TOW #26: "American Dreamers"

American Dreamers is a new project presented by the New York Times, in response to the Trump administration's threats directed toward immigrants and their families. It features stories from young immigrants who were permitted to stay in the country and work during the Obama administration. The aim of the collection of stories is to call on Trump's administration to preserve Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is a program that "temporarily shields some immigrants from deportation and allows them to work legally." Through the collection and its many appeals to pathos, the New York Times is shining light on the lives of millions of Americans whose livelihoods will be severely damaged through Trump's bigoted agenda.

The page is set up in column style, with quotations from each subject interviewed in big, bold letters. The centrality of such powerful quotations makes it hard not to notice them. The curators also selected each quotation purposely, not only to demonstrate the humanity in each one of the voices, but also to provide examples of how removing the DACA will affect their lives. For readers just taking a look at the website at a glance, these quotes will leave a lasting impression on their mind. Some powerful examples include "Let us walk along you, shoulder to shoulder, on that same road our hands help to pave", and "There are Dreamers that have become lawyers, doctors, police officers and small business owners thanks to DACA." The addition of such quotes adds an important layer and emphasizes each individual's place in the collection.

Another important aspect of the collection is the addition of portraits of each individual. The intimate, authentic style of these portraits make it feel as though readers already know these individuals, as though they can reach out and touch them through their words. These visuals are incredibly powerful, highlighting not only the diversity of those interviewed but also their resoluteness and strength. Alongside the pictures are their name, and a short description of their location and job. Scrolling through the website feels like you are meeting these people in person. It adds a level of personal intimacy that cannot be achieved through words alone.

Overall, the collection emphasizes two very important ideas that are often left out of discussions of immigration, the first being that immigrants are humans. They are just as real as anyone else in America. They have dreams, hopes, and goals, just like any other person. Too often, politicians leave out this important aspect of humanity. Additionally, it discusses the practicalities of new laws. By balancing the appeals to pathos with a solid footing in logic and the law, the American Dreamers collection is able to prove a strong message about the necessity for immigration aid to politicians and readers alike.

IRB Intro Post #4: "The Girls Who Went Away"

For the fourth and final marking period, I will be reading The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler. This book interested me for many reasons, the main one being adoption is a topic that most authors shy away from, and it is not everyday you get the chance to hear eyewitness accounts of surrendering a child for adoption. I am also interested to hear about the ways Supreme Court decisions have shaped society, especially Roe v. Wade.

TOW #25: "Censorship, Not the Painting, Must Go"

Artist and writer Coco Fusco's opinion piece on the recent controversy regarding a work surrounding the murder of Emmett Till was enlightening and genuinely interesting to read. I found myself questioning a lot about censorship and the things that constitute 'good art', alongside contemplating the boundaries of social commentary on race. The article argues for a multitude of things: less blind censorship in the art world while maintaining critical consumption of work, and more awareness and context placed behind criticisms of artists and their work.

The controversy in question is surrounding a painting by artist Dana Schutz entitled "Open Casket" which is being displayed at the Whitney Biennial. Protests have been staged in response to the work, calling for its removal and censorship due to the artist behind it being a white female. Heated debates have been sparked with sides in favor of, and against, the censorship of the work. Fusco takes a unique stance on the issue, examining it closely from all sides and doing extensive research to support her argument.

Fusco calls for awareness and context behind criticisms through her appeals to ethos, as her own awareness seems to reach deep beyond recent events. The research she does and knowledge she possesses about historical feats for black artists, alongside the various criticisms the community as a whole has held throughout the years, help pave a solid foundation for the audience's understanding of the events. Fusco uses evidence from various sources to prove that educated and rational arguments stem from analytical thought toward the subject.

Additionally, Fusco's perspective on racial issues adds to her credibility and increases the effectiveness of her argument. She cites sources where such strategies to negate any sort of controversial topic have only added to the problems marginalized groups of people (specifically, the black community) have faced. One quote that stood out to me on this issue was "In the absence of informed discussion, we get unadulterated rage." This rage is clearly displayed in the protests surrounding "Open Casket."

The article led me to think of discussions surrounding 'controversy' differently, and to examine an issue as a whole rather than one specific incident. It helped me get a better appreciation and understanding for the need of opposing viewpoints. It made clear that we need argument and dissent, we need political opposition, but we also need to consider the factors that may lead us down the wrong path.

TOW #24: "Life is Better When You Share the Ride"

Ride-sharing apps are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with that group headed by Uber, known for its on-demand pickups. Lyft is another rising option, with its popularity growing steadily. Recently, controversy surrounding Uber's treatment of female workers (as well as their possible endorsement of Trump) has led many politically-conscious ridesharers to choose Lyft over Uber.

Lyft released a commercial early this year that reiterates the things they take pride in for their company: diversity, inclusion, and connection in an age where we seem all-too unconnected. Lyft's commercial, entitled June, makes use of warm colors, bright visuals, and appeals to pathos in its storyline in order to effectively portray Lyft's goals and encourage ridesharers to use Lyft.

The commercial features a heartwarming storyline of an old woman named June whose car is involved in an accident. Finding herself stranded without transportation, she uses Lyft for the first time, and discovers the abilities it has for meeting new people in her city. The appeals to pathos are evident, with the backstory of a widowed woman who eventually finds she has the power to connect to people through something as simple as a ridesharing app. The music is endearing and chosen selectively for each moment, highlighting the all-too human ordeals that June faces.

The colors of the video are warm and inviting, which works well because this commercial was shown primarily before YouTube videos. The fact that it was so visually appealing means there is a good chance the viewer will not be as tempted to skip ahead to their video. The bright, childlike visuals and illustrations are happy and endearing, and allow for the audience to connect tremendously with the events in the commercial. Each moment is timed perfectly with visuals, music, and storyline syncing up to produce a heartfelt short film and effectively entice audiences to use Lyft.

TOW #23: "What High Schoolers Are Actually Wearing"

What High Schoolers Are Actually Wearing is a film project started on YouTube by Lexie Lombard. The project features a variety of teenagers, each installment focusing on a different set of kids in a different location. They are asked various questions revolving around their personal style and creative expression, and the answers received are sweet and endearing, showcasing the varying trends and styles worn by teenagers across America.

This series speaks to me for so many different reasons, one being the diversity showcased in the episodes touches on the aspects of teenage culture that are often whitewashed and glossed over by the media. It makes a strong argument for representation of actual teenagers - not just fictional ones played by thirty-somethings on TV. Every aspect of the series highlights the uniqueness of the subjects featured, whether it's through lively music or silly text animation. The subjects chosen are diverse in fashion, personality, and looks, and highlight their diversity in the interviews.

Real representation of high school students starts with - wait for it - real high school students. This series is taking to the streets to ask teenagers their opinions on fashion, music, and art, but it's also not afraid to get personal and ask questions about friends and family as well as personal style. The series branched off recently into What High Schoolers Are Actually Thinking, which hosts discussions of the events going on in the lives of teenagers as well as heavy questions about politics and the world around them.

This project has inspired me to reach out and represent the real opinions of teenagers and young adults, something the media does not do very often. The experiences and lives of young people are just as important as those of adults, if not more so. We are the future.

TOW #22: "Daughters"

Daughters by Samantha Conlon is a unique perspective on the relationship between femininity and traditional roles of motherhood (and daughterhood). Conlon's project came about after she spent six months as a quiet observer to her sisters and their daughters, capturing intimate moments that, when viewed, bring about an emotional response in the viewer.

Through the collection, which uses visual elements like emotion, lighting, and color, Conlon is able to masterfully create a dialogue about the roles women play in the lives of their daughters, and the roles young girls play in the lives of their mothers.

Samantha Conlon is a female photographer & artist from Ireland whose works focus on class and gender struggles. Her works have been published in online platforms such as i-D and the New York Times, and showcase a multidisciplinary approach in viewing the world.

Conlon's aim was to "show strength in softness", and to "elevate the female experience." Her use of soft, diffused lighting gives the portraits a very intimate, casual, and soft feeling. It is reminiscent of childhood portraits and family photo albums, but in being produced for a much wider audience than close family and friends, it highlights an almost voyeuristic side to portraiture of mothers.

The use of color, mainly soft pinks and blues, places an emphasis on youth and highlights the more nurturing aspects of motherhood. Conlon brings out the childlike side of both mothers and their daughters, whether she is capturing a moment at rest or a time spent playing.

The collection embodies, for me, a childhood very similar to my own, and a motherhood that I hope to experience one day. Conlon is able to capture all of the hidden, nuanced ideas about growing up and familial ties through her portraiture. Daughters is a collection that highlights profound meanings behind the way society views femininity and growth.

TOW #21: "The Epidemic of Gay Loneliness"

This article took an extremely different perspective on the issues that pervade the LGBT community, which made it particularly interesting to read and to think about. The evidence that is used throughout the essay, much of it anecdotal, is also powerful and extremely heavy at some points. In treating common issues of mental illness, drug use, and HIV infection in the gay community as a singular, deeply intertwined issue, the author sheds a new light on the way we face these problems in the future. It also impacts readers heavily by adding a lasting message - LGBT people may never feel like they're not different from other people. Instead, it is acceptance and working with differences that leads to a healthy and happy life.

One of the most effective parts of the article is the way it does not shy away from telling raw and emotional stories of gay men. Many of the author's friends are interviewed and describe in detail the struggles they've faced throughout their lifetime, some using real names, others using pseudonyms. The details of attempted suicides, drug overdoses, and social isolation are jarring enough to show readers the dark side that comes with being LGBT. Placing these in the introduction of the article proves effective - not only to grab the audience's attention, but also to lead into the main argument - as Hobbes later interviews psychologists and researchers in an attempt to explain these destructive behaviors.

Another effective part of the article is the use of statistics, often coinciding with these emotional retellings from friends of the author. The statistics do not stand alone, and lead into the various theories proposed by Hobbes for the common feeling of isolation shared by gay men. As Hobbes discusses how "[Between 2004 and 2005] gay men showed a 37 percent increase in mood disorders, a 42 percent increase in alcoholism and a 248 percent increase in generalized anxiety disorder," he follows it up by a statement that no legal rights of gay people actually changed between those years. It was a symbolic change in society's beliefs that was outwardly shown through constitutional amendments defining marriage as between a man and a woman. This clear portrayal of the damaging effects a heteronormative society can have on gay people is created through the incorporation of research and statistics.

However, Hobbes does not end the article on a sad note, rather, a positive one. He uses a quote from a gay man interviewed in the article to shine light on the hope that remains within the LGBT community. “For gay people, we’ve always told ourselves that when the AIDS epidemic was over we’d be fine. Then it was, when we can get married we’ll be fine. Now it’s, when the bullying stops we’ll be fine. We keep waiting for the moment when we feel like we’re not different from other people. But the fact is, we are different. It’s about time we accept that and work with it.” This provides a completely different outlook for viewers, and while it doesn't take away from the heavy information displayed in the beginning, it does show how a change in attitude may help to address the problems facing us in the future.