Plagiarism

Plagiarism is something that is fairly common among universities and also entails a very severe punishment if caught. Plagiarism on papers or essays usually results in expulsion from the university. I would never want to risk my future simply on copying another persons work for an assignment and banking on not getting caught. One writing assignment is not worth my future at this school academically and athletically. Plagiarism does not only affect me; it is very disrespectful towards my family, my professor, and Clemson. Failure to cite another person's work is even considered plaiarism, so I must be sure to properly format my works cited in order to give credit to each particular writer. The idea of plagiarism is based on ethics which our society is built upon like we discussed in class. Cheating to get ahead is not ethical by any means and should never be done. I will never enhance my writing abilities, which is an important skill to have, if I do not do my work. I vow to not plagiarize also for the simple fact that I enjoy writing. I find it to be a challenge to construct a well-written paper; I get a sense of satisfaction when I complete my writing. This is the first blog I have ever done and have liked being able to write in it frequently. It is not a style of writing you get to use very often in college level English classes. The blog allows us to write in a more informal style which gives us the opportunity to just write, instead of worrying about piecing together a five paragraph essay. I would never consider copying another writer's work solely for the fact that it is my responsibility to write a paper in my own words. I should never feel the need to copy and paste a section in to my paper because I waited until the last minute or do not feel like putting in the effort necessary for good writing. That would be my fault and whatever grade I get is the one I deserve based on what I have written.

Rhetorical Image

Most Americans tend to think of politics or politicians when they hear the term "rhetoric". Politicians tend to use rhetoric frequently in their line of work in order to get elected and pass the bills they are in favor of. That's specifically why I chose this cartoon, I believe it is a very good example of a rhetorical image. The artist not only uses the words the congressman is saying to convey his message, but by the way he drew the picture as well. The man in this photo is very hallow; missing his hands, eyes, and brain. The artist did this to show the man is empty and making empty promises he does not plan to fulfill. This is what many politicians and congressmen seem to do in order to get elected. The empty rhetoric this man is using is in an effort, most likely, to gain voters and get him elected. I thought this image was very relevant to me to use because Illinois has had some of the most corrupt politicians in recent years. The empty rhetoric and dishonesty Governor Blajoevich and Governor Ryan used are what led to them getting elected and later impeached.

Chicago Fans

I chose this specific cartoon because I remember seeing it in the Chicagoe Tribune last year. It was published right after the Olympic selection committing made their decision on the location of the 2016 summer Olympics. The whole city was excited with the possibility of the Olympics being held in Chicago after meeting all of the criteria the committee demanded. Not only did Chicago not get selected, but got eleminated in the first roud of selections. Everyone in the city was filled with disappointment as Rio de Janeiro was eventually selected to host the 2016 Olympics. I particularly enjoyed this cartoon because I do not like the Cubs at all. This sketch is mocking the Cubs because they can relate well to the man hoping to receive the Olympic slection; seeing as how the Cubs have not won a World Series in over a hundred years. The Chicago sports fans sitting at the bar are very stereotypical, with the Cubs fan complaining about another disappointing year. This sketch is very simple but holds a lot of meaning to it. Even without the speech bubbles, any Chicagoan could understand what the artist was trying to get at in this sketch. You can tell the disappointment they are feeling by the characters' facial expressions . Even though this is a simple picture, it holds a lot of meaning to it and sends a clear message.

First Blog Post Picture

My name is Jon Surber and I am a student-athlete at Clemson University. I grew up in Galesburg, Illinois which is a small, midwestern town and currently live in Lisle, Illinois. Lisle is a small suburb about fourty minutes west of Chicago. I committed to play baseball at Clemson the summer after my junior year of high school when I received a scholarship offer. I am very pleased with my decision; I like the school as well as playing on the baseball team. The challenge of balancing academics and a heavy baseball schedule has been working well for me so far and I hope to thrive as a student-athlete.