Assignment:
1) Having an argument is as common as having a debate or laughing with a loved one. What makes an argument different from other forms of communication would be the language and mannerism used. Depending on the severity of an argument would make the difference between a simple quarrel and a heated exchange of words. The text refers to "reverse logic" (33) which offers a contradictory approach when reasoning or attempting to correct someone. Reverse logic is based on the principles of demarcations which helps obtains the truth. In an argument the seeker looks to rebut their opponent's stance or belief by showing their opponent's self-contradictory in relevance to the current argument or any particular issue. To define the term "argument" as it is used in the text we must peel back the layers of what occurs during an argument.
For a valid comparison between both parties we must demonstrate the soundness of one side of the argument and the inconsistency of the other. Otherwise the argument becomes useless and you find each party simply attacking one another beliefs by implying that their opponents views have hypocritical are foolish. One of my most recent arguments I had was with my wife pertaining to our youngest child and his learning development. The argument was based around the evaluation giving by the teachers that our son displaying attention issues associated with ADHD. My wife's argument was that our child is only five years old so teachers should expect energetic behavior or a kid not wanting to learn instead wanting to play. For me I somewhat agreed but I've noticed through my one on one with him that he does in fact exhibit some focus issues. The challenge that created the argument was both our unwillingness to hear each other's point of views.
Ultimately what won the argument or debate was the facts and the evaluation giving by a physician which I recommended. Let's be clear at one point I was very admit that I didn't want any of my children being labeled but I realize something was wrong so I acted on it. During the argument I didn't use any contradictory approaches nor did I attempt to discredit my wife's beliefs I simply tried to compare and contrast both views to find a solution with validity. As parents we are very protective of our children so hearing words associated with learning disabilities are disheartening but what makes being a parent special is making sure you're doing everything you can to ensure your child's development in life.
2) Argument, in terms of critical thinking, refers to "persuasive communication (Browne and Keeley 19)". This is a combination of specific elements that must be present in order to be considered an argument (i.e., reasons and/or evidence supporting your claim and the conclusion you want to be accepted). Argument, in everyday language, might be a disagreement or even a shouting match between two (or several) people with differing opinions. Likely, none of the participants have gathered any solid support for their position and they may be engaging in weak-sense critical thinking.
I must say, I can't recall a recent argument I've had in which I am trying to persuade someone to buy what I am selling, but this topic made me think of the conversations I have with my kids when they tell me things they have heard or learned from the internet or someone at school. It drives them crazy, but I can't help it. I am always sure to ask them where they heard/read the information they are sharing with me. Then I ask what sources they have to support this claim. Is the source reliable/credible? This is where the eye-rolls come in. ;) More often than not, there isn't enough evidence (or valid/strong enough evidence) to confirm the claims they have heard/read. I think this demonstrates the importance of recognizing what is merely opinion and what could be considered a true argument that is worth entertaining.
3) I would like to think that when I see these photographs by Evans that it would not sway my understanding of the readings to be derelict. Personally, I find these portraits to be an amazing representation of American grit; in that, I see hope not despair. With the odds against these people becoming wealthy or even a blip in a social perspective, they still make their stand and embrace the hurt of their circumstances; just maybe not voluntary. The people represented in these photos are doubtful to have caused a political atmosphere placing them where they are and I have larger doubts that they can recover from them on their own. A greater humanitarian outreach is implied with the placement of these photos. My point is, they are victims of being in the wrong place, time, and setting and the geo-political climate positioned these people into strife. I hope that those with clout and the ability to create change are made more aware of the underbelly of all of our communities; in that we look to raise up the less fortunate. I sympathize with the conditions presented in the photos and hope that the message is heard by the famous men that are praised so much.
4) Walker Evans photographs are of poor, sad families in the deep south. They are tenant farmers, meaning they work on the land and possibly with animals and pay their rent through their jobs on the farms. I think it can strengthen their bonds. When I worked at my church, I was happy and productive and my mom started working there, too, since I was happy there. I worked out of the goodness of my heart, mostly volunteering. There are some people who work there who get paid in a place to live. I lived at my mom's at first, so I didn't need to pay rent. As long as you are productive and doing something you like to do, you will be happy and rewarded.
5) American culture is that when someone gives you a gift or in general you're offered something, you're to show how grateful you are. Even if you don't end up liking the gift. Especially during the holidays. The !Kung are not like that. They were skeptical of Lee's gifts as they do believe "there are no totally generous acts. All "acts" have an element of calculation" (McCurdy, 2016). They also thought he was a miser so that's probably what also doubled the "insults".
I actually agree with the !Kung's way of thinking. They ridiculed Lee and his ox because they believe that uplifting someone's ego is bad because it can cause the person to think highly of themselves every time they bring in a good kill. It would eventually cause them to feel superior to others and perhaps lead them to hurt someone if their pride is insulted. I feel that's very smart for that is one reason that causes people to hurt others. This is personal baggage Lee brought as he expected them to basically bow down to him. Heartily rejoice at the big ox, especially because it was Christmas.
6) For the !Kung bushmen usually have a habit of lowering the status of the gifts provided for them to prevent the givers from boasting after that on how they helped them. By throwing insults to the gifts, the !Kung bushmen usually create the feeling of humility in the givers (Lee, 2003). This is different from the American culture, where gifts are received and accompanied by appreciation to the givers.
In the American culture, givers are usually treated and held highly. Moreover, the ridicule of !Kung bushmen to those who provided them with food from hunting or for a feast wanted to instill humility in the providers to make sure that they still held the community highly and not devalued them. One of the cultural baggage that lee brought when working with the !Kung was the act of gifting the people as a way of saying thank you (Lee, 2003). Lee believed that he had to thank the Bushmen in a special way for their cooperation, and this ended up bringing him problems as the people first ridiculed the gift. Later Lee learned that the ridicule was a way of fooling the gift providers to ensure that they provide their generous acts humbly.