Author: Katelynn Jassal

Overall, I would say I feel pretty proud of my speech. I felt so nervous throughout the week, leading up to Thursday, but it ended up not being as bad as I thought it would be. I would say my strengths consisted of projection, my presentation, my ability to look around at the different sections of the class, and not get too overwhelmed when I made a mistake. Some of my weaknesses, however, included my posture and the amount of time I spent looking at my flashcards. I do feel as though I could have looked at them less and still presented my content confidently.

From my peer’s speeches, I learned that everyone can go up in front of a class and give a speech. It is possible, simply put. Everyone seemed very relaxed and confident while presenting, which allowed me to do the same. Their reactions as an audience were also very helpful, during my time upfront. I thoroughly enjoyed watching every speech that was presented; I gained some knowledge in the art of speech giving by all of them.

Furthermore, for my Rhetorical Analysis Paper, I plan to use the artifact of Skin Whitening creams that are of constant advertisement in the country of India. I will use this artifact to contrast with the overall premise of my speech. It challenges the commonplace of assuming people’s race because the product enforces the want of essentially “changing” one’s race. These products make it seem like the fairness of one’s skin equivalates to both their beauty and importance. Overall, this beauty standard has been extremely detrimental for many and should not be accepted in India’s modern society.

Hey guys! I attempted to submit my video, but it says the MB amount was too long for the limit. I will try again to post the video so you guys have a better grasp on my speech. However, for now I would like to just ask you guys some questions based on my last RCL post, which was the speech outline.

I am just a little confused on what I should add into the partition section of my speech. What are some examples of strong explanations as to why people should not assume one’s race? Also, for my closing of the speech, before I mention my ethnicity, do you think my original final sentences are a strong enough wrap up?

Overall, I just need to work on a few of my points mentioned in the speech, and make them less vague.

*I now have the link – I apologize for posting this extremely late!*

https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Speech/1_qziiy212

Hello, dear audience! Since this week’s temperature has been fairly low, you are in for quite the treat. I cannot vouch for everyone, but as soon as that chilly air hits, my body fills with extreme excitement for the crisp fall aesthetic. The inclusion of reds, amber, emerald greens, browns, and all colors of autumn, really allows for the fashion gods to stir up an abundance of fresh fashion statements yearly. 

(Image from pixabay.com)

So grab yourself a pumpkin spice commodity, as well as a cozy blanket, because this week we will be discussing the Fall Fashion Trends of 2023. 

I would say that Fall is a season that remains pretty consistent with clothing style throughout time. It’s the beginning of sweater weather, so let’s store away those t-shirts and tanks. For the upper body, pieces such as crew necks, sweatshirts, sweaters, quarter-zips, vests, and other fully-sleeved fabrics, are daily go-to choices. This year, I have seen many influencers on TikTok in a more modern form of fall clothing: the sweater hoodie. To be completely transparent with you all, I just placed an order for one of these today. It’s in the color forest green, so stay tuned (if you care).

(Image from gq.com)

A lot of these upper-body items are known for sharing their festive colors in this season of harvest. The pattern of stripes has been very popular in sweaters, and crew-necks alike. I have also noticed an increase in the addition of bows to these clothing pieces. 

(Image us.brandymelville.com)

Moreover, the great thing about fall is that you can begin layering. Throw on a sweatshirt and vest, and you have articulated one of the most comfortable/stylish outfits many TikTok audiences have seen. Additionally, the turtle neck and crewneck combination has shown much revival in acceptance. Much of its inspiration can be credited to the 70s, especially with the vibrant oranges and reds. 

(Image from thegoodtrade.com)

As far as bottoms go, a good pair of blue or black jeans always gets the job done. There is a new interest in denim maxi skirts, which I definitely would suggest adding to your closet if you haven’t already! They are such a unique statement and do not shy away from looking good on anyone; many heights of people can wear this attire. Furthermore, sweatpants, leggings, or track pants are also great examples of trendy and modern combinations paired with any fall top. 

Accessory-wise, we see that gold jewelry has become more admired recently. However, no matter what your bias is on the gold vs. silver war, you can confidently rock either with all these fall outfit mixes. Tote bags or other mini carriers are a great use of space for your seasonal items; chapsticks, books, cafe gift cards, etc. As far as Tiktok has taught me, romanticizing your life is a great way to maintain a healthy and fashionable aesthetic. Moreover, scarves are another example of a timeless clothing piece that will always be there for comfort. Think plaid and cashmere, an almost never-disappointing mix. 

(Image from whowhatwear.com)

With the question of shoes in mind, fall provides a grand spectrum of closed-toe options. You can remain in sneakers, or move on to boots. Uggs, no matter how basic they may seem, remain a comforting and effortless thing to throw on. TikTok has also inspired me to purchase a pair of loafers, which furnish a great option for dressing oneself up. Additionally, with any and all shoe options, you can get away with fuzzy socks during the Autumn months.

(Image from perkinsonparkway.com)

All in all, the Fall Fashion trend of 2023 is not anything overly complicated or unheard of. Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to talk about the suaveness of one of my favorite seasons.

Introduction (Hook):

What are you? A question that many racially ambiguous people get, right after introducing themself.

Introduction (Continued):

For my speech, I have decided to discuss the concept of race. More recently, specifically here in college, I have been questioned on my race by many sorts of people. And once I provide my world-shattering response, I am so often replied to with a, “but you’re so white-washed!”

This is not the first time I have heard this term. However, I have felt an unfamiliar response of anger to it. I used to share many insecurities in regards to my race, and heritage. “Why can’t I just be normal?” Younger me would wonder. I did not want to embrace my culture, and rather consumed much of my time practically insulting myself for the soul purpose of other’s validation.

Body (Backstory):

When I was recently called this term, “white-washed,” by a fellow non-white individual, I was deeply impacted. Almost immediately my mood was shut off. Why was this guy calling me this? And how can I defend myself? I could have easily brushed the entire thing off as a joke, but in that moment, I had such a strong urge to prove to him how much I belonged to this particular community of POC.

Partition (not fully established yet):

The specific lenses that I will use to go about this topic include ways of establishing trust with the audience; through ethos, logos, and pathos. As well as representation; the use of misrepresentation of specific groups of people and stereotyping members of a race.

Conclusion:

This commonplace of assuming people’s races, and making a whole insult out of it, has become far too rampant in the modern era. Calling someone “white-washed,” or a “coconut” does nothing but bring us backwards. It eliminates many of the difficult experiences that individuals of color face, who have every right to go against the stereotypical wave.

Oh and by the way, if any of you out there were still wondering, I’m Indian.

Thank you!

Why you shouldn’t call people “white-washed”…

For my elevator pitch, I have decided to discuss the concept of race. More recently, specifically in college, I have been called white-washed by random sorts of people. This is not the first time I have been called this term, but I have undergone this unfamiliar feeling of anger towards that comment. I used to share many insecurities about my race and heritage, and wish day after day that I could just be “normal.” I did not want to embrace my Indian culture and rather consumed much of my time insulting myself instead. However, when I was recently referred to by this term by a fellow Desi community member, I was deeply impacted. Almost immediately my mood was shut off. Why was this guy calling me this, and how can I defend myself? Essentially, I could have brushed it off my shoulders as a simple joke, but I had an urge to prove to him in that moment how much I belonged to this specific community of POC.

The specific lenses that I may use to go about this topic include ways of establishing trust; with ethos, logos, and pathos. As well as ideological criticism, and representation. I feel like this overall discussion may take a more risky and controversial turn, but I am confident enough to see it through and defend the majority of my beliefs. This commonplace of assuming people’s races and ranking how cultured they are has become too rampant in today’s society. Those lenses will effectively draw my audiences in emotionally, and keep them engaged throughout my speech. It will provide them factual evidence as well, and safeguard many of my expressed thoughts.

As many of you suggested, I have decided to continue writing my passion posts concerning TikTok’s latest trending fashion aesthetics/styles.

This week, I am going to start simply. Something as simple as this up-and-coming fashion trend, known as “Quiet Luxury.” Many have called it the “Sofia Richie Effect.” Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, have been called out for adjusting their fashion sense in hopes of not falling behind.

(Image from vogue.com)

Just this past summer, Sofia Richie tied the knot with Elliot Grainge. Since then, the couple has become the new craze on the social media platform. Sofia has become the inspiration to many with her outfit of the day videos, featuring Elliot’s sweet encouragement in the background. Essentially, their entire relationship has come to be seen as a part of this simply luxurious “movement.”

(Image from thekit.ca)

Quiet Luxury is all about the minimalist look. Let’s throw together an outfit, combining a neutral-toned shirt, plain loose jeans, dainty jewelry, and a pair of fairly expensive open-toed shoes, and you have achieved the look. These looks are meant to seem high-quality, with the additional help from wearing expensive pieces, minus the big flashy logos.

When I think of Quiet Luxury, I resonate with the word elegant. I feel as though we have strayed away from more tasteful and refined pieces in pop culture, so this trend can be seen as quite the refresher. Moreover, it barely requires much work. Finding simple pieces of clothing that tailor one’s body just right is not much of a hassle, and it does not discriminate against anyone. All body types and social classes share the ability to achieve this look. Whether you purchase items from Goodwill or Zara, success will be found.

While Richie, and certain TV show characters, can be credited with popularizing the trend, we have witnessed others such as Jennifer Lawrence and Kardashian members stepping out in these chic and basic ensembles.
At times, it can be difficult for trend followers to track when and how a thing will become seasonal. However, the thing about “Quiet Luxury” is that it stems from something so much stronger in its roots of fashion: elevated basics. Many of the pieces required to complete this look are timeless. Wardrobes such as blazers, jeans, maxi skirts, and simple t-shirts have outlived many of the other brief sources of fashion attire. The whole look is very nonchalant and is just based on characterless essentials.

(Image from livelovesara.com)

The biggest tip that many influencers share on achieving this overall look is to include accessories. With the uncomplicated neutral tones and thoughtless bottoms, the look will no less be pulled together by a grand pair of chunky sunglasses. Not only will sunglasses do the trick, but a combination of thick earrings and layered necklaces, as well as an easy hair-do, will allow you to gracefully walk your very own Vogue runway.

Until next week, I wish you all the utmost luck with trying out your new basics and motivating others to capture themselves in this refined fashion trend.

“YOLO.”

You only live once. A phrase that has been coined by many brands of people. A phrase that I have personally expressed in a grand selection of situations. But why? Why does this motto have such a grip on some of our mindsets?
I’ve recognized this word as the title to many songs, as Drake’s merchandise, and as many people’s Instagram captions. The word has been made timeless, but for great reasoning. Our society is full of many standards. There are numerous expectations to be reached, and we aren’t all blessed with a substantial amount of time to complete these tasks.

Not all people want to have to work to live; they would much rather enjoy quality time with the ones they love and the everyday moments that make life worth living. A great quantity of people would much rather tap into their “hobbies,” instead of working 9-5 for the sake of security. With that being said, YOLO. YOLO pushes people to strive for the extraordinary. Life loses purpose? YOLO. You want a date to Prom, but you’re too scared to ask your crush out? YOLO. Your friends want to go out tonight, but you’re feeling a little self-conscious. YOLO. You have the opportunity to take the job of a lifetime, but it pays less than your current one? YOLO.

YOLO provides confidence, ambition, and inspiration. It allows people to test out their waters. No one will remember our individual experience in the next few hundred years. There should be no fear, nothing holding us back. We humans have done this to ourselves. We have upheld boundaries, and stereotypes that are incredibly difficult to break free from; specifically known as commonplaces. But the select few, the ones who do not fear the action of stepping out of this societal square, they preach YOLO.

Hey everyone! For my passion blog, I have come to the blockade of picking between two very media-influenced topics: fashion trends/aesthetics and trending television shows. The form of media that I will be regularly referencing is TikTok, as most college students share an interest in the app. It has allowed many of us to form new styles, associate with specific political parties, and curate a grander sense of humor.

With that being said, a lot of our lifestyles have been impacted by this platform. The topic of fashion trends has expanded to ever-changing lengths. In the past, people were more accustomed to watching, from the sidelines, celebrities or models show off their seasonal styles. However, in the present day, a random sixteen-year-old has the power to set the wave on whether or not bangs are “in.” Furthermore, we have seen the growth in people associating particular styles and clothing with an aesthetic. Many influencers and users compare items to a vibe or begin to group them with a newly formed phrase. I don’t think many people in the 70s could sense that their clothing would become an eventual modern trend, or that the top one percent’s fashion would be known for its clean and “old money” charm. Given this new terminology, our generation has seemingly become more chronically online by the second. But hey, assimilation is a necessity in this world, one way or another. 

The topic of Television has been something that has intrigued me for many years. I’m a big screenager when it comes to movies or TV shows, and a good binge has never hurt anyone. With access to comment sections and hashtags, many users have been able to find shows that they truly enjoy. Streaming platforms have immense power over the many younger generations. Any interest can be traced back to a show, documentary, or movie. With TikTok in hand, I have been able to expand my taste over the many TV genres. From wasting my time watching episodes of Gilmore Girls to reminiscing over shows such as PEN15, I have but TikTok to thank. With random “edits” of shows appearing on my For You Page, as well as snippets, I have found myself leaving the app to go check out a show for myself. The current trend of a show changes by the minute. More recently, I have noticed a great interest in business and law shows such as Suits or Succession. Although these shows essentially take us away from our quality time with the outside world, we can access it in our own homes. I know people who have picked specific majors because they were inspired by a certain character in a TV show. Shows such as Breaking Bad or The Summer I Turned Pretty, have not only provided entertainment to many individuals but specific news as well. 

The platform of TikTok may have its controversies, but it has also been one of the main sources of inspiration as well as innovation for many a kind.