Let the Copula Be

Gage Swett

ENGH0990

Anna Daines Renneker

September 27^th 2013

            The underlying statement being made in “Let the Copula Be” is to bridge the gap of misunderstanding of what the difference between what is “good” and “bad” English. As written by Sonja J. Lanehart, “...it’s easy for me to say there’s no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ English because I know and use “good” English.”, which she did not always believe. She uses rhetorical appeals, especially logos, and her firm knowledge of her rhetorical situation to validate these claims.

            It is obvious to tell that Lanehart is trying to reach a scholastic audience. This is reflected in her writing by the proper use of Standard English and great structure.  To make sure that her thoughts are taken seriously she establishes herself as a scholar and an expert indirectly, while attaching her readers to her opinion using pathos. Using her childhood in an African American household and not understanding her family’s poor grammar and an improper use of the copula, to be, referring to herself as the “militant language midget”. Using the phrase “However, when I took a couple of classes in English language—‘History of the English Language’ and ‘American English’—my life was forever changed.” she ensures the audience understands the beginning of the shift in her views as someone with a higher education in the areas of context establishing ethos as well as logos. Realizing that each language is part of a history and a culture changes her view entirely. What she previously considered “bad” English is merely a language variation, each variation carrying with it the history of the language, a culture, and an identity associated with it. Where previously she had thought this “bad” English was a lack of a knowledge of the English language, she states now that she believes these variations need to be celebrated and that they should not try to be eradicated. She recounts reading a passage from the book The Color Purple that followed her earlier concepts of correct grammar, making her feel as though she had alienated the culture and community she had come from. In a later discussion with her mother, an appeal of pathos is used. “She believes I don’t know what it’s like to use only ‘bad’ English in a society that demands that everyone use ‘good’ English or else. It’s like when rich people tell you money doesn’t bring happiness.” Relating it back to a common phrase that even a scholastic audience can connect with. She begins drawing her conclusions using logos and leaves her audience using pathos. Using her knowledge of the English language she acquired while earning her doctorate in language skills, she lets the reader know in a subtle way that all forms of language are follow a specific system and have rules that they adhere to. This leaves the reader to draw the conclusion that this is the same for even forms of what we normally consider incorrect English.

            While I cannot say I whole heartedly agree with the statements made by Lanehart, I did enjoy her thoughts on the subject. The author presented great facts in and established a connection with her readers. Even though I do not agree with her, I can see her point of view, making her rhetoric successful. I believe that proper English is best expressed in the standard academic format. However, I do believe that depending on the rhetorical audience, these language variations are not “bad” English.

A reflection of my short story

  A short story about my most memorable moment. Well, it was certainly easier to write than to write about due to the very personal and almost private environment it has always had. I chose to write about the moment my deepest fears were born and the effects it has had on my life. What makes my story significant? Where would this type of writing generally be found.
  In all honesty, the only real significance of my story is that it hold such much power over my life for an event that happened almost 14 years ago almost two thirds of my life. If any subliminal thought exists in my short story about my eisotrophobia at all it would be, "Am I crazy for holding on to this for so long", or perhaps does anyone have any experience or knowledge that might ease my fear. The strongest purpose of my story though is to prove that, my four months in Alaska proved my most memorable moment, and to provide a skosh of scare
   With expansion and a little falsification for excitement and action this could easily be turned into a script for a movie, a short scary story book that kids read or even a novel. As it stands currently, the probable mediums are likely a rotating facebook post or some kind of occult site.
  I have written Eisotrophobia to be read by anyone who might be interested. Although fear of mockery held certain constraints on my writing. Something that is so controversial and close to my life might be taken the wrong way, and I can't afford to be judged by it. The core rhetorical audience was of course the instructor who requested the assignment. That being the case my writing flowed in the direction that I thought a professor would most appreciate. Making sure to follow certain guidelines and including many dialogues and vivid imagery.
  When writing all of these things were considered even subconsciously  to affect the way that the paper turned out. Had I been given an audience to write or a context to use my story would have a different format entirely. Who knew that I would actually learn something in my 0990 class that I thought I was too good for. Rhetoric may turn out to be quite the tool yet.

"Shitty First Drafts" Review

Gage Swett

ENGH-0990

Anna Daines Renneka

09/02/2013

Dear Anna,

            Shitty first drafts are a thing not so unbeknownst to most college students, which I'm sure you have experience with. However the purpose of the author, Anne Lamott,  of "Shitty First Drafts" is not to relate a shared writing experience. While reading the excerpt from her book Bird by Bird on a lazy Monday afternoon, I came to the realization that it was designed to help  all writers create an understanding for the importance of the heinous first drafts in our writing process that allow our writing to take form.

            In the beginning my rue of having to write following the completion of the article, biased my opinion of the contents and the writing style of the author. Marking it as boring and mildly childish.  As I continued my opinion slowly began to change, and by the last sentence I had grown an appreciation for the work. Helping me to realize that although our processes are different, that even those  who express themselves through written word do not always enjoy having to do so. "Shitty First Drafts" also affirmed one the most important things about any workload, not just writing. The only way to accomplish anything is simply, "To get it all down on paper" as Lamott writes. Time and time again I find myself procrastinating the completion of assignments, especially those of English, in much the same way as Lamott. Generally by texting people I never talk to or staring into the refrigerator as if one of the items I've been looking at for the last ten minutes will magically sound appetizing.

            The thoughts given in "Shitty First Drafts" has helped me to gain understanding of the importance writing a rough draft. Even though it may be tedious, and in the end it may not turn out very well, it provides the basic shape and structure for a more complex and beautiful work. You see Anna, the first draft is like a lump of clay given vague shape to look like a vase. Only after this step is completed can the sculptor make it more appealing by carving intricate  designs and paint it with glazes to make a masterpiece. The same is no less true for writing. In the future I will used the information I have learned from reading "Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott to begin the shaping of my writing as ridiculous as it may come out, so that I can have an amazing finished essay.

Sincerely,

Gage Swett