Christine Giancatarino
WRIT 105
Fall 2017
Essay Question 2 (Documented Essay): The BODY
In this unit, we explored the relationship of the body to the environments that surround us. For
this essay, please choose one of the following questions to answer. The paper must be at least
2000 words long, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, be double-spaced, and have 1”
margins. You must include a Works Cited page in every draft. The Works Cited page will count
toward word count.
In addition, because this paper also serves as the documented essay for the course, you will be
required to include a minimum of two outside peer-reviewed sources, and 1 CRAAP tested
source in the writing of your paper. This means that you will be writing in conversation with the
primary texts, as well as the two secondary research texts that you obtain. (In this unit, we will
explore the difference between primary and secondary texts, as well as how to conduct academic
research).
OPTION 1:
In this unit, we’ve explored what it means to be “differently-abled” in an ableist society. The
texts by Harriet McBride Johnson, Aimee Mullins and Steve Kramer confront the ableist
hierarchy and challenge the assumptions that equate able-bodiedness with “beauty,”
“wholeness,” and “ability.” For this essay, develop an argument and craft a claim that
challenges the ableist hierarchy that exists today. In doing so, consider how dismantling
ableism require us to reconsider how beauty is constructed. As you develop your argument,
use the texts from McBryde Johnson, Mullins, Kramer, and/or any of the texts we read in this
unit to support your claim. Consider how these authors have become, “architects of their own
identities… designing their bodies from a place of empowerment” (Mullins). How have they
redefined what is valued as beautiful? In what ways do they challenge the privilege given to
able-bodiedness? In what ways have they reclaimed power from “the look?”
Please note: Part of this response challenges you to confront how “beauty” is built and defined.
However, be cautious of falling into a conversation claiming that “beauty means different things
to different people” as this is not arguable, nor does it necessitate a 2000 word essay. Instead,
consider the ways in which these authors challenge us to redefine and reconstruct what is
considered beautiful and purposeful in society in order to support your argument.
In your response, be sure to draw on specific evidence from at least two of the sources
mentioned from this unit, In addition, you must use a minimum of two peer-reviewed
sources and 1 CRAAP tested source to support your claim.
OPTION 21:
At the beginning of this unit, you completed a freewrite exploring your relationship to your own
body. In addition, you were also asked to consider the ways in which society (family, friends,
university community, the media, etc.) judged your “body” taking into consideration the politics
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Adapted from J. Restaino
that surround your body (gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical features, body art,
etc.).
For this paper, your task is to review and even expand upon that initial freewrite and build
an argument and craft a claim about the politics of your body. How are your experiences
related to, or a derivation from, the concerns the authors raise in their texts? Which
body/ies most resonate with your body, either literally or metaphorically: The obese body
(Gay/West)? The differently-abled body (Mullins)? The imperfect body (McBryde
Johnson)? The “forgiving” body (Kramer)? Why and how? What are the similarities between
these authors experiences and yours? In what ways do these authors get you thinking, or
understanding your own experiences in a new way?
In order to be successful, you will need to integrate discussion of your experiences with critical
reading of our readings/videos/podcasts from this unit. Even though you are crafting the essay
based on lived experience, you still must build an argument. This means that you need to
present a clear, arguable central claim and support your ideas with proof and analysis. The
prompt is not asking you to write about your unsubstantiated opinions or your feeling. As a
reader, I want to understand why you think the way you do. To do this, you will need to rely on
the readings as well as your research as evidence to back up your claims. You must draw on at
least three of the texts from this unit. In addition, you must use a minimum of two peerreviewed sources and 1 CRAAP tested source to support your claim.
OPTION 3:
The texts from Cold Call Podcast, West, and Gay as well as the National Geography video and
the “Feeding America” interactive map about the obesity/hunger paradox address our cultural
relationship between food consumption and body image. For this essay, craft an argument and
develop a claim that considers the following: In what ways do cultural expectations about
obesity and/or thinness challenge how we define beauty, health, and/or wealth? How might
arguments in the Cold Call Podcast, and made by Gay and West complicate notions of
“fatness” as well as cultural expectations of the body?
The Cold Call Podcast, Gay, and West texts seem to be a natural fit for this response, but you are
free to use any readings/videos/podcasts from this unit. Furthermore, while inclusion of your
personal experience might be acceptable in your response question, please think beyond your
personal experience and consider the question in relation to other individuals as well as those
with gender identities different from your own.
In your response, be sure to draw on specific evidence from at least three of the sources from
this unit to support your claim. In addition, you must use a minimum of two peer-reviewed
sources and 1 CRAAP tested source to support your claim.
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