Finding Evidence
Evidence is used to support and make claims in every academic argument. In order to be effective, however, evidence must be of good quality. Good evidence matches the rhetorical situation of the argument; it has to fit the time and place that your argument is in. The sources that are used for research play a key role in strengthening an argument and, thus, being able to navigate libraries, databases, and the internet is important in securing quality evidence. The first thing most people do when looking for information online is do a quick keyword search, despite there being far better ways of searching for sources related to an argument (as I had just found out). By using a subject directory, one can narrow down categories until they find what they’re looking for. Google’s search function is also multifaceted, with options to narrow a search or keywords that can be used to specify what you’re trying to find. Collecting data on your own, either through surveys, experiments, or by recalling personal experience, can either greatly improve your argument or severely hinder it depending on how the data is used.
Under My Thumb
In this piece, Chelsea Booth writes about the prejudiced treatment of women in the music industry. She remembers a moment in middle school when she had to lie about her music taste in order for her to be considered an equal. In her experiences with the music industry, she’s been constantly subjected to hostilities over her musical knowledge as well as sexual advances; she’s been made to feel like she isn’t welcome. She then goes on to write about how female musicians were, for the most part, left out of her musical studies. Her classes had even collectively featured 27 minutes of silence (due to Cage’s 4’33) rather than putting more emphasis on the influential female musicians of the 20th century. When attending concerts and festivals, events where she feels the freest, Booth has fallen victim to sexual harassment time and time again. A survey has revealed that more than 90% of women have experienced sexual harassment at music events. Festivals have taken preventive measures against violence, but not sexual assault despite it being such a glaring and recurring issue. When Booth brought up her point about female representation in music classes, I thought back to my high school music class. Unsurprisingly, I couldn’t recall learning about a single female musician. However, I don’t understand Booth considering herself part of the problem because she judges other women’s music tastes and doesn’t support enough female artists. I feel like gender shouldn’t stop her from having an opinion on music.