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Week 4 Response to Reading Reading 1: “Two Years Are Better…
Week 4 Response to Reading
Reading 1: “Two Years Are Better Than Four” by Liz Addison
“Two Years Are Better Than Four” by Liz Addison is an article that explores the potential benefits of obtaining a two-year college degree instead of a four-year degree. Addison begins her article by discussing the cost of a four-year degree and how it can be unaffordable for many students and their families. She then discusses the advantages of a two-year degree, such as the ability to pursue a specialized degree, the opportunity to save money on tuition and fees, and the potential to complete a degree in a shorter time frame. Addison then explains the differences between the degrees offered by two-year and four-year institutions. She discusses the breadth of options available to students at two-year colleges, such as associate degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships. She clarifies that the quality of education is not compromised by choosing a two-year degree as long as the college is accredited. Addison also emphasizes that two-year degrees can be an excellent way for students to enter the job market and develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Addison also addresses the potential drawbacks of two-year degrees, such as the limited job opportunities and lower salaries that may come with them. Nonetheless, she argues that the potential benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks, and she offers advice for students considering two-year degrees. She suggests that students should research their options and talk to their guidance counselors to ensure they make the right decision for their future. In conclusion, Liz Addison’s article “Two Years Are Better Than Four” provides a comprehensive overview of the potential benefits and drawbacks of obtaining a two-year college degree instead of a four-year degree. She argues that a two-year degree can be a great way to save money and achieve the same quality of education in a shorter time frame. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of researching all the available options and talking to a guidance counselor when considering a two-year degree.
Reading 2: “Thinking Outside the Idiot box” by Dana Stevens
In her essay “Thinking Outside the Idiot Box,” Dana Stevens explores the various ways television has become a source of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Stevens begins by exploring the notion of “intellectual television,” citing examples of shows such as The West Wing and The Newsroom, which aim to provide viewers with an opportunity to engage in complex and thought-provoking conversations. She notes that although these shows have become increasingly popular, it is often difficult to find other TV programs that are equally stimulating. Stevens then proceeds to discuss the role of the Internet in providing viewers with an additional source of entertainment and education. She notes that the web has evolved from a platform for communication and information gathering to a form of entertainment in its own right. Through online streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, viewers can access a vast array of programming, allowing them to watch whatever they choose. Furthermore, Stevens highlights the potential of the Internet to enable viewers to engage in meaningful dialogues and share opinions and ideas with others. Finally, Stevens concludes by discussing the potential of television and the Internet as a substitute for traditional forms of cultural education. She suggests that in an era where educational opportunities are increasingly limited, television and the Internet offer an alternative means of acquiring knowledge and understanding different cultures and perspectives. By watching shows and engaging in conversations online, viewers can gain an appreciation for a wide range of topics. This process can ultimately lead to a more informed and engaged society. Overall, Stevens’ essay “Thinking Outside the Idiot Box” examines the role of television and the Internet in providing viewers with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and less a vast array of educational material. Her argument serves as a reminder that television and the Internet have the potential to act as a powerful tools for both entertainment and education.
Reading 3: “What You Eat is your business” by Radley Balko
In his article “What You Eat is Your Business,” Radley Balko argues that the government should not be allowed to dictate what individuals eat or should not eat. He contends that the right to choose one’s eating habits is personal freedom and that the government to regulate food choices is misguided, inefficient, and ineffective. Balko begins by noting that government regulations regarding food are not new; they are a relatively recent phenomenon. He explains that there are types of food regulations: those meant to protect the public’s health and safety, and those tended to influence what people eat. The latter category includes food labeling laws, school nutrition standards, and the recent trend of banning certain ingredients, such as trans fats. Balko argues that the government should refrain from telling people what to eat. He points out that individuals can make their own decisions regarding food consumption and that attempts to regulate food consumption often need to be revised and more effective. Balko points to research that indicates that efforts to control people’s eating habits do not lead to healthier outcomes. He also cites evidence that food labeling laws and bans on certain ingredients can lead to unintended negative consequences, such as consumers relying on misleading information or avoiding certain foods unnecessarily. Overall, Balko argues that the government should stay out of the business of dictating what people should or should not eat. He contends that individuals should be free to make their own decisions regarding food consumption and that attempting to regulate food consumption is misguided and ineffective.
Reading 4: “Hiding from Reality” by Bob Herbert
In “Hiding from Reality,” Bob Herbert provides a comprehensive and critical overview of how the American government has failed to address and combat the ongoing economic crisis. Herbert begins by examining how the Bush administration and the current Obama administration have failed to address the problem, noting that the Bush administration was more focused on cutting taxes for the wealthy and providing bailouts for the banks than on addressing the needs of the American people. Herbert then argues that the current Obama administration has been more concerned with political posturing than with addressing the economic reality of the crisis, noting that the administration needs to provide adequate relief for those most affected by the crisis.
Herbert then turns his attention to the Republican Party, noting that the party has been unwilling to support any meaningful economic policy that would address the financial crisis. Herbert argues that the Republican Party has continually blocked any plans or proposals that would provide monetary relief to those most affected by the crisis. Herbert then argues that the Republican Party’s unwillingness to address the economic problem has resulted in the worsening financial situation and the increase in economic inequality throughout the United States. Finally, Herbert examines how the media has failed to accurately report on the economic crisis, noting that the media has primarily focused on stories that are sensationalistic in nature rather than stories about the reality of the financial situation. Herbert argues that this failure has resulted in a public discourse that does not accurately reflect the economic reality of the United States. Overall, Bob Herbert’s “Hiding from Reality” is an important work that provides a clear and critical overview of how the government, the media, and the Republican Party have failed to address the ongoing economic crisis in the United States. Herbert’s analysis and conclusion offer a critical perspective into the reality of the financial crisis and provide an important reminder that the public needs to actively engage in conversations about monetary policy and the economic situation to create meaningful change.
After reading all of the selections, what do you think is the overall message that the pieces make? If you had to sum them all up as one idea, what would it be? Discuss what issues from the readings you specifically feel are a part of the overall message.
Summarize what you have learned for the Week. Concentrate on discussing what you have learned from the readings as well as from the discussion with your classmates.
