In this case, Ms. Leonard's thesis is critical of the consumer, materialistic society we live in. She explains that we use too much (especially Americans), shop too much and dispose of everything, leading to incredible waste and a polluted planet which exploits the world and its poorest people.
To read a critical review of the video, see the link below...
http://www.andybrain.com/qna/2007/12/07/annie-leonards-the-story-of-stuff-review-and-analysis/
My point was not to argue about the content as done in the review above. My point in class was to focus in on one political comment she made in which she suggested that after 911, President Bush's solution was not to ask people to pray or grieve, but to shop. She used this to show that the government is "in the pocket" of "big business"; that even in our darkest hours of national peril, the evil conspirators who rule the world just want us to buy things and be consumers for nothing more than our own greed and for those who profit from our greed.
On the surface, this quote seems pretty callous on the part of the President, but after some searching I found the comments that Ms. Leonard was referring to. They are posted verbatim as President Bush delivered them at a Washington mosque.
http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/09/17/gen.bush.muslim.trans/
It would seem that the President, in the aftermath of 911, was concerned about how some Americans might treat other Americans of Muslim faith.
Here is some of what he said from the transcript above:
"In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other
with respect. Women who cover their heads in this country must feel
comfortable going outside their homes. Moms who wear covering must not be
intimidated in America. That's not the America I know; that's not the America I value.
I've been told that some fear to leave; some don't want to go shopping for
their families; some don't want to go about their ordinary daily routines
because, by wearing cover, they're afraid they'll be intimidated. That should
not and that will not stand in America.
Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out
their anger don't represent the best of America. They represent the worst of
humankind. And they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior.
And it's a great country; it's a great country because (we) share the same
values of respect and dignity and human worth. And it is my honor to be
meeting with leaders who feel just the same way I do. They are outraged;
they're sad. They love America just as much as I do. "
Further research revealed only one other instance in the initial days following 911 that shopping was discussed as an issue. The President was commenting that people should go about their business and not be afraid to shop, travel, or do as they pleased because to do so would mean the terrorists would win.
In either case, the President clearly was not encouraging people to shop for the sake of shopping. And there is considerable evidence that he not only encouraged but engaged in prayer and grieving after 911. Ms. Leonard's interpretation is without question a manipulation of the President's words and motives.
This example illustrates the reasons why I encourage you on a daily basis to challenge everything you read and hear, as bias is everywhere and sometimes it is subtle. As well, while this example uncovers a clear leftist bias and manipulation of the facts, politicians of all political stripes, their operatives, and the media engage in these kinds of activities all the time. A good historian and indeed an active citizen questions motives, checks and cross references facts, and is suspicious of all. Stay vigilant.
The Essay
In the second half of the class, we examined the body and the conclusion of the essay.
Below is a summary of my instruction...
The purposes of the body paragraph are (in order of appearance):
- State a topic sentence (The topic sentence isolates one supporting argument and connects it to the thesis.)
- Provide supporting details (These are the sentences which form the substance of your position. They are logical and defensible explanations of the topic at hand.)
- Make a transition between topics (This sentence bridges the gap from the present topic to the next topic.)
Finally, we discussed the conclusion.
The purpose of the conclusion is to communicate a clearer, more in-depth version of the thesis. Remember, the writing process involves thinking. When you are writing your conclusion, you have taken the time to get your point of view into one clear, simple, yet comprehensive thought (the thesis). You have organized your thoughts and explained why you believe what you believe. So, at this point you can focus back on that thesis and explore it more fully for the benefit of the reader.
My apologies...without a doubt, this is the least clear of the descriptions that I have given you. My main point is for you to understand that the conclusion is not merely a clip and paste of the introduction -- it is the most original and profound part of your writing. As you practice it and I get a chance to give you feedback on it, you will come to understand what I mean on a practical level.
