Monday, December 3, 2012

Final Assignment



                 

                For my final assignment in this class, I will use Facebook to make my argument. For my argument I think I would like to enter a conversation which invokes strong passion and really peaks my interest.  I have not finalized my decision yet, but I am considering commenting on a post that is quite controversial. 
                I saw a post on Facebook where a woman named Lindsey Stone, made obscene gestures to a sign located at the Arlington National Cemetery. The sign is located at the entrance of the cemetery and it asks all visitor for "silence and respect" while on cemetery grounds.  Ms. Stone took a photo next to this sign pretending to yell while making an obscene hand gesture.  This created a huge firestorm of comments, most of which were very negative.  In fact, this picture got her fired from her job. The fact that a Facebook photo can get someone fired these days is very interesting to me. 
                For me, I believe free speech should be protected at all costs regardless of how shameful and irresponsible I believe it is.  How does one have free speech when your speech can punish you?  So, with this type of commentary,  I assume I will receive a lot of criticism and negativity as well.  I will be called unpatriotic and possibly other vile things that might offend others, but  I am not bothered by this and I enjoy a good disagreement in general. 
                I know in order to have any credibility  with their readers, one must have a relatable stance on the topic.  I must be careful of how I phrase my comment and make sure I explain myself clearly.  If I fail to do so, I will fail to make my point properly. Given an issue as delicate as this, people will be quick to react disapprovingly to anyone who has an opposing view. 

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