Rhetoric In “Pop Can: Popular Culture In Canada” Essay Example

Introduction

To describe how the arguments (extracted from the book Pop Can: Popular Culture in Canada) appeal to aspects such as emotion, logic, and character; various scholarly ideas and notions on strategies for successful writing will be used. Moreover, various forms of reasoning will be relevantly used in furthering the arguments. In essence, various types of reasoning are used by people in writing including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, hypothesis testing, statistical reasoning, and problem-solving. However, in this paper, we will only focus on the logic, emotions, and forms of reasoning that apply to our cases.

The argument made “My shopping career began in earnest when I was seven. My currency was time and deceit. My boutiques were the garbage cans in the alley behind our apartment house in Edmonton.”

In the first sentence where the authors talk about the career that began at seven years, it can be preliminarily said that the expression is logical and believable since many people can attest to having started their careers as early as even five years. Moreover, it is logically understandable to have time as an important aspect of our lives since time is used in various endeavors. However, deceit is normally considered a vice by most people. Therefore, boasting of deceit introduces the reader to the persona’s untrustworthy character and low regard for morality. To morally upright people, such a character evokes negative emotions such as resentment and hate.

In the final sentence, the authors creatively give the reader an insight into the shopping world that was described in the first sentence of the extract. Starting a shopping career simply from picking valuable stuff from garbage cans shows that the people in Edmonton were, somewhat, rich or wealthy or financially endowed since common logic dictates that poor people cannot throw away useful things in garbage cans. The thought of someone living in a, presumably, rich neighborhood shopping stuff from garbage cans is, therefore, illogical and far from believable.

Deductive reasoning can generally be described as a form of logical reasoning in which conclusions are made from general assumptions. In deductive reasoning, conclusions are reached through logical evaluation of established rules and factual statements. This form of reasoning uses established rules in arriving at conclusions that are either true or false. Using this form of reason, it can be assumed that it takes a lot of courage to rummage through garbage cans in the name of trying to find useful stuff. In this regard, we deduce that the persona has a strong character—which is a commendable trait. Emotionally, this character trait evokes feelings of positivity and the need to progress irrespective of the eminent circumstances.

Through a fitting language and a mixture of literary expressions, the entire extract can be said to evoke strong emotions while portraying a character blending individual focus and low regard for morality or not-caring about other people’s perceptions. On the other hand, the text is not utterly convincing since some of the arguments are not as logical as we would have expected.

Arguments made in “Once I found scarf – a sophisticated, almost sheer, leopard-spotted scarf. It spoke of glamour, beauty, and capable women on television. It was perfect for my mother, who set off for work each morning with her matching high heels and handbag.”

The description given in the first sentence emphasizes the aesthetic value of the scarf. Just by reading the sentence, we can know the nature of fashion and shopping that was referenced in the earlier discussion. Even more importantly, the nature of fashion described in this first sentence helps the reader identify the social class of the people in Edmonton. This is further emphasized by the second sentence where authors tell us that the scarf “spoke of glamour, beauty, and capable women on television.” In other words, the scarf represented the class of trendy women usually shown on television.

The inductive form of reasoning can also be applied in this case. Essentially, inductive reasoning can be defined as the form of reasoning in which certain aspects are taken and used in coming up with a generalized principle. In this form of reasoning, conclusions are arrived at based on factual statements or observations. A good example of induction reasoning is category-based induction. In this reasoning, generalizations are established based on certain facts regarding a given group of people.

This is based on the similarities observed among members of the group. When the persona says that the scarf was a perfect match for the clothing (heals and handbag) that her mother wore to work; we can inductively use the facts and principles of how classy women dress to speculate that the mother was also classy and trendy just like the women on Television.

It is worth noting that in the shopping escapades, the persona not only does gropes for items that are beneficial to her, but she also remembers to get stuff to her mother. Here, the unselfish character is typified. Also, an emotional connection is exemplified by the sentimental attachment between the persona and her mother. Remarkably, the theme of hard work is emphasized in this extract. This is, specifically, shown through the persona tracing her humble beginnings in the shopping career and the tireless way she had to rummage through garbage to get useful stuff. On the other hand, the mother is depicted as an astute worker who goes to her workplace everyday dressing in trendy clothing—which is a good example to her daughter.

To a great extent, this passage appeals to logic through acts such as the daughter getting stuff for her mother or the emphatic description of the scarf. However, it beats logic that a, presumably, trendy woman like the mother would wear a scarf that was found in a garbage can. In summary, it can be said that the arguments presented here generally illuminate the somewhat convincing nature of the passage.

Conclusion

From the above discussions, it is clear that there is a myriad of strategies that can be used in writing. The way words are presented has a huge influence on the manner readers will get the intended message while interpreting aspects such as logic, emotions, character, and forms of reasoning. For this reason, learning institutions should make provisions that can help in training individuals on pragmatic schemas and how words can be tailored to evoke certain emotions or feelings while orienting particular forms of reasoning. It is only through such initiatives that proper communication can be channeled and sustained.

The Book Of Isaiah

The Everlasting Covenant

Many Biblical scholars have analyzed the cosmic flavor of the book of Isaiah. Chapter 24 identifies and defines the “everlasting covenant” as the agreement made between God and his people after creation. This covenant is similar to the agreement between humankind and God during the time of Noah¹. According to the chapter, God shall empty and loot the whole universe. Every person including priests, servants, masters, maids, and mistresses will experience this Biblical devastation (Isaiah 24: 2-3). Verse five goes further to describe why people on earth continue to disobey God’s laws and commandments. God will defile every person “who has violated the statuses and broken the everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 24: 5).

This covenant is also described in details in the book of Deuteronomy. According to this Biblical book, God will destroy the people of Israel because of their disobedience (Deuteronomy 4: 26-27). The book of Numbers (35: 30-34) also describes how the Lord shall destroy all murderers and sinners Numbers. The book of Genesis describes how God made his covenant with the Jews. He “promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations” (Genesis 17: 2-13). Abraham’s people would eventually own and live in Canaan. God will scatter every population that fails to honor his name. Chapters 24-27 offer powerful ideas that can guide many believers in the world. God shall destroy and judge every nation that does not worship him. This kind of judgment will reduce the whole world into chaos². The final judgment will eventually result in the establishment of Jehovah’s kingdom on Mount Zion³.

That being the case, the “everlasting covenant” is a meaningful agreement between mankind and God. This covenant encourages more people to focus on God’s teachings. The Book of Isaiah shows clearly that God shall punish all sinners. God shall destroy the wicked and all those who fail to honor the everlasting covenant. Human beings can learn many things from these verses. For instance, people should repent and go back to their God. They should also promote the best religious values. Priests, maids, and masters should always worship God. This practice is relevant because God will judge every person. The covenant presented in the book of Isaiah should encourage more people to obey God’s laws. People should also promote the best religious practices in order to honor the “everlasting covenant”. People should therefore be prepared because God is ready to destroy the entire world⁴.

Many nations today should embrace the above teachings. God will destroy the whole world. Nations and communities should gain more lessons from the city of Babylon⁵. God is capable of destroying every community or city that goes against his wishes. The above covenant presents powerful lessons to many nations today. Church leaders and politicians should bring their people closer to God. They should also encourage their followers to repent their sins and focus on their God. This practice will address most of the troubles, pains, and challenges affecting many nations across the world. The important thing is for every modern nation to get closer to God. Christians should read these verses frequently in order to continue honoring the covenant with God.

Two Cities in Isaiah 24-27

The book of Isaiah describes how God will destroy the world after the Day of Judgment. The book goes further to explain why judgment will not be the last event. Isaiah 24-27 describes the kind of destruction awaiting many nations. Chapters 24-27 focus on two different cities. The first city represents the territories and nations formed by the fallen descendants of Cain⁶. Most of the individuals in these cities achieve their goals and desires without God’s guidance. The book of Isaiah gives a detailed analysis of several cities that had been destroyed by God. Such cities were found in Egypt, Philistia, Syria, and Judea. The Bible shows that different fortified cities shall perish. The city of Jerusalem will also fall. On the other hand, the book of Isaiah describes a new city of the Lord. This city will be characterized by faithfulness and righteousness. According to the Bible, the city of Jerusalem shall be restored.

From a personal perspective, these two cities present something meaningful to God’s followers. The above human cities represent different sins committed by mankind. God will destroy such cities for failing to honor God. Such cities can also be used to describe the kind of punishment awaiting every sinner. God’s city symbolizes the kingdom of heaven. This city will be characterized by happiness and righteousness⁷. Believers should therefore focus on the best practices and God’s commandments in order to be saved from destruction. In Isaiah 1: 7-8, the Bible describes how God burned different Judean cities. This description explains how God will destroy every evildoer.

The Holy Bible indicates that righteousness and holiness shall dwell in the city of Zion. The faithful shall live with God forever in this sacred city (Hebrews 11: 10). My understanding of the two cities can support the spiritual needs of many believers. These cities summarize the overall message of the book of Isaiah. Believers should study different Biblical passages carefully in order to understand God’s wishes and expectations. These symbolic cities encourage more believers to focus on the best religious practices. This practice will make it easier for them to see God’s kingdom. These two cities describe how God will establish his kingdom after the Day of Judgment. The book of Isaiah offers a detailed analysis of the judgment⁸. This judgment will be accompanied by different sorrows and pains. Christians should therefore ignore the desires of their hearts in order to see God’s kingdom. The meanings of these two cities should be interpreted correctly in order to support the religious needs of many believers.

Significance of the Leviathan Imagery

John’s “God and Leviathan in Isaiah 27:1” offers powerful ideas to the reader. The book of Isaiah (27:1) embraces the use of Leviathan imagery. Different imageries have been embraced because they display the transcendence and sovereignty of God. Imagery was used to portray God’s superiority over every earthly creature or contender. The Book of Isaiah borrows the imagery of Canaanite theology. This Leviathan is used in the book of Isaiah to depict God’s victory over the power of chaos⁹. That being the case, Isaiah (27:1) uses the Leviathan imagery to portray God’s victory over the devil. This imagery is associated with the analogy that as the beginning, so also the end¹⁰. The imagery also describes the targeted new creation.

This eschatological defeat of God’s enemies is described using the above Leviathan imagery. This approach shows God’s power over his enemies. The use of this imagery shows that God is the Alpha and the Omega. He will ensure all last things are similar to the first ones. This analogy encourages more people to focus on God’s teachings and commandments. God is victorious. He has always defeated the devil. Some other passages use similar imagery in the Bible. For example, the book of Revelation (12: 3, 9) describes Satan as the biggest dragon. The book goes further to explain how a new heaven will be formed after the death of the dragon. This kind of imagery shows clearly that God is powerful and victorious¹¹.

Similar imageries are used in the Holy Bible to portray the eschatology of God’s enemies. This approach makes it easier for many readers to embrace God’s teachings. The presentations show how God is able to defeat his enemies. These depictions encourage more Christians to focus on their religious. They should also worship God only in order to inherit his kingdom. Different Canaanite imageries have been used in the Bible to describe how God will defeat the devil. Such imageries are observed in the apocalypses of John and Isaiah. These imageries explain why God will always be the ruler of the universe¹².

Christians and believers should therefore worship God. This is the case because God shall rescue his people from the devil. God will also create a new earth for every believer. God will defeat the devil and make the world a good place for every believer. The use of imagery is a common practice aimed at supporting God’s sovereignty over the devil¹³. Those who worship the devil shall perish in eternal fire. The above discussions encourage more Christians to focus on their religious goals. This approach will make it possible for them to see God’s kingdom.

Bibliography

Chrisholm, Robert. “The “Everlasting Covenant” and the “City of Chaos”: Intentional Ambiguity and Irony in Isaiah 24.” Criswell Theological Review 6, no. 2 (1993): 237-253.

Day, John. “God and Leviathan in Isaiah 27:1.” Bibliotheca Sacra 155, no. 1 (1998): 423-436.

Sandy, Brent. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic. Dowers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Webb, Barry. The Message of Isaiah. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

Footnotes

1. Barry Webb. The Message of Isaiah, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 28.
2. Brent Sandy. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic, (Dowers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 64.
3. John Day. “God and Leviathan in Isaiah 27:1,” Bibliotheca Sacra 155, no. 1 (1998): 426.
4. Brent Sandy. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic, (Dowers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 69.
5. Robert Chrisholm. “The “Everlasting Covenant” and the “City of Chaos”: Intentional Ambiguity and Irony in Isaiah 24,” Criswell Theological Review 6, no. 2 (1993): 243.
6. Barry Webb. The Message of Isaiah, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 43.
7. Robert Chrisholm. “The “Everlasting Covenant” and the “City of Chaos”: Intentional Ambiguity and Irony in Isaiah 24,” Criswell Theological Review 6, no. 2 (1993): 247.
8. Brent Sandy. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic, (Dowers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 75.
9. John Day. “God and Leviathan in Isaiah 27:1,” Bibliotheca Sacra 155, no. 1 (1998): 436.
10. Day, 436.
11. Barry Webb. The Message of Isaiah, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 126.
12. John Day. “God and Leviathan in Isaiah 27:1,” Bibliotheca Sacra 155, no. 1 (1998): 435.
13. Brent Sandy. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic, (Dowers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 64.

Vapid Lumber Industries Company’s Barcodes Use

Introduction

Vapid Lumber Industries (VLI) is an organization that is focused on the operations with wood. Its purchasing director, Taylor, is willing to implement changes to streamline manufacture and improve the quality of purchasing, sales, and inventory. Her innovations are connected with technology that is ignored by her boss, Bob. In particular, she is already using a computer and the Internet. As a lumber distributor started marking all pieces of wood regardless of their size, she decided to take advantage of their bar codes. Her ideas are supported by her colleague, Bill. However, Bob believes that simple cost less money and claims that they do not need other technological innovations. Moreover, he states that their management does not trust technology. To convince him to make changes, Taylor should point out all advantages and disadvantages of bar codes and radio-frequency identification (RFID), emphasizing that, regardless of some drawbacks, the organization can obtain numerous benefits if it makes a step forward.

The Use of Bar Codes

To alter Bob’s perception of technology and make him consider the use of bar codes as a helpful tool for the company’s operations, Taylor should tell him what benefits it provides, pointing out the ways current manufacturing issues can be solved.

For instance, she can start with the fact that the lumber distributor had already implemented this change and all items have bar codes that are currently not used. However, it would be wrong to overlook an opportunity provided by the distributor. Right now VLI has a lot of paperwork that is very time-consuming. With the help of bar codes, Taylor will have an opportunity to check each piece of wood rather quickly (Martin, 2017). There will be no necessity anymore to calculate received items three times. As a result, she will be able to focus on other duties (The Digital Marketing Team, 2013). This option should appeal to Bob because he likes cutting corners on the job. He will not need to pay Taylor for the time she spends for the same repeated action and will give her more additional important tasks. Labor costs will also be reduced as there will be no necessity to write the monthly spreadsheets by hand. They will be sent online without any issues. In this way, both Bob and the management will be timely informed regarding any issues observed during work, which will affect decision-making positively. Similarly, personnel productivity can be measured, as it will be possible to find out what has happened to each piece of wood (Verified Label, Print & Promotions, n.d.). If the company hires new employees, it will not be difficult to educate and train them on how to conduct standard operating activities.

Unfortunately, not all bar codes are readable because the items are placed outside, and tags are destroyed by rain. In addition to that, some of them are accidentally torn by the workers. However, these problems are associated only with 10% out of the whole, which is not that critical. Moreover, there is a possibility of overcoming this issue. If Taylor uses a portative car code reader, she will be able to scan each flatbed load before it is offloaded and its bar code is damaged. Moreover, VLI does not need to put tags on the products because it has already been done by its distributors. This technology may be not beneficial if an organization works with a few orders and items, but it is not true for VLI (F. Curtis Barry & Company, 2017). Thus, even though organizational change will require funding and time, it is likely to be extremely useful for the company.

The Possibility of Using RFID

RFID is a technology similar to the use of bar codes because it allows transmitting information from RFID tags to RFID readers just like the information from bar codes is transmitted to bar code readers (Pandey, 2016). The main advantage of RFID in comparison to the already discussed option is the possibility of scanning more than a hundred tags at the same time (Trepagnier, n.d.). This opportunity is obtained as there is no necessity to have a line of sign visibility when using radio waves.

Using RFID, VLI can increase the efficiency of checkouts and streamline the process of counting received pieces of wood even more than with the help of bar codes. In this way, all operations conducted with them can also be easily tracked (“RFID vs barcodes,” 2012). However, it is critical to control the way all items are placed to ensure that all of them can be scanned and are not counted multiple times.

For now, it will be better if VLI uses bar codes but not RFID because it is easier just to use a reader and scan all items before they are offloaded than to buy RFID tags, put them on products, organize them appropriately, and only then scan them. However, if VLI’s distributors start using RFID instead of bar codes, it should make the same change to streamline its operations and increase productivity.

References

F. Curtis Barry & Company. (2017). Pros and cons of bar code technology. Web.

Martin, K. (2017). What are the advantages & disadvantages of a barcode? Web.

Pandey, K. (2016). Advantages and disadvantages of RFID technology. Web.

RFID vs barcodes: Advantages and disadvantages comparison. (2012). Web.

The Digital Marketing Team. (2013). Advantages & disadvantages of barcode scanners. Web.

Trepagnier, K. (n.d.). What’s the difference between RFID and barcode technologies? Web.

Verified Label, Print & Promotions. (n.d.). Top eight benefits of barcodes. Web.