Thesis Statements and Questions

1.     Thesis question: Is the use of antibiotics in children detrimental to their health in the short and long run?

Thesis Statement: Although the premature use of antibiotics in children can have a positive health outcome, there also other factors that need to be taken into account to help establish if they do more harm than good.

2.     Thesis question: Is there been a rapid rise in the frequency of the number of children being struck with autism?

Thesis Statement: It was once though that the occurrence of ones child having autism was rare; however, over the years, research has pointed to a rise in the frequency of autistic children.

3.     Thesis question: Is the increased amount of hunting, for sport and recreation, decreasing the amount of the world’s biodiversity?

Thesis statement: Although it appears as if hunting on occasion creates very little disturbance in that specific biological environment, studies have shown that the increased amount of hunting is directly threatening the amount of biodiversity.

4.     Thesis Question: Is there a advantage of driving an older car over purchasing a new one?

Thesis statement: Everyone loves the new car smell; however, is more economical, greener, and safer to drive an old car over hoping on over to the dealers and purchasing a brand new auto.

5.     Thesis question: Is forced induction engines in cars have more pros associated with it than having a naturally aspirated engine?

Thesis statement: With the recent changes in the automotive world, the use of forced induction engines (turbochargers, superchargers, twin screw superchargers) provide more performance along with added benefits dealing with fuel consumption and other associated costs.

Free write

There is no doubt that the underlying connection between all three of the pieces, Wests "Power," Bergers "Ways of Seeing," and Focault's "Panopticism," is power; however, the way that each one of them describes it meaning to society are vastly apart, or is it? West appears to liken power to having complete rule over everyone as displayed by representing him as ruler aided with his immense fame. Berger focuses not on the power of people, but on the power of an image. He shows the reader the power lies within the orginial of something, not a camera recreation. So can we then say that since West always appears behind a camera that his power is somewhat lessened, or mystified? Finally, Focault explains power in a way that summarizes both concepts in the other two pieces, by explaining to his audience that power lies within seeing, but its how you "see" something is the key. He elaborates on the panopticon as a form of discipline and punishment that allows for effective control with minimal effort. This could be likened to both other works by the music video and priceless works of art both were the creation of one, and capture the attention of many more.

Panopticon

In Focaults "Panopticon," he remarks on Jeremy Bentham's idea of the Panopticon. He establishes his own ideas of how it generates an economically cheap power that fills in the gap with the "technology" of discipline. The Panotpticon offers cheap power because it allows maximum control with a small amount of controllers to be put in charge, thus minimizing anything to go wrong on either end of the spectrum. Discipline and disciplinary action have made technological advances as history has progressed over the years, each century offering alternatives and adapting to the present. The goal is to create a society filled with people that suited to live in every day life; however, as with many things in life there are always going to be the outliers, those he need correction. Focaults discussion on discipline and power reveals to the reader how intertwined they are with everyday life: In schools, in prisons, factories, and hospital. Power has become the basis of life, it is an integral function to sustaining the "norm."

My Response

            Establishing a sense of responsibility is key in order to bring about change in the very dependent on others type of world that we live in today. When Madsen states, “ This sense of insignificance, which Pollan theorizes, has made me wait until my regular light bulbs burned out before considering replacing them with energy- efficient,” is the very thing that worries me. Every big change that occurs in life starts somewhere small, and if powerful enough, leads to a Domino effect. This is the point that people, including Kyle, need to recognize.

            I’d have to agree, it is quite a daunting task for an individual to take on global climate change when there is no laws or political action, but we must look past that roadblock. “If you do bother, you will set an example for other people,” (92) is that goal we should be striving for.  Our society has changed drastically from several years ago, and so is our Earth. Planting a garden and becoming self sufficient with produce is a difficult task; however, it is very possible. The garden is a symbol for new, fresh growth, and that’s exactly what we need to set our sights on.