"The evolution of the bikini"

             Jessica Rey, MBA graduate and  designer of Rey Swimwear, argues that wearing the bikini is giving the power to women to be objectified. To further her argument, she references the song “Itsty Bitsy Tinnie Winnie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” Rey uses this song to support her claim the the bikini contributes power to women not fashion. With the invention of the bikini, it was not an instant sensation. Many people disgusted it and refused to wear it. Rey even points out that the designer had to hire a stripper to debut his design. Throughout her argument, Rey is discussing that women have taken it too far. That by wearing the bikini, women are setting themselves up to be objectified by men. As a call to action, Rey then relays that she has found a "solution." Her own line of swimsuits, "Rey Swimwear" is fashionable and modest, like all women should be.

          "She was afraid to come out of the locker, She was nervous as she could be. She was afraid to come out of the locker", this is the basis of Jessica Rey's stimulating argument. Rey claims the bikini is a contributing reason as to why women are objectified by the opposite sex. To support her claim, she analyzes the history of the bikini, two seperate Princeton studies, and concludes with a call to action. Reys claim has a strong ethos, however, it is weakened by a lack of logos and a loss of pathos.
            Jessica Rey's argument is one that should be listened to because of her essential credibility. She truly cares about Modesty and it is shown throughout her argument. The way that she is dressed even affects her argument. Jessica is dressing in a manner that strengthens the message she is trying to convey, that  modesty can be fashionable. Also, the fact that she has a MBA degree and owns her own clothing company gives one a reason to respect her opinion.However, her reasons for supporting her argument were weak. When she stated what people think of bikinis, rather than using updated information, she uses an opinion of the bikini in 1960. She also is using a song that in present time is used to advertise weight loss as woman being ashamed of the fact that she is wearing a bikini. At the end of her argument, she loses much emotion when she brings up her solution. What seemed like an argument about modesty is lost when she promotes her own fashion line. It makes it seem like instead of fighting for modesty, she is trying to sell her bathing suit line.

summary/ response to A First Amendment Junkie

           According to feminist author, Susan Jacoby's essay " A First Amendment Junkie," the First Amendment should be based on absolute interpretation solely. Throughout her essay she brings up several cases that people have brought up as exceptions to the Amendment, but she states that they are just a mere misdirection. Kiddie Porn is a circumstance that many argue should be an exception to the Amendment. However, according to Jacoby, Kiddie Porn and the First Amendment are not related. Kiddie Porn is just an abuse of power that one has bestowed upon themselves and it should be punished by law, but not as disobeying the First Amendment. Throughout Susan Jacoby's essay, she makes it very clear that the First Amendment should have no exceptions. Even though there are those who believe that pornography violates this Amendment, she states that it does not apply. The First Amendment is an absolute interpretation solely.

         In response to Feminist author, Susan Jacoby's essay on the "First Amendment Junkie," I thought that she made some very good points, however I did not necessarily care for the way that Jacoby argued her piece. I found myself numerous times having to re-read the paragraph to understand what exactly it was that she way trying to convey. I liked the fact that she used  the neo-Nazis marching on the survivors of an extermination camp as an allegory to the "porn shops on 42nd Street." I think that was one of her strongest points that she made throughout the essay.
          Her last point that she makes, even though it is a valid point, the way she argued it could have been portrayed better. Her main message was who decides the difference between art and trash. Who is to say that to one person, pornography is trash and to the other pornography is art? However, when reading this paragraph about art vs. trash, I found it confusing at some points. I struggled to figure out the main message, she was actually trying to say. Overall she was arguing a very controversial subject and I thought that she did well in not straying from the point she was trying to make.

Response to White Priviledge

   In Peggy McIntosh's essay "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," she makes numerous points that white people take for-granted everyday. She brings up the fact that, we can go to school and not have to worry about being discriminated based on race. We can walk home from school or work and not have to worry about being harassed, beaten, or kidnapped based on race. We are not judged based on race. There are numerous things that we do every day and the only difference is the color of our skin. I think McIntosh brings up many good points throughout her essay. She makes one think about the things that we actually do take for-granted.
    In my opinion, I think McIntosh was smart in publishing this article. She wasn't afraid to voice the truth. I like the fact how she took a different approach to racism as well. Instead of saying that whites did this wrong or they should have done this to avoid race discrimination, she brings a sense of guilt throughout her essay. I think she is wanting the audience to feel a sense of remorse and guilt by telling of so much we do not appreciate, but others do not get the chance to have. I think it is very strong and effective point in her argument. It is one that the audience is reminded of the whole 50 points.

Summary of " Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack"

                                       "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack"
   In the credible author, Peggy McIntosh's, essay "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," she addresses the conflict of race in a different approach than most. Instead of taking an approach from the African American race, she addresses it from the opposite. McIntosh makes a list of 50 things that she can do and have because of her race. The points that she brings up throughout her essay, are ones that numerous people take for-granted. Throughout her essay, she talks of how white people have no consequences or at least how they do not have to think of those consequences after every action they make. In conclusion, Peggy McIntosh is trying to bring attention the privileges that numerous Caucasian people have taken for-granted.

Response to Coben's, "The Undercover Parent"

       "The Undercover Parent," by Harlan Coben is a well stated argument that urges the audience to use spyware in everyday household. His reasoning for his argument is based on that fact that it will create an environment of danger and jeopardizing the future for our kids. Throughout his essay, one clearly sees the position that he takes on the situation and he is trying to persuade others to agree with him. To strengthen his argument, he addresses the negative thoughts of those who disagree with spyware. The main disagreement he brings up, is the fact that some think it is morally wrong. However, he states that without spyware, it is more harmful for our children. He even gives an example to strengthen his argument, which is two people having a closer relationship in response to spyware. In conclusion, he believes that spyware is not "morally wrong," but instead is very beneficial for families.