https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/O6s2KYxTC.rNKzrhbkqDBQ--/YXBwaWQ9eWhvbWVydW4-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ucomics.com/dt151124.gif Refutation is a critical part of argumentation. In proper debating, there is even a formula necessary to properly address the falsity and destroy an opposing argument. Though this comic is not in the proper form, it demonstrates the power of effective refutation at addressing false arguments (mixed in with quite a lot of fallacious ad hominiem arguing).
While researching for a speech of legalizing prostitution, I came across this article. It is an excellent argument addressing the slew of European countries that have legalized prostitution in some way or form in the last decade. Written by a former prostitution, she effectively and authoritatively addresses many myths and failures surrounding the legalized forms of prostitution around the world and presents her own solution.
http://pussingtonpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dog_vs_cat-2.jpg
An amusing cartoon regarding the age-old debate of superiority - cats or dogs? The cartoon is making an argument that speaks to the stereotype of the "crazy cat lady" and turns it to suggest that, truly, cat owners and their cats are intelligent while dog owners and their canines are the crazy ones.
https://youtu.be/Z01qH-jqGBY
In this Cheerios commercial, the company is striving to sell their product by highlighting its heart healthy qualities; however, the way in which it is done demonstrates the power of pathos in argumentation and also the ability of commercials to provide abbreviated yet poignant commentaries on societal issues. Here cheerios uses the little girl's love for her father to make an argument that speaks to the heart, connecting Cheerios with familial love. Also, the commercial comments on the beauty of a mixed race family that looks, feels, and loves no less than any other.
"Supersize Me", a documentary produced by independent filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, horrified the country in 2004. At its base, Spurlock's documentary asserts that a fast food diet has extremely detrimental consequences on human psychological and physical health. Spurlock makes his argument through a month-long, personal trial in which he consumed nothing but McDonald's for every single meal. Not only did he eat every bit of every meal, he also forced himself to supersize his meal any time he was asked. According to the film, that happened 9 times in Texas and in New York. Similarly, he also consumed sodas and milkshakes rather than opting for more healthy options such as water or iced tea. In order to demonstrate just how awful fast food is for human health, Spurlock purposed to make his meals as unhealthy as possible, eating as much as 5,000 calories a day, and coupled it by only walking as much as an average citizen on a daily basis. Though his point regarding the obesity epidemic in the United States is valid, his documentary and the evidence presented therein in was not necessarily entirely accurate.
Spurlock asserts that his case demonstrates the problem with the fast food industry; however, such could be considered an anecdotal fallacy because his story is not the only one regarding the fast food industry. Similarly, it could be considered a fallacy of composition because he is using a part (his experience) to describe the whole (all fast food eaters). For example, John Cisna, a school teacher from Iowa, also attempted the McDiet for 180 days. While Spurlock gained nearly 25 pounds in his experiment, Cisna actually lost around 60 pounds (http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/08/meet_the_science_teacher_who_l.html). This was due, in part, to the fact that Cisna's diet was determined by his students who decided to place less unhealthy requirements on him such as maintainnig a 2,000/day caloric intake, avoiding supersizing, and resisting sodas or milkshakes with every meal (http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/08/meet_the_science_teacher_who_l.html). However, he did eat french fries daily, but he also began to walk for 45 minutes a day four or five times a week (http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/08/meet_the_science_teacher_who_l.html). Cisna wanted his experiment to demonstrate that McDonald's is not necessarily the culprit, rather, poor decisions when eating the food are unhealthy. While Cisna's experiment is interesting, it cannot be ignored that Spurlock felt depressed, lethargic, and showed symptoms of addiction to his fast food diet.
He notes that his liver and heart suffered extreme damage while he also experienced vitamin deficiencies, discomfort in his eyes, and trouble sleeping. However, his final line, "Who would you like to see go first - you or them?" is an inaccurate either-or fallacy. As Cisna's experiment demonstrated, it is not a matter of eradicating fast food, but rather, making wise decisions when eating it and only eating it occasionally. Overall, Spurlock's film sheds light on the disturbing reality surrounding fast food and demonstrates, though in an extreme way, the danger of consuming it too much. This is something that American desperately need to consider when selecting their food choices.
This and many other Geico commercials do an excellent job of arguing in a funny way. They present their argument as "those who wish to save money switch to Geico" and pair it with another more commonly accepted or humorous analogy, albeit possibly a false analogy because these things are not linked at all and usually don't provide good proof for the money saved by switching to Geico.
People have always been fascinated by the architecture of history. From the pyramids to the Sphinx, Stonehenge, and the Acropolis, buildings and structures have always served to peak our interests and broaden our understanding of peoples long past. Such fascination is logical for within the structure of the walls, we learn about the cultures, beliefs, and lives of a world long since gone. What about buildings today? Specifically, what about the structures on our very own Texas A&M?
When walking around campus, many buildings stick out to me. For example, the MSC frequently stresses me out. With people walking everywhere, signs all over, papers being thrust at you, it is a very crowded and chaotic. Interestingly, however, the MSC can also be incredibly relaxing and foster great reflection. When I am walking around, weaving through vast numbers of people, I am stressed and anxious. However, if a quiet place can be found and earphones put in, the MSC becomes an interesting place for homework and thought. Outside of the MSC, there is also great elements. The many trees sprinkled throughout campus certainly help to relax and inspire me, and the most peaceful and pleasing view on campus must be looking down military walk. However, when I think of A&M, I do not picture the serene trees of military walk but rather the gigantic Kyle Field on a day in which the stadium is filled with students and former students. I think in ten years, the many Aggie football games I attended will still stick in my mind as the roar of the crowd cheers on our beloved team.
If I were to picture campus as an argument, I would picture the Flag Room. A&M is a campus of great traditions and honorable codes. This is embodied in the Flag Room. That is not to say that, as at any university, A&M has not had its dark hours; however, it is built upon learning, honesty, honor, and respect - traits that are vital to argumentation. The Flag Room is a place where voices are not raised and insults are not hurled, rather, people enter its quiet walls to study and discuss things civilly. It tells a story of lives lost throughout the world and honors their memories, arguing that we, too, should respect its hallowed halls and that which it represents. In our arguments, we must speak with quiet respect, and, as the Aggie traditions assert, we must treat all with respect and honor, always remembering honesty and openness of mind. Only then can we all learn together and build upon the histories of our forefathers to create a better life for generations to come.
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