Final Blog Post

I’m writing this as my final English project for Composition 1213. In order to begin the process of reflecting on my own writing for the past term, I suppose that it’s necessary for you to understand me, and where I, both as an individual and a member of the larger human species, am coming from.

Pismo Beach- one of the closest beaches from my house in Santa Maria, CA

As a kid I moved between various parts of California and Oklahoma, ultimately spending the most time in central California along the coast. Family vacations occurred every summer, beginning with my parent’s belief that we should explore and learn about different people, places, and things. I would like to think that as a result of a fairly liberal upbringing and exposure to people with differing views that I am an individual who is accepting of other people simply because they are individuals free to make their own decisions, but I’m not sure if I am the most accurate judge of it because growing up in an individualistic society I believe that we’re taught to see ourselves in the most positive light that we can.

Upon taking this course I’ve gained a better understanding of defining ethos. Initially I believed that ethos simply referred to the credibility of a speaker or writer, and that ethos was constructed at an individual level, maybe growing up in an individualistic society is what prompted that view. However upon reading "Ethos as Location" by Nedra Reynolds, I now understand that ethos is constructed not only at an individual level, but also at a communal level, influenced by the habits formed as a result of socialization.

Image from: letitflow.com

I know that socialization is a basic block in defining in what makes me me and you you. Technology is changing how we socialize, and as a result is changing how we can define ourselves. In an essay I wrote this term about flash mobs, I noted how flash mobs are a direct product of our modern information communication technology and illustrate how ICT’s have changed social interaction by creating a broader basis in defining collective consciousness.  Reynolds in “Ethos as Location” stated that the construction of ethos are habits, and that habits can’t physically be created in absence of interaction with others. Flash mobs, then, could be defined as the creation of a new form of habit, one which questions and explores new possibilities for change within the community.

Change, I’ve decided is slow, to emerge. People like to know where they are today, and where they’ll be tomorrow, but without change we would collectively die, so it must occur. In writing this, sitting in at my kitchen table, I definitely notice the change that has occurred outside. The leaves have largely fallen off, the flowers from the Crape Myrtles have gone, and the grass has died. But I like this change, even one as simple as the seasons, partly because it is a way to measure the passage time.

This past year has been extremely monumental regarding change at national level due to the reelection of Barack Obama. I think that it will be interesting to mark the change that will occur at the national level which will then trickle down to the state, and eventually local levels.  As the election race was reaching its peak of fevered frenzy beginning in about September, I know that people in many states (including my relatives in Colorado Springs, Colorado) were bombarded with political advertisements on both the TV and radio. These commercials largely didn’t focus on the issues, but instead were more concerned with the appearance of the candidates.

Image from: politico.com

Image from:
fblog.futurebrand.com

Candidates from both sides attempted to evoke the better man look, based on character, accomplishments, and showing a personal interest in your problems. In an essay I wrote about two commercials (Obama’s Determination, and Romney’s Can't Afford Another Term), and in writing about them, I was sort of surprised to learn how image based advertisements have become largely due to the increased usage of the TV. A candidate’s image on campaign commercials, coupled with an emotional message and theme are some of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness of commercials, even more so than the issues. As our culture is becoming more image based and certainly effective in motivating people to vote, I wonder if it is better for our nation as a whole.

We’ve each been socialized to act in accordance with our family values, and with the larger culture. My writing is uniquely me, based upon my experiences and habits that I’ve been socialized to as a kid. Reviewing what we’ve written this term I can say, according my definition of ethos  (a person’s individual character which is influenced by the habits formed as a result of socialization), that my writing style has remained consistent throughout what I’ve written this term, as have my grammatical errors (I hate to admit it, but I dislike editing, and don’t review it as much as I should prior to submitting it.) I like to think that my writing is reflective upon my views, but I know that my views aren’t uniquely me, but a combination of the values instilled in me, as well as my own opinions, so perhaps there is nothing that is uniquely me, but things which are a combination of me and others.  I like to think that in both of the papers this term, aside from my writing style, what illustrates me are the questions that I have, and want to share, at the end of my papers because I am genuinely curious with the change that will or could occur if these questions are answered.

I hate to end this assignment with something so clichéd as a question, but in defining yourself and your views, where do you think you live in existence to others?