sites outside the
Harper / Web Users Get as much as They Give
539
way, to get con-
Questions on Meaning
12
1. What connection does Harper make between personal data and the "information
economy” (par
. 1)? Express his THESIS in a sentence or two of your own.
2. What are cookies, and how are they used? Why is Harper not bothered by them?
3. Where does Harper ultimately place the blame for the a
privacy online? What solution does he suggest?
play, with
gov-
orted last week
ternet Explorer
vacy better, but
learned of the
called it. And a
tections. But if
on would have
he advertising
ne new version
nctionality, as
nprofit Mozilla
Why, or why not?
4. What seems to be the author's primary PURPOSE in this essay: to discredit critics
of Internet tracking? to reassure Web users that their personal information is safe?
to advance an economic theory? Do you think Harper accomplishes his purpose?
13
nation — they
they are strug-
Cerest, includ-
ong with free
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. To understand Harper's strategy, make an outline of the main points in his argu-
ment. Which of these points directly counter points made by Nicholas Carr in
the previous essay (pp. 528–531)? Which of Carr's points does Harper not address
directly? In what ways is his emphasis different from Carr's?
2. What ASSUMPTIONS does Harper seem to make about the readers of this essay?
(Recall that it was first published in the Wall Street Journal.) Are the assumptions
correct in your case?
3. In paragraph 9 Harper discusses his role as “an operator of a small government-
transparency Web site.” What persuasive tactic is he employing here? Does it
work, in your opinion?
4. What examples of past efforts to protect consumer privacy does Harper present?
What do these examples contribute to his point?
5. OTHER METHODS Much of Harper's argument is developed by CAUSE-AND-EFFECT
analysis. What does he claim would be the result of new regulations protecting
posed to come
14
tate concerns
may converge
rejects third-
ins will aug.
echnologies.
my, and they
s is that the
privacy online?
Questions on Language
1. Harper uses FIGURES OF SPEECH throughout his essay, such as the metaphor “grease
gears of modern commerce” (par. 1), and the personification “advertising that
trades in personal information” (8). Locate a few more figures of speech and com-
ment on their effectiveness. What do they contribute to Harper's TONE?
the
that by nar-
exposed to,
jurisdiction (11), status quo (12), augment (14).
2. Check a dictionary if you are unfamiliar with the meanings of any of the fol-
lowing words: gleaned (par. 1), demographics (5), stratify (6), surreptitious (7),
3. A "passion play” (par. 12) is a traditional Christian pageant that celebrates the
death and resurrection of Jesus. What does Harper accomplish by making an
ALLUSION to this particular dramatic GENRE? Does it strengthen his argument, or
on and cul-
w, and how
the outlets
weaken it? Why?
Andrews / Facebook Is Using You
545
3. In her final paragraph, Andrews cites the results of two surveys. How convincing
do
you
find this EVIDENCE? Why?
4. Where in the essay does Andrews write about herself? What is the point of her
doing so?
5. OTHER METHODS How does Andrews use EXAMPLES to support her argument?
Questions on Language
1. How would you characterize Andrews's prevailing DICTION? Why does she also
use COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS? Find at least three examples of everyday speech
and explain their EFFECT.
2. Andrews writes, “Whether you can obtain a job, credit or insurance can be based
your digital doppelgänger” (par. 4). What does she mean? What is a doppelgänger?
3. What is Weblining (par. 10)? What is the source of this term?
4. Use a dictionary if necessary to help you define any of the following words: mag-
nitude (par. 2); revenue, mechanisms (3); scrutinize (5); renege (6); proclivities
(7); stigmatizing (8); bombarded, forgo (11).
on
Suggestions for Writing
1. FROM JOURNAL TO ESSAY Based on the list you created in your journal, write
an essay in which you COMPARE AND CONTRAST how you view yourself with how
you think the digital world views you. You might focus on a single aspect
identity (for example, you may see yourself as fun-loving, while you're careful
a number of characteristics that make up your
of your
1 of
Gay / Peculiar Benefits
nce
457
hey
11
eed
der
"accused of having privilege” (par. 7)?
3. What does Gay believe to be the most basic reason people object when they're
4. In paragraph 7, Gay says that acknowledging her privilege “is not a denial of the
explain this contradiction?
ways (she has] been and [is] marginalized.” What does she mean? How do you
5. What seems to be Gay's PURPOSE in this essay? What solution to the problem of
privilege does she propose? Is she optimistic or pessimistic that people can be
en
re
encouraged to be more empathetic to others?
12
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. Why does Gay open by detailing her first family trip to Haiti? How does this
assumptions?
INTRODUCTION lead into her subject?
2. What does Gay assume about her AUDIENCE? To what extent do you fit her
the EFFECT of her admissions?
3. Why is Gay so careful to enumerate her own privileges in paragraph 5? What is
4. OTHER METHODS How does Gay use CLASSIFICATION to sort out the types of
privilege she sees in the contemporary world? What categories does she identify?
What, if any, forms of privilege might you add to her lists?
13
Questions on Language
1. Find some examples of both formal and informal DICTION in the essay. What is
the effect of Gay's word choices?
2. Why does Gay capitalize the phrases “Game of Privilege” and “Oppression Olym-
pics" in paragraphs 9 and 12? What does she mean by these terms?
. What is "white noise” (par. 4)? Why is this metaphor particularly apt, given Gay's
subject and purpose? (For a definition of metaphor, see FIGURES OF SPEECH in the
Glossary.)
4. Notice that Gay shifts POINT OF VIEW in paragraph 8 and again in her conclusion,
addressing readers directly as you. What is the effect of the last two sentences of
the essay in particular?
5. Be sure you know the meanings of the following words, checking a dictionary if
necessary: pervasively (par. 1); shanties (2); immunity
, peculiar (3); intramari-
tal, frivolity (5); intervening, unfathomable, legislate (6); marginalized (7); dis-
enfranchised (8); demographic (9); discourse, specter, configuration (10); acute
(11); clamoring (12)
Suggestions for Writing
Compose an extended definition of success that includes
explored them in your
Definition
456
configuration of privilege or the lack thereof? We would live in a world of
silence if the only people who were allowed to write or speak from experience
3
4
11
many
ongoing attempts to silence and render
5
12
1
2
or about difference were those absolutely without privilege.
When people wield accusations of privilege, more often than not, they
want to be heard and seen. Their need is acute, if not desperate, and that need
invisible marginalized groups. Must we satisfy our need to be heard and seen
by preventing anyone else from being heard and seen? Does privilege auto-
matically negate any merits of what a privilege holder has to say? Do we ignore
everything, for example, that white men have to say?
We need to get to a place where we discuss privilege by way of obser-
vation and acknowledgment rather than accusation. We need to be able to
argue beyond the threat of privilege. We need to stop playing Privilege or
Oppression Olympics because we'll never get anywhere until we find more
effective of talking through difference. We should be able to say, “This
is my truth," and have that truth stand without a hundred clamoring voices
shouting, giving the impression that multiple truths cannot coexist. Because
at some point, doesn't privilege become beside the point?
Privilege is relative and contextual. Few people in the developed world, and
particularly in the United States, have no privilege at all. Among those of us who
participate in intellectual communities, privilege runs rampant. We have dispos-
able time and the ability to access the Internet regularly. We have the freedom to
express our opinions without the threat of retaliation. We have smartphones and
iProducts and desktops and laptops. If you are reading this essay, you have some
kind of privilege. It may be hard to hear that, I know, but if you cannot recognize
your privilege, you have a lot of work to do; get started.
ways
3
4
13
1
2
3
4
Journal Writing
Gay's "bills are paid,” she notes, and she has a good job and is “reasonably well pub-
lished” (par. 5). In your journal, consider the meaning of success, focusing on these
questions: Whom do you consider to be successful, and why? Where do your ideas of
success come from
- your parents? your friends? your schooling? the media?
5
Questions on Meaning
1. In your own words, SUMMARIZE Gay's definition of privilege.
2. What does Gay mean by the difference between relative and absolute poverty"
(par. 1)? How does that difference apply to her understanding of privilege?
1
sites outside the
Harper / Web Users Get as much as They Give
539
way, to get con-
Questions on Meaning
12
1. What connection does Harper make between personal data and the "information
economy” (par
. 1)? Express his THESIS in a sentence or two of your own.
2. What are cookies, and how are they used? Why is Harper not bothered by them?
3. Where does Harper ultimately place the blame for the a
privacy online? What solution does he suggest?
play, with
gov-
orted last week
ternet Explorer
vacy better, but
learned of the
called it. And a
tections. But if
on would have
he advertising
ne new version
nctionality, as
nprofit Mozilla
Why, or why not?
4. What seems to be the author's primary PURPOSE in this essay: to discredit critics
of Internet tracking? to reassure Web users that their personal information is safe?
to advance an economic theory? Do you think Harper accomplishes his purpose?
13
nation — they
they are strug-
Cerest, includ-
ong with free
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. To understand Harper's strategy, make an outline of the main points in his argu-
ment. Which of these points directly counter points made by Nicholas Carr in
the previous essay (pp. 528–531)? Which of Carr's points does Harper not address
directly? In what ways is his emphasis different from Carr's?
2. What ASSUMPTIONS does Harper seem to make about the readers of this essay?
(Recall that it was first published in the Wall Street Journal.) Are the assumptions
correct in your case?
3. In paragraph 9 Harper discusses his role as “an operator of a small government-
transparency Web site.” What persuasive tactic is he employing here? Does it
work, in your opinion?
4. What examples of past efforts to protect consumer privacy does Harper present?
What do these examples contribute to his point?
5. OTHER METHODS Much of Harper's argument is developed by CAUSE-AND-EFFECT
analysis. What does he claim would be the result of new regulations protecting
posed to come
14
tate concerns
may converge
rejects third-
ins will aug.
echnologies.
my, and they
s is that the
privacy online?
Questions on Language
1. Harper uses FIGURES OF SPEECH throughout his essay, such as the metaphor “grease
gears of modern commerce” (par. 1), and the personification “advertising that
trades in personal information” (8). Locate a few more figures of speech and com-
ment on their effectiveness. What do they contribute to Harper's TONE?
the
that by nar-
exposed to,
jurisdiction (11), status quo (12), augment (14).
2. Check a dictionary if you are unfamiliar with the meanings of any of the fol-
lowing words: gleaned (par. 1), demographics (5), stratify (6), surreptitious (7),
3. A "passion play” (par. 12) is a traditional Christian pageant that celebrates the
death and resurrection of Jesus. What does Harper accomplish by making an
ALLUSION to this particular dramatic GENRE? Does it strengthen his argument, or
on and cul-
w, and how
the outlets
weaken it? Why?
544
Argument and Persuasion
Internet companies should always ask for permission before using personal
information, and 72% wanted the right to opt out of online tracking. A study
by Princeton Survey Research Associates in 2009 using a random sample of
one thousand people found that 69% thought that the United States should
adopt a law giving people the right to learn everything a Web site knows
about them. We need a do-not-track law, similar to the do-not-call one. Now
it's not just about whether my dinner will be interrupted by a telemarketer. It's
about whether
my dreams will be dashed by the collection of bits and bytes
over which I have no control and for which companies are currently unac-
countable.
1
2
3
4
Journal Writing
What does your online self look like? Consider not just any profiles you have created
but also records of searches you have conducted, transactions you have completed,
and information others may have posted about you. (You may wish to search the Web
for your name to see what comes up.) In your journal, create two lists of adjectives:
one for how you think you appear to others online and one for how
you
think
you
really are.
1
Questions on Meaning
1. In which sentence or sentences does Andrews state her THESIS most directly?
2. What is a “data aggregator” (par. 6)? How are data aggregators different from
advertisers? Why is the distinction important?
3. How, according to Andrews, do data aggregators stereotype Web users? Why does
the practice concern her?
4. What would you say is the PURPOSE of this essay? What, specifically, does Andrews
2.
propose, and why?
3.
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. Despite the title and the INTRODUCTION, this essay is not concerned exclusively
with Facebook. What does Andrews accomplish by opening with a discussion of
the company's initial stock offering and business earnings?
2. As a whole, is this essay an APPEAL to emotion or a reasoned argument, or both?
What ASSUMPTIONS does Andrews seem to make about her readers? Give evi-
dence for your answer.
4.
sites outside the
Harper / Web Users Get as much as They Give
539
way, to get con-
Questions on Meaning
12
1. What connection does Harper make between personal data and the "information
economy” (par
. 1)? Express his THESIS in a sentence or two of your own.
2. What are cookies, and how are they used? Why is Harper not bothered by them?
3. Where does Harper ultimately place the blame for the a
privacy online? What solution does he suggest?
play, with
gov-
orted last week
ternet Explorer
vacy better, but
learned of the
called it. And a
tections. But if
on would have
he advertising
ne new version
nctionality, as
nprofit Mozilla
Why, or why not?
4. What seems to be the author's primary PURPOSE in this essay: to discredit critics
of Internet tracking? to reassure Web users that their personal information is safe?
to advance an economic theory? Do you think Harper accomplishes his purpose?
13
nation — they
they are strug-
Cerest, includ-
ong with free
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. To understand Harper's strategy, make an outline of the main points in his argu-
ment. Which of these points directly counter points made by Nicholas Carr in
the previous essay (pp. 528–531)? Which of Carr's points does Harper not address
directly? In what ways is his emphasis different from Carr's?
2. What ASSUMPTIONS does Harper seem to make about the readers of this essay?
(Recall that it was first published in the Wall Street Journal.) Are the assumptions
correct in your case?
3. In paragraph 9 Harper discusses his role as “an operator of a small government-
transparency Web site.” What persuasive tactic is he employing here? Does it
work, in your opinion?
4. What examples of past efforts to protect consumer privacy does Harper present?
What do these examples contribute to his point?
5. OTHER METHODS Much of Harper's argument is developed by CAUSE-AND-EFFECT
analysis. What does he claim would be the result of new regulations protecting
posed to come
14
tate concerns
may converge
rejects third-
ins will aug.
echnologies.
my, and they
s is that the
privacy online?
Questions on Language
1. Harper uses FIGURES OF SPEECH throughout his essay, such as the metaphor “grease
gears of modern commerce” (par. 1), and the personification “advertising that
trades in personal information” (8). Locate a few more figures of speech and com-
ment on their effectiveness. What do they contribute to Harper's TONE?
the
that by nar-
exposed to,
jurisdiction (11), status quo (12), augment (14).
2. Check a dictionary if you are unfamiliar with the meanings of any of the fol-
lowing words: gleaned (par. 1), demographics (5), stratify (6), surreptitious (7),
3. A "passion play” (par. 12) is a traditional Christian pageant that celebrates the
death and resurrection of Jesus. What does Harper accomplish by making an
ALLUSION to this particular dramatic GENRE? Does it strengthen his argument, or
on and cul-
w, and how
the outlets
weaken it? Why?
544
Argument and Persuasion
Internet companies should always ask for permission before using personal
information, and 72% wanted the right to opt out of online tracking. A study
by Princeton Survey Research Associates in 2009 using a random sample of
one thousand people found that 69% thought that the United States should
adopt a law giving people the right to learn everything a Web site knows
about them. We need a do-not-track law, similar to the do-not-call one. Now
it's not just about whether my dinner will be interrupted by a telemarketer. It's
about whether
my dreams will be dashed by the collection of bits and bytes
over which I have no control and for which companies are currently unac-
countable.
1
2
3
4
Journal Writing
What does your online self look like? Consider not just any profiles you have created
but also records of searches you have conducted, transactions you have completed,
and information others may have posted about you. (You may wish to search the Web
for your name to see what comes up.) In your journal, create two lists of adjectives:
one for how you think you appear to others online and one for how
you
think
you
really are.
1
Questions on Meaning
1. In which sentence or sentences does Andrews state her THESIS most directly?
2. What is a “data aggregator” (par. 6)? How are data aggregators different from
advertisers? Why is the distinction important?
3. How, according to Andrews, do data aggregators stereotype Web users? Why does
the practice concern her?
4. What would you say is the PURPOSE of this essay? What, specifically, does Andrews
2.
propose, and why?
3.
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. Despite the title and the INTRODUCTION, this essay is not concerned exclusively
with Facebook. What does Andrews accomplish by opening with a discussion of
the company's initial stock offering and business earnings?
2. As a whole, is this essay an APPEAL to emotion or a reasoned argument, or both?
What ASSUMPTIONS does Andrews seem to make about her readers? Give evi-
dence for your answer.
4.
Andrews / Facebook Is Using You
545
3. In her final paragraph, Andrews cites the results of two surveys. How convincing
do
you
find this EVIDENCE? Why?
4. Where in the essay does Andrews write about herself? What is the point of her
doing so?
5. OTHER METHODS How does Andrews use EXAMPLES to support her argument?
Questions on Language
1. How would you characterize Andrews's prevailing DICTION? Why does she also
use COLLOQUIAL EXPRESSIONS? Find at least three examples of everyday speech
and explain their EFFECT.
2. Andrews writes, “Whether you can obtain a job, credit or insurance can be based
your digital doppelgänger” (par. 4). What does she mean? What is a doppelgänger?
3. What is Weblining (par. 10)? What is the source of this term?
4. Use a dictionary if necessary to help you define any of the following words: mag-
nitude (par. 2); revenue, mechanisms (3); scrutinize (5); renege (6); proclivities
(7); stigmatizing (8); bombarded, forgo (11).
on
Suggestions for Writing
1. FROM JOURNAL TO ESSAY Based on the list you created in your journal, write
an essay in which you COMPARE AND CONTRAST how you view yourself with how
you think the digital world views you. You might focus on a single aspect
identity (for example, you may see yourself as fun-loving, while you're careful
a number of characteristics that make up your
of your
Definition
456
configuration of privilege or the lack thereof? We would live in a world of
silence if the only people who were allowed to write or speak from experience
3
4
11
many
ongoing attempts to silence and render
5
12
1
2
or about difference were those absolutely without privilege.
When people wield accusations of privilege, more often than not, they
want to be heard and seen. Their need is acute, if not desperate, and that need
invisible marginalized groups. Must we satisfy our need to be heard and seen
by preventing anyone else from being heard and seen? Does privilege auto-
matically negate any merits of what a privilege holder has to say? Do we ignore
everything, for example, that white men have to say?
We need to get to a place where we discuss privilege by way of obser-
vation and acknowledgment rather than accusation. We need to be able to
argue beyond the threat of privilege. We need to stop playing Privilege or
Oppression Olympics because we'll never get anywhere until we find more
effective of talking through difference. We should be able to say, “This
is my truth," and have that truth stand without a hundred clamoring voices
shouting, giving the impression that multiple truths cannot coexist. Because
at some point, doesn't privilege become beside the point?
Privilege is relative and contextual. Few people in the developed world, and
particularly in the United States, have no privilege at all. Among those of us who
participate in intellectual communities, privilege runs rampant. We have dispos-
able time and the ability to access the Internet regularly. We have the freedom to
express our opinions without the threat of retaliation. We have smartphones and
iProducts and desktops and laptops. If you are reading this essay, you have some
kind of privilege. It may be hard to hear that, I know, but if you cannot recognize
your privilege, you have a lot of work to do; get started.
ways
3
4
13
1
2
3
4
Journal Writing
Gay's "bills are paid,” she notes, and she has a good job and is “reasonably well pub-
lished” (par. 5). In your journal, consider the meaning of success, focusing on these
questions: Whom do you consider to be successful, and why? Where do your ideas of
success come from
- your parents? your friends? your schooling? the media?
5
Questions on Meaning
1. In your own words, SUMMARIZE Gay's definition of privilege.
2. What does Gay mean by the difference between relative and absolute poverty"
(par. 1)? How does that difference apply to her understanding of privilege?
1
1 of
Gay / Peculiar Benefits
nce
457
hey
11
eed
der
"accused of having privilege” (par. 7)?
3. What does Gay believe to be the most basic reason people object when they're
4. In paragraph 7, Gay says that acknowledging her privilege “is not a denial of the
explain this contradiction?
ways (she has] been and [is] marginalized.” What does she mean? How do you
5. What seems to be Gay's PURPOSE in this essay? What solution to the problem of
privilege does she propose? Is she optimistic or pessimistic that people can be
en
re
encouraged to be more empathetic to others?
12
Questions on Writing Strategy
1. Why does Gay open by detailing her first family trip to Haiti? How does this
assumptions?
INTRODUCTION lead into her subject?
2. What does Gay assume about her AUDIENCE? To what extent do you fit her
the EFFECT of her admissions?
3. Why is Gay so careful to enumerate her own privileges in paragraph 5? What is
4. OTHER METHODS How does Gay use CLASSIFICATION to sort out the types of
privilege she sees in the contemporary world? What categories does she identify?
What, if any, forms of privilege might you add to her lists?
13
Questions on Language
1. Find some examples of both formal and informal DICTION in the essay. What is
the effect of Gay's word choices?
2. Why does Gay capitalize the phrases “Game of Privilege” and “Oppression Olym-
pics" in paragraphs 9 and 12? What does she mean by these terms?
. What is "white noise” (par. 4)? Why is this metaphor particularly apt, given Gay's
subject and purpose? (For a definition of metaphor, see FIGURES OF SPEECH in the
Glossary.)
4. Notice that Gay shifts POINT OF VIEW in paragraph 8 and again in her conclusion,
addressing readers directly as you. What is the effect of the last two sentences of
the essay in particular?
5. Be sure you know the meanings of the following words, checking a dictionary if
necessary: pervasively (par. 1); shanties (2); immunity
, peculiar (3); intramari-
tal, frivolity (5); intervening, unfathomable, legislate (6); marginalized (7); dis-
enfranchised (8); demographic (9); discourse, specter, configuration (10); acute
(11); clamoring (12)
Suggestions for Writing
Compose an extended definition of success that includes
explored them in your
Purchase answer to see full
attachment