Rhetoric and Civic Life

The Impact of CAS137H

Over the course of this semester, my knowledge of rhetoric has grown. Coming into this class, I new that rhetoric was all about effectively communicating your ideas in a persuasive way. However, I did not realize how much it is in our daily lives. For example, in unit 1, we analyzed many civic artifacts. The two artifacts which I focused on were advertisements. Before this class, I would have glanced at the advertisement and moved on. Now, I know that there is a deeper meaning to a lot of advertisements. In addition, I learned rhetoric is a key component to people like politicians and anyone else who gives a speech because they need to persuade their audience. I now know different rhetorical strategies which can help me in my future.

Previously, if someone asked me what ideological criticism was, I would not have an answer. After taking this class, I would say it is how ideas changed along with the belief system. My understanding of civic life has evolved because I learned the importance of knowing how ideas have changed over time. Ideas around something change which show progress and growth. Overall, I used to not think about rhetoric or civic life, but I now know they are important for people to grow and effectively persuade others to why their ideas are correct or helpful.

New York, Again?!

New York Mets

Along with New York’s nickname “The City That Never Sleeps”, it also has the nickname of “The Big Apple”. While I admit I had a good time watching the New York Mets play, I still hate them because they are one of the biggest rivals of the Washington Nationals which are my favorite team. The New York Mets play at Citi Field. I believe Citi Field suits the state of New York well.

Citi field looks like a classic Major League Baseball stadium. Nothing stands out in a bad way, and it is enjoyable and relaxing to look at. One of the unique features which makes Citi Field stand out is the big apple in centerfield. Every time the Mets hit a home run the apple rises. I like the cleverness of adding the aspect of an apple to the stadium in “The Big Apple”. However, Citi field, just like a majority of the other stadiums, does not have a roof. I do not like how a lot of the stadiums do not have a roof, but I have grown to not put as much emphasis on it in my rankings. It is pretty easy to make sure you buy tickets on a day where it is not supposed to rain. Also, the MLB will give a full refund if the game is cancelled.

Another defining feature of Citi field is the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. I love the Rotunda layout. Also, it does stick out. The Rotunda looks like it is supposed to a part of the stadium. The space is very open which is nice for the thousands of fans constantly walking through during a game. The Mets also have hosted events in the rotunda. There are multiple spots where stands are added for promotions as well.

When I went to a Mets game around 7 years ago, the game was electric. The Mets know how to put on a show, and their fans are friendly and enthusiastic. The game I watched went 17 innings which is about two game. While it was over 100 degrees and humid, the game kept going back and forth. In the top of an inning the visiting team hit a home run, and then the Mets would tie it in the bottom. Obviously, most games do not go 17 innings. However, it gave me the time to appreciate the stadium more.

Overall, I would rank the Mets and Citi Field a 7.9. The stadium is conveniently located, and I would recommend everyone to check out a game at some point.

Controversial issue

Public Controversy Project

For the history of a public controversy project, two topics that I brainstormed are animal testing and standardized testing.

I feel like animal testing would be a good controversy to do our project about because of the importance of both sides. There are many reasons against the use of animals for testing. For example, the tests are not reliable predictions for human outcomes, and it can delay finding a solution for humans because it failed for animals. The most common known issue is the torture of animals. It is isolating, cruel, and painful. The animals do not have a say and can die because of the testing. However, animal testing is important because it helps us learn more about health problems and create vaccines and medications.

My second idea for the public controversy project is standardized testing. Some of the reasons for standardized testing include it is a fair way to compare students across the country. Also, it is not biased. Some reasons why standardized testing is bad is because wealth is a major factor in how well a student does. Also, the student may not be a good test taker but knows the information or may have a bad day.

I think animal testing would be a good topic to do our project on because it has an impact in all of our lives.

Comerica Park

Detroit Tigers

Well, whenever you hear of the Detroit Tigers, the theme is usually the same. The Detroit Tigers suck. The Detroit Tigers are pathetic. The Detroit Tigers are a waste of talent. The Tigers have not won a World Series title since 1984. However, the team has had many future hall of famers: Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Miguel Cabrera. While having a bad team usually means that going to a game will not be as fun, the Tigers are a special case where it enhances the experience.

When I went to the Tigers game, tickets were extremely cheap compared to other stadiums. We were able to get tickets around 15 rows behind home plate for about $100 each. To use as a reference, the second deck behind home plate for most stadiums costs over $200 dollars a ticket. You can easily find a cheap ticket wherever you want to sit. Since the stadium was empty a good amount of seats right behind home plate were empty. As a result, we were able to move up and experience the game front row. Watching from the front row, you grasp just how hard it is to hit a baseball. It feels like the ball is thrown directly at you. You blink and the ball is in the catcher’s glove. You can feel the wind as it whizzes past.

For the stadium itself, it is nothing special. There is no defining feature other than downtown Detroit in the background. It is easy to keep your eyes on the game when it is a basic stadium and background. Comerica Park does not have a roof. While no roof fits the design of the stadium more, it is still an issue because of the weather.

I would rank the Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park a 6.8. While my experience was fun, I am not sure if you can always go up to the front row if it is empty. Also, I enjoyed more because I love baseball, but someone who does not like baseball as much may not care to go up to the front row. Also, this could be because of where I live and where I have travelled, but Detroit is out of the way and not a place where you would go on vacation. I would only recommend going to a Tigers game to people who are in the Detroit area and want to do something which does not take much energy.