I've found that one of the most creative ways to communicate ideas or beliefs has been through blogging. Unlike many academic assignments that require you to write or speak formally, blogging has taken a format more toward personal expression. My blogs are very colloquial and informal--almost like I am expressing my thoughts on the blog as they come through my head. This, for me, is especially rewarding because my blogs serve as indicators of my true personality. My first blog is devoted to conveying my thoughts on general rhetoric and how it occurs through civic life. "At Least I Know Three Words In Greek" is an analysis of the beginning of President Barack Obama's inaugural speech upon the rhetorical components of ethos, logos, and pathos. I felt that this blog post was especially interesting because it makes you realize just how frequent rhetorical elements are used in everyday life. Granted, the President had to have put a lot of thought into his speech, including the use of deliberate rhetorical strategies to make it effective. But most viewers do not consider these elements--the speech was either effective or ineffective. But what makes the speech effective and why do we regard Barack Obama as an excellent communicator? This blog post addresses these ideas.
"At Least I Know Three Words In Greek"
This second post, entitled "Bleh, Research", was chosen to be included into this portfolio because of its relevant significance for students and those with research-based occupations. Many people regard research as incredibly mundane or exhausting. Even for me, the thought of having to write a research paper gives me the chills! However, I've come to realize just how important research is not only in an academic sense, but also its value in creating and supporting social action. Research allows people to form the opinions evident in societal discussion, and also serves as the justification for those opinions, creating a healthy and civil public discourse.
"Bleh, Research"
The second blog I've created was designed to communicate within a specified niche--something I have a passion for. A large part of my life consists of following fashion and appreciating it as a form of art. In my view, nothing can be more telling of your creativity than a well-designed outfit! "Go Vintage!" is a post that examines the extraordinary domain of vintage fashion. Vintage pieces are incredibly remarkable because they epitomize what it means to be unique. Wearing something vintage breeds individuality and character, and sets you apart from the rest of your peers. How could it get any better? Rather than commenting upon rhetoric used in civic life, this post, and the blog that it is embedded in, reflects my attempt to use rhetoric in an effort to persuade my readers to wear a certain trend or to follow my fashion advice. In "Go Vintage!", I explain what vintage pieces mean, why you want to buy them, and where you can go to find something vintage. I hope more vintage-wearers will emerge as a result of my sentiment!
"Go Vintage!"
Please feel free to check out my blogs in their entirety:
Rhetoric & Civic Life
Independent Conformists (fashion-based blog)
