Choose ONE of the following essay prompts (listed below) an
Choose ONE of the following essay prompts (listed below) and develop a 4- to 5-page essay using either a Narrative or Descriptive method of development or a mixture of both methods (see accompanying handouts for more information). Recall that narration is a method of development in which you tell a story by presenting events in an orderly, logical sequence. (Don’t forget that your essay must present a sequence of events that supports your thesis!) Description is a method of development in which you tell your readers about the physical characteristics of a person, place or thing by relying on the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. (Remember: whether you specifically state your thesis or it is implied, the details in your essay must work together to create a single dominant impression.)*****************************************************************************Prompt #1:Could wanting “more” ever be harmful? For some of us, the idea of wanting more may lead to achieving success, but sometimes that success is geared toward having more stuff—cars, homes, clothes, jewelry, etc. America has its fair share of success stories, but more often than not, trailing those rise to riches stories are the headlines of drug abuse, failed marriages, and all manner of corruption that have devastating consequences in their lives as well as in the lives of others. Some would say their focus was on the “more” in sacrifice of their own well-being (relationships, personal health, etc.). ‘More’ for Shames does not mean more education, more striving to meet professional or educational goals, or even earning more money, etc. He’s really talking about consumerism–a focus on buying things and possessions that make us feel or look ‘successful’ or fulfilled when in reality we may not actually be (which why we usually want MORE because SOME does not feel like it’s enough). Remember, this is not about being critical or judgmental about our purchasing/consuming habits but about taking a very introspective look into the ways in which may have, at one time or another, bought into the idea being pitched to us by nearly every media message we encounter–that ‘we are what we own’ and how this belief can have various consequences in our lives. For this prompt, think of your own consumer habits (and we’re not talking about necessities—we’re talking about “wants” versus “needs”) and answer the question: When has wanting “more” stuff been harmful in your life? After reading Laurence Shames’ essay, “The More Factor,” write an essay in which you explore the concept of “the more factor” in your own life (a focus on “wants” versus actual “needs” as related to goods and services–no essays on chemical addictions like smoking, gambling, drugs, etc.) and pose your answer to this question by focusing on one particular area in which you feel the need for more of a product or service you don’t necessarily need and illustrate how this may have become unhealthy or harmful in your own life. Be sure to base your essay on your own personal experiences and avoid speaking in generalities—use specifics in lieu of “something.” “YOU” and your experiences must be a major part of your response.Prompt #2:After reading Anne Norton’s essay “The Signs of Shopping,” either focus on one product catalogue (i.e.: Urban Outfitters, etc.), line of a product (Juicy, Nike, etc.), or watch an episode of the Home Shopping Network and describe the ways in which you feel the marketers are encouraging you to spend money with their company. One way to analyze retail marketing ploys is to ask questions such as: What is the underlying ideology of the product? Why do you shop there? What’s your connection to their product? How does this product make you feel, and is this in line with what they want you to feel? How does this ultimately make you want to buy more of their product specifically, creating what they refer to as a “loyal customer?” Referring back to Norton’s claims in her essay, ferret out all the ways in which you, the consumer of this product, are being targeted, cajoled, and manipulated even through the use of cultural images, illusions and iconography. Remember to base your entire essay around a single thesis or opinion about the catalogue, product line, or episode of HSN and rely on rich, evocative description to prove your position. “YOU” and your experiences must be a major part of your response.Prompt #3:After reading Thomas Frank’s “Commodify your Dissent,” write a description or narrative essay in which you show the reader how you feel drawn to the “iconography of the rebel” found in advertising today. Include references to magazine or television ads or even specific products or brands. Think of any favorite artists (musicians, actors, athletes, etc.) who embody this ‘free’ or rebellious spirit and explain how they have influenced your own behaviors and as a result, your own buying habits. Remember this could be in the past, present or even in an imagined future—just be very descriptive and illustrate your overall thesis or opinion about Frank’s thesis that the countercultural idea has become “the official aesthetic of consumer society.” “YOU” and your experiences must be a major part of your response.will also attach the rubric ..
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
