“Finding Evidence” Summary and Response
When writers make claims, the credibility and quality of the source can be considered part of the argument itself. A source that may have been credible a few years ago might not be as accurate today, which is defined as the writer’s “rhetorical situation”. Quantitative data may be the best kind of evidence because it provides precise results to back up your claim. There are many ways to find research sources, like exploring library databases and looking on the internet. Writer’s can also create their own data by performing experiments and observing the results, conducting interviews, and drawing from previous personal experiences. I found this article very helpful in starting my research paper. I learned that research has to all come from the internet; I can utilize the Baruch databases and library books to learn more about my topic. I will also try to use quantitative data in my essay to bring more credibility to my writing.
“Under My Thumb” Summary and Response
Chelsea Booth begins her essay with an anecdote about being acknowledged as an equal to a boy. She would rather lie about her favorite song than to tell the truth so the boy would think that she has good musical taste. Booth then questioned why male musicians are covered more than female musicians in class. She rejects the common excuses for the lack of female representation, like the argument that women were not allowed to become musicians in the past, so that is why there are less female musicians. Booth also mentions the #MeToo Movement by telling the story of being sexually assaulted at a music festival. She rightfully complains that companies who host the music festivals are not raising awareness about sexual assault, and are more concerned about the “numbers” (being the most popular event, having the best musical artists perform). However, Booth also blames herself for being part of the problem that the #MeToo Movement is protesting. She judges female music artists and doesn’t listen/support enough of them. I think that this essay is very powerful and relatable. I too prefer male artists over female artists because over time, men have just been more popular in society. To be honest, sometimes I lie about my favorite song in a popular male music album because I want to fit in with everyone else. Booth is extremely vulnerable in this piece and I could relate to her frustrations about the music industry.