Posted: February 1st, 2023
Reading: “ The Social Networks”, by Neal Gabler
Writing Prompt: Write an argumentative paper in which you agree or disagree with Gabler’s claim that, “instead of bringing comfort, [television] seems only to remind us of our alienation” [para. 6 of the essay].
Hint : Remember, you must take a position on the effect of television, does it help us or hurt us in the way Neal Gabler claims? Then compose a thesis stating your position and defend it throughout the paper. Stay in 3rd person, NOT 1st person.
Writing Preparation: In order to help sharpen writing skills, do the following:
· Study a sample response paper in the ‘sample papers’ area to familiarize yourself with how a formal response paper must be formatted and written. You must include an introductory paragraph with a thesis, a strong supportive body, and a conclusion.
· See Thesis Statements at Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). This is an online tutorial for composing and writing thesis statements. Click into ‘writing tips’ on the main menu.
· See Paraphrasing and Quoting at Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). This is an online tutorial for paraphrasing and quoting material for research papers. Click into ‘writing tips’ and study.
MLA In-Text Citations: You must use MLA in-text citations when not using signal phrases such as: According to Brown. Go to the ‘writing tips’ area and locate the Richland College Library home page for information on creating in text citations. You may also access the Purdue OWL and search MLA in-text citations. Lastly, study a sample research essay in ‘sample papers’. There will be use of in-text citations and works cited pages.
Format Requirements:
· Title
· 3 double-spaced pages,
· 3rd person only
· 12 point font
· New Times Roman Typeface
SOLUTION
In Neil Gabler’s article “Life the Movie: How Entertainment Conquered Reality,” he argues that television, instead of bringing comfort, only serves to reinforce feelings of alienation in viewers. While it is true that television can have a profound impact on how people perceive reality and interact with one another, Gabler’s claim is overly simplistic and fails to take into account the many benefits of this medium.
On one hand, Gabler is correct in his assessment that television can reinforce feelings of alienation. In a world where the line between reality and fiction is often blurred, it is easy for viewers to become detached from real-life events and relationships. This detachment can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, as individuals become more invested in the lives of fictional characters than in their own.
However, Gabler’s argument ignores the fact that television can also serve as a powerful tool for connecting people and fostering a sense of community. Television shows, particularly those with dedicated fan bases, provide a space for individuals to share their experiences and connect with others who have similar interests. This can lead to a feeling of belonging and a sense of community, even among people who have never met in person.
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