Rhetoric and Civic Life with Reese Skalicky – all the news of 2023 and 2024

April 9, 2024rms7412 1 Comment

Pas #7 (spring): Lady Gaga

Many people may recognize this iconic dress worn by Lady Gaga in 2010. She wore this dress to the VMAs as a protest against a policy in the U.S. military at the time. This dress proceeded to go viral and shock everyone watching and in attendance. Lady Gaga was known for wearing exciting and different clothes, but not typically clothes that portrayed a message.

Lady Gaga was protesting the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, which discriminated against gay men and lesbian women in the military. She made a speech against it called The Primes Rid of America. The U.S. military did not want to know if someone was gay or lesbian, as they did not support it.

She took a stand against this policy and was acting to fix it. Many people did not know about her speech, so they did not understand the outfit’s message, but once it got out, she made an impact. The dress was made of real meat and a corset underneath to represent the title of the speech about equality for all.

Lady Gaga was, and still is, a very prominent celebrity, with many fans supporting her. When she came out in this dress, it was not so unusual for her, but people knew there was a reason for it. No one would voluntarily wear a dress made out of meat unless they felt it really mattered. The message got confused with animal rights and other things, but she clarified the real message behind it.

She used her power to stand up against something she knew was wrong. People were not as concerned with social issues as they are now, and many people were not acknowledging the military’s policy. Gaga knew how to get people’s attention and communicate effectively. When celebrities talk, a lot of people listen, and she used her rhetoric to her advantage.

While I think the dress may have been gross to wear as it was real meat, I think it looks good and was made well. It must have been hard to make a dress like that, and they pulled it off so it looked like clothes but was still very unique. I also really like the shoes with the dress, as they elevate the look, and the blocky heel goes very well with the dress. Also, the dress is laid nicely and of different lengths. I also like that her hair has blue tips, which goes well with the red, and the jewelry accents make it look good.

Overall, Lady Gaga stood up for what was right when others were not and caught everyone’s attention. The dress became an iconic piece, and the policy was eventually revoked. She did something uncomfortable for a good reason and used her platform to communicate with a wide audience. There was no better way to spread a message than wearing a dress made of real meat to the VMAs. She made a speech and persisted with the issue all the way through.

April 3, 2024rms7412 1 Comment

PAS #6 (spring): Zendaya’s Tennis Dress

This passion blog post will focus on the marketing side of red-carpet fashion. Often, these carpets are considered events for celebrities to dress up and get their pictures taken, but as we have seen, they can be so much more. One red carpet event that recently caught many people’s attention was the premiere of Zendaya’s new movie.

People were shocked to see her dress, as it was a literal interpretation of the movie. The movie ” Challengers ” is about a female tennis player who Zendaya plays. Zendaya wore a beautiful green dress with a tennis figure and a tennis ball sewn on the front in sequins. Stars would often not go for a look like this, as they like to keep it simple, not wear a crazily designed outfit, not one with a picture of the movie’s focus point on it.

In this case, rhetoric is used to communicate with the people what the movie is about to couch their interests. If one did not know about the upcoming film, they would now be interested in learning more about it if they like tennis or sports. She used her platform at the premiere to promote the movie further. Zendaya’s fashion is often plastered in every magazine as she always hits the mark. She knew wearing such an obvious dress would bring the film more fame and communicate with people in the simplest way possible, through pictures.

The dress and shoes she is wearing are custom Loewe, which Law Roach styled. She accessorized them with Bulgari earrings, and the whole look incorporated an abundance of sparkle and shine. The sequin fabric was used to mimic the material of a tennis court, and the shadow is in a serving position.

I really like the green theme going on in the outfit and the way the tennis ball contrasts with the dress and shows. I also really enjoy the green eyeshadow she paired with the look and how her hair doesn’t take away from anything. Zendaya is always perfectly styled, and I look forward to seeing what she wears next every time.

Developing new ideas to engage viewers can be challenging as most things have already been done. Having Zendaya wear a tennis court was a great idea, as it reminded me of the movie again and put it on my radar. Being a tennis fan, this definitely did not fail to catch my attention. Communicating with the audience can be one of the most important things for celebrities, and using rhetoric is essential.

Sports movies can be seen as bland or overdone at this point, but they are connecting with a new audience, tennis fans, as there are few movies about tennis. They also used a young and famous actress to play an athletic role, yet be feminine and promote the movie with fashion. Zendaya saw an opportunity and took it on the carpet, wearing a fantastic dress that was not looked past. She is an inspiration to many.

March 27, 2024rms7412 No Comments

Pas #5 (spring): Victoria beckham Protesters

This passion blog will interpret fashion with a message in a different way than previously. I will be diving into the protesters during Victoria Beckham’s fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. This has happened many times before, but this is the most recent example, as it only happened three weeks ago.

Victoria Beckham is well known for being Posh Spice and marrying world-renowned soccer player David Beckham. Over the years, she has embraced her creativity and love for everything posh by creating her own brands, which include makeup, clothes, and more. She is an impressive woman who made a name for herself at a young age and continued her life of fame gracefully.

Victoria Beckham held a runway show during this year’s Paris Fashion Week showcasing her new designs. During this show, protesters from the animal rights organization Peta stood up, holding signs and wearing T-shirts against her line, and walked on the runway with the models.

They were adorned with words stating “animals aren’t fabric,” “turn your back on animal skins,” and a few more sayings. Victoria Beckham uses genuine animal leather in her clothing, so the protesters came out to disrupt the showing. They saw an opportunity to voice their opinions, and they took it like many others have done in the past regarding similar issues.

The organization used Victoria’s platform to their advantage by doing this act. Many famous people were in attendance and media which would make a difference in using animal skin for clothing. They communicated with people as they knew many people would see it, and the word would spread fast. Rhetoric has much to do with freedom of speech and voicing one’s opinion, making this a perfect example.

I am personally a big fan of Victoria Beckham, but I do not condone the use of animals for material things. This is a problem, as we now have very good quality leather made from fruits or other materials. Many substitutes allow for a stoppage in using this leather altogether.

While the protesters were effective, I think things should be done legally and professionally. The protesters interrupted a show and had to be escorted out by the police. The protesters could most likely find an effective way to get their message across without causing much uproar. I believe it also could be done more professionally, which would gain the protesters more respect, therefore allowing them to convey their message better.

The saying was clear on the shirts, and it was apparent what they were standing up for, making their rhetoric to the people successful. Protesting is a right in the country that will never be taken away, but it must be done somewhere people are allowed to and in public space. I think it is best to follow the law so others aren’t upset by it but listen to the problem.

Victoria Beckham held an incredible show in Paris over Fashion Week, and she is an inspiring woman, but it would be nice if she could get rid of real leather. It harms animals and the environment for no good reason and creates a need for people to stand up for the animals.

March 26, 2024rms7412 1 Comment

RCL #4: Issue Brief

Stress Scheduling: The Problem with Scheduling College Courses

Introduction

There is no worse feeling than having a weight on your shoulders that you cannot lift. Many college students across the country speak on scheduling college courses, and why it can be a burden and stressor to many. Penn State, being a large institution, has scheduling policies in place that do not accommodate for the number of people trying to take the classes required for their major. Kids are unable to schedule the classes they want or need due to the overwhelming amount of students compared to the limited spots. Many factors go into choosing classes, and some of them have to be eliminated from a student’s decision as the classes fill up. Stress builds up as the day gets closer and freshmen have it the worst. Almost no classes are available and it is a race to see who can get the remaining good ones. Students coming in with AP credits have an advantage and scheduling a late NSO date leaves students with selective options. This is impacting Penn State students and the process can be adjusted to make it a better event for everyone. The Office of the University Registrar could make scheduling changes to limit stress and aid in availability to accommodate the amount of students.The counterplan being suggested involves students only being able to rearrange their schedule after everyone has completed the task. Doing this would help kids to know the chances of getting into a class and not be so frantic with rearranging their potential schedule right before.

Problem

Scheduling classes can be one of the most stressful events in college for students attending. The lead up is overwhelming and kids are unsure if they will be able to schedule the classes needed for their major. Why is this an issue when every kid must fulfill certain requirements? Even College seniors sometimes cannot get the classes they need in order to graduate because of the scheduling problem. Scheduling is done in waves based on the amount of credits one has. Therefore, the seniors with the most credits go first and it files down until the freshman with the least credits. This filing system is effective as the website does not crash and the kids who have less classes left to take pick first and it goes from there. The problem is that scheduling ultimately comes down to luck in many cases, and this is unfair and stress causing. Oftentimes many people are required to take the same classes and when everyone’s trying to get in, there are not enough spots and it is upsetting to have to redo a whole schedule on the spot while others are taking all of the places. Students do not know if they are going to be taking the classes they desire even though they are paying for them. Many factors go into the decision as seen below, and students can’t fulfill what the need from them when classes are so limited at times.

Plan

There is currently a system in place for student scheduling that is supposed to make the process easier on everyone. The classes available for the semester are put out by the Office of the registrar based on room space and what is popular. Public Safety decides how many students can be in one room at a time, so the school must follow those guidelines and that cannot be changed. In regards to the students’ end, they are given a date at which they can begin their scheduling and have freedom to change things until a few weeks into the semester. As previously mentioned, the date given corresponds to the number of credits one has, so the most credits go first and then on. Students can schedule as many classes as they like once the date hits. There are often preset plans for each major that a student can follow as they are required to fulfill certain requirements to graduate.

Counter Plan

The policy changes being mentioned are to help the greater good of the college community. The major change that would take place would be a schedule lock. This policy would cause schedules to be locked in place once they are in until all students have completed their scheduling. It can be very difficult for students on the later dates to make their schedule when so many classes have only a few seats and they can be filled all the way up until their exact time scheduling opens. It seems unfair that some students have free rain of scheduling while others are still waiting for weeks for their turn. This would allow all schedules to be locked in place with the amount of classes that person needs, and then they can change things as needed once everyone has a schedule for themself. Another change would be students being required to list a general idea of the classes they will be taking the next semester so the school can better accommodate for the number of kids wanting to take a single class. It is hard to navigate the process when students are constantly dropping and adding classes, sometimes 30,000 students before you have the chance to begin. These changes would eliminate the stress a student goes through and give more guidance. Some other recommendations include needs forms and scheduling advisors who specialize. Students could have forms to fill out which allow them to enroll in a class early that they know they absolutely need and could fill up fast. There also could be advisors who specialize in only scheduling for kids who get overwhelmed and make sure they are on the right track along with their traditional advisor.

Conclusion

Overall, scheduling can put a toll on students’ mental health because of the race to get classes and the unknown variables. Kids are unable to schedule with confidence because so many others are scheduling on the same date or already took up the classes they need or want to take. People are unable to personalize their schedule how they want because not enough spots are available and with such a big school, you never know when more will fill up or open. The policy solution being suggested calls for change in a few areas. The main difference would be students making their schedule and not being able to change it until all other students have gone. Other minor things include forms of probable classes and forms for needed classes. Lastly, more specialized counselors would be available for those that get too overwhelmed with the process and need aid when deciding on classes when little is still available. If all help with this issue, the policy could be enacted and all students could have a little less stress than they already do. Almost everyone has gone through the struggle together and are fighting for the last spots, when people could work together. If awareness is raised about making scheduling changes, it could impact seniors graduating classes and freshmen who got a late NSO date, bringing the whole community together to fix a common problem.

March 21, 2024rms7412 1 Comment

PAS #4 (spring): Killers of the flower moon

The 2024 Golden Globes took place on January 7th. This blog focuses on this event and one woman in particular who attended, Lily Gladstone. Lily Gladstone acted in the movie Killers of The Flower Moon, which came out in 2023.

This movie was nominated for multiple awards at the Golden Globes and tells a fantastic story. It is set in Oklahoma in the 1920s and investigates the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe that had many members murdered. Their reservation was on valuable oil fields, and it dives into the conspiracy of settlers who tried to get the tribe away.

Lily was one of the main actors in the movie, portraying Mollie Burkhart as one of the females on the reservation. She gave an outstanding performance, landing her the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture. Not only did she win, but she was the first indigenous female to win this category of award at the Golden Globes. Gladstone is Blackfeet and Nez Perce, which are both Indian reservations.

To honor her roots, Lily wore earrings made by Lenise Omeasoo, a Blackfeet designer. She paired them with a Versace dress and a Bulgari necklace. The earrings were made to honor her culture and endorse an ethnic brand. Lily used her rhetoric for a good cause and to bring out a part of her that others may not have known.

Previously, this blog focused on outfits with a clear message to the people. This look had a more hidden meaning beyond it. Lily used her position of fame to endorse her culture, which is often looked over. The earrings stood out with her dress and were beautifully made. They caught many people’s attention, and many articles have been written about them.

Winning the award and posting about them on Instagram was Lily using her rhetoric to communicate with the public about her indigenous roots. The movie is about a horrible and sad citation regarding Native Americans, and she honored the culture and used the movie’s message to her advantage.

I love the way her whole outfit came together. She went for a very classy look, which is my favorite. The black and white allowed the bit of gold on the earrings to stand out. I think the simple white dress with the black overtop looks great on her. I also prefer how her hair is up. It does not take away from anything, showcasing the earrings to their fullest potential.

The earrings are meant to be picture frames and came as a collection with two other pairs. It must have been an honor for Lily to wear these and for Lenise to have an actor wear her design at the Golden Globes. They took Lenise weeks to make, and it paid off. They are handcrafted to perfection and include an ode to the Blackfeet reservation.

Overall, Lily Gladstone used her position as a Golden Globe winner to communicate to the public how vital her culture is, and the movie made a huge impact. I love the whole outfit together and the subtle addition of the earrings, but I also love how they stood out. It is a beautiful tribute to her, and she has inspired many.

March 14, 2024rms7412 No Comments

Civic #3: Sports impacting college decisions

Your college decision is one of the most significant decisions you will make in life. It will shape a person’s future and what job they end up with. Many factors play a role in the decision, like how high-ranked the school is, what type of people go there, and the location. A separate factor, though, has influenced many high schoolers’ college decisions that may seem unreasonable, and that is sports.

An article from the Washington Post states, “colleges — ranging from major state schools to lesser-known institutions that particularly benefit from the attention — have spikes in interest following athletic success.” It can be challenging for some people to understand the extent to which sports can influence where someone chooses to apply, but studies show the impact.

The culture in the United States is recognized for its people’s love for sports. For some, it is their entire life. Whether it be football or baseball, there are millions of die-hard fans who follow their team intensely. While many love professional teams, this love has ventured into college sports.

This has caused a change in college decisions and the application status of many institutions. It may not play a role for some, but many people may analyze the college’s sports citation before they make a decision to apply there. Some kids state that they do not want to go to a college that doesn’t have a big football program. This can be a good thing and a bad thing.

The rhetoric surrounding college football is everywhere and almost hard to escape. According to ESPN, “The College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T scored 25 million viewers” this year. That is a massive number of people, considering only two schools are playing each other. This draw is what influences decisions. Some small colleges put their name on the map with a good sports year, while prominent sports colleges have a significant draw.

It is debated if sports should be involved in the decision at all. If college is about one’s education, why do sports play such a big role, and why do some kids seem to only care about them? This can harm colleges without sports, as they can be looked down upon by sports lovers. It seems wrong for applications to be based on how well a college did athletically. College is for a young adult’s education into the future, and many think they should decide on that only.

There is also the topic of civic issues regarding scholarships for athletes. As stated by Debt.org, “there are roughly 180,000 athletic scholarships available for the NCAA’s D-I and D-II schools” that are given out each year. This adds up to a large sum of money going to kids for athletics rather than for education, which is the college’s primary purpose. Athletes deserve rewards as they work very hard, but it can seem unfair that someone with excellent grades is not getting anything while an athlete receives a full ride.

In addition, many athletes do not meet the standards to get into the school but get a place because of their sports. So, should someone be able to go to a school because of their athletic ability? I think they should, as athletics can be someone’s whole future, and they work just as hard on their sport as some do on schoolwork.

The amount of money college sports bring in is significant. College sports communicate with the public and get people’s attention. Without these sports, there would likely be much less school pride and less of a school identity. Some schools are funded mainly by their athletic programs. Take Penn State as an example. We get so much revenue from football that it allows the school to build new things and add to the athletic department, which runs pretty much on the money from football.

I believe that college decisions can have many factors and it is fair for sports to be one of them. Sports are able to build a community for the institution and many applicants want to be a part of it. While it can be unfair to smaller colleges with small sports programs, they accept less people, so the mass of people who want to be at a football school generally can fit and it ends up working out for all colleges.

Many scholarships are given to athletes, and they get some resources that others do not, but I believe that bringing in money allows them to reap the benefits. It can sometimes seem like a bit much, as kids who work hard on academics do not get special treatment. I think there should be a balance allowing exceptional people to be appreciated for anything they do. Education is the most important thing and there needs to be a strong focus on that for all parties involved.

However, being at a campus with many sports has given me and many others many options for things to do, which I love. People travel here for games, and it is great to see so much support for college kids. The community interacts with each other in such a positive way that everyone keeps coming here. Everyone coming together on game days is heartwarming and so much fun, which you cannot get at some other schools.

Overall, I believe that there are some issues regarding college sports playing significant roles in decisions and college athletes getting a lot of money. What would happen to some schools if there were no college sports? That is how many institutions brand themselves, and it pulls people in. This could have a long-lasting effect, and most schools would be the same. People will continue to debate over athletes and money, but no one can deny the community that is created in the process and how incredible the support is for kids who want to make a living out of it.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/sports/ncaa-applicants/

https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/01/espn-delivers-record-viewership-across-college-football-playoff-and-new-years-six/#:~:text=The%20College%20Football%20Playoff%20National,year%20and%2011%25%20above%202022.

https://www.debt.org/students/athletic-scholarships/#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20there%20are%20roughly,eligible%20for%20an%20athletic%20scholarship.

February 29, 2024rms7412 1 Comment

RCL #3 (spring): Deliberation Evaluation

My group’s deliberation topic was in regard to general education classes required in college education. We all worked very well together as a group and got the project done in a sufficient manner. The project consisted of four parts, and the presentation allowed for a class deliberation.

Everyone’s kindness and willingness to participate worked well for this deliberation. Regarding my group, we all agreed on topics and tasks, and everyone contributed to the final result. If we thought something should be changed, we all felt comfortable expressing our opinions and were open to ideas.

The deliberation itself also went smoothly due to the class’s confidence. People were very open with each other and the presenters in what they thought was a good or poor idea. Most of the time, it was clear which approach was the strongest, and the feedback was helpful.

Making the video caused the most struggle, as there were lots of moving parts, but even that did not pose a problem. We held a discussion that could lead to a compromise and find a natural solution for the type 2 problems of gen-ed classes. The post-deliberation questionnaire was also helpful in seeing results and knowing what could have gone better.

One thing that could have been clearer was the project’s instructions at the start. Once it was explained to us in detail, everything was clear, and the criteria were obvious, but we were a bit unsure in the beginning. The whole idea of the deliberation was not abundantly clear when I read the details of the project without it being discussed with me.

Another issue that could have been changed was the idea of picking a suitable type two problem. My group initially had a hard time understanding what a type two problem is and how to make sure we were choosing one that fits the mold. We also jumped into approaches too fast, not stating a clear problem statement before moving on to other parts of the project.

Overall, the deliberation felt like a success, and everyone was respectful of what they said. The group worked well together, and everyone pulled their weight when it came down to it. Deliberations effectively solve type two problems and are an excellent way for people to connect with each other on a fun yet respectable level. Thank you everyone who participated!

February 26, 2024rms7412 No Comments

PAS #3 (spring): “Tax the Rich”

This passion blog will focus on a look at the 2021 Met Gala. The theme for this year’s Met Gala was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” which focuses on the idea of American independence. There is a theme every year, and some people choose to go all out, while others keep it simple. This year, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did both in one look.

Alexandria is a United States Representative from New York. She has democratic views, which she expressed boldly at the Gala. She used rhetoric to get the message across that she wants taxes raised. Her dress has big red painted letters on the back which state “tax the rich.”

The dress is a white floor-length gown custom-made by Brother Vellies. Alexandria used her Met-Gala moment to push her political ideas and draw attention to herself as a politician. She also took advantage of the theme to communicate with the people at home and everywhere else.

The words on the dress are very bold and draw people’s attention. She succeeded in her goal of getting her opinions out to the world. 2021 was still Covid times, and she wanted the rich to be taxed more than the poor people who were struggling. There are many people in the U.S. who are under the poverty line, and her views express the want for the rich to pay more to give to them.

The dress fits her very well, and I like the contrast of the red letters on the all-white gown. I am not a huge fan of mermaid dresses, but it works here. I believe the letters are a bit aggressive, and the saying is a little over the top. She could have gotten her point across with something more subtle.

She used her position in office to show everyone at the Met-Gala what she believes should be changed in the country. It was a statement that did not go unnoticed, as this dress was the reason I decided on this topic for my passion blog. I remember this Mat-Gala and how the saying on her dress made many people angry. It may have done that, but that means she caught people’s attention and used her rhetoric.

The dress could have been seen as an unnecessary political statement at a non-political event, but most things seem to be political nowadays. As a politician, I found it slightly unprofessional as she could have gone for something classier, but the dress was overall classy other than the red words. The Met-Gala is meant for fun out of the park looks, and she did that to an extent.

All in all, I think she looked good and partook in the theme, but the words could have been not so aggressive and more professional for a politician. Alexandria caught many people’s attention, used her invitation to the Gala to her advantage, and used her rhetoric to get the point across. 2021 was a challenging year for many, and she voiced her opinions on it.

February 14, 2024rms7412 No Comments

Civic #2: The atmosphere of college Sports

There are many civic topics regarding college athletes in the United States. Almost every other country does not view college sports like we do. People take athletics very seriously, and competition can be rigorous. Many kids choose colleges because of their atmosphere when it comes to football and basketball and count out schools that don’t have serious sports.

The question is, how does this affect a college campus? There are many different ways to describe the civic life of a college campus. One can focus on various aspects such as teachers, students, nightlife, and clubs; the list is never-ending. College sports, however, are unique in their own way, as many more people are involved, not just in the college town.

College sports allow for one of the biggest atmospheres in the country, with Michigan’s football stadium holding almost 108,000 people and our own Beaver Stadium holding the second most people with nearly 107,000 seats (NCAA). Michigan’s stadium holds the most people of any in the U.S., beating any professional sport. Clearly, college athletes are part of something bigger than themselves, and it can affect college students on campus.

These athletes are living the life and a considerable part of the civic world that is college. Many colleges revolve around sports, and students dedicate their time to attending the games. An article by CBS Sports states, “Game day is becoming more experiential” (CBS). Kids enjoy the game days not just for the game but also for the festivities that surround them.

Sports are more important in the United States than many other things. Other countries think the way Americans care about all these sports is outlandish, let alone sports played by ‘kids.’

One of the big draws is tailgating. People set up extremely early in the morning to spend the day drinking with friends and family before heading into the game. People use games as a reason to interact with each other and have fun, as people have done for many years when trying to produce more civic life in a town. Rooting for a team brings people together but can also tear them apart.

There are positives and negatives regarding the college atmosphere of sports. People can get aggressive over a simple football game and bond over their love for a team. While this is relevant for watchers, it is also very appropriate for the players.

Many college athletes put a lot of pressure on themselves to be the best. With so many people counting on them, it can take a lot of work for a young person to handle. Their classmates admire them and can feel that when they are doing something as simple as walking around campus.

According to Thriveworks, college athletes face many unique mental challenges that others may not fully understand. They often love what they do but face pressure regarding their future and proving themselves. While other students face the pressure of good grades, athletes also have to deal with the idea of being drafted to play professionally (Thriveworks).

This can become a civic issue because young athletes quit sports due to the standards they are held to. This can happen with college students and their grades, but they do not have many people watching them and following their lives. While not all athletes have people watching them or feel much pressure, many do.

I believe this is a civic issue because the civic life surrounding these students leads to poor mental health and a downfall in education. Students are so focused on their sport that they focus on themselves less or their education, which everyone deserves to be able to do. Some may play professionally, but only a few.

Almost any college student, including myself, can attest to the atmosphere and how much people care. It is fun to watch but can be harmful. There is now the added pressure of college athletes being paid and a considerable debate over that. There are simply college kids who have to watch their actions because of how they may be portrayed to the public, like a famous person would have to worry.

This is unfair, as a society can be rough and judgemental. College athletes do not always want this life; they are not in the career yet to live it but are forced into it to play a sport they love.

Colleges work hard to provide the right resources for these players by giving everyone access to health facilities of many kinds. Society works to help them, while some unknowingly are hurting them. Civic life is enjoyable but can be grueling.

There has been a more recent movement concerning the mental health of athletes, including student-athletes. A case by Georgia State concluded that student-athletes have a high rate of mental health stigma (Georgia State). This is another civic issue, along with the pressures we face in reality. Mental health can be seen as a bad thing, especially in male sports, as they are often taught to toughen up.

Society has some flaws with the topic of mental health, but everyone has fun watching college sports, and hopefully, that stays while mental health continues to be more recognized. I love attending college games and the atmosphere surrounding them, but there is a civic issue about how the athletes are viewed and the pressures they face on the field, in public, and online, which can be harmful to anyone.

People come together to support a team and school they love, making friends and cheering. Civic life is never as prominent as it is at a college football game, especially in Happy Valley. Students need to be protected and taken care of in all situations as life can be hard and everyone needs help sometimes. The atmosphere is exhilarating and positive, while also negative. It is important for everyone to work together and help each other so kids do not have to feel so much weight on their shoulders. Some may go far with the sport and others may not, but health and happiness are the more important things.

Links:

https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2018-07-30/25-biggest-college-football-stadiums-country

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-attendance-rose-in-2022-with-largest-year-over-year-increase-since-1982/

https://thriveworks.com/help-with/mental-health-awareness/student-athlete-mental-health/

https://news.gsu.edu/2023/09/07/study-college-athletes-experience-high-rates-of-mental-health-stigma/

February 5, 2024rms7412 No Comments

PAS #2 (spring): Montana Tucker

The 2024 Grammys occurred just this week, on February 4th. While there was lots of stand-out fashion and beautiful pieces, one dress stood out the most. Many celebrities like to make political stances at one point or another throughout their career. While that is often the case, this look is more sentimental than others I have encountered.

Montana Tucker, a famous singer-songwriter in the music industry, wore the look. She is also well-known on social media and uses her platform to spread awareness. There has been a theme at award shows recently, with a few stars wearing yellow ribbons to support the Israeli hostages. Montana wore a prominent yellow ribbon on the corset of her dress so everyone would know what she stood for.

The ribbon had the words “Bring Them Home” etched onto the top. The message she is portraying is unmistakable and cannot be missed. Everyone knows about the wars in the Middle East, and many choose to keep quiet. Tucker did not.

Hamas attacked Israel a few months prior to the Grammys and took many Israeli hostages as a result. It is known that Hamas is not in favor of other religions, and with Israel being a primarily Jewish country, Hamas does not want them there. Montana Tucker is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and is sticking up for them and all the other Jewish people being targeted.

The clear message on the dress calls for empathy and action. She used red-carpet fashion to share her thoughts and call people to help others. It is a scary and heartbreaking situation that needs attention so the innocent Irealis can be taken home safely. People of all ages and backgrounds watch the Grammys, so it is a perfect place to use rhetoric and communicate with the audience at home.

I enjoyed the color of her dress with the yellow and the styling of it. The dress fit her beautifully and was not too much or too little. The sleeves and neck add-on elevated the look as a whole without overpowering anything else. I’m also a big fan of the sheerness of all of it, as it accentuates certain parts of the outfit. The flare sleeves added movement that is often missed in a carpet look.

The ribbon was executed well. It did not look cheap or weird with the dress, but I do think it could have been a bit more discreet and incorporated into the look better. However, it definitely allowed her to get the message across. The nude background allowed it to really pop. Her hair and makeup also look classy with the dress, and I love that it is simple. The words on the ribbon are firm but not in your face.

Montana Tucker used rhetoric and her societal position to wear a beautiful dress that provoked action. I loved many aspects of the look and understood her words immediately. She is fighting for an important cause and for the freedom everyone deserves.