- Question
-
COMM/FILM/PCUL 2F00: New Media Literacy Assignment Two (A2) - 25%
A1 Final Due Date: Fri, Apr 7th at 11:45PM.DESCRIPTION: For this assignment you will write an editorial response to Jon Ronson's piece, “How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco's Life.” http://nyti.ms/2i6ghVZ
LENGTH: minimum 900 words and maximum 1000 words
PURPOSE: The purpose of the assignment is to compose a persuasive response to Ronson's piece based on your opinion and with support from facts. It is an exercise in:
- learning another's standpoint, how to assess it critically, and determine your own • evaluating credible facts and support of your opinions and standpoint
• developing a strong argument with facts to support it
• concise and persuasive writing
SUBMISSION: Upload your assignment via Sakai. Go to "Assignments", click on Assignment 2, and click on ‘Add Attachments’. You will upload your assignment as a single file.
PARAMETERS:
- Your whole assignment must be uploaded as a single .doc file, or as a single .pdf file.
- Mac users: you can convert a Pages document into a word .doc by going to the menu bar and choosing: ‘File’ – ‘Export’– ‘Word’.
- Files that cannot open and/or incorrect files will receive a grade of 0.
- We will not be tracking down assignments: you must submit properly, on-time.
- Check and double check to ensure that the file is attached and is the correct file. After submitting, definitely review your submission so you can see/confirm the file.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you have uploaded your file into Sakai. You have a maximum of five re-submission attempts BEFORE the deadline passes.
- Late assignments are not accepted will receive a grade of 0 (unless there is medical documentation).
- Assignments sent via e-mail will receive a grade of 0.
1
What is an editorial?
A GUIDE TO THE EDITORIAL
- Generally speaking, an editorial is a letter or an opinion published in a newspaper.
- Editorials can be written about anything and from any standpoint. A strong editorial
incorporates facts to support opinions.
- Look at some online Editorials from main newspapers to get an idea: o The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1SqmV4e
o The Globe & Mail: https://tgam.ca/2iV3B1s
o The Toronto Star: http://on.thestar.com/2cmCibf - As you read through a few editorials consider, the following questions: o What is the opinion/call to action in the editorial?
o What evidence is used to make/support its argument?
o How persuasive is it? Is it effective?
o What do you notice about the language and tone of the editorial? How do I begin?
- Start by reading Ronson's piece a few times.
- As you're reading it, think through the following queries: What is/are the central argument(s) presented by Ronson? What facts are used to support these? What are potential gaps or weaknesses in the argument?
- If there are things (references, words, etcetera) you're unfamiliar with in the editorial, look them up. Understand Ronson's piece inside out: understand it very deeply.
- Ask yourself: What stands out for me? What do I find interesting? What angers or excites me? Do I agree with Ronson's take on the issue(s)? What is my take?
- The focus of your editorial is for you to decide.
- You might base your editorial on the Sacco case, or one of the other examples Ronson mentions, or, you might want to share your opinion on public shaming on social media (but be clear).
- The editorial is based on your opinion, but opinion(s) must be supported by facts. Your facts must be drawn from reliable outside sources: this means you must find sources other than Ronson's editorial. You must include at least four reliable outside sources . You should consider linking some of your discussion to course themes and concepts we've discussed, and citing appropriate course reading.
2
Develop a ‘thesis’
- Please don't get bogged down by the word 'thesis'.
• Think of the thesis as the main point(s)/arguments of your editorial. Ask yourself: what
opinion(s) am I persuading my reader towards?
• You need to have a clear sense of your thesis before your begin writing.Background Information
- Once you decide on your main point(s)/arguments, you will need to do some background research to support your opinion(s).
- For instance, perhaps you disagree with Ronson's treatment of public shaming on social media. What points do you disagree with specifically? What is your take on these points? Use facts to support your opinion/argument.
- Alternatively, you might agree with Ronson's examination of public shaming on social media. What points do you agree with specifically? Why these points? How can you expand on these points in support of Ronson? To do this you will need to bring in additional facts in support of your agreement with Ronson, drawn from outside sources.
- Think of it this way: facts support your opinion, and build a persuasive argument for your reader. While two is the minimum number of outside sources required, I would suggest that you gather as many facts from sources as is necessary in order to make your argument a highly persuasive one.
EDITORIAL STRUCTURE
- A good editorial presents a clear position that is strongly and persuasively argued.
- A good editorial is organized. Plan its structure in advance.
- A good editorial is succinct: it is clearly expressed, easily understood, and to the point.
- Write clearly, integrate facts with your opinion(s) and adhere to spelling and grammar.
- Your editorial will have an original title created by you, something other than “Editorial” or “Assignment 2.” Think of a title that grabs attention and captures your piece's spirit.
- The New York Times' editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal provides seven tips for writing an effective editorial. Listen very closely to what Rosenthal says in the video .
3
Introduction
- Briefly summarize the Ronson piece in a few sentences.
- Explain how your editorial offers points of departure from Ronson (in other words, explain
the ways your editorial is different than his), creating an original argument.
- Briefly explain the focus of your piece. What is its point? Why should your reader continue reading? Your introduction is meant to hook the reader and draws them into your editorial.
Body
- The body of the editorial should develop three main points/arguments. Each of these three main points/arguments are to be presented as separate paragraphs (but linked to each other, as the argument should flow).
- Each point/argument must be clearly outlined and supported by facts (from sources).
- Organize your points from weakest to strongest. Your points get stronger as you go on.
Conclusion
- In a few sentences, briefly reiterate the main arguments of your editorial. A reiteration is not a restatement: you are not just repeating yourself - you are emphasizing clearly.
- Your conclusion is one last attempt to convince the reader of your 'thesis' (i.e. the main point/argument of your editorial). You are making a last attempt to win them over.
- At the end, you want to keep the reader hooked and offer them something: a call to action, food for thought, or a contextualization of the argument in a larger context.
Reference List
- You must cite the sources of the 'facts' or support used in the editorial (minimum of four). You must cite properly in APA format. A Reference list must be provided, and is also formatted in APA style.
Important Notes:
- You are required to stay within the minimum and maximum word count or you will be penalized a half a mark.
- Do not use any direct quotes in your module submissions. Instead, rephrase and cite properly, or you will be penalized a half a mark
- Please pay attention to your writing style - grammar and punctuation matter. Have someone proofread your work. Watch your typos & autocomplete, especially if you're working on mobile devices.
- You must include at least four reliable outside sources. You must cite the sources you use in APA format, and include an APA formatted Reference List of works cited in the submission.
- Submissions that do not cite material properly will not be accepted and will result in a zero.
4
- Please name your A2 file properly with course number, last name, and assignment name. For example: 2F00KennedyA2.doc
- Students are responsible for ensuring that their assignment was successfully submitted and accepted. Double check that you have submitted your assignment (logout/in and check). You have more than enough time to complete this assignment and submit well before the due date. DO NOT wait until the last minute to submit your assignment.
- We will not accept late submissions via email from students detailing personal technical issues. You must have the correct technology to take this course. Waiting until the last minute is not recommended.
GRADING RUBRIC
A
Top of the class.
The editorial covers all that is specified and does so with astute clarity and precision.
There is a logical progression of opinion, ideas and information.
Facts are incorporated to support opinions/arguments.
Supporting evidence/facts are reliable and credible. Makes clear connections to course themes. The writing is clear, and the editorial is organized and engaging.
Citing and reference list follows APA style.B
The editorial covers all that is specified to meet the criteria well.
There is a progression of opinion, ideas and information, but the structure is loose. Facts are incorporated to support opinions/arguments.
Supporting evidence/facts are mostly good. Makes loose connection to course themes. The writing is clear, but riddled with minor errors.
Minor issues with citing format or minor formatting issues in reference list.C
The editorial somewhat covers what is specified, but needs some work.
The presentation of opinion, ideas and information requires more focus and detail. Facts are somewhat incorporated to support opinions/arguments.
Supporting evidence/facts are questionable. Weak connection to course themes. The structure of the editorial is disorganized and riddled with errors.
Several errors with citing format and formatting issues in reference list.D
The editorial disregards the requirements.
The presentation of opinion, ideas and information is unfocused and lacks detail. Few facts are incorporated to support opinions. No connection to course themes. The structure of the editorial is disorganized and riddled with errors.
Numerous errors with citing format and formatting issues in reference list.F
The assignment does not meet basic acceptability expectations in multiple ways. Such lack of due effort and/or lack of due adherence to instructions merits failure. - learning another's standpoint, how to assess it critically, and determine your own • evaluating credible facts and support of your opinions and standpoint
| Subject | Social Media | Pages | 8 | Style | APA |
|---|
Answer
From Social Media Shaming To Social Media Activism
Introduction
Jon Ronson’s piece titled How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco’s Life highlighted the growing trend of public shaming on social media, which is ruining the lives of innocent social media users. Ronson’s article narrates several horrendous stories how incidences of public shaming ruined the lives of the victims as anonymous social media users latched on their weird or inappropriate tweets and created a furor around them. A major aspect that is clearly articulated in Jon’s article is the fact that many of the victims of public shaming were not insensitive people, but rather their tweets and comments were taken out of context (Ronson, 2015). However, I would like to argue that social media shaming can be used as a means of affecting positive change within society, which in this case it would be referred to as social media activism. People with large social media followings can use their influence to advocate for issues in society that need to be addressed. There are several examples highlighted below that demonstrate how social media shaming can be used for good. This editorial champions the positive use of social media shaming for activism purposes.
The use of hash tags
The use of hash tags is extremely powerful within social media, especially Twitter as people are able to rally their support around a popular issue that is affecting the society. The same way that #HasJustineLandedYet was used to destroy Justine Sacco’s life according to Ronson’s article, there are other examples of hash tags that have led to positive change in society. For example, #Ferguson was used by social media users across the USA to highlight the brutal acts that were being committed by police in Missouri. The same hash tag was also used to highlight the racial divisions that existed in Missouri, which led to a public campaign to eradicate the evils brought to light by the trending hash tag (Sharma, 2014). Another hash tag that trended globally was the #IceBucketChallenge, which raised over $100 million in donations for the ALS organizations involved. These popular hash tags generated a lot of buzz and support from the public and were promoting positive change within the society. Having realized the power of hash tags, it is of paramount importance that people with massive social media followers promote hash tags that are affecting positive change in society as opposed to shaming private citizens.
Telling human stories
Social media can be used to tell the stories of any group of people who share similar circumstances, which in most cases might not be affecting the entire world. A good example of a human story is the migration crisis being experienced all across Europe due to the ongoing Syrian war and the war against the Islamic state. Recent news stories indicate that President Bashar al Assad had used chemical gas against civilians in rebel-held areas, which resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. Given that this crisis has been ongoing since 2011, most of the world has been used to the numerous horrendous stories coming from Syria and other neighboring countries affected by the ISIS (Hwang & Kim, 2015). These are human stories that are worth telling and even though they are covered by traditional media such as television news channels and newspapers, they should also receive public support through social media. Social media trendsetter should use their platforms to show their support for the people affected by such conflicts among many other human stories. Persons with significant social media followers should use their influence to highlight pertinent issues in society instead of using their influence to shame others publicly.
Social media activism
Social media activism refers to the use of social media to bring people together in support for a particular cause. Despite the fact that social media activism can be used for purposes that are against the law, in this context it refers to the use of social media for positive outcomes in society. Social media shaming should not be encouraged unless it is being used to shame corporations or governments that are acting against the public good. An example of social media activism at its best was the Arab spring of 2011, which led to the public in many Arab countries rising against their oppressive leaders and demanding better leadership (Timms, 2013). This movement was largely coordinated through social media and affected countries such as Bahrain, Libya, Egypt and Syria among others. This is one of the best ways to use social media influence to rally people around a common positive goal for the benefit of society and future generations. Social media activism is far detached from social media shaming as activism unites people under a common goal for the good of society (Karamat & Farooq, 2016). This means that for a social media influencer to engage in publicly shaming private citizens they are actually abusing their social power, which could be used to achieve a lot of good in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that the days of social media shaming are long over and that social media influencers with massive social media followers should use their influence to promote causes that are good for the society. Given that myriad of issues that face today’s society, one cannot lack an issue that they can promote instead of spending time shaming people whose tweets and comments have been taken out of context. As a society we can make social media shaming a thing of the past by refusing to participate in shaming campaigns, but instead focusing on positive causes.
References
|
Karamat, A., & Farooq, A. (2016). Emerging Role of Social Media in Political Activism: Perceptions and Practices. South Asian Studies (1026-678X), 31(1), 381-396. Hwang, H., & Kim, K. (2015). Social media as a tool for social movements: the effect of social media use and social capital on intention to participate in social movements. International Journal Of Consumer Studies, 39(5), 478-488. Timms, H. (2013, March 25). Creating Social Change with Social Media. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2013/03/creating-social-change-with-so Sharma,R. (2014, Nov. 12). Social Media as a Formidable Force for Change. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ritusharma/power-of-social-media-dem_b_6103222.html Ronson, J. (2015, Feb. 12). How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco’s Life. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?smid=fbshare&_r=1 |