The Issue Isn T Liberty: It's Decency Analysis
Critique #1 i
English 112-Z1, J. McMullen, Wk 5, Critique #1 FC
Critique #1
Jill McMullen
English 112 Z1 – Composition II
Anne Devlin
September 9, 2008
Critique #1 1
Critique #1 The article “The Issue Isn’t Liberty; It’s Decency” by John Underwood found in About Language: A reader for Writers (3rd ed.; pp.445-450) by William H. Roberts and Gregoire Turgeon, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA, 1992, his perception of our society today is where do we draw the line? How is it that certain legalized rights can be legal, when it is downgrading us as Americans? This article was a very powerful well informed article pertaining to the first amendment; freedom of speech. Underwood writes that “a society
grown dangerously out of touch with its own standards and values. To a people being relentlessly and systematically desensitized to almost every form of degenerate behavior.” This statement is logically correct as we watch more and more on our television being put out there; forms of behavior that is out right inappropriate. How many times have we seen something on television that involves violence or drug abuse or sex? This idea is very important as we will watch our children grow up learning these things and maybe not even realizing it because it has become so “normal”. “According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, by the time the average child leaves high school, he or she will have watched the enactment of 18,000 murders on American television.” As Underwood also notes “something that can deflect the truth, thus when the words of the reap group or the shock comic spew hatred and bigotry and savagery, you don’t call it “filth,” you call it “freedom of speech.” Then you can sell it at the store and in the arena, and people will laugh and sing along.” This statement to me as well is right.
Critique #1 2
As more people will just find a way to be somewhat obscene just so they can earn a quick buck. You can find anything in today’s culture and try to sell it, as our society allows us
To do these things. Looking at our society today, especially younger kids they are easily influenced on who is “cool” in the market. Younger kids are more prone to just easily be a follower than a leader. Another key aspect Underwood writes is “A civilization does not rise on the strength of its laws; however, it rises on the strength of its values”. If we as Americans all had the same values and morals wouldn’t the world be a better place? Our civilization is taken for granted; no one appreciates the freedom we are truly given. Our laws are put in place to provide order and protection. Yet for a society to grow it must rely on the people who are building it. We cannot rely on people who have values and morals that only look out for themselves. John Underwood’s article had very important points. His goal was to establish a understanding on the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. He questions important issues regarding our rights, and gives us a deeper understanding of what this society believes in.
English 112-Z1, J. McMullen, Wk 5, Critique #1 FC
Critique #1
Jill McMullen
English 112 Z1 – Composition II
Anne Devlin
September 9, 2008
Critique #1 1
Critique #1 The article “The Issue Isn’t Liberty; It’s Decency” by John Underwood found in About Language: A reader for Writers (3rd ed.; pp.445-450) by William H. Roberts and Gregoire Turgeon, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA, 1992, his perception of our society today is where do we draw the line? How is it that certain legalized rights can be legal, when it is downgrading us as Americans? This article was a very powerful well informed article pertaining to the first amendment; freedom of speech. Underwood writes that “a society
grown dangerously out of touch with its own standards and values. To a people being relentlessly and systematically desensitized to almost every form of degenerate behavior.” This statement is logically correct as we watch more and more on our television being put out there; forms of behavior that is out right inappropriate. How many times have we seen something on television that involves violence or drug abuse or sex? This idea is very important as we will watch our children grow up learning these things and maybe not even realizing it because it has become so “normal”. “According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, by the time the average child leaves high school, he or she will have watched the enactment of 18,000 murders on American television.” As Underwood also notes “something that can deflect the truth, thus when the words of the reap group or the shock comic spew hatred and bigotry and savagery, you don’t call it “filth,” you call it “freedom of speech.” Then you can sell it at the store and in the arena, and people will laugh and sing along.” This statement to me as well is right.
Critique #1 2
As more people will just find a way to be somewhat obscene just so they can earn a quick buck. You can find anything in today’s culture and try to sell it, as our society allows us
To do these things. Looking at our society today, especially younger kids they are easily influenced on who is “cool” in the market. Younger kids are more prone to just easily be a follower than a leader. Another key aspect Underwood writes is “A civilization does not rise on the strength of its laws; however, it rises on the strength of its values”. If we as Americans all had the same values and morals wouldn’t the world be a better place? Our civilization is taken for granted; no one appreciates the freedom we are truly given. Our laws are put in place to provide order and protection. Yet for a society to grow it must rely on the people who are building it. We cannot rely on people who have values and morals that only look out for themselves. John Underwood’s article had very important points. His goal was to establish a understanding on the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. He questions important issues regarding our rights, and gives us a deeper understanding of what this society believes in.