ESSAY 3: Defining a Concept

Pornography: What exactly is it? Is it the late night television programs that show sexual behavior...or is it historical paintings of naked women? What is considered pornography? For my essay, I will be examining pornography and what I believe to be its definition.  I will use examples of ancient art that were acceptable when they were created, and will compare them to similar pieces of art that are frowned upon in today's society.  I will also dive into comparing what is acceptable in today's society, to what would have been considered pornographic in nature, even as little as forty years ago.  I chose this topic because I feel like the definition of pornography is very controversial, especially in regards to pieces of art, and also because I think it is an idea that in recent years, has been redefined, in regards to what is allowed to be shown on T.V. today. 

Is THIS pornography?



ESSAY #2 TOPIC: An Evaluative Comparison of Two Texts

The message/argument of my two media outlets is that smoking is detrimental to one's health. I am using an article about smoking that I found on the American Cancer Society website (article can be found here: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/TobaccoCancer/CigaretteSmoking/cigarette-smoking-who-and-how-affects-health) that outlines the side effects and statistics of smoking cigarettes. My other media form is a commercial that I have seen while watching TV. This commercial can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MF4sCvkAAA, and has very powerful effects that show just how bad smoking can be for an individual. I chose to focus on an anti-smoking message because it has always been a matter that is near to my heart. My grandfather, whom I am very close with, used to be a smoker. Although he has not suffered any side effects yet (that we know about), it has always been very special to me because he quit smoking when I was born (I was his first grandchild). Because of my grandpa, I am inspired to show others just how harmful smoking can be.