What Hurts the Most

What hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts is one of my favorite music videos that I have ever seen. All the emotions that are portrayed in it grab my attention and the story line is one that people can relate to. I remember the first time I watched this video was a couple years back when the song became very popular. As I was sitting in my office at work, I was drawn to the teenage girl, who in a way reminded me of myself. The beginning began to make sense and the tears started flowing. I watched it over and over thinking that maybe the ending would be different, something would change to protect the teenage boy. It never changed, and the girl always ended up hurt and losing the one that she loved.
There are many music videos that have the same story line of having a close friend or relative dying. I think that this video draws attention to any age group because they can relate to losing someone close to them. I feel that the meaning of this video is that you shouldn’t take the ones you love for granted, as this could be their last day with you. After watching this, What hurts the most video, and really focusing on what the moral of the song was, I felt as if it really touched me.

Illegal Immigration

Did you know that illegal immigration in Nebraska has increased dramatically since 1990, averaging 24% of our state population increase? Today in America we are experiencing the largest wave of immigration in over a century consisting of about 11 million illegal immigrants now in the United States. These immigrants have many reasons for moving to America; there is more job opportunity, with better pay, safer communities, access to welfare payments, and better schooling for their children. Although some would argue that having the illegals here is a bad thing, they do have some good that comes with them; like their burritos and other Mexican dishes. In this photograph of a Hispanic male holding a sign saying "No Illegals, No Burritos, You better think twice America," causes controversy across our nation.
Illegal immigration is going to be around for quite awhile because our system is not preventative enough to barricade every single migrant out of America. From the immigrants’ standpoint, all they want is a chance to succeed, and they feel that is where America comes into play. The ad that is represented holds many appeals that helps the man’s ‘protest’ draw more attention.
The controversial picture will capture an audience’s attention as soon as your eye meets the advertisement. The white cardboard or plastic sign with permanent bold, black letters is the first thing that captures the readers’ eyes, but is not the only contribution to this picture. After reading the argument, you can see who is holding the sign; a Hispanic man with a very large sombrero showing off his countries pride. As you look more into detail, irony comes into the picture; there are little American flags surrounding the Hispanic by what seems to be a crowd of people. Maybe a protest was taking place, or a massive invasion of immigrants? The assumption is up to you to decide. All three of the major pieces in this picture are related to produce advertisement to gain attention.
In this political picture, all three of the rhetorical appeals are used, as well as some rhetorical strategies such as illustration, cause and effect, and analogy. Illustration is represented by the large poster that Hispanic man is holding, giving that slight phrase shows us how it may impact one person’s life or let alone a whole country. Cause and effect is illustrated by the Hispanic man stating that as long as they are happy (with being able to live in America), we will be kept happy (because of their good foods). Analogy is also represented in this every day picture by relating all three things to one another; the white cardboard poster, the large sombrero hat, and the American flags.

As you may have noticed this picture is not a typical campaign type for advertising. It looks as if an onlooker just took a snapshot of this Hispanic man fighting for himself and the other immigrants across the world. When you first read over the ad, you may feel a sense of humor behind it, or maybe a different state of mind such as hurt and pain for the poor immigrants. Pathos is used in this ad because it makes the audience feel something or be put into a particular mood. As you look at the man’s face, he shows a sign of desperation and hopelessness, hoping that the audience will have pity for him and all other immigrants. The ad is trying to persuade the audience into being more open of immigrants coming to America, and also persuading us with their delicious foods. Pathos is also represented through this picture based on all the materials that is used; poster, hat, and flags. It helps portray the image that the man wanted to set.
The number of illegal immigrants and our system of allowing them is all based on statistics, facts and government issues. Logos is presented in this picture through the statistical evidence and reason supporting illegal immigration in this country. The fact that this Hispanic man is trying to fight for his rights to live in a free, more economically stable world; America, is based on the facts regarding the ongoing issues of illegal immigration. Ethos can be taken out of this ad as it has an ethical appeal. Showing that people who read this ad should have some sort of ethical appeal or reasoning to make us feel like it is our duty to help the less fortunate people in the world. The icons are also a major part of representing ethos. Those icons make the picture have a logic and meaning to make a convincing argument to an audience.
As the controversial ad may or may not relate to anyone in America or Mexico, it does capture your attention and causes some sort of feeling or reaction; pathos. Most everyone is aware of the ongoing problem America is having with illegal immigrants sneaking over here, but this ad shows a different view than America’s take on it. We may all know that the slightly humorous picture is not going to change all government views on illegal immigration; it is proving that they are taking a stand and are trying for a better life here in America. This typical, day to day picture makes a point while including all the rhetorical strategies and some appeals of what advertisements use.

Motorcycle Accident

The other night there was a tragic accident that occured in Lincoln. An elderly man was driving his motorcycle, it hit a curb and ended with him skidding, rolling, hitting his head and dying. It was reported that he was wearing no helmet, which could have saved his life. It is a tragic accident, but maybe this man deserved it as he was going against the law and not being safe. There have been too many occuring accidents involving motorcycle deaths, especially dealing with cases that the motorcyclists were wearing no helmets. It is unfortunate that people are unaware of safety and the law.

I have always been afraid of riding any type of motorcycle because of the high accident rate. Many close friends and relatives relating to driving motorcyles have gotten severely injured and died because motorcycles are very unsafe, even if the motorcyclist is wearing safety gear. It is unfortunate that such 'vehicles' have been invented when they are not safe. I would hope that in the future there will be significant changes in addressing the safety issues regarding motorcycles.

Fall

As the air turns crisp, and the leaves turn to an array of colors, it is a remarkable sign that fall is here. Out of the four seasons, fall is my favorite time of the year. Fall is a perfect time of the year to spend time with family, being grateful, but also being spooked by all the creatures that are around for Halloween. The weather is as comfortable as a as velvet blanket wrapping around your skin. You can smell the air changing, fresh wood being burned and set free. Two important holidays are taken place during this season; Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Halloween is not just a one-day thing; this holiday is prepped for about a month. With haunted houses open, decorations everywhere, and costumes in every store. Halloween is unlike any other holiday, going against the normal traditions. Yes we still have school, but look at the good side; free candy and a chance to dress however you want without being judged.
Thanksgiving is when you get the chance to have the best dinner of the year. The whole family sits together at the grand oak table, hands folded thanking God what we have been given. As life passes we forget what is truly important in life, being ungrateful and unhappy. Thanksgiving reminds us who and what important aspects of our lives are and to appreciate what we have.

Crime

Crime in Nebraska seems to be at an all-time high, especially areas of Omaha. As you read through newspapers, watch the news, or see it firsthand, there seems to always be new murder trials or shootings that happen in our hometowns. It’s scary to think how close murderers and violent people are around us. Even reading in the Wesleyan newspaper we are informed of all the sexual predators that live around campus that could be a threat to our community. As I was recently flipping through the channels on TV, the breaking news happens to be shootings in North Omaha, saying two black men were shot and police are still on the lookout for the prosecutors. The question is why there are not stronger laws that can help prevent crime and keep the predators locked up.
We would all hope that we can keep ourselves, children and family safe but with the world coming to what it is, this seems to be impossible. It doesn’t matter where you are, crime will follow. People, especially women and children need help to stay protected. It’s sad to know how many creepy freaks there are in our world, many right in our own communities. Since there are such high rates of crime, it would be hard and almost impossible to completely get rid of it. That is why we need better laws to keep the communities safe.