The United States of Europe: Part II

The second piece of reading from T.R. Reids book, The United States of Europe, Reid illustrates the impact that the European Union is having on the United States. The United States has been recognized for its strong economic power thoughout the world, yet not evryone knows who is behind alot of this commercialism: Europe. American enterprises such as Jeep, DKNY, Snapple, Taster's Choice Coffee are all ran by Europeans, including the LA Dodgers! Aren't they suppose to be Californian, in other words American? Its impressive how Europe owns many of these so-called "American" brands, and contines to have great influence within this country.

Tone: Informative, Picturesque

Rhetorical Terms:

• Repitition: " The grand old palaces, the stunning new architecture in the big cities, the rolling rural downland, the lush green parks, the cheery village pubs, the charming street markets, the sweet voices of the boy choirs in the majestic cathedrals, the roomy black cabs, the red double-decker buses..."
• Peronification: "Once mighty Europe was a shattered and hungry continent where both the winners and losers of the war were dependent on huge sums of American aid."

Question: Why do you think that Europe has such interest in the United States? Could this relate to their interest in becoming a "world power?"

The United States of Europe

The first section of T.R. Reid's book, The United States of Europe, emphasizes on "the invention of peace." Reid describes how supposedly peace was created after the the conflicts among warious countries, evolved into a war, WWI. World War I was followed by a series of policies, treaties, agreements, etc. created to "supposedly" establish tranquility among conflicting countries. Yet, such events were also taken advantage of, as the U.S. did. In response to WWI, the U.S. rose into a world power, taking say on its behavior, and that of other countries. Even though being considered to be the most influential country in the world, the U.S. is slowly deteriorating, provoking the slow and steady rise o f the European Union, which is now going through similar planning for all European countries to unite under one government, similar to that of the U.S. and its states, but with different tactics. This "peace" invented has been the result of various atrocities as well as injustices from various nations.

Tone:
Author's writing style:
Rhetorical Strategies:
Question: How has the formation of "peace"(treaties, policies,etc) affected us? and do you think that the U.S. has lead an example of "peace?"

¡Ask a Mexican! Ay, Chihuahuas!

http://www.laweekly.com/la-vida/ask-a-mexican/ask-a-mexican-ay-chihuahuas/18008/

Gustavo Arellano, author of the article ¡Ask a Mexican! Ay, Chihuahuas!, which appeared on LA Weekly on January 5, 2008, questions the identity or races of dogs with the nation in which they were bred, as well as criticizes the people from the mentioned nations. Even as insignificant as the article may seem, the comparison between an animal and human or ownwer, leads to the question, can we judge a book by its cover? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, because people do it all the time. Like the article states, Mexico is believed to be a "nation of macho man and feisty women," yet if a person was to describe Mexicans by observing a chihuahua, they probably wouldn't come up with the same conclusion. That's just how it is, and its the same ordeal with every a nation and its symbols. Yet, there also those occasions in which what a person first observes, and criticizes is completely true, which leads to agreeing with Arellano who states that "the world respects and fears Americans — a Manichaean innateness that loves and kills with equal ease. The difference in comportment for both is a reflection of the trainer, and the results show up quickly — just look at us after seven years of the Bush II administration," after describing the "American dog." Every nation and person is characterized and identified by the different symbols- in this case dogs- they adopt.

Tone Humorous, Mocking, Critical
App. Question How does "judging a book by its cover," impact the decisons we all make, as individuals and as nations?

Dangerous Uncertainties

http://laopinion.com/editorial/?rkey=00000000000002934830

The article "Dangerous Uncertainties" posted on La Opinion, juxtaposes the situation in Pakistan after the murder of Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was a strong polical leader who was running for the presidency of her home country Pakistan, and was hoping to bring democracy to the country. Even after being threatened several times before, and after being in exile in London, she was willing to risk her life to seek a better government for her people. Unfortunately, Bhutto's enemies got what they wanted, her death, as they did with Bhutto's father and two brothers in past elections. Eventhough current president, Pervez Musharraf has also been threatened, his government is being affected. "Bhutto’s assassination has brought dangerous uncertainties" for Pakistan and the world.

Tone Condemning, Concerned
App. Question How chaotic can this situation become, and how does it affect the U.S. government and citizens?

"We Want the Awards" Really? Truly? No!

-Nikki Finke
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/we-want-the-awards-really-truly/

The article "We Want the Awards" Really? Truly? No! by Nikke Finke, illustrates the possibility that certain programming -award shows- will no longer be aired. The AMPTP has been blamed for such "tragedies," that will affect the Hollywood environment. Yet, ratings have confirmed the opposite, since over the years the popularity of award shows has decreased. People no longer seem to care about what actors win an award, or movie, it is no longer taken in consideration. This also includes future movies, TV programming, etc., as well as other industries the rely on such type if events. Finke juxtaposes that if the AMPTP "began real negotiations," then maybe there would be less commotion on the subject, and everyone will be happy.

Tone Sarcastic, Bantering
App. Ques. How can events such as awards, affect our lifestyles, or the city's industries overall?