Reference no: EM133371187

Share any criticisms or praises you have of the essay. Be specific. Consider how well you think the author utilizes rhetorical devices or modes of persuasion, shares a particular perspective/experience, delivers his conclusions, handles conflict addressed in the piece, speaks to and relates to you as a reader, etc.

Think of a time when someone may have asked you a question or made a statement that made you feel uncomfortable (perhaps you found it ignorant, offensive, inappropriate, etc.). What assumptions did you believe influenced that person's question or statement, or the way they framed their rhetoric? How did you react? Were you also responsible for making assumptions in this situation? If this were to happen again today, and given what you have recently read about constructive dialogue, effective communication and argumentation, would you handle the situation any differently? If so, how? How would you like others to ask you questions about you or your beliefs so that you would want to continue a discussion?

Reply to at least two peers. Remember that disagreement is okay; in fact, it makes things more interesting! Just remember to be constructive.

2 peers

1. In this essay, the author presented his opinions on gender roles. The essay showed how, due to their differences in upbringing and life experiences, men and women both harbored feelings of envy for one another. To effectively express his sentiments and ideas to the readers, the author made excellent use of rhetorical methods. He said that because we all judge others based on our upbringing and society, we occasionally harbor unwarranted feelings of jealously towards one another. His word choice, direct communication, and in-depth, precise description of the circumstances make for a convincing and potent case in my eyes. My only serious criticism is that he could have offered a solution to the gender role conundrum. One time I was discussing with a friend about soccer and he stated that Cristiano Ronaldo was a better player than Lionel Messi. I think he was influenced by his nationality, that was the same as Cristiano, so it made sense he prefers a Portuguese player, but that made his opinion less objective. My reaction was disagree immediately but I was not surprised by his opinion, because he is also a very good player. We started arguing in a very childish way about their accomplishments to see who was right, but non of us changed their mind. Now that I know about constructive dialog I would approach the discussion in other ways so we could reach an agreement or at least say our opinions with mor fundaments and respect the each other's opinions.

2. I enjoyed reading the essay, I felt it was one of the shorter works we've had to read and it was certainly an easy read. Sanders utilized pathos much throughout the essay and I felt it established the general tone of the work. I think he accurately addresses the way men are held to these standards of being the sole breadwinner and feeling ashamed when they aren't able to, and uses vivid imagery to show how the men in his hometown are physically worn out and bored at the same time while waiting for a change in their lives. I've seen this even today with my own family, where my father is miserable because his own life is boring and his job is taking a mental and physical toll on his body.

I've witnessed racism growing up due to assumptions about my ethnicity. I often shop an Asian grocery store and people would ask me questions like I was an employee, asking where certain items were and if I spoke Korean. One time, a lady asked me where something was and interrupted herself, asking if I spoke any English. It was an uncomfortable experience and I don't think I could've handled the situation differently because of her ignorance. I simply told her that I didn't work there and that I spoke fluent English because I'm an American citizen just like her.