Writing For Communication

  There are many components that go into my writing process; however, revision doesn't play as big of a role as it should. Through the duration of this class I have had to adapt and revise more often and thoroughly. Revision plays a large role in the portfolio assignment and, unsurprisingly, it has helped to improve my writing. Usually, I don't revise papers except for a few minuscule errors I'll find while rereading it, but this class has demanded the opposite. I am working to improve my writing process and trying to think preemptively and revise numerous portions of my papers.

Doing the cover letter, it was nice already having a resume to refer to. Knowing that I need an internship for my major, I decided to write a cover letter for a non-profit organization that I actually want to work at and offers internships. Knowing my work history, it was hard to word it in a way that made it sound like applicable experience. For example, most of my resume deals with the childcare industry. That does not translate well into a communications internship. However, knowing the company I'm applying for I was able to tailor to them because they deal with Group B Strep that is passed from mother to child.

When writing this press release together, I feel that Elise and I combined our styles and ideas. While at times our ideas were not the same we were very good and compromising and listening to each other's tips and suggestions. I contributed to this assignment by sharing some original ideas and knowledge from past experience writing this press releases for my public relations class. The content was our main focus because that is what matters most to the reader. Due to that I tried to share thoughts that would be specialized towards and interesting to our audience.

The interviewing process, while awkward to conduct, was well worth it when it came to writing the article. They helped me find a tone for the article and it was nice being able to harness their opinions so I could omit my own. I also got an interview from an FPU student whose team lost, so it was nice to get her perspective and gave my article a more rounded perspective. These interviews basically were my inspiration for choosing my angle for my readers, because the people I interviewed are similar to who I wanted to direct my article towards. I feel like my quotes are help build emphasis towards my focus.

          When it came to deciding on a topic, I first made a list of my interests. Next, I narrowed the list by seeing what topics I could find actually write enough words on and had a concept that was applicable to the audience. Then I decided on a topic that I thought would be best to write about, which lead to my research. I looked up pertinent article that were current in the news that lead me to a few stories and issue that I was able to incorporate and use to support my idea. I think that my topic related to my audience because it is something that is well known in various cultures and depending on their mode of thinking, can directly apply. I incorporated real life examples and scenarios to do so.

                                       Tattoos vs. Piercings

Many people think that tattoos are for hardcore punk hooligans, which they are, but they’re not limited to them. Anyone can get a tattoo and no one should be judged for it.

Tattooing is a type of body modification that has a distinct stigma surrounding it. Piercings, which are also considered a type of body modification, are more embrace. Both of these forms have similar traits and are visibly identifiable. However, stereotypically, many people see piercings as more acceptable and fashionable and look down on tattoos as low class. Tattoos should get more credit and praise than piercings because, although they have recently come under fire, are an art form.

Currently, religion is involved and people are sighting scripture as a reason to demean other people with tattoos. Specifically, Leviticus 9:28, which condemns “tattooed marks” on the body. We won’t even get into why that argument is not only out of context, but also outdated; let’s just say it’s in the old testament for a reason. For all we know, God may see piercings as a sin, so any Christian with a piercing should consider repentance.

No one should have to authority to dictate what another person does with their body. If a person is considering getting a tattoo, one argument against it is that they’ll look bad when your older and it won’t be appropriate. But go ahead and pierce your nose, you’ll definitely still be rocking it at 80.

It’s hypocritical to think that one form of body modification is above another. Even some people with piercings look down on those with tattoos; I’ve seen it happen first-hand. A recent study in Time magazine looks at how people with tattoo’s feel pressure from others, especially when it comes to their reason behind it.

Sure, tattoos cost more, have more of a risk and pain factor and are permanent, but they are also much more significant. A tattoo tells a story and has meaning portrayed through color, design and technique. Not all wearers of tattoos embody the significance, but whoever designed and tattooed it has it permanently displayed on a living and breathing canvass.

Piercings are just holes that hold the work of others in the form of jewelry. It would seem that their only importance is for the sake of vanity. Tattoos have a uniqueness to them that can never be definitely replicated, while walking down the street people’s piercing placement will be  just like everyone else’s. A few in ear, on in the nose, maybe their belly button, it’s all real original.

Parents even get their baby’s ears pierced without a second thought, but a tattoo would be outrageous and is against the law in many states if the participant is under 18. This is because they acknowledge that tattoos shouldn’t be administered to children, but still think sticking holes in their ears is perfectly acceptable.

Tattoos are a type of art that people have dedicated their lives to. There are so many aspects and traditions regarding and surrounding it. It takes years to become proficient enough to do a good tattoo, while anyone who works at Claire’s is a professional in piercings. Tattooing is a platform for expression and skill and supersedes vanity yet is seen as second-class.

When it comes to getting a job, tattoos can even be your enemy. Many people look down on people with tattoos, seeing them as uneducated and unprofessional. However, what’s on your skin shouldn’t define what’s in your head. Some companies even go so far as demanding that employees cover them with clothing or make-up, while people with ear, nose or other face  piercings can leave them in. A teacher in the UK was even recently fired for her tattoos, and her story has lead to much controversy. That should not be deemed fair but is because people see tattoos as lesser. For example, if you were at the doctors you might opt out of having the doctor with sleeves and face tattoos or at least be apprehensive if they were to be treating you. Why? Because it brings their judgment of the social norm into question.

If, when meeting someone for the first time, they have their ears or nose pierced, you might not think twice about it. However, if they have a simple visible tattoo, you might question their choices and think they are impulsive, especially if it is of something you don’t like.

Tattoos shouldn’t be taboo. This stigma should be recognized and the stereotype should be changed or a whole community of people will continue to be ostracized.

              Looking back at the writing process of this literature review, I find that referring to the annotated bibliography and doing a similar analysis to the journal article analysis on each source, really benefitted me. After doing the annotated bibliography, I was able to see which points in my research were lacking and therefore, what sources I could add to my literature review. The hardest part of the literature review was finding the dialogue between my sources. However, through multiple attempts at making an outline, I was able to clearly map out how I wanted to present the research so that it would make sense with my thought process.

                Due to the previous assignment, the article analysis, the finding articles that were pertinent to me subject was much faster. In the past, I spent the majority of my writing time finding the sources, let alone actually incorporating them into my paper. This time, I was able to find my articles easily and was able to spend more time analyzing them and doing the assignment. I also liked finding the sources for my topic because it is something I'm interested in and wanted to learn more about. Finding the topic was also important because I learned how to better focus my topic to allow for better quality of research.

While I generally hate reading academic articles, this assignment actually helped me gain not only an understanding, but an appreciation for them. The step-by-step guidelines were also refreshing. Often times, I receive assignments that have no clear direction, which can be difficult because I have to tailor my writing to each professor and, therefore, need to know what they expect. By following the guidelines, I was able to make sure I had each component and check them off.

                    When it comes to my writing style, it's either on point or lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle. While writing, I try to sound educated and engaging and do so by incorporating various sentence structures and words. The thesaurus is my friend and without it many of my longer writings begin to sound repetitive. I prefer informal writing, like journaling and reflections, to longer academic research writing. I enjoy it more because I feel it's more applicable to myself, and it's more motivating because I write selfishly - that is I want to get something out of it.

                     Nowadays in elementary school, they teach you to write before you can even read. The sweet kindergarten teacher that you'll always remember will show you how to write and recite the alphabet and when it's appropriate to write an upper case or lower case letter, and that's when you begin developing your thoughts on writing. Sure, it starts by learning the basics, but through years of schooling and red pen marks your writing voice is found. For me personally, my writing is still developing with the contribution of new lessons, and I hope it continues to do so.

            One of the most valuable writing rules that I was taught to follow is that verbs of being should be scarce and instead by replace by more interesting verbs. For example, my entire senior year of high school, my teacher forbid my class from using is, are, was and were. Following this rule, I show more detail and add clarification because it forces me to find concise wording that provides a more accurate meaning. Do I always follow this rule? Well, just from this paragraph I think it's fair to say I do not, but it's a good lesson to bring forth in my writing when the time calls for it. Another rule I was taught to follow was the "this what" rule, meaning that the word "this" should always be followed by a noun. For example, the sentence "this made me happy" is incorrect and could be modified as "this story made me happy." I think this rule is most connected to showing enough detail because without the addition of the noun, the reader is left to assume what "this" refers to.