English 1C
One. Is Losing Weight a Fool's Errand?
Addressing Xochitl Gonzalez’s essay “In the Age of Ozempic, What’s the Point of Working Out?," Harriet Brown's "The Weight of the Evidence" and Sandra Aamodt's "Why You Can't Lose Weight on a Diet," develop a thesis that answers the question: Is losing weight a fool's errand? Consider the intersection between mental health, physical health, and self-worth. You might connect the idea of the Life Force as defined by Phil Stutz in the Netflix documentary Stutz.
ChatGPT
The quest for self-worth is a powerful motivator for many individuals, particularly when it comes to health and weight management. Xochitl Gonzalez's essay "In the Age of Ozempic, What's the Point of Working Out?" and Harriet Brown's "The Weight of the Evidence" both explore the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight in a culture that values thinness above all else. Meanwhile, Sandra Aamodt's "Why You Can't Lose Weight on a Diet" argues that the pursuit of weight loss through restrictive diets is ultimately counterproductive. Together, these works suggest that the quest for self-worth is intimately tied to our attitudes towards health and weight management.
Gonzalez's essay highlights the pervasive influence of pharmaceuticals in our society and their impact on our attitudes towards health and weight management. She argues that the rise of drugs like Ozempic, which promise to help individuals lose weight without making significant lifestyle changes, reflects a larger cultural shift towards quick fixes and instant gratification. This shift is driven, in part, by a desire for external validation and self-worth, as individuals seek to conform to societal ideals of thinness and beauty.
Brown's "The Weight of the Evidence" delves deeper into the cultural pressures surrounding weight and health, arguing that the stigma against fatness is harmful and counterproductive. She highlights the many factors that contribute to weight gain and the difficulty of losing weight through diet and exercise alone. Her work emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and self-worth, regardless of one's weight or health status.
Finally, Aamodt's "Why You Can't Lose Weight on a Diet" challenges the notion that weight loss is solely a matter of willpower and discipline. She argues that restrictive diets are ultimately counterproductive, as they can lead to disordered eating and a slowed metabolism. Instead, she advocates for a holistic approach to health that emphasizes self-acceptance, intuitive eating, and regular physical activity.
Taken together, these works suggest that the quest for self-worth is intimately tied to our attitudes towards health and weight management. The pervasive influence of societal ideals of thinness and beauty, coupled with the desire for external validation, can lead individuals to seek quick fixes and instant gratification, rather than pursuing long-term health and wellness. However, as Brown and Aamodt both argue, self-acceptance and self-worth are crucial components of a holistic approach to health that emphasizes intuitive eating, regular physical activity, and a positive relationship with one's body. Ultimately, the quest for self-worth should not be driven by external factors or societal pressures, but rather by a deep commitment to one's own health and well-being.
Two. Rise and Fall of the Liver King
How is the rise and fall of the Liver King an instructive lesson on moral depravity, Faustian Bargains, the absence of positive male role models, the grift of Bro Culture, and the dehumanization of the social media age? In your analysis of the Liver King’s consignment to the Shame Dungeon, consult Nick Tiller's "The Liver King, Lies, and Logical Fallacies," Catalina Goanta's "The rise and fall of the Liver King," Ashwin Rodrigues' "After Liver King's fall, the ancestral movement will need a new dad," the More Plates More Dates YouTube video The Liver King Lie," the Netflix Black Mirror episode “Nosedive,” Naomi Fry's essay “‘Fake Famous’ and the Tedium of Influencer Culture,” and Shirley Li’s “The Horrors of Being Extremely Online.” With these sources, develop an argumentative thesis about the connection between our thirst for fame and attention and our inevitable depravity and dehumanization.
What does the rise and fall of the Liver King say about the contradictions of Bro Culture and social media? How does the artifice of the Liver King speak to our hunger for authenticity and dramatic personal change? How does social media relax our critical thinking skills so that we are seduced by salient images of power, transformation, authenticity, and masculinity?
Your Short Liver King Essay:
Many of us have gleefully witnessed the fiery crash of the charlatan Liver King, a ripped bodybuilder claiming to be an all-natural practitioner of “ancestral” living when in reality his own liver was saturated with Performance-Enhancing-Drugs.
But beyond the schadenfreude we enjoy from his consignment to the Shame Dungeon, we can see his rise as a social media star teaches us important lessons about the search for meaning in the social media age. Millions of men are hungry for positive images of masculinity, a healthy lifestyle that treats the mind, body, and soul with respect, and a lifestyle that gives men a sense of purpose, belonging, and self-worth. The Liver King pressed all those buttons and relaxed people’s critical thinking skills so that they swallowed disbelief and embraced him as Natural Man. He manipulated social media’s algorithms by curating an extreme image of a muscle man dragging trees and boulders while nourishing himself with bloody organs.
Our outrage over the Liver King’s fall seems disingenuous. We knew all along we were embracing a fictional demigod to fuel our own Alpha Male fantasies. We should replace those adolescent longings by taking care of our bodies in a healthy way and freeing ourselves from social-media-fueled images of hypermasculinity.
Exercise and nutrition are vital to our self-worth and sense of purpose, but we don’t need grotesque bodybuilding caricatures to inspire us. As an alternative to the Liver King, I recommend you watch the Netflix documentary Stutz in which therapist Phil Stutz argues persuasively that taking care of our bodies is essential to summoning the Life Force. We can embrace self-care while at the same time repelling mountebanks like the Liver King.
ChatGPT:
The rise and fall of the Liver King, a social media influencer who promoted a carnivorous lifestyle and eventually became mired in controversy, is an instructive lesson on several interconnected issues in modern society. Firstly, it highlights the moral depravity that can arise from a Faustian bargain with fame and fortune. Secondly, it exposes the absence of positive male role models, particularly in the realm of health and wellness. Thirdly, it illustrates the grift of Bro Culture, which promotes toxic masculinity and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Finally, it showcases the dehumanizing effects of the social media age, where the quest for attention and validation can lead to the loss of one's humanity.
The Liver King's ascent to fame was largely fueled by his embrace of a carnivorous diet, which he claimed had numerous health benefits. However, his reckless promotion of this lifestyle and his refusal to acknowledge any potential downsides led to accusations of fraud and misinformation. This highlights the moral depravity that can result from a Faustian bargain with fame and fortune. In the pursuit of greater fame and influence, individuals may compromise their moral principles and engage in unethical behavior.
Moreover, the Liver King's rise also exposes the absence of positive male role models in the realm of health and wellness. His promotion of a hyper-masculine, meat-heavy diet perpetuated harmful stereotypes and unhealthy habits. This ties into the grift of Bro Culture, which valorizes unhealthy habits and toxic masculinity. The influence of this culture can be seen in the Liver King's behavior and in the behavior of other social media influencers who promote similarly harmful lifestyles.
The Liver King's eventual consignment to the Shame Dungeon, a metaphorical space where those who violate social media norms are ostracized and shamed, further illustrates the dehumanizing effects of the social media age. The Netflix Black Mirror episode "Nosedive" and Naomi Fry's essay "‘Fake Famous’ and the Tedium of Influencer Culture" both explore this phenomenon. In the quest for attention and validation, individuals may sacrifice their authentic selves and engage in performative behavior that is disconnected from their true values and identity. This can lead to a loss of humanity and a sense of disconnection from oneself and others.
In conclusion, the rise and fall of the Liver King serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a Faustian bargain with fame and fortune, the absence of positive male role models in the realm of health and wellness, the grift of Bro Culture, and the dehumanizing effects of the social media age. Our thirst for attention and validation can lead us down a path of moral depravity and dehumanization, as we sacrifice our authentic selves in pursuit of fleeting fame and influence. It is crucial that we prioritize authenticity, empathy, and connection in our interactions with others, both online and offline.
Three. Racist Stereotypes as a Brain Hijack
Four. Cult of Authenticity
English 1A
One. Is the Humanities Relevant to Your Education?
Responding to Stephen Marche's essay "The College Essay Is Dead" and Nathan Heller's essay "The End of the English Major," develop an argumentative essay that addresses the question: Are college classes in the Humanities still viable and relevant?
Consider the micro and macro look of things. Consider Arthur C. Brooks' wisdom, the wisdom of George Saunders analyzing happiness, and Phil Stutz talking about the Life Force. Humanities creates context. Take health. You try to hit specs in the larger context that you want mental health. This analogy is huge.
ChatGPT Response
The Humanities have long been considered the foundation of a well-rounded education, but in recent years, their viability and relevance have been called into question. Two articles, Stephen Marche's "The College Essay Is Dead" and Nathan Heller's "The End of the English Major," argue that the Humanities are facing an existential crisis, with declining enrollment and funding. However, I argue that college classes in the Humanities remain vital and relevant for students' personal growth, cultural understanding, and career development.
First, let's consider the criticisms raised by Marche and Heller. Marche argues that the traditional college essay, a staple of Humanities courses, has lost its value due to the proliferation of digital communication and social media. He suggests that students now lack the ability to write in-depth and nuanced arguments and instead rely on superficial forms of expression. Heller, on the other hand, focuses on the declining enrollment in Humanities majors and the shifting focus of colleges and universities towards career-oriented fields.
While these critiques cannot be ignored, they fail to recognize the fundamental importance of studying the Humanities. Humanities courses help students develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in the job market. Humanities majors are often sought after by employers for their ability to analyze complex information, think creatively, and communicate effectively. In fact, according to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers rated verbal communication skills and critical thinking/problem-solving skills as the two most important attributes they look for in job candidates.
Furthermore, the Humanities provide a space for students to explore diverse perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and cultivate empathy and cultural sensitivity, which are essential for living in a pluralistic society. By studying literature, philosophy, history, art, and language, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and richness of human experience. This exposure to different cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking can help students become more well-rounded individuals and better equipped to navigate the challenges of an increasingly globalized world.
In addition to personal growth and cultural understanding, Humanities courses also have practical applications in the job market. Many careers, including those in business, law, and public service, require the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and understand diverse perspectives. Humanities majors are uniquely equipped to meet these demands and are often sought after by employers for their versatility and adaptability.
Critics of the Humanities often argue that they do not provide the same tangible benefits as fields like engineering or computer science, which offer clear career paths and technical skills. However, this narrow focus ignores the broader value of a liberal arts education, which is to prepare students for a fulfilling personal and professional life. Humanities courses may not offer the same immediate financial rewards as technical fields, but they provide students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, despite the challenges and criticisms posed by Marche and Heller, college classes in the Humanities remain vital and relevant for students' personal growth, cultural understanding, and career development. Humanities courses provide students with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives and cultivate empathy and cultural sensitivity. These skills and values are essential for living in a pluralistic society and are highly valued by employers. Rather than dismissing the Humanities as irrelevant, we need to invest in their potential to transform individuals and society.
Two. What do we study Jim Crow?
Defend, refute, or complicate the claim that we are morally compelled to learn about Jim Crow as a vital component of American history.
Outline:
In paragraph 1, define Jim Crow 1.0 based on David Pilgrim's "Jim Crow Museum" video.
In paragraph 2, define Jim Crow 2.0 based on Childish Gambino's "This Is America" video.
In paragraph 3, explain why some politicians are censoring the teaching of Jim Crow as being "too woke" and a form of Critical Race Theory that is too anti-American to be worthy of study. Consult Conor Friedersdorf's "Critical Race Theory Is Making Both Parties Flip-Flop," Diane Roberts' "Most Important, We Must Not Upset DeSantis," and Daniel Golden's "It's Making Us More Ignorant."
In paragraph 4, defend, refute, or complicate the claim that teaching Jim Crow is a key ingredient of American history and present 3 reasons of support in your thesis.
Paragraphs 5-7 will be your support paragraphs.
Paragraph 8 will be your counterargument-rebuttal.
Paragraph 9 will be your conclusion, a dramatic restatement of your claim.
In today’s political polarization and troll culture, there is a popular thought propagated by political opportunists that teaching about racism, slavery, and Jim Crow in all its forms is Critical Race Theory: radical indoctrination into the wrong-headed belief that America is a hellscape and the CRT minions are obsessed with rubbing our faces in the racist stains of American history. Such a grotesque oversimplification and caricature of what it means to teach racism is a Straw Man, a misrepresentation of the aims of teaching racism in a classroom. For example, for the last decade in my college composition class, we have a unit on Jim Crow. I do not teach Jim Crow to rub people’s faces with exaggerated notions of America’s original sin or to promote some radical political agenda. I teach Jim Crow as a countervailing measure to the revisionist mythologies that replace its real history. Such revisionism leads to immoral acts. For example, the revisionist history of The Lost Cause, which outlandishly claims slavery was a good thing, results in over 200 public schools being named after America's worst racist Jefferson Davis, and today revisionism has caused millions of Americans to praise the criminals involved with the January 6 Insurrection as "American Patriots." I teach Jim Crow because the racist ideas that fueled Jim Crow are alive today in the form of social media white nationalists who are spreading weaponized misinformation. I teach Jim Crow because Jim Crow gave inspiration and instruction to racists throughout the world, for example, Hitler learned segregation techniques from America’s Confederacy creator Jefferson Davis. Finally, I teach Jim Crow because a moral inventory is essential for society’s moral reform, a process that the post-World War II Germans have successfully done in a form of soul-searching and atonement for the sins of the past, a process they call Vergangenheitsaufarbeitung. Historical revisionism kills democracy and inverts morality. For example, the revisionist history of The Lost Cause results in over 200 public schools being named after America's worst racist Jefferson Davis, and millions of Americans praise the criminals involved with the January 6 Insurrection as "American Patriots." Because Jim Crow is built on troll culture and we need to build a society on critical thinking culture.
Yesterday in my Critical Thinking class, we answered the question: What is the point of critical thinking? I argued that “critical thinking” is a playbook with rules of engagement. We don’t lie, cheat, misrepresent, obfuscate, omit, manipulate, mythologize, or demagogue, and there are principles to help us avoid these deliberate or unwitting traps. A strong society is built on this playbook. By adhering to “the rules” of critical thinking, we are fair players or good actors, and that is what makes society strong and free. In contrast, there are the ghoulish trolls who have ascended in various social media platforms over the last decade. They have a reckless disregard for any playbook. They inundate us with conspiracies to create chaos, wear us out, confuse us, and make us give up in despair; they have no moral bottom and will gleefully exact cruelty on anyone who doesn’t belong to their tribe, they are disdainful of peer-reviewed evidence and embrace the revisionist fairy tales from grifters from which they build their identities. Such trolls were marginalized decades ago, but now they have risen in media and politics, and they serve as accelerants to chaos and polarization. My students agreed that they would rather live in a society of fair players who follow the rules of engagement, that they choose friends and romantic partners whose personalities lean toward being critical thinkers rather than trolls, but that they worry the trolls are winning. They see chaos all around them and they hope that by furthering their education they can find some level of protection for themselves.
Three. Erosion of Critical Thinking Skills
For a 1,200-word essay, develop an argumentative thesis that addresses the forces that cause a societal intellectual and emotional disintegration analyzed in Jonathan Haidt’s essay “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid.”Links to an external site. For research, you must draw from Jaron Lanier’s Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now, the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, “You’re Being Manipulated”Links to an external site. by Peter Wehner, and, optionally, various works by Tristan Harris.
Four. Is UBI an appropriate response to systemic inequality?
Develop an argumentative essay that addresses the question: Even if Universal Basic Income is an appropriate response to systemic inequality and massive unemployment, will UBI fail to serve the psychological needs of self-worth and meaning that jobs provide?
ChatGPT Response:
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a concept that has gained traction in recent years as a response to systemic inequality and mass unemployment. However, some argue that UBI may fail to serve the psychological needs of self-worth and meaning that jobs provide. While this is a valid concern, I argue that UBI has the potential to address the psychological needs of individuals by providing financial security and the freedom to pursue meaningful activities outside of traditional employment.
One of the most significant criticisms of UBI is that it may fail to provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning that comes from work. This criticism assumes that the only source of purpose and meaning in life comes from traditional employment. However, this assumption is flawed. Many individuals derive meaning and fulfillment from their families, hobbies, volunteering, and other non-work activities.
In fact, UBI has the potential to free individuals from the stress and anxiety that come from low-paying or insecure jobs, allowing them to pursue more meaningful activities. For example, individuals may have the financial security to pursue education, start their own business, or care for their children or elderly parents. UBI provides a safety net that can allow individuals to pursue activities that they may have been unable to do so previously due to financial constraints.
Moreover, UBI has the potential to provide individuals with a sense of autonomy and control over their lives. Traditional employment often requires individuals to conform to a specific schedule and set of expectations, limiting their ability to pursue their interests and passions. UBI provides individuals with the financial freedom to pursue their own interests and passions, leading to a sense of autonomy and control over their lives.
Furthermore, UBI can reduce the stigma associated with unemployment and poverty. In many societies, individuals who are unemployed or living in poverty are stigmatized and treated as if they are lazy or undeserving of support. UBI provides all individuals with financial support, eliminating the stigma and negative attitudes associated with poverty and unemployment.
In conclusion, while UBI may not provide individuals with the same sense of purpose and meaning that comes from traditional employment, it has the potential to address the psychological needs of individuals in other ways. By providing financial security and the freedom to pursue meaningful activities outside of traditional employment, UBI can promote a sense of autonomy and control over one's life, reduce the stigma associated with poverty and unemployment, and allow individuals to pursue their passions and interests. These benefits are essential for promoting psychological well-being and can be an effective response to systemic inequality and mass unemployment.
Four. Get Out, Black Panther, and Frederick Douglass Offer Resistance to the Sunken Place
Define the Sunken Place in the context of the movie Get Out and develop an argument about how Get Out, Black Panther, and slave abolitionist Frederick Douglass offer a lesson in resistance against the Sunken Place. Wakanda is a place of belonging and identity. America was a place that stripped belonging, identity, and a sense of home to African-Americans. Feeling dislocated, disoriented, and away from home is part of the Sunken Place.
Resistance in Black Panther:
In the movie Black Panther, we see that the mythical city of Wakanda is a metaphor for the fact that African history has been corrupted and "white-washed" over the centuries by racist, white historians who have painted an inaccurate history of Africa.
Sources:
"Black Panther and the Real Lost Wakandas" by Clive Irving
"Black Panther and the Invention of Africa" by Jelani Cobb
"Black Panther: A Conversation about Real African History" by Melvin Lars
"Black Panther is a gorgeous, groundbreaking celebration of black culture" by Tre Johnson
"The Real History Behind the Black Panther" by Ryan Mattimore
"Searching for Wakanda: The African Roots of the Black Panther Story" by Thomas F. McDrew
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