is violating basic human rights. WE HAVE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY!

I agree with the statement, “SHARING IS CARING,” but the Circle misinterprets the true meaning of sharing. Eggers mentions some people are unable to experience the various wonders of travel and hiking, therefore, someone who can gain this experience should be required to share it with those who cannot. Requirement of sharing these moments is absurd.

Privacy is a commonplace instilled in all of us at a young age in civic life. Taking privacy away effects this commonplace that has been a basic right from the day we were born.

 

Mercer is a dry, sarcastic character. He is in his early twenties and makes chandeliers out of antlers. His creativity and motivation is slowly corrupted by the massive tech company, “The Circle.” Mercer knew Mae as her younger self when he dated her, and he sees how the Circle is changing her. She is losing sight of what matters, and is enthralled in dysfunctional customs that the Circle practices.

Mae views the Circle as the most prestigious company to be employed at, however, this impairs her ability to distinguish between her real life and simulated life. There is a clear difference between the two worlds. She is overwhelmed by the pressure, so she conforms to the expectations that the leaders encourage. It’s “campus” is a mix of entertainment and debate, but lacks any real nature of creativity and human collaboration. Mercer’s argument that the company is pushing toward “perfection” and “world domination” may seem exaggerated, but is it? He is bothered by the fact that Mae is overly enthused with this company, and she is trying to push the issues onto Mercer.

Mercer’s comment to Mae reflecting on how boring she has become is a valid statement in his defense. He remembers Mae as a fun-loving, adventurous person. He now looks at a girl who is confined to standards and expectations. Her world is corrupted by lack of privacy, and this begins to ruin relationships with old friends, like Mercer, who are not exposed to the Circle’s required customs. The statement, “Equal access to all possible human experiences is a basic human right” is not justifiable. Recording others for their every move is not experience it is invasion of privacy. Mercer sees this, but Mae does not.

He observes her at the dinner table, on a rare occasion that she’s actually with her parents, where she is so focused on her cell phone and “zinging” that she fails to communicate with them. Mae ignores the significant people around her because she is so desperate to be in another world. She wants to be accepted, and therefore begins to forget what her true morals and values center around. She disregards what she truly cares about just to fit into this simulated world. In truth, her real world is what she actually wants to live in, but denial prevents her from changing.

The world of social media and technology is overused. We struggle to maintain face-to-face relationships, and personal connections because of the technological overload. Dave Eggers illustration in the Circle is not far off from what our future could be headed towards. Today’s social media culture is highly addicting. People spend more time on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter than they do interacting with others around them. Doesn’t this seem concerning? Our future world relies on technology, but is this what we should accept? I see that Eggers point was to illustrate a future world that we could be headed in the direction of, but can’t we take a higher position, and evolve that into a better use of such a valuable asset. There are people in this generation who could make a change…and a change needs to be made.

A commercial with no words, yet gains the highest rating from audience reviews, how is this so? Developing a plot line with an extremely powerful message of friendship that everyone can relate to on a common ground is very clever. Budweiser’s 2014 Super Bowl commercial was ranked the most popular ad ever to air in the NFL premier event. This was due to the fact that the story line was highlighted with the puppy and Budweiser’s mascot, the Clydestale. The “Puppy love” generated between the classic golden retriever and famous Clydesdale horse created a heartwarming effect for the audience. The commercial employs pathos to manipulate the audience to feel moved by the relationship seen with these two animals.

Those who have seen the hit commercials for Budweiser, know singlehandedly that the audience was convinced by the emotional material presented. Pathos was predominantly the rhetorical appeal utilized. In the commercials, when the puppy submerges from the hay, when he runs into the streets, when he jumps into the strange car, when the man posts a lost dog sign, and when the horse runs after the puppy to come home we immediately say, “AWW” or “How sweet.” The emotional ties to the animals generate this heart-felt reaction from the audience.  It is our personal relationships, perhaps with our dogs, cats, horses, or any animal that bring out these emotions. Budweiser is aware of the significance animals play in civic life, therefore, they make use of them through a relatable and impactful commercial that attracts the eyes of many American viewers.

Cleverly, they also knew the time and place to air their hit commercial. Budweiser employs Kairos. Referring to finding the opportune moment to share rhetorical appeal. What better time to share a commercial then during the super bowl? People often watch the super bowl just to see the commercials and the half-time show, so Budweiser’s decision to share this emotional and heart-warming commercial was at the exact right time. Kairos is one of the most influential forms of rhetoric, because if information is not presented at the correct moment it could lose its effect.

The concept of the video highlights the company, Budweiser, to be trustworthy. By showing the connection between the animals and the man it highlights the friendship and bond shared between them. This steers the audience to believing Budweiser to be this company that practices loyalty and friendship. This idea then convinces consumers to feel obliged to purchase the product. Credibility in the form of ethos, is another clever rhetorical piece utilized in this commercial. By using animals to show relationships of love and trust, the audience can relate back to the company morals. The golden retriever serves as the spokesperson, which further adds to the credibility of the commercial. People feel inclined to trust the figure of a puppy. The puppy symbolizes “a man’s best friend,” therefore the audience views it as a loyal figure to look at and feel a stronger sense of credibility. This ties back into the company itself, seeing that Budweiser believes in these specific values of friendship and trust further convinces the audience to favor Budweiser.

In addition to pathos, Kairos, and ethos as rhetorical appeals, Budweiser was very creative in differentiating themselves from other popular brewing companies. Instead of promoting the product for its actual use like most beer company commercials, Budweiser creates a plot line. It generates a message that gears toward the audience, and makes the entire video personally relatable. By using an anecdotal format in its commercial, the audience is able to relate to what is being shown, and further find interest.  Budweiser does not show the actual label, or flaunt its company during the video. They create a message that would actually gain audience appreciation. Spending very little time focusing on the beer itself, but rather something that every viewer can connect with for their own interest. No human wants to know about your company, they want to know how this will be important in their life. The story portrays the experience that the customer will actually want, it doesn’t focus on what Budweiser is gaining. Being aware of audience interests, and standing out is a unique part of the Budweiser commercial.

Budweiser further sets a memorable and nostalgic ton through the use of music and symbolism. Playing the song “Let it go” during this time, which is a well-known and highly rated song, was not an accident. It symbolized the friendship ties shared, and continued to make the commercial even more relatable. Beside the puppy, and the musical undertone, the famous Clydestale horse is a well-known symbol for Budweiser. The audience immediately recognizes the company from this symbol. Budweiser did not promote their label as often in the commercial they let the animals do the talking. By allowing animals to play as the spokesperson made the commercial a lot stronger. Animals are a major component in our civic life. No day is passed without their presence in this world. Therefore, people find them intriguing to see outside of social media and daily interaction. A commercial with animals is an effective way to gain high ratings because they are a commonplace in civic life.

The commercial last for less than one minute, yet captures a whole entire story for the audience to reflect. The friendship seen between the horses, the puppy, and the man highlight pathos, ethos, Kairos, and anecdotes all in this short time frame. The brief commercial allows the audience to want more. It leaves them with various rhetorical appeals to think about, and relate to on a personal level connection. At the same time the video leaves viewers wanting to watch it over and over again. Waiting until the end of the commercial, when the brief logo is shown on the man’s hat, the audience is given a visual image of who produced this influential and memorable ad. This made viewers really remember Budweiser’s name.

Humans consume based on their emotion. Its science. Budweiser did not just create a catchy, heart-warming story that gained the highest ratings in 2014. It based this all off logical appeals. Knowing that they had to differentiate their story from previous years, but also provide uniqueness to their 2014 airing. The “Puppy Love” commercial was the 12^th commercial that Budweiser created, and still was ranked at the top of the super bowl commercials. It was prevalent that targeting the intended audience’s emotions and creating a credible aspect to the commercial was dominate in the rhetoric of the commercial. However, in order to analyze and put the entire story line together, Budweiser had to look at the previous years, and audience approval in these past years. Budweiser had to generate a video based off logic. Logos, therefore, was another effective appeal utilized to further make this video the highest rated commercial in 2014.

Budweiser incorporates rhetorical appeals, through Kairos, logos, pathos, anecdotes and ethos that capture the audience’s attention. It uses rhetoric to create a memorable visual for the consumers. The images presented in this video are capturing and intriguing. As the horse leaps the fence to run after his “best friend,” the puppy, and the puppy comes happily running to his “best friend,” the man, the immediate reaction of the audience would be to look at Budweiser as a company that practice loyalty and friendship. Using the golden retriever puppy and symbolic Clydestale, Budweiser produces a meaningful commercial that highlights their company to be credible. Credibility and trust gives the audience convincing reasons to buy the Budweiser beer as their next drink.

 

Mae Holland, working at the world’s top corporation is faced with pressures that require her to give up intimate relationships, and all means of privacy. The monster company integrates all identities into one account, “TruYou”. Mae’s fascination and muse for the company causes her to lose sight of the future ahead of her. Her beginnings at a small, unknown utility company highlight the Circle to be the ideal job.

Bailey one of the 3 Wise men at the Circle generates the idea of SeeChange, which allows for everything to be caught on video cameras. He deems this as the “Second Enlightenment,” where everything in the world will be known. The Wise men’s philosophy centers around three main points, “sharing is caring, privacy is theft, and secrets are lies.” These examples show the degradation of privacy. Mae willingly complies to all the three key ideas, she looks at the company to be the best, and wants to be a part of it. She desperately wants to fit into the community, and to do this she must obey to transparency. It is evident, however, that through the process her human emotions get in the way. She wants to be accepted, but this means she must sacrifice what she truly values.

As Mae is challenged to document her every move on camera, she is caught making mistakes. Particularly when she visits her parents and Mercer. Her intimate relationships become fake; they begin to lose their real nature. Mercer and Mae are caught fighting on multiple occasions over the social change that Mae is promoting. Mercer says to Mae, “It’s not that I’m not social. I’m social enough…No one needs the level of contact you’re purveying. It improves nothing. It’s not nourishing…your company is scanning all of our messages.” His argument to Mae did not even impact her emotion, she just showed a greater detest toward Mercer, “Mae looked at his fat face…He seemed to be developing jowls…No wonder snack food was on his mind,” this highlights Mae’s cruel nature toward an intimate relationship she once valued. Her infatuation with the Circle has brainwashed her ability to see that Mercer is right. The media that the Circle is generating, and the lack of private communication is ridiculous and unnecessary. Annie and Mae’s intimate friendship is also affected by the lack of privacy Mae receives. Their meetings progressively become less private. Its apparent that Mae is struggling to share what she is thinking with Annie like she once did.

The Circles attempt to take away all means of privacy corrupts the close relationships Mae shares with her parents, Mercer, and Annie. Mae is no longer able to go to her parent’s home without being watched. She even had to apologize for missing a social event when she went home to take care of her father. Dan scolded her for missing a party on Friday night, and her explanation that she had to go home to take care of her father was not acceptable. This goes to show that the lack of privacy within the Circle, will eventually ruin intimate friendships and family ties.

Important parts to think about: Invention (ideas that hold strong content) Arrangement (develop an organizational pattern) Style (personal message to tap into audience of students) Memory (don’t memorize, understand the topic and orientation) DELIVERY (confidence)

Introduction

• Video enhancing the effects of animals in civic life on a broad perspective to visually show how animals are used in civic life to affect how we think.
• Highlight the major concepts that animals are used in various ways to persuade and appeal to audiences on a broad spectrum.
• Mention that we tend to choose an animal that relates to how we guide our life, which will begin to introduce the personal aspect of the artifacts influence. Animals are a personal guide in civic life, and we get to pick the animal who represents us.

Personal Aspect

• Begin to personalize the speech by honing in on what animal has guided me through my own civic life. Tell a story that shows how this animal has guided some of my decision making.
• Begin to elaborate on the message that this animal has taught me.
• Discuss how civic life uses animals to make messages more personal ourselves (Starfish has taught me change).

Broader Idea

• Animals are not just used to guide personal decision making. They are used in commercials as represented in the intro. They are used on Ads. They are a use of persuasion because people appeal to animals.

Conclude

• Why is this relevant? We all have animals, we love animals. It’s important to recognize the things in life that we use to impact what decisions we are making.
• Questions to ponder; What is your animal that has taught you a personal message? Who in here misses their animal at home? Do things feel lonely without the fury cuddle buddy? When you watched the super bowl commercial, it was talked about for days, why is that? In the ASPC commercials we instantly shut it off, or become emotional when seeing the animals faces, animals tap into our emotions, correct?
• Animals can make us happy, make us sad, and are a key artifact in civic life that act as a guide for emotions, and decisions.