Law and Morality

virtualworldlaw.com
Google Images

childrenslawcenter.org
Google Images

            Our legal system works because people know there will be consequences for their negative actions. There are set laws in place – we know not to break them, because it is both morally and legally wrong. It has been in place for centuries – it is clearly not a new or misunderstood system. Though complicated at times, society is has a clear grasp on the general structure and functions of courts.

This isn’t to say that we don’t have crime in America. We most certainly do. But imagine if people knew that they could get away with anything. Corruption and misconduct would be rampant. Or would it be? Hypothetical situations and questions that arise from them, such as the behavior of humans in a lawless society, will forever be a debated question. Do humans have a high enough moral code to keep social order when law enforcement, or even laws themselves, is absent? 

archemdis.wordpress.com
Google Images

I think the fear of punishment in a legal sense is certainly enough to keep people from breaking laws. The rhetoric of law is extremely impressive, but I think that the morality of human beings is somewhat stronger. Most people would not harm others or steal, etc., just because they can.

wecreatenyc.com
Google Images

Those who do disregard the law, and therefore our society’s scruples and moralities, would most likely not care to follow such ethics in the first place. However, some situations cause people to act against their principles and ordinary behaviors that society encourages. If someone is starving, stealing to feed themselves and their family takes precedence over their values. The desire to survive overcomes all else. Guilt will still occur though, reinforcing the idea that standards can rule behavior, and the negative action will possibly be redeemed if and when possible, by some form of repayment. Though the legal system is extraordinarily important in influencing people’s behavior, so is their moral code.

The Rhetorical Power of Music

brainpickings.org
Google Images

piccsy.com
Google Images

            When I’m having a bad day, and I’m ridiculously stressed and tense, sometimes all I want to do is head back to my dorm, crawl into bed, and listen to some music. Music has the ability to take you to another place unlike anything else. It is able to calm, excite, sadden, or enliven. My roommate is incredibly musical (she plays the saxophone), and though I’m not talented when it comes to playing instruments, I am entirely obsessed with music, regardless of genre. We both love listening to music, and it’s constantly blasting from one of our computers. It’s at the point where we can understand how the other person is feeling by what artist is playing. It’s not unusual for one of us to walk into the room and state something like “It’s an Adele kind of day.” And immediately, we can gauge how the other person might be feeling just based on the type of music they feel expresses their emotions. Music is a form of communication, a mode of expression.

Some "We Are The World" singers
billboard.com

 It is absolutely amazing to me how much influence a single song can have over one’s emotions. All it takes is one song, so powerful it can actually influence your feelings. A pumped up, fast-paced song can easily accelerate an already content mood to an extremely happy one. Music even energizes me; I have a special playlist on my phone specifically for songs I listen to when working out. A sad song can sink a mood lower, and emphasize a point, like the Sarah McLachlan song on the animal abuse commercial. Music can express views about the world we live in outside of just the melody. Lyrics, whether in a pop song, a ballad, or a rap, can be used to draw public attention to a social problem. There are countless examples of songs written to not only address a contemporary issue, but also help solve it. For example, “We Are The World” was rerecorded featuring 80 artists to raise money for relief effort and the rebuilding of Haiti. Music is an extremely strong rhetorical tool, whether it simply makes someone feel better, or attempts to change the world. 

How I End Up Shopping... A lot

Google Images

            I like to shop. Like, a lot. Stereotypical? Yes. Frivolous? A little. But I have an excuse! Advertisements. And sales. Sales are my downfall. This isn’t to say I spend inordinate amounts of money – I don’t. I’ve always been a smart shopper; I know how to budget my money well and how to stretch it to get the most possible. But I also end up buying more and spending more than I anticipated. I blame this almost entirely upon the advertisements that draw me in to spend, spend, spend. (I definitely have to put some blame upon my self). My email is constantly bombarded with promises of “Buy One Get One,” “50% Off,” and “Free Shipping on Orders over $50!” And more times than I would like to admit, I am drawn in. I click the email, and am instantly bombarded with pictures of smiling, happy, beautiful people and bright letters announcing sales. I know what advertisers do. I know they want me to feel as if I like and know those people, like I want to be like them and dress like them. I know they are preying upon human nature to make a sale. I’m not an uninformed consumer; I know these things. And yet, it still works. Advertising has great power over us, whether we recognize it or not. We see products displayed in the best, brightest ways possible. It is easy to become convinced that our lives would be easier or better if we only had that new phone, or that cool shirt. 

American Eagle Jeans Ad

screenshot from my email

And it’s easy to buy today too – it’s literally a few clicks away on the Internet, or a five minute walk to downtown State College (or a quick drive to the mall). Advertising has become even more effective merely because of convenience. It’s so easy to get the idea into our heads that we want something, and then from there it’s just a swipe of the debit or credit card. I realize its necessary to be wary of the effect of advertisements. On the other hand, I realize there are numerous ways to be smart consumers, who don’t throw money away on things they don’t really need. Finding a balance between reckless spending and frugality is key. Advertisements with sales promoted can be both a weapon against you, to cause you to overspend, and alternatively, a benefit, to save you money. It just depends whether you’ll be sucked into the alluring rhetoric of advertisements, or if you shop smartly (and still hopefully get that item you’ve had your eye on)!

Thon 2011

onwardstate.com

            One of the reasons I was so drawn to Penn State was the total loyalty and solidarity exhibited by the students, staff, alums, even people who had essentially no connection to the school. The atmosphere that surrounds everything Penn State was (justly so) prideful and loyal. I loved the shouts of “We Are!” around campus. My roommate and I constantly acknowledge that such unity and dignity could basically be found on no other campus. In light of recent events that have happened on campus; the Sandusky scandal and JoePa’s firing and passing away, the immense care and concern was shown by the Penn State community. There were candlelight vigils to raise awareness about and work to stop child abuse. JoePa’s statue was showered with tiny remembrances and his memorial was attended by many and watched by more. And this brings me to my example of rhetoric in action this week: the amazing ability of college students to join together in the largest student-run organization to raise funds for research against pediatric cancer and to spread awareness: Thon. 

nittanywhite.com

Coming up within the next two weeks, campus is abuzz with preparations. Canning weekends are being planned, and everywhere you walk there are fundraisers. Additionally, every time you log on Facebook, there is another invitation for a Thon event or fundraiser. I can’t help but be wholly impressed by our school’s ability to come together for such a great cause. Last year, there were 708 continual dancers, and many, many more moralers and participants on committees or in clubs. In 2011, $9,563,016.09 was raised. Since 1977, over 78 million dollars has been raised. I can barely wrap my mind around that number. This is a prime example of a problem being recognized and an action being taken to provide help work towards a solution. The immense good done by Thon and our school makes me so proud to be a Penn Stater. So, support Thon: FTK!

onwardstate.com