I’m not going to lie. I started this assignment by visiting dictionary.com and staring a definition I already knew: Rhetoric – the ability to use language effectively. My blank stare then turned to the class page, just to, once again, read the requirements and tips. Still without an idea, I did the next best thing I could think of. Use the internet to procrastinate. Somehow I managed to find the >next blog< button on blogger. I browsed through enough blogs and mindlessly skimming a few entries until I came to a conclusion. People who like to craft, like to blog. I understand why. After finally finishing a laborious and beautiful and handy craft, it must be shared with the world, hence all the blogging. The problem is… THEY’RE ALL THE SAME! Give or take a button here, a scarf there, maybe even a pattern variation or two.
What’s the point? Obviously I see the point, I myself will soon have my own passion blog which will, to others, seem to be about absolutely nothing, but I mean the real, deep and meaningful point. This wasted web space isn’t being used to touch souls or dramatically change the course of the world. It’s being used for enjoyment, not that having a place to relax or be entertained on the web is a bad thing, but how much of it do we need? Anyone can pick a random topic and then ramble on and on about it. But it’s the important issues that are missing from my random blogger search. Where are the blogs that are trying to get me to stop polluting? What about the political issues that rile up my own beliefs and make me feel like I should call a congressman? Or anyone? Where are the blogs that make people think?
The textbook was right to mention that recent technological advancements haven’t made people more active citizens. The book mentions that people use the internet to see what they want when regarding an issue. Meaning people choose websites that agree with the opinions they already have. Why visit a website that challenges my opinion? That makes me think? But not only is the internet allowing people to avoid contviction, it allows people to completely avoid news, issues, and conflicts. Not only are citizens not active by not speaking out, but it’s possible to completely avoid everything. Google is my homepage, I check my PSU email and ANGEL, get on facebook, and maybe youtube. That’s normally all I will visit during a day on the internet. No news, no politics, nothing that challenges me to think, or changes my life. I’m not an active citizen. I’m closer to 19 than 18, and I’m not even registered to vote. I know I’m not the only teen in this position either. Technology makes it easier for news to be spread around and for some people make their lives as an active citizen easier. For others, technology gives a complete escape. It’s my job as a part the next generation to stop being oblivious and to speak up. Everyone has been taught in class how to use and interpret rhetoric, so why not use it to be an active citizen? Answer: There isn’t a reason not to.
What’s the point? Obviously I see the point, I myself will soon have my own passion blog which will, to others, seem to be about absolutely nothing, but I mean the real, deep and meaningful point. This wasted web space isn’t being used to touch souls or dramatically change the course of the world. It’s being used for enjoyment, not that having a place to relax or be entertained on the web is a bad thing, but how much of it do we need? Anyone can pick a random topic and then ramble on and on about it. But it’s the important issues that are missing from my random blogger search. Where are the blogs that are trying to get me to stop polluting? What about the political issues that rile up my own beliefs and make me feel like I should call a congressman? Or anyone? Where are the blogs that make people think?
The textbook was right to mention that recent technological advancements haven’t made people more active citizens. The book mentions that people use the internet to see what they want when regarding an issue. Meaning people choose websites that agree with the opinions they already have. Why visit a website that challenges my opinion? That makes me think? But not only is the internet allowing people to avoid contviction, it allows people to completely avoid news, issues, and conflicts. Not only are citizens not active by not speaking out, but it’s possible to completely avoid everything. Google is my homepage, I check my PSU email and ANGEL, get on facebook, and maybe youtube. That’s normally all I will visit during a day on the internet. No news, no politics, nothing that challenges me to think, or changes my life. I’m not an active citizen. I’m closer to 19 than 18, and I’m not even registered to vote. I know I’m not the only teen in this position either. Technology makes it easier for news to be spread around and for some people make their lives as an active citizen easier. For others, technology gives a complete escape. It’s my job as a part the next generation to stop being oblivious and to speak up. Everyone has been taught in class how to use and interpret rhetoric, so why not use it to be an active citizen? Answer: There isn’t a reason not to.
Great point. I don't know much about blogging, but I know that every blog I visit is pretty much a waste of time. For example, LoveGivesMeHope and 1000awesomethings. I need to keep an eye out for blogs that will encourage me to be an active citizen. I think all of the rhetorical questions add an individualistic tone :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the point that some blogs rely too much on just entertainment. While it's more captivating to the general audience to be humorous, there's a certain line that people should regard and not cross over because some subjects do deserve serious attention! You write so personally and I could really connect myself well with it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. It makes me wonder: is it wrong to blog for entertainment purposes only? I'd argue no, just as you insinuate. What you seem to be getting at is that when we surround ourselves ONLY with entertainment, we fall into a lack of thoughtfulness, a lack of being challenged.
ReplyDeleteThe results of your quick Google searches for blogs doesn't surprise me, but I guarantee that you'll also find many thought-provoking blogs when you kept searching.
Interesting post!
You've admitted something; you're not registered to vote! Why don't you take the time and action necessary to find out what needs to be done so you can become an active citizen? Only then, can you speak out and make a difference. It is your responsibility.
ReplyDelete