TOW #16 (IRB Post): Quiet by Susan Cain

Quiet has exposed me to a lot of information and studies that I never would have known about had I not read this book. Throughout the course of this book, Cain has approached the differences between introversion and extroversion from many different angles and contexts, and supported her claims with an assortment of sources, from the conclusions of studies to the quotes of experts. All of this has made for a very convincing book, but I think it may not be the only reason.

Cain uses rhetorical devices to aid in her persuasion. Specifically, I noticed one in part 2, where she discusses “reward-sensitivity”, a trait more prevalent in extroverts that makes a person more excited about pursuing a goal because of a potential reward. She lists the positive effects of this trait first, and then presents counterarguments by listing positive traits that introverts, who generally are not as “reward-sensitive”, would have. I observed this strategy of counterargument many times throughout the book, and I think it helps to emphasize the power of introverts over extroverts, which seems to be Cain’s purpose. Even with these persuasive strategies in mind, I still believe Cain achieved her purpose, by showing the need for introverts in society in order to maintain a balance. After all, the majority of Cain’s audience is probably made up of introverts seeking a positive description of themselves. Therefore, they would probably be less skeptical of the validity of Cain’s conclusion, potentially unlike someone who believes extroverts are more fit for society.

In addition to the evidence of research throughout Quiet, this book was published in 2013. Given this context, it would be reasonable to assume the facts are relevant and not outdated. In fact, many of the studies Cain references are ground-breaking and new to the entire field.

TOW # 15: Speed ad - Mistakes by the New Zealand Transportation Agency

No one’s perfect. People make mistakes in all parts of life, and the road is no exception, shown in an advertisement by the New Zealand Transportation Agency. This commercial begins with a shot showing a father at the stop sign of a three-way intersection, with his son in the back seat. As he pulls out, a car going about 70 km/h over the speed limit comes jetting down the road. Before making contact, times is suspended, and the two drivers get out of their cars. Realizing what is inevitably going to happen, they are at first angry at each other, but then become apologetic as they realize they have both made mistakes. The scene concludes when they get back into their cars, and time recommences, thus causing a crash.

            I found this video on the transportation agency’s YouTube channel, and it seems to be the only place it exists. Therefore, the context would be YouTube, and in a broader sense, the internet. This approach may be an attempt to connect to as many people as possible. This is the most effective context, since the scene could happen not just in New Zealand, but in any country. Moreover, the purpose seems to be to show the dangers of driving over the speed limit in order to promote safer driving. The target audience, therefore, would be people guilty of speeding who justify their actions by arguing they are in control. This video demonstrates how no amount of control will allow you to react quickly enough in certain situations, if you are speeding. The New Zealand Transportation Agency aims to provide an “affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system,” as stated on their website. They also mention that they plan and fund land transport. Given the purpose of their organization, they seem like a credible source for commenting on driving issues. Because of this and the powerful advertisement that is concise, clear, and universally applicable, I think their purpose was achieved.

TOW #14: A Vale of Terror, Transcended by Laura Tillman

In today’s technologically connected world, stereotypes and misguided knowledge are everywhere, and can often influence our perceptions towards certain subjects. The US-Mexican border has become a victim of this phenomenon, and is looked upon by many in a negative manner. While gang violence surrounding drugs is definitely evident in the area around the border, it is largely misunderstood. The topic has therefore taken on many forms through both American and Mexican artists’ work. The pieces covering the border take on many mediums, including photography, sculpture, performance, and paintings. One artist, Rigoberto Alonso Gonzalez, depicts victims of gang violence in a style that mimics baroque painters’ work like that of Caravaggio.

While the pieces created by artists like Patricia Ruiz-Bayón and David Freeman use metaphors and irony, among other rhetorical devices, the author of this article, Laura Tillman, relies on sentence structure to strengthen her point. Notably is a sentence where she writes, “For Mexican artists in Matamoros and Reynosa, where the local news media has been largely silenced, their artwork, often urgent and somber, fills a void.” This sentence has its own paragraph, and therefore emphasizes its message more than the surrounding text.

Tillman, a freelance journalist who has written for The New York Times, The Nation, and The Wall Street Journal, seems, almost ironically, to be writing to those indifferent to border issues, immigration, and drug wars. By promoting political artists’ work, she seems to be trying to inspire interest and action, as many artists seek reform. As this article was published on both The New York Times website and in print, it has probably gained a lot of exposure, especially amongst people who might not be educated in issues surrounding the border. Because of this, Tillman’s purpose of inspiring support of reform through a showcase of political art was achieved.

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/arts/design/artists-explore-immigration-border-issues-and-the-drug-war.html?pagewanted=2&ref=design

Pictured above is Gonzalez with one of his works entitled,
"On the 17th of February of 2009 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico."