Description Mode March 24, 2012

Choose one of the following topics for your post.

OPTION 1:
Both Sarah Vowell and Brad Manning, in "Arm Wrestling with My Father" and "Shooting Dad", describe their fathers. Examine the words Manning and Vowell use to convery their feelings of distance from their fathers and also their feelings of closeness. Use evidence from both essays to support your assertions.

--or--

OPTION 2:
First, Do you find the Las Vegas wedding industry and its clients, as described by Didion, to be ridiculous, depressing, amusing, harmless, or something else? Explain your impression. Next, Describe another ritual or social custom (for example, a graduation, military induction, presidential inauguration, religious service). What does the conduct of this custom tell us about our attitudes toward it?

Narrative Discussion

Reminders: As you respond to your class’s post, review the expectations for thoughtful, valuable, and timely communication outlined in the “Discussion Forum Rubric.” Additionally, even though you are only responsible for responding to your assigned topic, we will use all four posted topics in our class discussion; prepare accordingly.

Huttmann presents two opposing ideas of God’s role in human life and death. For the member of Phil Donahue’s audience, only God can decide to stop someone’s life; anyone who tries to make that decision is “play[ing] God” (par. 2). For Huttmann, in contrast, sustaining life artificially is “meddling in God’s work” (par. 11). Reflect and respond: Although Huttmann presents both sides, how does her essay convince you which side to take, or do your own personal beliefs prevent you from considering her position?