NSB TV Shocked the local community of Wickfield with reports of Robert Benson stealing money from his tennis team's charity matches. However it was later debunked and NSB issued an apology. Freelance journalist Kylie Jones published her own opinion piece,
The Blind leading the Blind on her blog, in response to the issue and the following uproar it caused. Jones contends that NSB themselves are not to blame for the public's condemning of Benson, instead the public are at fault for their own actions. Jones' piece includes a cartoon demonstrating how the media can misrepresent the truth as it depicts an attack but as seen through a television the victim is shown as the attacker and a number of comments from readers also accompany the piece; which in some cases support Jones' argument while others disapprovingly critique her viewpoint as they believe the public aren't too blame for their thoughts and consequent actions, rather media outlets such as NSB are.
This is an great introduction! However, I feel as if you haven't identified the tone of the piece.Jones proceeds by critically questioning the integrity of the local Wickfield community, as she explains how it took only one story for the "reckless vigilantes" of the town to "wreak havoc" on the life of Benson. The phrases 'reckless vigilantes' and 'wreak havoc' both have negative connotations associated with them such as 'hooligans' and 'destruction' respectively. Jones has employed these phrases and the negative associations that are implied with them to demonstrate the damage that can be done by the public in cases such as this. Therefore, aiming to appeal to the sympathy of her readership in an attempt to position the Wickfield community to feel empathetic
avoid using empathy/empathetic, as these are usually classed as generic terms. Try to be more descriptive, by using words such as sensitive, compassionate or generous. towards Benson as he was "afraid" to even send his children to school. Jones appeals to the community's sympathy in an effort to cause them to accept responsibility for their own actions rather than blaming NSB; as they can see how significant the impact of these actions may be.
Overall, a great paragraph, however maybe try to draw a comparison to a comment or the image, as it will be extremely beneficial, as it adds to the analysis and compares and contrasts between the contentions of the separate pieces. In accordance with her arguement,
spelling of argument is incorrect here, but I'm assuming a typo. Jones has included an image
I would avoid using "in accordance", however, "Jones strengthens her argument by" would make a clearer statement. which pictures a man being attacked however, as it is shown through a television screen the attacker appears to be the victim. This clearly illustrates how media outlets such as NSB can misrepresent the truth
I really like this interpretation of the what the image symbolises! and consequently alter the public's perceptions and actions. Jones however, reaffirms that "we need to take responsibility for our own actions" as she utilises the image and a call-to-action to implore the Wickfield community to be skeptical of media content and not just "swallow any old lie they hear." Jones concludes her piece with the call-to-action to empower her readers to be someone "Wickfield county can be proud of", thus attempting to draw on the pride within the community to persuade them to acknowledge that they are accountable for their own actions; despite the impact NSB and other media resources have.
Overall, a great analysis paragraph, with a sentence or two that could be improved upon (see above)Following Jones' piece, David M.'s reply argues that "sheeple" that believe "whatever they see on TV" are at fault for the uproar aimed at Benson in the aftermath of the NSB story. David bluntly asserts that some people are "born idiots with no compassion", in an attempt to belittle those who think NSB are to blame for the public outrage. Another comment from June R. similarly believes that people are to blame for the events, however, she emphasises that the blame should only be placed on the few "bad apples" rather than the whole Wickfield community. June presents a considered and logical approach in an attempt to influence other readers and members of the local community to share a similar viewpoint to Jones that the public are to blame rather than NSB; as her opinion appears to be valid and the common sense approach.
This is a great little analysis to the supplementary texts! Maybe try to link this into another paragraph from the main blog post?Contrastingly, other comments from James T., Elizabeth C., and Beth.C all present differing views to that of Jones, as they all contend similarly tha
that (typo
) media outlets such as NSB are to blame for the public's opinion rather than the public themselves. Elizabeth angrily shuns the "outrageous gossip" that NSB "dares" to print, meanwhile James suggests that NSB are a "bunch of liars." Another reply from Beth demands Jones gets off her "high horse" and as Elizabeth and James have done, authoritatively belittle Jones' opinion. The trio of comments all in a similar vein, attempt to mock Jones' point of view aiming to make it appear non-nonsensical and outrageous and thus manipulate readers to oppose her
how will they feel inclined to oppose Jones? and agree that NSB and the media are to blame for the public outrage.
Ultimately, Jones' opinion piece utilises words with negative implications and a powerful cartoon to question the integrity of the Wickfield community and attempt to lead them to accepting responsibility for their thoughts and actions. Replies from David and June further Jones' contention through a mocking tone and appeal to common sense and logic respectively. Conversely, comments from James, Elizabeth and Beth denigrate Jones' opinion by attacking and belittling her in an effort to make readers question her argument's validity and therefore coerce them to blaming NSB and the media for the actions of the public rather than their own community.
Excellent conclusion, sums the analysis up neatly!