Blog Post 4

Warner’s “Political Culture Jamming” talks about the different way politicians and political parties have attempted to drown out rebellious messages in order to have viewers favor their ideas.  Politicians have been using techniques of commercial marketers in hopes of persuading citizens.  “Culture Jammers are a loose collection of media activists who are rebelling against the hegemony of the messages promoting global capitalism” (Warner 4).  Rather than using factual information, rational argumentation, legal language, and traditional tactics, culture jamming turns to commercial techniques of image and emotion through act of “rhetorical sabotage.”  Politicians and their political consultants have also embraced the idea of branding in the political area.

Elkins’ “The Periodic Table” reflects on the periodic table and how it does not represent some fixed truth about the way things are.  It serves many purposes, but is also full of drawbacks.  The periodic table is only an approximation.  There is so much room for potential information to be added.  I think Elkins is trying to connect the periodic table to writing.  Our writings are not fixed, or set and stone; there is always room for improvement.  The drawbacks can be simple mistakes we’ve made or that there is information missing.  When writing, there is always room for more information to be added; whether it be more details or more sources to describe the point of the argument.

Phil Blicker’s “Ways of Seeing the Contemporary Photo Essay” reflects on how photographers make work that effectively stands out and connects with the audience.  Photographers were working to tell stories through powerful, innovative, and resourceful ways.  There are many ways of seeing to grab attention.  It has been influential in maintaining photography’s relevance in a shifting environment, media landscape, and culture ruled by images.  Incorporating photos into writing can keep readers interested and persuaded.  There are different types of media that include still life, documentary, portraits, and drawings that can encourage subjects to contribute to the arrivistic process and tell their own stories.

“Puppies behind Bars” reflects on a program that housebreaks puppies that will become guide dogs for the blind.  Puppies that are bred to become guide dogs go through rigorous tests at only seven weeks to determine if they have the capability to become a guide dog.  About half are released, and the others go through eighteen months of training to learn about obedience and how to live in a family environment.  These dogs go to the library, dentist, chapel, and offices within the prison where the inmates work each day.  For most inmates, the program was their first serious responsibility, where they had to train puppies three days a week.