Arguments from Photographs and Articles

Emily Wyatt

English 102-111

January 23, 2012

Paper 3, Draft 1

Arguments from Photographs and Articles

      Chapters One and Two of Writing Arguments introduce the meaning of the word argument and how to read and explore an argument. These first two chapters include many different examples of controversial arguments. Photographs shown argue about toxic imports, toy safety, physician-assisted suicide, war, ethanol use, airplane baggage dilemma, and illegal immigration. “What will future generations condemn us for?” by Kwame Anthony Appiah discusses issues about our prison system, industrial meat production, isolating the elderly, and the environment. This article talks about the effect that these issues will have on our future generations and the future of our country in general. From Writing Arguments Chapter One, I chose to research the airplane baggage dilemma. From Appiah’s article, I further researched the isolation of elderly people.

Travelers worldwide are becoming infuriated at the incompatible baggage claim demands at international airports. People believe that checking-in a bag and depositing a bag at a kiosk is too difficult, due to the fact that airports are a very busy place. In addition to this, passengers are also very frustrated at charges that are placed on baggage. The image from Writing Arguments is of a family that has “avoided the $15 per bag charge” by packing everything into carry-on bags and wearing the rest of their clothing. This leaves them all overloaded with clothing, looking ridiculous and distracting. This image is trying to depict the lengths that passengers will go to in hopes of avoiding paying extra charges for their luggage. By creating this message, the illustrator of this image is controversially putting airlines in the spotlight. The illustrator is publicly stating that if airlines do not reduce or demolish fees, people will be forced to take action.

Appiah’s article refers to the isolation of the elderly population in our country. He claims that “nearly 2 million of America’s elderly are warehoused in nursing homes.” Studies show that depression and anxiety issues have increased in elderly people, affecting their moods, physical health, and memories. By putting this in his article, Appiah is arguing that we need to take better care of the elderly population in America. Depression, Alzheimer’s, and health rates of older people would significantly incline if they weren’t so isolated and neglected. Appiah wrote this article in hopes that he would prompt America to realize that this is an issue that needs to be resolved.