1. John McMurtry's essay begins with a personal anecdote about the results of playing sports- especially football- since childhood. When he can no longer ignore his physical condition, he seeks treatment and is hospitalized. How does the anecdote lend credibility to his argument?
The anecdote lends credibility to his argument by letting the reader know that he's been there, and has dealt with the good and the bad of playing sports. The reader can imply that McMurtry had a great passion for the sport by the amount of time it took before he'd finally quit in order to be treated. This shows that McMurtry has felt a love for football. But this anecdote also shows that he has felt the destructive effects of such a contact sport, which allows him to argue his point.
2. Paragraph 5-7 compare and contrast football and war. Is this comparison convincing? How does the comparison appeal to logos?
The comparison is convincing because he not only compares them, but also contrasts them. The fact that McMurtry appeals to logos, and backs up his argument with plenty of facts from his own experience and also from reliable sources, also makes this comparison more convincing. He alludes to famous people that are associated with war, that are also associated with sports. He also pulls in specific quotes from sources and provides the names of the sources, incase his reader wanted to check up on his logic.
4. In paragraph 14, McMurtry cites a Harvard study showing that some of the more brutal characteristics of football players are valued in the business world. How do the study's findings support McMurtry's argument against the brutality of football?
The study's findings support McMurtry's argument against the brutality of football by proving that the football players on the top football teams are the most brutal of them all. The study also supports his argument by showing that if high school football players know that a more brutal characteristic is valued in professional football, then they will feel as if they have to work to gain that characteristic in order to make it in their football careers. If the business world values a more brutal characteristic in football players, then more football players will be chosen with that characteristic. If more football players are chosen with that characteristic, then more of the teams are going to be made up of those type of football players. If more teams are made up of those players, then there is a higher chance of brutality in every single game of football.
8. McMurtry characterizes General George Patton and President Richard Nixon as "jock-loving... media stars" (para. 6). Think of contemporary media stars who associate themselves with football or other sports. Does the association enhance or tarnish their image?
President Obama and his wife are major media stars that are very well known for their participation in and support for sports and physical education. President Obama's interest in sports such as basketball brings him more down to earth for his American public. His interest enhances his image by making him more relatable to people of not as high power. First Lady Obama campaigns for physical education through T.V. shows and commercials, in order for the people of America to live healthier lives. Her main audience is children, which must also include the parents of these children. Her association also enhances her image, especially through the children's parents perspectives, because it shows she has a concern for the well-beings of the children of America, which are also the future of America.
Great job!!
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