People with disabilities are entirely underemployed, making up one of the largest jobless minority groups nationwide. But why? The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protects disabled individuals from being discriminated against by employers based on qualified disabilities. There are numerous tax incentives for employers that come with hiring people with disabilities that can even help to reduce the cost of making a space accommodating. And embracing disabilities in a workplace raises diversity, thus ensuring a wide scope of ideas and approaches to critical thinking and problem solving. And yet the job market is overflowing with a pool of capable adults that happen to have disabilities both obvious and unseen, that offer a wide array of talent and skill. Disability complexities are vast, and therefore limitations are in no way universal. As someone who has worked with individuals of varied ability for over ten years, disability discrimination is something that infuriates me. To see and know willing, competent, and capable people desire only to work and be accepted without prejudice, enthuses me to research what is being done to bring change to this social injustice. What organizations exist to support those who have experienced discrimination based on their disability? Are there any platforms for people affected to share their experiences? Who is there speaking out on this topic and what are they saying? What progress has been made since the ADA originally came into effect? These are some of the questions I intend to seek answers to when procuring the sources for this essay and I am excited to analyze and compare the rhetoric that I find on the topic of disability discrimination here in the United States.

One of the more pressing problems within our cities’ limelight’s has been poverty.  From the homeless block on West 72nd in NYC to the 101 Freeway homeless encampment in LA I think we all are trying our darnedest to ignore this rising issue. I want to understand why homelessness is climbing and climbing (though I can sure make some fairly good guesses) and more pressingly, why we rush to ignore it and why, for such a simple concept as taking care of those less fortunate, we rush to condemn and to criticize. In other words the psychology of helping those less fortunate and what we can do to solve such a problem for our trajectory seems only towards an increase and not an eradication of homelessness. I have been deeply passionate about this issue for I always value a human being based on their present needs and not their past mistakes. However because of this point of view, I’ve gotten into tense arguments with unlike minded individuals that condemn me for giving a dollar to someone who asked because they cannot trust said individual to use that money with good faith. So like Scooby Do, I want to chase after the real culprit and find out why we all are so quick to point fingers instead of lending a hand and what others think about this problem. I think this is incredibly important for we are neglecting those around us and I think that says a lot about America and its culture. 

Teen physical abuse is one of the social issues that interest me because teenagers nowadays have faced mistreatment and unjust under their ages, with the inability to solve the problems on their own. According to this social issue, I want to know how these mistreatments have affected them, and how they would overcome this issue. Moreover, victims of this abuse who have experienced this issue would most likely influence them emotionally, or even to a greater extent, that could let them feel insecure, fearful, and change their minds toward a certain thing or situation in the future. Next, the sense of teen abuse has been increasing nowadays, and the victims who have faced this issue would not come to the idea to defend themselves and ask for help. They are afraid of telling other people about their condition because they are worried that this could bring them into bullying. Most of them do not even tell their parents about their case and try to hide it as a secret. Despite the fact of teen abuse, it might also influence their social interaction with other people, such as with other teenagers of their age. Additionally, as the social issue of teen physical abuse has been increasing worldwide, I want to know how these people defend themselves if they have even thought of trying to, and how they manage their feelings after being treated brutally. After that, the purpose of writing this social issue talks mainly about physical abuse, and the intention of helping me and other people who are interested in this subject to know what individuals and the society could do to reduce and minimize this insult in the future and how we can help these people to overcome it.

There are so many issues that relate to the social understanding of people’s intimate lives.  Social issues make human life demanding, and as a result, people strive to solve these problems. Sometimes it represents how one can love with laughter having a lot of strugglings in his life. They deprive of their rights, fight against, and finally establish their virtue.  The one social issue that I feel interested in is “Corruption.” Corruption means the use of state machinery, authority, and power in illegal and unofficial ways for personal profit in the form of duties and misuse of government stocks or resources. It is a common problem that sits considerately and unequivocally in the field of criminality. I feel interested in this topic because it’s been a big issue in my country, where dishonest people came into political power and typically including bribery. As a result, people are suffering in continuous long term health issues, disruption in transportation, poor education system, and so on. Many people lose their business, and economic growth decreases. They forced people to pay illegal money even; for fair work. It causes conflict and violence in society. Many people are not economically capable therefore, they refuse to do their job for not giving them illegal money. It causes an imbalance between lower are higher classes of people. Corruption mostly affects the poorest, although; all elements of society are get affected in one way or another because corruption threatens political improvement, democracy, economic growth, the environment, human health, and much more. The rich get richer and, the poor get poorer. It is one of the major causes of poverty around the world. I want to know about how the developed countries control their dishonesty and what techniques they use? I believe strict orders, rules, and monitoring can prevent this issue. Also, the corrupt officers who get charges of corruption are proven should be rejected by the government. Being a loyal citizen we should capture the corruption video and post it on social media to create awareness among other people.

Author: “Hong Kong’s huge protests, explained” by Christine Thornell, is a video that explains, in depth, what started these Hong Kong protests and what they mean. The producer is a video journalist for vox.com, where she produces, researches, and makes web videos for Vox Borders, Vox Atlas and Vox Voices.

Rhetorical Situation: The video explains the reasons behind the massive anti-government protests happening in Hong Kong. These massive protests, that started over a year ago and are still ongoing today, are about maintaining Hong Kong’s democracy and independence from China. People began to protest in outrage over a controversial extradition bill they wanted withdrawn. This law would allow extraditions from Hong Kong to mainland China. There was massive discontent with this legislation because with it, comes this idea that China would gain more power and control over Hong Kong. Over the past few years, similar protests have broken out over this reoccurring issue; Hong Kong wanting to protect its autonomy from mainland China.

Audience: The audience meant for this video is anyone who wishes to understand what the Hong Kong protests are all about. This video is meant for people who want to know what the extradition bill between Hong Kong and mainland China is and how it might affect Hong Kong’s future. It also engages those who want to know more about the history of Hong Kong and how its judicial system works.

Purpose: The purpose of this video is to “…understand the news coming out of Hong Kong and the history that led up to this moment”, as per the description of this video. Essentially, this video was made to make the public aware about this ongoing social-political issue in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is fighting to keep their democracy and freedom from China. They’ve also added multiple links to more videos and articles, in their description box, for those who wish to learn more about Hong Kong’s history, basic law, and its leader.

Genre: The video is meant to be informative in a video format. On it’s website, under their video’s section, they describe their videos as being “videos that explain the news, and the world around you”. Vox.com is a news website that makes videos with the purpose of breaking down news headlines in a transparent manner.

Stance: The producer is pretty neutral towards this issue so she doesn’t have a stance.

 In the Chapter “Defining Racism” include in the book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? . In her words, the author illustrates experiences from her perspective as a black psychologist who has seen the real world and can connect her argument with facts through her stories that she has witnessed, making the argument and herself a reliable source. The author’s exigence fits perfectly in her view, basically exposing all the world’s injustices and discriminations that are wrong but still is something that we have to live every day with. You can notice the author’s intention by just looking at internal questions with no answers. The author uses to keep her message and, by asking questions, expects the audience’s reaction to her arguments and bias. Tatum’s definition of racism is complex and different from what we are accustomed to hearing in society. Her message goes especially to people from the outside bubble of prejudices and discrimination don’t understand WHO the word “racism” covers. In her way to redefine the concept of “racism” that society has accustomed to, she attempts to change society’s perception of racism. Simultaneously, she explains the ignorance and lack of knowledge of people due to what the own society “teaches”. At the same time, she talks about how people are wrong with the concept of “racism” as something related to the past; she redefines the idea of something that has evolved. Tatum’s purpose of redefining “racism” as something that only affects a specific type of people and does not benefit the people we are taught is supposed to be the real victim in society’s daily lives. Therefore, she does not extend the word “racist” to people of color because they cannot benefit from the system. Similarly, white people who do not possess active evil or malice toward people of color are still racist in that the system helps them whether or not they act. As a personal book, she is trying to expose her thoughts by telling others stories she has seen and her own story behind her words. 

The final author’s stance goes to portrays racism as something that we continuously avoid. Hence, it is easier for us to think that discrimination is only based on prejudice about our race or gender. Because we are continually trying to protect our feelings, we all want to believe that “The United States Country of Opportunities for everyone” is right. Still, the reality behind that is other; there is always a gap. That’s why it is to understand that this system of oppression, disadvantages, and injustice will continue until people truly understand the difference of genuine racism, as a system where the real oppressors don’t take advantage of the system as if it should be. 

http://seattlequest.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Why-Are-All-the-Black-Kids-Sitting-Together-in-the-Cafeteria.pdf

Author: The article “Belarus’ leader helicopters over Minsk with a rifle as protesters below demand his resignation” by Mary Ilyushina, CNN is written by Mary Ilyushina to inform people of what is going on in Belarus and how the president or more accurately dictator addresses the demands of his people.

Rhetorical Analysis/Exigence: So this article from a side view doesn’t focus on any specific social issue, however if you dig deeper it is displaying how corruption within governments subdues the desires of people often to a point that crosses moral standing. According to the article the president of Belarus “Alexander Lukashenko responded to huge anti-government protests and calls for his resignation by posting video of himself flying over Minsk in riot gear, with a rifle hanging from his shoulder.” The main point of the article is to inform people that revolting against oppression and corruption such as the government within Belarus is important for the freedom of people.

Audience: This article is primarily meant for people that want to know what is happening in other countries and want to help. From the way the article is focusing on the actions of the president and how he treats his people. It is almost designed to get anyone involved and speak out about it. It is targeted towards people that would see this and speak out against this oppression whether they are Belarusian or not. It also to a degree can be targeted towards society as a whole and could be compared to the actions of our current president in regard to his time in office and actions during the recent pandemic we have all been affected by.

Purpose: The main purpose of the article is to capture the oppression and injustice currently taking place within Belarus and to get people interested and to find out more about what is going on. As well as to show the point to which corruption and oppression can grow within a government. Almost as a warning. For people around the world to not wait to fight for their freedom and justice like the people of Belarus did by allowing Lukashenko to remain their dictator for 26 years. To stand up and fight for one’s country is something that can also be inspiring for other countries around the world. Lukashenko isn’t the only dictator out there and maybe someone in another country will see what is happening in Belarus and decide to take action within one’s own country to fight corruption and oppression.

Genre: the genre of this text is an informal article that is telling people about how far governments can go and what it can mean for people around the world. Its mostly informative and has little opinion if at all regarding the actions of the president however it feels like it is designed in a way to get people to get involved almost. For a president to walk out into protestors with a machine gun, that will get anyone riled up. Which goes back to the article we had to read which talked about how the way words are structured and change how people interpret them.

Stance: Since this article is almost free of opinion, it has no stance. It is however slightly biased in the opposition of Lukashenko.

Source:https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/24/europe/lukashenko-belarus-helicopter-rifle-protests-intl/index.html

In our society, gender inequality has become a prominent issue. Society has standards on how each gender should behave and act in a specific way. The speech Emma Watson gave to the UK was effective in conveying the issue of gender inequality to the audience. She argues the need to end these gender stereotypes by launching the campaign called “HeForShe” because if we don’t, gender inequality will always exist which will be detrimental towards our society. Emma utilizes an emotional appeal to develop her argument on the issue of gender inequality. She uses her personal life experience to create a sense of emotion that relates to the issue of gender inequality. She states, ”I’ve seen my father’s role as a parent being valued less by society despite my needing his presence as a child as much as my mothers. I’ve seen a young man suffering from mental illness unable to ask for help for fear it would make him less of a man. Watson’s life experience has shown us what we as humans have done to our society. We created these gender stereotypes that have been pernicious to our society. We have made standards of how a male and a female should behave and act in a certain way. For example, we believe it is a women’s job to take care of children more than men, but in Watson’s case, she needed her father’s presence just as her mothers. Furthermore, we as a society believe men are supposed to act strong and asking for help wouldn’t make them more manly. Again in her case, the young man was suffering, but didn’t ask for help due to the gender stereotypes we as a society established. This generates powerful emotions of sorrowfulness because of the constant rejections the man had from society and how he suffered from it.  Emma also states, ”If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we just are.” Watson is addressing a potential solution to our gender inequality problems by asking us to stop focusing on each other, but rather ourselves. We need to ameliorate our society to make it more welcoming and comforting for everyone. Everyone should freely express how they act and behave without us implementing these gender stereotypes onto people. If we can unite and work together to end these gender stereotypes, then we can have a promising future that welcomes everyone to express themselves in whatever way they want.     

Source https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2014/9/emma-watson-gender-equality-is-your-issue-too

In the narrated excerpt “1960s Social worker interview with abused child and abusing parent” made by the National Medical Audiovisual Center, we watch a social worker interview a child, mother, and doctor Henry Kempe. The child was abused by his biological parents for wetting the bed, thus moved to a foster home. In this video, we learn that although the abused child suffers, the abusing parent is suffering as well, and both need medical help. 

The producers of this video are addressing the issue child abuse. They do this by presenting a situation of child abuse, interviewing those involved, and inlcuding a narrator and doctor who provide insight on the topic.

The National Medical Audiovisual Center, also known as NMAC, which drew from the book “The Battered Child” by Henry Kempe to make this film, provided public health and clinical training as well as medical films on account of the United States government. NMAC is a credible source because this organization is directly linked to the U.S. government and contributed to America’s medical world.

Because of the matter of the subject, how the information is displayed in a monotonous way, and how adults have power in our society, the intended audience are American adults. This video shows the defenselessness children feel in these situations by interviewing an affected child in order for adults, the audience, to do something about it. The producers assume those who watch this video can understand the language used and grasp the subject matter. 

This video is meant to be educational and persuasive. Although this subject can be emotionally triggering, it is presented in an informative and factual way. The narrator contributes to this as she describes exactly what is happening and gives information on child abuse cases. Because an abused child is interviewed, it compels the audience to feel for those hurting in these situations. The point of this video is to raise awareness and challenge the established morality of the American people.

This is an informational video, complete with a narrator, experts on the subject matter, and participants in the issue. The author includes all of these aspects to present their point completely.

The producers want their audience to become aware of the issue of child abuse so they can want to fix this issue. It is highlighted in the video that many Americans see no problem with parents treating their children how they please. The producers want otherwise, and include a real child affected by abuse to persuade the audience. At the end of the video, the narrator mentions how the abusive parent is in need of tools and resources as well in these cases.

Author

The author of the New York Times article is Maggie Doherty. She appears in many other publications as well. She has a Ph.D. in English from Harvard and teaches there currently. This makes her a credible author. 

Rhetorical Situation/Exigence

The article was published on August 26 which is the anniversary of Women’s Equality Day. It marks the passage of the 19th amendment giving women the vote. The author is shedding light on the hardships women had to go through to achieve this success while also nodding at the process made acknowledging the inequality that remains. Especially as the election is drawing near it is a reminder that voting has not always been a given.

Audience

The target audience for this text is primarily for women to celebrate the day. The author assumes that readers are reading to gain historical knowledge. The title, “Feminist Factions United and Filled the Streets for This Historic March”, alluded to that fact.

Purpose

The purpose of the text is to inform readers of how the celebratory march took place 50 years ago and still remains a big step of progress. The central point to outline the obstacles that had to be crossed for progress to be made.

Genre

The genre is a newspaper or magazine feature. The author mirrors this format by taking a serious tone and a developed vocabulary. The author writes in third person.

Stance

The author’s stance on the subject is supportive as she openly praises women and advocates for further change in the future. 

Source

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/26/us/womens-strike-for-equality.html