hailey swanson e- portfolio

Hailey Swanson

ENC-3311 Essay as Cultural Commentary

Professor Matthew Bryan

E-Portfolio- Draft 1

Table of Contents

1) Introduction: My Final Thoughts on the Occasional Essay; pp. 3-6

2) Defining the Occasional Essay DRAFT; pp. 7-10

3) Defining the Occasional Essay FINAL; pp. 11-

4) The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays DRAFT; pp.

5) The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays FINAL; pp.

6) Small Town Living DRAFT; pp.

7) Small Town Living FINAL; pp.

My Final Thoughts on the Occasional Essay

As I am writing final papers and giving end of the semester presentations, the Spring

2014 semester is coming to a close. I feel like I have learned much valuable information and

essential skills as a student, but perhaps the most impactful aspect of my schooling this semester

has been my improvement as a writer. Before enrolling in the ENC-3311 Essay as Cultural

Commentary course, I realize now that I did not know much about essays. Because of my high

school experience with essay writing, I thought of essays as five-paragraph structures that only

focused on boring, educational topics. I used to dread writing them because of how repetitive and

overall monotonous they were to me. However, Professor Bryan’s Essay as Cultural

Commentary course completed changed my opinion of essays. In this course, I had the

opportunity to further explore the essay genre outside of the boundaries once set for them by my

former instructors. I got more in-depth with my understanding of essays, learning about the

subgenre of the occasional essay, and I did all of this with guidance along the way.

When this semester started and I began working on assignments, I remember not

knowing what to expect. When I initially signed up for this course, I thought, “What if I have to

write essay after essay? That does not sound like any fun.” I feared having to read long, pointless

essays, and even more, having to write them. However, I wanted to challenge myself, and I

figured that I could learn a few lessons to help me in the future, as writing in almost any

profession is inevitable. Also, I love writing, and I wanted to explore a side of it that I knew

barely anything about. Luckily, I decided to take on this challenge, because this course turned

out to be both beneficial and exciting. My outlook completely changed on essays; I used to dread

reading and writing them, but after taking this class, I feel the opposite now.

During the first part of the semester, when Professor Bryan chose essays for the class to

read, I was surprised by how interesting they were. They focused on topics that were meaningful

and served a bigger purpose other than being “educational” or “entertaining.” The topic of each

essay varied, which helped me to realize the vastness of essays. “All essays are not the same,”

was then imprinted into my mind. I could write about anything I wanted to, with varying lengths,

styles, rhetorical strategies, etc. I embraced this sense of freedom, and I felt like it was the next

major step on my journey as a writer.

It is when I began writing my own essays that I first started to understand the occasional

essay subgenre. This was a completely foreign concept to me, as when I thought I barely knew

anything about the essay genre, another subgenre was getting thrown at me. However, by

analyzing different texts, writing my own pieces, and receiving feedback from both my peers and

Professor Bryan, I began to grasp its purpose. Whereas essays are vast and near limitless, the

occasional essay focuses more on specific events or ideas, and provides commentary about

culturally relevant issues. However, similar to the essay genre, it is constantly changing and open

to new ideas, rhetorical strategies, styles, etc. In other words, the occasional essay focuses on a

specific occasion and provides cultural commentary about it, both analyzing and describing a

bigger picture that is supposed to be insightful and meaningful, whereas an essay does not

necessarily focus on a specific occasion or hold a bigger meaning behind it.

“Consider the Lobster” by David Foster Wallace was the first assigned reading of this

semester that helped me to understand the meaning behind the occasional essay. In this essay,

Wallace focuses on the occasion of the Maine Lobster Festival, and he uses the bait and switch

technique to bring up the issue of the mistreatment of lobsters. When writers incorporate

rhetorical strategies such as the bait and switch technique, not only does this increase the target

audience numbers and capture their attention because of the topic relevance, but this makes room

for a bigger picture to be brought up. For example, in Wallace’s essay, the cultural issue being

discussed is the mistreatment of lobsters. Wallace makes this issue relevant by relating it to the

Maine Lobster Festival, which is an annual event that residents and tourists come to and support.

Wallace captures the attention of readers, many of them likely future attendees of this festival, by

making them think that they are reading about this event. However, he turns the tables and not

only increases the number of people this essay can now relate to, but he causes readers to think

about their own actions. He gets into detail about some lobsters even being boiled alive and the

horrible pain they endure, and it is specific details like this that he wants readers to take in, so

that they can consider the event they are supporting. In the end, he encourages his audience to

take action by leaving them to make a conscience decision about whether or not to attend this

festival, and it is this call to action that wraps up his story. It is these calls to action that wrap up

the occasional essay, and the bigger picture behind the story being shared.

Additionally, the occasional essay uses rhetorical strategies to not only create a bigger

picture and encourage a call to action, but it builds the authority and credibility of the writer.

When a writer can use rhetorical strategies to provide research, specific information,

testimonials, interviews, personal experiences, etc., it makes them more believable as an author.

It proves that they are knowledgeable about the topic they are writing about, and that what they

say and the point they are making can be trusted. When a writer is vague and does not provide

any specific information to try to make a point, it comes across as rambling and possibly even

that they are not familiar with the very topic they are writing about. If a writer can prove to their

audience that they are familiar with a topic and understand its implications, to create a bigger

picture that is relevant to them as readers, then they can be regarded as authoritative and

believable. When it comes to my own experiences as a writer, as I have began choosing essays to

read and topics to write about on my own, I know that I am only continuing to grow. This course

has helped me to understand the basic concepts behind the occasional essay, including its

meaning and purpose, and I will utilize this information for the future. Just like anything in life,

writing requires constant learning and practice, but there is always room to explore and to

improve. My career as a writer is still blossoming, but I know that I am on the right track. I have

explored different essays, received valuable feedback, and applied myself enough to be

successful in the future.

If there is one important concept that I took out of this class, in addition to learning more

about the essay as cultural commentary, it is to be open-minded to all the opportunities I have as

a writer. As I mentioned in my introduction, I did not expect to find this course so enjoyable. I

thought that it would be extremely time-consuming, difficult, and boring, but I took a chance. I

remained open-minded about the knowledge I could obtain from this course, and in the end, it

ended up being my favorite course this semester. I found it so enjoyable to hear different stories,

to write a multitude of my own stories, and to help others improve their writing. I was able to

encourage people to think more in-depth about different concepts, including the concept of

“appreciating the little things” in Major Assignment 3, which is something very important to me.

I think that sometimes we all get so caught up in what we are doing, that we forget to take time

to sit back, smile, and enjoy the small blessings in life. I am grateful to have the opportunity to

inspire, improve, and learn, and because of my personal progress in this class, and even as a

writer in my personal life, I know that I am on the right track for a successful future as a writer,

in whatever field of work I choose to go into.

Defining the Occasional Essay DRAFT

The occasional essay is made up of numerous genres and subgenres, which create

diversity in writing. The diversity within these genres and subgenres can be seen through various

styles and strategies of writing, different authorial personas, and personal stories, which reflect

larger cultural issues. Every writer has a story to tell, it is just their method of doing so which

makes them unique. In this course, we have read and discussed a multitude of distinct essays,

including Joseph Epstein’s personal essay “Duh-Boring,” Phillip Lopate’s lyric essay “Curiouser

and Curiouser: The Practice of Nonfiction Today,” and David Foster Wallace’s personal essay

“The View from Mrs. Thompson’s.” Each writer has an occasion for their essay, or rather a story

with a purpose, with an overall goal in mind. That goal could be to bring a lesser known issue to

light, as Wallace does to reveal the harsh killing methods of lobsters in “Consider the Lobster,”

or to prove a point, the way Robert Atwan does in “Foreword: Of Topics” to discuss the evolving

of essay as a genre. Ultimately, authors want their audiences to gain something from their

writing, but it is up to the audience themselves to examine and find a deeper meaning within the

essays.

When it comes to the reading and analyzing of occasional essays, an effective strategy in

understanding the main message is to compare them to one another. By making note of their

similarities and differences, an overall message can be seen and further discussed as cultural

commentary. For example, Epstein’s “Duh-Boring” explores the subject of boredom. There are

different aspects to boredom, from situational boredom to existential boredom. Situational

boredom arises from a person’s current situation, such as where a person is located or what

actions they are engaging in, whereas existential boredom is overall dissatisfaction of the way

one lives their life. The occasion of this essay is to provide personal insight about boredom, and

to further get the reader involved, so that they will consider their own concept of boredom. In

comparison, Lopate’s “Curiouser and Curiouser: The Practice of Nonfiction Today,” also

discusses a concept. The concept that Lopate discusses has to do with the differences between

obsession and curiosity. There is a distinction between the two, each which serve as potential

motivators for writing. Curiosity is thought-provoking and non-aggressive, as well as spiritual

and open-minded to seeking knowledge and the unknown. On the contrary, obsession is narrow-

minded, narcissistic, and controlling. Practicality divides the two; curiosity is casual, whereas

obsession is overbearing. A person can become engulfed in their obsession of a person, place,

thing, or idea, and it can drive them mad. When it comes to motivation in writing, both curiosity

and obsession are driving forces. However, the nature of the individual is the ultimate driving

force when it comes to writing.

Furthermore, by analyzing Epstein’s and Lopate’s essays, comparisons are able to be

made between the two. Both essayists explore related subjects, these subjects being boredom,

curiosity, and obsession. The essays revolve around human nature, and the concepts and thoughts

behind them. Just like the essays we read in this class, people share similarities and differences.

Those similarities and differences expose a bigger picture about life itself and the world we, the

audience, live in. Through these two specific writings, we can gain an understanding about the

way humans feel, and relate it to our own lives. Getting readers to think outside the text and

apply concepts to real world situations are one tactic the authors make use of, sometimes without

the reader even realizing it. Overall, this can apply to every essay we have read in this class. The

objective of each essay has been to note an occasion, a bigger picture that is made clear through

the telling a story, and to make sense of it. That means breaking the essay down, putting some

thought into it, making realizations, and then further considering those ideas. Occasional essays

all take on various forms, but ultimately, they all carry the same vision of sharing some type of

societal message with an audience.

Based on what I have learned about the occasional essay, I have considered its meaning

and overall goals in relation to other types of essays. As Atwan and Brooks noted, the essay has

evolved from the twentieth into the twenty-first century. Essays used to have a stronger literary

merit and were not introspective, but now they are primarily focused on research. Research

experts are less eloquent, but can be intimidating to other writers simply because of the

knowledge they possess. However, the internet and self-improving ethos have revived essay

writing, making room for deeper thought and new ideas. In relation to other types of essays,

occasional essays can focus on more than one subject, and can be shared from different

perspectives. Overall, they aim to create awareness and to give meaning to the stories being

shared. If a reader can have two realizations on a subject, it is as equally encouraged as having

one or three. From genres and subgenres, occasional essays can vary in their style, authorial

persona, and message. For instance, a memoir is a narrative, through which the author shares

personal experiences and struggles they have undergone throughout their life. A memoir reflects

both personal and societal issues, which allows the reader to ponder the consequences of the

actions taken from the perspectives of both the author and society, as they viewed it. On the

other hand, a personal essay is like a memoir in that it involves deep thought, but only from the

perspective of the author, as seen in “Consider the Lobster.” It is completely personal, thrives off

not only fact but allows for opinion, and solely tells the story of the author. Both the memoir and

personal essay reflect the differences seen in different genres and subgenres of writing.

In addition to “Consider the Lobster,” Wallace shares his feelings about another

unpleasant realization in his personal essay “The View from Mrs. Thompson’s.” In this essay,

the occasion is 9/11, and the message he wants to convey focuses on the subject of American

pride. Compared to others in his town, Wallace feels alienated when it comes to his sense of

pride. He feels that other people do not fully understand the meaning of being an American, and

implies that they live too much in the now. By this meaning, for example, the elderly women in

Wallace’s company, who feel sympathy for the victims and the tragedy itself, but do not

understand anything further than that. Some reason of dislike for America gave the terrorists a

reason for flying those planes into the Twin Towers, and that showed that America meant

something to them, and displayed their lack of pride. However, the fact of the matter is that

America meant something to them, just as it meant something to Wallace. The message in this

personal essay is important to understand, because it is more than a story about a man who

cannot find a flag to display in his yard, who gets together with others to secondhand witness a

tragedy. The subject of American pride is meaningful to Wallace, and through his words the

audience can understand his true feelings. Not only can they understand his feelings, but they can

consider their stance on the situation as well. What do readers think the terrorists’ sense of

American pride was like? What does their own personal sense of American pride encompass, if

they even have one?

Defining the Occasional Essay FINAL

The occasional essay is made up of numerous genres and subgenres, creating diversity in

writing. The diversity within these genres and subgenres can be seen through various styles and

strategies of writing, different authorial personas, and personal stories, which reflect larger

cultural issues. Every writer has a story to tell, it is just their method of doing so which makes

each story unique. In this course, we have read and discussed a multitude of distinct essays,




serving a greater purpose, with an overall goal in mind. That goal could be to bring a lesser

known issue to light, as Wallace does to reveal the harsh killing methods of lobsters in “Consider

the Lobster,” or to prove a point, the way Robert Atwan does in “Foreword: Of Topics” to

discuss the evolving of essay as a genre. Ultimately, authors want their audiences to gain

something from their writing, but it is up to the audience themselves to examine and find a

deeper meaning within the essays.

When it comes to the reading and analyzing of occasional essays, the strategy of

comparison can help decipher each essay’s cultural commentary, exposing an overall message to

the readers. For example, Epstein’s “Duh-Boring” explores the subject of boredom and its

different aspects, including situational boredom and existential boredom. Situational boredom

arises from a person’s current situation, such as where a person is located or what actions they

are engaging in, whereas existential boredom is overall dissatisfaction of the way one lives their

life. The occasion of this essay is to provide personal insight that boredom is a part of everyone’s

life, and that “one cannot be human without at some time or other having known boredom.”

Upon reading this, Epstein’s goal is to get the reader involved by considering their own concept

of boredom. In comparison, Lopate’s “Curiouser and Curiouser: The Practice of Nonfiction

Today,” also discusses a concept regarding human nature. The concept that Lopate discusses has

to do with the differences between obsession and curiosity. There is a distinction between the

two, each serving as potential motivators for writing. Curiosity is thought-provoking and non-

aggressive, as well as spiritual and open-minded to seeking knowledge and the unknown. On the

contrary, obsession is narrow-minded, narcissistic, and controlling. Practicality divides the two;

curiosity is casual, whereas obsession is overbearing. A person can become engulfed in their

obsession of a person, place, thing, or idea, and it can drive them mad. When it comes to

motivation in writing, both curiosity and obsession are driving forces. However, the nature of the

individual is the ultimate driving force when it comes to writing.

Furthermore, by analyzing Epstein’s and Lopate’s essays, comparisons can be made

between the two. Both essayists explore related subjects about human nature, these subjects

being boredom, curiosity, and obsession. Just like the essays we read in this class, people share

similarities and differences. Those similarities and differences expose a bigger picture about life

itself and the world we, the audience, live in. Through these two specific writings, we can gain

an understanding about the way humans feel, and relate it to our own lives. Getting readers to

think outside the text and apply concepts to real world situations are one tactic the authors

incorporate, sometimes without the reader even realizing it. Overall, this can apply to every

essay we have read in this class. The objective of each essay has been to note an

occasion, a bigger picture that is made clear through the telling a story, and to make sense of it.

That means breaking the essay down, putting some thought into it, making realizations, and then

further considering those ideas. Occasional essays all take on various forms, but ultimately, they

all carry the same vision of sharing some type of societal message with an audience.

Based on what I have learned about the occasional essay, I have considered the meaning

and overall goals of this subgenre in relation to essay genres as a whole. As Atwan and Brooks

noted, the essay has evolved from the twentieth into the twenty-first century. Essays previously

held a stronger literary merit and were less introspective, but now they are primarily focused on

research. Research experts are not as eloquent, but they can be intimidating to other writers

simply because of the knowledge they possess. Yet, the internet and self-improving ethos have

revived essay writing, making room for deeper thought and new ideas. Furthermore, essays are

broad in focus, and have no set guidelines to their structure. In grade school, students are taught

to organize their essays into five paragraphs, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. It is

assumed that this is the standard format of essays, because students do not know otherwise.

Hence, just as writers fear essays because they feel their work cannot compare to experts, they

fear breaking this standard format of essay writing. However, it is a false assumption that essays

should be uniform in any sort of way. Essays can be written through various writing styles,

possessing different voices, discussing endless topics, which lead to subgenres, such as the

occasional essay.

In relation to the essay genre, occasional essays are narrower in focus, and can be shared

from different perspectives. While they are not narrow in their range of subjects, it is that once a

subject is chosen, it is further elaborated on, rather than going off on tangents. The goals of

occasional essays are not just to share a story, but to reveal a societal message. They aim to

create awareness and to give meaning to the stories being shared. Hence, writers can let their

voice be heard by readers on a subject in order to influence them to react and take action. In

addition to occasional essays, other subgenres including memoir and personal essay both serve

the similar purpose of sharing a message in an honest manner. It is just the method of delivery

that varies among these different subgenres. For example, a memoir is delivered as a narrative,

through which the author shares personal experiences and struggles they have undergone

throughout their life. A memoir reflects both personal and societal issues, which allows the

reader to ponder the consequences of the actions taken from the perspectives of both the author

and society, as they viewed it. On the other hand, a personal essay is similar to a memoir in that

it involves deep thought and reflects personal and societal issues, but the thoughts communicated

by the author are solely their own. As seen in “Consider the Lobster,” Wallace’s thoughts thrive

off not only fact but allow for opinion of the readers. However, in the essay he does not hold

back on speaking his mind about the treatment of lobsters, and while others can have an opinion

on what he says, he does not allow any outside opinion to hold influence over his thoughts. Both

the memoir and personal essay reflect the similarities and differences seen in various subgenres

of writing.


unpleasant realization in the essay “The View from Mrs. Thompson’s.” The occasion is the

tragic events of 9/11, and the message Wallace wants to convey focuses on the subject of

American pride. Compared to other town members, Wallace feels alienated when it comes to his

sense of pride. He feels that other people do not fully understand the meaning of being an

American, and implies that they live too much in the now. This is food for thought for readers,

because it makes them think about what they are living for, and how it relates to the short and

long term. In relation to the story, an example of this is when the elderly women in Wallace’s

company feel sympathy for the victims and the tragedy itself, but do not understand anything

further than that. He admits, “What these Bloomington ladies are, or start to seem to me, is

innocent. There is what would strike many Americans as a marked, startling lack of cynicism in

the room.” On the contrary, some cause of distaste for America resulted in the terrorists flying

those planes into the Twin Towers, and that showed that America meant something to them,

even if what it meant reflected negative feelings. Their actions displayed their lack of pride, and

while Wallace’s sense of American pride is the opposite of the terrorists’, he feels that he can

relate to them by the fact that his pride was meaningful. He further implies that if the women had

any sense of pride, they would not only be crying about the tragedy of that day, but that they

would react to other events that took place in America. Both tragedies and miracles happen every

day, but often they are overlooked as trivial unless they happen on a large-scale or are unique in

some way. For instance, the issue of race still finds its way into society, despite the integration of

colored people decades ago. Race is nowhere near as close of an issue as it once was, however, it

still exists. Because of the context of the situation, involving race and the mixed interpretations

of the “stand your ground” law, the Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman case recurred as

headlining news up until the past year. I do not want to elaborate on the case itself, but rather use

it to exemplify my point that the media has an effect on American citizens, and what they choose

to view as important and less important. Both 9/11 and the Trayvon Martin case were

unspeakable tragedies, but what aspects of them made people think more about their personal

sense of American pride? Why is it that they only seem to think about it at certain times, rather

than all the time? Even without media as an influence, Americans still hold specific events in

higher regard than others. Overall, that is the message in this essay that Wallace finds important

to understand, because it is more than a story about a man who cannot find a flag to display in

his yard, who gets together with others to secondhand witness a tragedy. The subject of

American pride is meaningful to Wallace, and through his words the audience can understand his

true feelings. Not only can they understand his feelings, but they can consider their stance on the

situation as well. What do readers think the terrorists’ sense of American pride was like? What

does their own personal sense of American pride encompass, if they even have one? Other

aspects that the audience can consider relating to their own sense of American pride includes

what actions they can undertake to show their pride, where they can go with their pride, why

their pride exists, and how their pride relates in comparison to others’.

After analyzing “The View from Mrs. Thompson’s,” I was able to make further

comparisons between Wallace’s idea of the occasional essay in relation to mine, as well as notice

how his work fits into the larger and older tradition of the occasional essay. His work fits into my

definition of the occasional essay prominently due to the point of view he takes, which is first

person. My definition of the occasional essay is that, though open to opinion, the author does not

allow for any opinions to be shared in their work except for their own. Throughout this entire

essay, the only perspective readers have of this event is Wallace’s. Not news anchors’, terrorists’,

town members’, or anyone else’s. He honestly shares his feelings, without fear of embarrassment

or rebuttal. Furthermore, Wallace’s story shares the bigger message of American pride. He could

simply talk about the events, but instead he inputs his own opinion. For example, he opens up

about his feelings of isolation, a subject many people would regard as touchy, saying, “The half-

assed little geography lesson is the start of a feeling of alienation from these good people that

builds in me all throughout the part of the Horror where people flee rubble and dust.” The topic

of 9/11 is broad, but his message is specific, which is how I define the occasional essay.

When it comes to the comparison of traditional essays to Wallace’s, both serve the

ultimate purpose of conveying a message through a story. For example, Francis Bacon, a

traditional writer, and related his subjects to the world around him. In his essays “Of Praise,” “Of

Studies,” and “Of Truth,” Bacon discusses the actions of praising, studying and telling the truth,

and through consideration of their benefits and pitfalls, he reveals the moral nature of society.

They are wrought by manipulation and lies, and susceptible to the negative consequences they

possess. In “Of Praise,” Bacon explains, “Praise is the reflection of virtue; but it is as the glass or

body which giveth the reflection. If it be from the common people, it is commonly false and

naught; and rather followeth vain persons than virtuous.” Hence, meaning that praise is

perceived as positive, yet that assumption is false, and people are vain rather than virtuous. In

comparison, Wallace says, “I’m trying, rather, to explain how some part of the horror of the

Horror was knowing, deep in my heart, that whatever America the men in those planes hated so

much was far more my America, and F-‘s, and poor old loathsome Duane’s, than it was these

ladies’.” Both writers conveyed a message, meant to hold an impact over their audience.

However, differences can be seen through the diction and organizational structure of traditional

essays and Wallace’s. Traditional essays did not always share a story, in the way that they made

a point. In “Of Praise,” Bacon was not sharing a personal story about giving and receiving praise,

then relating it to society. He simply shared his views on praise, and elaborated on those views to

send a message about the falsification of praise. Additionally, he shared the views of others, for

instance, quoting St. Bernard in “Of Atheism.” As far as diction and structure go, traditional

essays took more time to comprehend, because of the word choice and arrangement of words.

Bacon explains, “…and if he be an ordinary flatterer, he will have certain common attributes,

which may serve every man; if he be a cunning flatterer, he will follow the arch-flatterer, which

is a man’s self; and wherein a man thinketh best of himself…” If this were a modern text, it

would read more smoothly, for instance saying, “…if he is an ordinary flatterer” and “…wherein

a man thinks best of himself.” Also, traditional texts had more ongoing sentences, broken up by

semi-colons, had more line breaks than modern texts, and every personal statement got made into

its own paragraph. Overall, these comparisons show how the subgenre of occasional essays has

evolved over time.

What I have learned from analyzing the occasional essay as a subgenre, as well as from

specific texts that encompass it, is that their ultimate purpose it to make a point about a societal

issue. Often, especially in modern writings, this comes through the telling of a story. David

Foster Wallace told stories about the Maine Lobster Festival and 9/11, and further commented on

those occasions by exposing the larger messages of the mistreatment of lobsters as well as

Americans’ false sense of pride. Occasional essays are honest, persuasive, and overall influential

in regards to human nature. The amazing thing about occasional essays are how open to

interpretation they are, and how they have mostly stayed the same as centuries past, by the fact

that they are all trying to share a message. Reading and analyzing occasional essays have opened

up my personal views on rhetoric and persuasion, and how much of an effect they can have on

one’s writing. Writers who can incorporate both are successful at not only sharing their point of

view, but getting others to reflect on their own views because of this. As a growing writer, I have

done enough exploring to understand what the occasional essay as a subgenre is, and how it

relates to the entire genre of essays. It will only help me continue to improve as a writer, and I

have learned valuable skills about the rhetoric and persuasion incorporated into the occasional

essay.

Works Cited

Bacon, Francis. “Of praise.” Quotidiana. Ed. Patrick Madden. N.p., 29 Sep 2006. Web.

02 Feb 2014 <http://essays.quotidiana.org/bacon/praise/>.

Wallace, David F. Consider the Lobster: And Other Essays. New York, NY: Little,

Brown and Company, 2007. 139-40. Print.

The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays

By reading contemporary occasional essays based on various subjects, I have realized

how they are more than just stories meant for entertainment purposes. They allow the author to

tell their personal story, and through commentary, provide thoughts and opinions about larger

cultural issues. Authors use their authority to shed light on issues they feel most important to

them, and do so using various rhetorical strategies. Not only do these strategies keep their

audience hooked and wanting to learn more, but they often make each piece relatable. The

audience looks to the author as a guide to reflect upon their own lives, and these rhetorical

strategies help authors to maintain their authority throughout their entire essay.

Furthermore, while contemporary occasional essays are full of meaningful commentary,

there are certain strategies essayists must use to separate them from becoming a rant. In Mark

Edmundson’s “Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here?” and Wesley Yang’s “Paper

Tigers,” the essayists apply their own strategies to their writing, giving meaning to larger cultural

issues. Edmundson’s strategy of perspective allows the reader to see an important cultural issue

from another point-of-view, whereas Yang’s strategy of personal experience makes his story

relatable and easier to understand for his readers. Additionally, through the use of these

strategies, the authors are able to establish their authority and credibility, without forcing their

thoughts upon their readers. They do so in an explanatory but non-aggressive way, and the

audiences of both essays are able to stay focused and share moments of self-reflection.

In his essay, Edmundson explores an uncommon belief as to why students should attend

college. He explains that college is more than just routinely being involved in extra-curricular

activities, and excelling in both academics and personal relationships, to earn a diploma, which is

how many students view it. Furthermore, it is about challenging the institution and choosing a

major based on one’s passions, rather than focusing on another ulterior motive, such as being

rich, owning a luxury car, or purchasing an expensive house. What one majors in is likely the

type of work that they will be doing until retirement, and though one may be capable of pursuing

any career path which gives them the opportunity to be rich from a financial standpoint, it is

more important to be rich in happiness. Edmundson puts these explanations into perspective,

saying, “The whole business is scary, of course. What if you arrive at college devoted to premed,

sure that nothing will make you and your family happier than a life as a physician, only to

discover that elementary school teaching is where your heart is? (Edmundson, 100)”

Hence, not only does Edmundson explain this cultural issue of education from his own

perspective, but he relates it back to the students’ perspective. This allows them to have a better

understanding of what he is trying to say, by making it relatable to questions they may already be

contemplating on their own. As a college student, I can relate to this point Edmundson makes

about naively pursuing a major based on what seems ideal to family members and the student.

My family as well as extended family graduated with prestigious majors, and have gone on to

become successful in their careers. Initially, I entered college as a Marketing major because my

aunt was a Marketing major, and she has remained successful throughout her career. My dad was

a nuclear engineer and my mom was a nurse, and I have little interest in the fields of math and

science, and I figured that I could manage to do what my aunt did, one day being able to make a

lot of money and live a luxurious lifestyle as she has. However, Marketing involved more math

than I thought, and I realized that Advertising and Public Relations involves more writing and

creativity, which is not only a strength of mine, but a passion too. Therefore, I switched my

major to Advertising and Public Relations. However, it was not until last semester that I realized

my true passion is for writing and photography, and even though both fields are becoming more

difficult to pursue as careers and do not make as much money, I want to be a journalist,

photojournalist, writer, or photographer for the rest of my life. I was a writer and editor for my

high school newspaper for three years, and at the time, I chose not to pursue my current

Journalism major because I knew I probably would likely be less successful in this field of work.

However, I have learned that with hard work and dedication I can be successful, and as long as I

can pay the bills, I would be much happier writing and taking pictures than majoring in

Marketing or Advertising and Public Relations.

Relating to this idea of happiness over money, as Edmundson’s essay progresses, he

makes his defining remarks about what education should mean to students. Edmundson shares,

“Education is about finding out what form of work for you is close to being play- work you do so

easily that it restores you as you go” (Edmundson, 100). Happiness is what drives a person to

excel, and most people do not think about happiness when money and luxuries are involved.

Edmundson makes his audience consider this thought from his perspective, which forces them to

consider what they ultimately value. For instance, by this point a reader may be thinking, “Is this

Biomedical major really worth the luxurious lifestyle I envision, even though I have no interest

in the field of science whatsoever? My passion is the film industry, and even though jobs are

limited and on average pay less than doctors, at least I would enjoy going to work for the next

thirty to forty years of my life.”

Also, readers who may not have thought of a career from Edmundson’s perspective now

have the opportunity to make a decision for themselves, before they find themselves stuck in a

career that they dislike, and have no drive to wake up and go to every day for decades to follow.

Overall, Edmundson is saying that if students want to stick to their major, it is ultimately their

decision. Yet, if they can see the reality behind their decision in the present, then it can better

prepare them for their future. College is a time of self- discovery, and Edmundson uses his

authority as a writer to guide students in the direction they are meant to go in.

Elaborating further on the strategy of switching perspectives in writing, this is a

successful strategy for maintaining authority because of the new concepts and ideas it opens up

to speculation and further thoughts. Often, when one first reads an essay, they are narrow in their

thinking. For instance, Edmundson shares, “You now may think that you’ve about got it made.

Amidst the impressive college buildings, in company with a high-powered faculty, surrounded

by the best of your generation, all you need is to keep doing what you’ve done before: work

hard, get good grades, listen to your teachers, get along with the people around you, and you’ll

emerge in four years as an educated young man or woman. Ready for life” (Edmundson, 89).

Aside from his sarcastic tone, this statement is meant to be realistic and relatable. Edmundson

starts to build his authority from the beginning, by making sure that his audience is on the same

page as one another, and so that they know he understands their own logic. He knows the

common thoughts of students, and their desire to excel, often for the wrong reasons. Hence, he

introduces it from the start, so that he can use it as a reference to influence and shape their

thoughts about their education throughout the rest of the piece. By the time the reader has

finished the essay, all of them have considered their major, and some of them even plan to

change it.

This rhetorical strategy emphasizes the importance of thinking about topics from another

perspective. When one limits themselves to only viewing something from a first-person

perspective, it makes them less culturally aware. They do not know any of the rewards,

consequences, emotions, actions, thoughts, and other aspects of the situation, and the other paths

that they can traverse. They may think that they know, but they have no information to back that

assumption up with. Therefore, it is unfair for anyone to form an opinion on something that they

have not taken the time to learn about. Plus, such events often present windows of opportunity

for learning something completely unthought-of or unheard of, and opinions are often changed

after one decides they want to take the time to truly understand something.

As seen, Edmundson’s unique perspective on this topic shapes the reader’s understanding

of this cultural issue, allowing them to think about education from an un-thought of but relatable

point-of-view regarding education. Also, his perspective builds his authority, making the reader

have to re-consider their major and the future. In conclusion, I chose this essay because of how

relatable it is to my own life. It provided important insight about pursuing a major based on

passion, and re-assured me about my own recent change from Marketing and Advertising and

Public Relations to Journalism. When authors can get their readers to consider a cultural issue

from another perspective, even if it is not well-known or initially accepted, this essay proves that

they can build authority through use of such rhetorical strategies, and create a lasting impact on a

reader.

In addition to looking at topics from other perspectives, another effective strategy used by

essayists to get an audience to understand the cultural issue at large, as well as to ultimately build

their authority, is by providing examples of personal experience. In his essay “Paper Tigers,”

Yang does not only discuss the personal experience of people whom he interviews, but his own

experience as an Asian-American. He wants to inform the general public about the false

assumptions behind the Asian-American stereotype, and to reveal its true nature. By revealing

their personalities, values, and academic life, it will force readers to change their perceptions

about Asian-Americans.

Asian-Americans are often alienated both in school and work based on their race, due to

upbringing, cultural barriers, and other false assumptions. However, by taking the time to learn

about Asian-Americans’ role in society, one can understand their true nature. They are more than

just another nameless face in the crowd, and Yang emphasizes this. His personal experience, and

the experience of other Asian-Americans whom he interviews, ultimately help to establish his

authority of this cultural topic. I chose this essay because, like Edmundson’s essay, it is relatable

to my life, since I am an Asian-American student.

By introducing himself as an Asian- American, he has already started to build authority

over his audience, through the rhetorical strategy of personal experience. Yang admits,

“Sometimes I’ll glimpse my reflection in a window and feel astonished by what I see. Jet-black

hair. Slanted eyes. A pancake-flat surface of yellow-and-green-toned skin. An expression that is

nearly reptilian in its impassivity. I’ve contrived to think of this face as the equal beauty to any

other. But what I feel in these moments is its strangeness to me. It’s my face. I can’t disclaim it.

But what does it have to do with me? (Yang, 274)” His immediacy with this cultural issue makes

his writing personal and more emotionally-driven. Without even saying he is Asian-American,

readers can assume he is because of how he describes himself. Therefore, his audience knows

that what he says matches up with the person he claims to be, and they can respect his point-of-

view, reading further to better understand where he is coming from.

This firsthand knowledge is important in building authority, and showing that he has

personally experienced everything that he writes about. It is an important cultural issue to him,

because not only is he being falsely portrayed, but his family, friends, and acquaintances are as

well. Just like humans in general, not all Asian- Americans are the same. However, they are

often thought of as one entity. This creates the image that they are not fit to be leaders in the

business world, and Yang wants to diffuse this. Hence, he writes with the purpose of making

others understand his perspective through his and others’ examples of personal experience.

An important concept that Yang brings up to help readers understand his point about

Asian-American leadership is “the bamboo ceiling,” which is “an invisible barrier that maintains

a pyramidal structure throughout corporate America” (Yang 281). He contributes this structure

as to why Asian-Americans are often over-looked as leaders in the workplace. One example he

provides attributes cultural barriers, such as not speaking English well, as a reason behind why

they are overlooked for leadership roles. Daniel Chu, a Williams College graduate whom Yang

interviewed, shared a personal experience to help readers further understand this concept. He

shared, “[My father’s] the best programmer at his office, but because he doesn’t speak English

well, he is always passed over” (Yang, 280). This puts the concept of Asian-Americans’ cultural

barriers into a societal perspective, through a personal account about how they are treated in the

workplace when it comes to managerial positions. Yang’s essay is composed of such personal

stories, to make the reader feel sorry for the mistreatment of Asian-Americans, and make them

realize how it is important to look past cultural barriers when casting judgment upon their

abilities. Furthermore, this forces the readers to change how they view Asian-Americans, and

even beyond them, how they view other stereotypes. Often, those who are not considered for

leadership have the potential for being the strongest leaders; it takes looking beyond the surface

to realize this.

Other reasons why Asian-Americans are over-looked as leaders is because of the because

of their false sense of being and character. Outsiders view them as one entity, and do not realize

how different each person is. Also, those who judge Asian-Americans are often not familiar with

their upbringing, or they misunderstand it because they have never been in their shoes. Yang

provides accounts of both ends of the spectrum when it comes to individuality within the

stereotype, starting off by summarizing “his own feelings toward Asian values,” stating, “Fuck

filial piety. Fuck grade grubbing. Fuck Ivy League mania. Fuck deference to authority. Fuck

humility and hard work. Fuck harmonious relationships. Fuck sacrificing for the future. Fuck

earnest, striving middle- class servility” (Yang, 275). Yang later goes on to discuss the concept

of the “Tiger mom,” who values education over everything, which means her child or children

do as well.

Hence, by making these comparisons, he allows readers to see how there are some Asians

who follow stereotypical Asian values, and some who are opposed to it. This showcases the

extremities of Asian-American upbringing, which leaves room for every other Asian-American

in-between. Therefore, this shows that while some do value education, it is not right to falsely

assume that about everyone. Even for those who value education, they all value it in different

ways. Hence, these personal experiences build Yang’s authority by making his audience come to

the realization of how this stereotype is falsely portrayed. He relates situations Asian-Americans

go through to ones everyone goes through, for instance, the fact that people of all races have the

ability to receive an education. Thus, the audience then feels connected to the author, and they

possess a sense of obligation to treat stereotypes more respectfully.

Overall, Yang makes it a point to confront this situation about stereotypes, and to make it

relatable to readers. He sheds light not only on the Asian-American stereotype, but all

stereotypes, and how they should be treated more carefully and respectfully. Everyone is

different, and it is important to realize this. If one takes the time to understand a person for who

they are, not where they come from, what they look like, or how they were raised, then they will

truly know the person as an individual entity.

Similarly, the topics of both Edmundson’s and Yang’s essays discuss common events

that happen in our daily lives, and examine their impact on larger cultural issues. They

incorporate rhetorical strategies such as perspective and personal experience, to make essays

relatable and understandable, and to broaden one’s viewpoint about the world they live in.

Authors use these strategies to earn the trust and further build authority over their audience,

forcing them to think deeper into the reading. This opens up readers’ minds to new concepts and

ideas, with the purpose of challenging and ultimately reconsidering their previous knowledge of

false, misunderstood, or unknown concepts and viewpoints. In the end, Edmundson and Yang

are both able to effectively convey their thoughts about their respective cultural issues and build

their authority over their audience, through use of the perspective and personal experience

rhetorical strategies. Hence, readers are left with knowledge and understanding of cultural issues,

which impact how they continue to live their lives.

By reading and analyzing works by authors including Edmundson and Yang, I have

learned more about the essay genre as a whole. I used to read essays as stories, with limited

meaning beyond what I could find in the text. However, I now know that essays have a deeper

meaning meant to be reflected upon, and how each essay can vary in writing style, perspective,

and topic. Furthermore, beyond the essay genre are subgenres of essays, in this case, the

contemporary occasional essay. In such essays, authors use rhetorical strategies such as

perspective and personal experience to develop and maintain their authority with an audience. By

recognizing such strategies, I have discovered how effective they can be in my own writing. I

can use them to tell my own story, and to build my authority as to influence my readers. I want to

be able to do more than entertain them, but I want to be able to have an impact on the decisions

that they make, and how they choose to view the world. By making my writing relatable,

understandable, tolerable, and enjoyable, I know that I can accomplish this goal and that I can

open up their minds to a new viewpoint. I think that while I have answered many questions about

the contemporary occasional essay, just like everything else in this world, there is always more

that I can learn and discuss. There are countless strategies that authors are comfortable with and

use, to build their own authority. As I mentioned previously in my essay, not one person is the

same; hence, no essay will ever be the same. As I continue to learn more about the essay, I now

see even beyond the importance of cultural commentary, but how it is incorporated, and why it is

so effective. I now understand the operation behind it, and what I must do to make my essays

worth reflecting upon. The contemporary essay itself has a vast array of topics for which it has

the ability to bring light to larger cultural issues, and despite authors’ different methods of doing

so, they always find a way to leave the audience thinking in the end.

Works Cited

Edmundson, Mark. "Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here?" The Best American Essays

2012. Ed. Robert Atwan and David Brooks. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Publishing Company, 2012. 89-101. Print.

Yang, Wesley. "Paper Tigers." The Best American Essays 2012. Ed. Robert Atwan and David

Brooks. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2012. 274-95. Print.

Small Town Living

I’ve grown up in Ormond Beach, a small town on the east coast of Florida, where the

beach is only a fifteen minute drive from my house. When I was too young to drive, my mom

took me to the beach and stayed there with me all day. I dug holes, built sandcastles, and boogie-

boarded until I was too tired to stay any longer. When I got older, I went to a junior lifeguard

camp and I surfed for the first time. At the end of each session, campers were allowed to engage

in any activity they wanted, and I was one of the campers who always chose to surf. Within a

few weeks of learning, I fell in love with the sport. The exhilaration of catching a wave is one

that only someone who has rode a surfboard can describe. After that camp ended, I wanted to

keep surfing, and my parents bought me a surfboard so that I could stick with it. Over the years I

have progressed with my surfing, starting with a long board and working my way down to

shorter boards.

Not only did I enjoy growing up in Ormond Beach for ocean activities, but because of the

beautiful scenery. Each location is so different, which makes the town so unique and enjoyable

to wander around. One popular area in my town is “The Loop,” which is made up of multiple

two-way, one-lane roads that are tucked under a dense forest. Driving through that area provides

many scenic stop-offs, including a state park, a campground site, nature trails, and a small

fishing bridge over the Halifax River. It is a peaceful drive and perfect for anyone who wants to

get out of the city and immerse themselves in trees, plants, flowers, and occasionally wild life.

My personal favorite areas to go to are all found driving along the coast on a road called A1A.

Going to the beach requires one to either drive on or cross A1A, and even though the beach goes

north and south for miles and miles, it offers different views each time I turn my head to look out

the window. For instance, a main spot that I go to has a parking lot leading to a walkway

perpendicular to the ocean, with bright green bushes on the left and a shower and a bamboo

fence on the right, which eventually puts one into the middle of thick sand on the beach. Another

spot that I go to requires drivers to pull off the side of the road, walk on sand in-between cacti

and other bushes and grasses, before actually reaching softer sand. Furthermore, another location

I surf at is next to a pier, and it requires one to walk down a wooden walkway parallel to the

beach, and then down a set of wooden stairs. This area is located in the middle of town, where

restaurants and shops are located, and is a fun place to hang out even when I am not surfing. As

one can see, I am interested in going to new spots around town and taking in the beauty of each

place. I enjoy taking pictures on land with my camera and in the water with my Go Pro, and the

ocean, nature, and unique areas around my town have inspired me to take these beautiful shots

and to get creative. I have found that even with places I am familiar with, I manage to find

something new about it to admire each time I go, and I’ll often make sure to capture what I see,

so that it remains a visual memory.

Additionally, compared to other places I have visited or lived, Ormond Beach, and

Florida as a whole, is less diverse when it comes to fashion, film, food, music, etc. However,

another aspect of my my small beach town that I love is its own unique laid-back culture.

Everyone dresses casually for church, knows each other to a certain degree, and to top it off, my

high school was located just across the street from the beach. I loved this, because unlike most

people I could say that I was able to eat lunch at the beach every day. Furthermore, throughout

my time here in Florida, there has always been popular “hangouts” for peers and myself. In

elementary school, the main place to go was a local skating rink called Skate N Shake. It was

about eight minutes away from where I lived, and I can recall going at least twice a month. I

celebrated a birthday there, and multiple friends of mine threw birthday parties there as well. It

was the energetic music, strobe lights, greasy, savory pizza, and overall exciting atmosphere that

made it “the place to be.” I remember one regular event that I always had a blast at was Friday

evening skating, when games including limbo on rollerblades and dance-offs were hosted, and

music hits would be playing nonstop. Despite the amount of fun that always occurred at the rink,

as soon as I entered middle school, the new “hangout” became the movie theatre. Every

weekend, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, it was packed with primarily middle and high

schoolers. There would be long lines out the door, packed parking lots, and groups congregated

outside just hanging out. Because there were so many kids, and because fights occasionally

broke out, there was a strong police presence. My friends and I would hang out in that area until

our movie began, and we would normally walk somewhere after the movie to get a milkshake or

some kind of snack. In sixth and seventh grade my parents were stricter about my whereabouts,

but as I grew older and more mature they let me have more freedom. By the time I entered

middle school, going to the beach with friends became the next fad. I often went to the beach

with family, but since I did not have my license until the middle of sophomore year, I had not

gone as much with friends. This all changed in ninth grade though, when I would either get a ride

from an older friend, a friend’s parent, or one of my parents to go to the beach almost every

weekend. The main beach approach in my town is called “Granada,” where right across the street

there are food establishments and shops. Out of every place in the shopping plaza, the two most

popular places were Starbucks and a sub shop called Larry’s Subs. It became a ritual to get

Starbucks and/or Larry’s and to take it to the beach. At the beach I would surf, skim board, body

surf, play soccer, listen to music, and just hang out with friends. My high school was across the

street from the beach, and students would go there in the morning, lunch (upperclassmen only),

after class, and some would even skip class to go hang out there. In addition to my main

hangouts in elementary thru high school, there are still a multitude of both new and old places

where people around my age, including myself, hang out at. These places include the beach,

mall, putt-putt golf, Atlantic Sounds record store, book stores and coffee shops, a shopping plaza

on the beach called Oceanwalk, the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, an attraction/water park called

Daytona Lagoon, food establishments, and of course friends’ houses.

Ever since graduating from high school, I still continue to go to many of these places

with friends. However, having gone to these places so often, there are times when I just want to

experience something new. It can be tasking thinking of something new to do, but my friends

and I have become more adventurous than ever, which has led me to be more creative and to

explore me. Some of the spontaneous and exciting things my friends and I have done include

surf trips up and down the East Coast of Florida, venturing in St. Augustine, hanging out in our

local Tomoka State Forest, kayaking and boating on the river, dressing up in Santa Claus outfits

every Christmas and doing quick present drop-offs at friends’ houses, and engaging in numerous

projects. As of right now, I just recently teamed up with a friend to start producing short films, I

run a photography website and blog with original photos, I regularly attend regionally local

music shows where my friends play at, I go to different beaches to surf and keep things fun, I

have a music blog, and I have continued to run since high school cross country days. I also

volunteer at an elementary school weekly, and stay active in the community through other events

such as beach clean-ups and 5k runs. I am the type of person who loves to do new things, but can

make the best out of almost any situation as well, and I like to stay busy both personally and in

my community.

In addition to regular hang-out spots and events, the city hosts other events to encourage

citizens to get further involved in the community, either as participants, contestants, or

onlookers. Such events include art festivals, the Native American festival, the Greek festival, car

shows, the bi-annual Bike Week event (not as popular with locals my age, but popular to

nationwide visitors), and “Movie in the Park.” “Movie in the Park” happens once a month and

people bring lawn chairs and catch a film on a big screen, not only to watch a free flick, but to

interact with other town citizens and take advantage of the beautiful, relatively-new riverfront

park. All of these events encourage everyone to unite and have fun, and exemplify the friendly,

laid-back culture of my town.

A recent event that I attended was “Images: A Festival of the Arts” in New Smyrna

Beach, Florida, about a twenty minute drive from where I live. It is known as one of the best art

shows in the Southeast, and artists from around the country come to display their work. I saw an

advertisement about it in my local newspaper, and since I have an appreciation for art, I went to

check it out. When I arrived, white tents were lined down a street to both the left and right of me.

I started on the right side, and after I worked my way to the end, a few streets down and an hour

later, I turned around and continued to look at artwork on the left side of the street. Crowds of

people swarmed through the festival, all trying to get their opportunity to observe the artwork in

each tent. The art that was featured ranged from drawings and paintings to photography, ceramic

pieces, and more. My favorite piece was a painting, featuring a car in the foreground and a surfer

riding a wave in the background. It was funky and colorful, and as a surfer I had a special

appreciation for it. Every artist was talented in their own way, and I am thankful to live in an

area that appreciates the arts as much as I do.

Not only was the event itself fun, but the location where it was held as well as the type of

people who attended it made it even better. New Smyrna Beach is a popular surfing destination

in Florida, a beach town similar to Ormond Beach, and where I can often be found. I love the

welcoming and relaxing atmosphere of the town, and the creativity and friendliness of the

citizens, which is reflected through their artwork at quaint shops, art festivals, and art galleries,

such as The Hub on Canal Street. Whenever I am heading to the beach, complete strangers

always smile and say, “Hi” to me. Everyone around the town is polite, encouraging, and laid

back, making it is a very positive, “good vibes” environment. I do not only go to New Smyrna to

surf, but to spend my time long boarding around, taking pictures, browsing through shops, and

appreciating the artwork on display in various galleries. Each part of the city is so unique, which

makes me feel like I am in different cities rather than one. There is the Historic Downtown Area,

different beaches, as well as the Inlet, a spot where I surf. At this event specifically, much of the

artwork on display featured beach, nature, and related relaxing themes, and a handful of artists

are from or live close to New Smyrna Beach. Other artists reside in states including California,

Colorado, Georgia, and New York, which are all eclectic places.

Attending this festival inspired me to get involved in art festivals myself. A hobby of

mine is photography, with a primary focus on surf, outdoor, and lifestyle photography. As I

previously mentioned, I have recently started a small photography website, and I am hoping to

expand my knowledge of photography into a small “business” over time, once it takes off. My

long-term goal is to incorporate writing into my photography, and I aspire to be a

photojournalist. I enjoy being outside, surrounded by nature and other people who go out and do

what they love to do. My passions are surfing, photography, and writing, and this event

incorporated all three into it and got me excited to go out and keep doing what I love. I think that

in the end, it is important to do what makes you happy in life. Some people choose a career

based off money or other factors, but I want to write and take pictures, and as long as I can

survive, then I will be satisfied and will look back one day and know I have lived a fulfilling life.

Growing up in a small town ties into all of this, because it has shown me that any dreams are

valid. If I wanted to be a doctor, a firefighter, an actress, or anything-even though I come from a

small town, as long as you pursue what you love, nothing can hold a person back from being

happy and succeeding in life. Small town living creates big dreams, and by immersing myself in

the town and doing what I love, I am closer to fulfilling my own dreams.

Hence, while my town may not be the most cultural, fashionable, large, or entertaining

place, it definitely has its own unique way of providing entertainment. I think that it has taught

me to appreciate the little things even more, and not to let life escape me. Some people wait for

things to happen, and other people make them happen; how one chooses to act all depends on

their mindset. Personally, I am fortunate to have formed strong connections with the people and

places around me. I have become an ocean lover, I have developed passions, and I have done and

seen things that have shaped me into the person I am today.

By telling my story, I want people to see that it is important to appreciate the little things

in life. Life may not be how you want it to be, and you may choose to live in the past or the

future. While it is smart to set goals for yourself, you should take more time to enjoy the present.

Instead of looking at the negative aspects of something, try to find a few positive aspects. What

are some activities that you enjoy doing? Where are some places you enjoy going? Where do you

even start with all of these questions? These are some of the many questions one may be thinking

when it comes to finding true happiness, but it is a journey that will lead to the most rewarding

outcome.

For example, I’ve been to large cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Los

Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. I had the time of my life at each of those

places, and when I returned home from each trip I was always hit with post-trip depression. Each

place offered so much to do or see, and in comparison, my town just could not compare to any of

those places in my eyes. I mean, how could a small, beach town with limited events and

opportunities compare to the grandeur of a big city? Well, as I grew older, I started to realize this

routine that I was getting in. It wasn’t even that I was necessarily unhappy about anything in

particular, just the fact that my town seemingly could not compare. Then, a transformation

occurred. I became passionate about what I did do, and that inspired me to appreciate the little

things. It can be seen as a cliché statement, but it is one that should not be overlooked.

How does one appreciate the little things in life, when there are such bigger things

awaiting us? Well, it all starts with making a conscious decision to approach a situation in a

positive light. You have the privilege of waking up to a new day. There are beautiful sunrises

and sunsets, beautiful sights to see, and life all around you. Think of something that you enjoy,

and just build from there. Focus on it, stick with it, and then everything will eventually fall into

place. There are so many opportunities awaiting you, but none will come if you make no effort.

There is a nineteen year-old in my town that I am acquaintances with, who always had

dreams of becoming a professional surfer. I remember seeing him at the beach, or seeing pictures

or videos of him there, dedicating all of his time to improving his skills. He wanted to move to

California, but he knew that he would have to work for those dreams to become a reality. Hence,

he took the time to enjoy surfing his home break, and found motivation through his friends and

the opportunities around him. He chose to do what made him happy, so he decided to enroll in

online classes, so that he could focus on his surfing. He signed up for local and regional contests,

traveled, made new friends, released video clips and pictures, and eventually nailed some

sponsorship contracts. He chose to go with what his heart told him to do, instead of doing what

the masses were doing. His hard work and patience paid off, because instead of trying to rush

everything, he took the time to improve himself. Instead of being upset that he didn’t live in

California, he made the best out of living in Florida, and now he is sponsored by major brands

including Hurley.

Similarly to him, I want to move to California. I am from California, visit there regularly,

and have dreams of moving back. However, I know that this is not going to happen unless I

make it happen myself. I used to think that I could just move back, but it is more complicated

than that. I have to graduate from high school, graduate from college, then complete the most

difficult part-finding a secure job. Recently, I have been pursuing internship after internship,

with no luck. Finally, I did something different, and applied to one in a unique but familiar way-

the social networking application Instagram. I love surfing and the brand culture of Hurley, and I

saw that they were looking for a new intern. I made a video saying why I should be there next

intern, made some more posts, e-mailed them, and applied online. I was persistent, and it landed

me an interview later this month. I credit this achievement to the main point that I am making-

appreciating the little things. I found a love for the ocean and surfing at a young age, and I took

advantage of it. I began to photograph the world through my eyes, and every small thing became

so much bigger through my lens. Most of my Instagram consists of scenic, adventuresome, and

action shots and Hurley must have appreciated the way I lived my life, because I was offered this

interview.

Therefore, a valuable aspect of appreciating the little things is being persistent. Find the

beauty in what you enjoy, and stick with it. Even if something falls through or affects it, do not

let it get you down. A missed opportunity is one that wasn’t pursued, so just get through those

obstacles and you will be reaped by the benefits of it. Even a lost opportunity is one in which a

lesson was learned. If you come from a small town, or even know someone who does, remind

them that there is still so much to be seen and done, and that it all starts with YOU. You may live

in a small town, but there is still room for big dreams. And it all starts with appreciating the little

things. Find a passion, start a routine, switch that routine up if you need to, and see the positive

side to everything. Think of the glass as half full and take time for yourself, before time takes

over you.

Hailey Swanson



E-Portfolio- Draft 2

Table of Contents



3) Defining the Occasional Essay FINAL; pp. 11-19

4) The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays DRAFT; pp. 20-24

5) The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays FINAL; pp. 25-35

6) Small Town Living DRAFT; pp. 36-42

7) Small Town Living FINAL; pp. 43-52















essays.






























In addition to “Consider the Lobster,” Wallace shares his feelings about another unpleasant

realization in his personal essay “The View from Mrs. Thompson’s.” In this essay, the occasion

is 9/11, and the message he wants to convey focuses on the subject of American pride. Compared

to others in his town, Wallace feels alienated when it comes to his sense of pride. He feels that

other people do not fully understand the meaning of being an American, and implies that they

live too much in the now. By this meaning, for example, the elderly women in Wallace’s

company, who feel sympathy for the victims and the tragedy itself, but do not understand

anything further than that. Some reason of dislike for America gave the terrorists a reason for

flying those planes into the Twin Towers, and that showed that America meant something to

them, and displayed their lack of pride. However, the fact of the matter is that America meant

something to them, just as it meant something to Wallace. The message in this personal essay is

important to understand, because it is more than a story about a man who cannot find a flag to

display in his yard, who gets together with others to secondhand witness a tragedy. The subject

of American pride is meaningful to Wallace, and through his words the audience can understand

his true feelings. Not only can they understand his feelings, but they can consider their stance on

the situation as well. What do readers think the terrorists’ sense of American pride was like?

What does their own personal sense of American pride encompass, if they even have one?




















essay we have read in this class. The objective of each essay has been to note an occasion, a

bigger picture that is made clear through the telling of a story, and to make sense of it. That

means breaking the essay down, putting some thought into it, making realizations, and then



Based on what I have learned about the occasional essay, I have considered the

meaning and overall goals of this subgenre in relation to essay genres as a whole. As Atwan and

Brooks noted, the essay has evolved from the twentieth into the twenty-first century. Essays

previously held a stronger literary merit and were less introspective, but now they are primarily

focused on research. Research experts are not as eloquent, but they can be intimidating to other

writers simply because of the knowledge they possess. Yet, the internet and self-improving ethos

have revived essay writing, making room for deeper thought and new ideas. Furthermore, essays

are broad in focus, and have no set guidelines to their structure. In grade school, students are

taught to organize their essays into five paragraphs, with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

It is assumed that this is the standard format of essays, because students do not know otherwise.





occasional essay.




















of writing.













evolved over time.
















essay.

Works Cited





The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays DRAFT

Contemporary occasional essays are full of meaningful commentary, but there are certain

strategies essayists must use to separate them from becoming a rant. In Mark Edmundson’s

“Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here?” and Wesley Yang’s “Paper Tigers,” the

essayists apply their own strategies to their writing, giving meaning to larger cultural issues, as

well as establishing their authority and credibility to their audience.



activities and excelling in both academics and personal relationships to earn a diploma. It is

about challenging the institution and choosing a major based on one’s passions, rather than

focusing on another ulterior motive, such as being rich, owning a luxury car, or purchasing an

expensive house. What one majors in is the type of work that they will likely be doing for the

rest of their life, and even if their career path does not pay as much as a doctor or a lawyer, if

they enjoy it and equate it to play-work, then they will truly be able to excel. Edmundson’s

unique perspective on this topic shapes the reader’s understanding of this cultural issue and

validates his authority, and I chose it because of how relatable it is to my own life regarding my

recent change in majors.

Furthermore, Yang’s essay talks about Asian-Americans and their stereotype in society,

from school aged to beyond. Asian-Americans are often alienated both in school and work based

on their race, due to upbringing, cultural barriers, and false assumptions. However, by taking the

time to learn about Asian-Americans’ role in society, one can understand their true nature. They

are more than just another nameless face in the crowd, and Yang emphasizes this. His personal

experience, and the experience of other Asian-Americans whom he interviews, ultimately help to

establish his authority of this cultural topic. I chose this essay because, like Edmundson’s essay,

it is relatable to my life, since I am an Asian-American student.

Similarly, the topics of both Edmundson’s and Yang’s essays are common events that

happen in our daily lives, and this personal understanding by the audience builds their trust with

the essayists. This trust exemplifies the authority of each writer, which they use to inform and

convince their audience. Each essay is told with examples of personal experiences, and from a

perspective that forces the audience to think about everything from a perspective that is not their

own. This opens their mind to new concepts and ideas, fulfilling the authors’ purpose of getting

the audience to challenge and ultimately reconsider their previous knowledge of false,

misunderstood, or unknown viewpoints. Both strategies work successfully for each essayist, and

they are able to effectively convey their thoughts about their respective cultural issues with

authority.


successful strategy in both essays for maintaining authority because of the new concepts and

ideas they open up to speculation and further thoughts. Often, when one first reads an essay, they

are narrow in their thinking. For instance, Edmundson shares, “You now may think that you’ve

about got it made. Amidst the impressive college buildings, in company with a high-powered

faculty, surrounded by the best of your generation, all you need is to keep doing what you’ve

done before: work hard, get good grades, listen to your teachers, get along with the people

around you, and you’ll emerge in four years as an educated young man or woman. Ready for

life” (Edmundson, 89). Aside from his sarcastic tone, this statement is meant to be realistic and

relatable. Edmundson starts to build his authority from the beginning, by making sure that his

audience is on the same page as one another, and so that they know he understands their own

logic. He knows the common thoughts of students, and their desire to excel, often for the wrong

reasons. Hence, he introduces it from the start, so that he can use it as a reference to influence

and shape their thoughts about their education throughout the rest of the piece.

This example emphasizes the importance of thinking about topics from another









As Edmundson’s essay progresses, he gets into detail about what education should mean

to students. He says, “Education is about finding out what form of work for you is close to being

play-work you do so easily that it restores you as you go” (Edmundson, 100), validating his

belief on the value of an education, and ultimately majoring in a field one is passionate about.

With this transformation from his introduction to his attempt to change students’ perspectives on

educations, Edmundson has initiated his plan of building authority over his audience, by getting

them to tap into their own thoughts regarding their interests. For instance, by this point a student

who is reading this may be thinking, “Is this Biomedical major really worth the luxurious

lifestyle I envision, even though I have no interest in the field of science whatsoever? My

passion is the film industry, and even though jobs are limited and on average pay less than

doctors, at least I would enjoy going to work for the next thirty to forty years of my life.” This

makes them re-consider their life choices up until this point, as well as into the future.

Edmundson even makes it a fun read, by relating work to play, to get students to think hard about

these choices, because they will stick with them for the rest of their lives. If they want to stick to

their major, then that is up to the students. However, if they can see the reality behind their

decisions in the present, then it can ultimately better prepare them for their future.

College is a time of self- discovery, and Edmundson uses his authority as a writer to guide

students in the right direction.





experience as an Asian-American as well. He wants to inform the general public about the true

nature of Asian-Americans, including their personalities, values, and academic life, and to

change their perceptions about them.

By introducing himself as an Asian- American, he has already started to earn the trust and

build authority of his audience. Because he can relate to the topic he is writing about, it makes

his writing personal and more emotionally-driven, so his audience knows that what he says

matches up with the person he claims to be. This firsthand knowledge is important in winning

their trust, and showing that he has personally experienced everything that he writes about.

Hence, this builds his authority over those who are just now getting an idea of the true nature of

Asian-Americans in society. It is an important cultural issue to him, because not only is he being

falsely portrayed, but his family, friends, and acquaintances are as well. Hence, he writes with

the purpose of making others understand his perspective through his examples of personal

experience.

An important concept that Yang brings up is “the bamboo ceiling,” which is “an invisible

barrier that maintains a pyramidal structure throughout corporate America” (Yang 281). One

point that he touches on is Asian- Americans in the workplace, and how they are often over-

looked as leaders. This is due to cultural barriers, such as not speaking English well and other

times because of a false sense of character. Those who judge Asian-Americans are often not

familiar with their upbringing, or they misunderstand it because they have never been in their

shoes. Hence, Yang makes it a point to confront this situation, and to make it relatable to readers.

Everyone is different, and it is important to realize this, but to further take the time to understand

a person for who they are, not where they come from, what they look like, or how they were

raised.

The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays FINAL








































change it.



















reader.



























to realize this.











do as well.


















Works Cited






Small Town Living DRAFT











shorter boards.
































my community.








Hence, while my town may not be the most cultural, fashionable, large, or entertaining place, it

definitely has its own unique way of providing entertainment. I think that it has taught me to

appreciate the little things even more, and not to let life escape you. Some people wait for things

to happen, and other people make them happen; how one chooses to act all depends on their

mindset. I am fortunate to have formed strong connections with the people and places around

me. I have become an ocean lover, I have developed passions, and I have done and seen things

that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Small Town Living FINAL











shorter boards.
































my community.






















outcome.






including Hurley.















interview.










over you.

Hailey Swanson



Final ePortfolio

Table of Contents



3) Defining the Occasional Essay FINAL; pp. 11-19

4) The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays DRAFT; pp. 20-24

5) The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays FINAL; pp. 25-35

6) Small Town Living DRAFT; pp. 36-42

7) Small Town Living FINAL; pp. 43-52















essays.






























In addition to “Consider the Lobster,” Wallace shares his feelings about another unpleasant

realization in his personal essay “The View from Mrs. Thompson’s.” In this essay, the occasion

is 9/11, and the message he wants to convey focuses on the subject of American pride. Compared

to others in his town, Wallace feels alienated when it comes to his sense of pride. He feels that

other people do not fully understand the meaning of being an American, and implies that they

live too much in the now. By this meaning, for example, the elderly women in Wallace’s

company, who feel sympathy for the victims and the tragedy itself, but do not understand

anything further than that. Some reason of dislike for America gave the terrorists a reason for

flying those planes into the Twin Towers, and that showed that America meant something to

them, and displayed their lack of pride. However, the fact of the matter is that America meant

something to them, just as it meant something to Wallace. The message in this personal essay is

important to understand, because it is more than a story about a man who cannot find a flag to

display in his yard, who gets together with others to secondhand witness a tragedy. The subject

of American pride is meaningful to Wallace, and through his words the audience can understand

his true feelings. Not only can they understand his feelings, but they can consider their stance on

the situation as well. What do readers think the terrorists’ sense of American pride was like?

What does their own personal sense of American pride encompass, if they even have one?




















essay we have read in this class. The objective of each essay has been to note an occasion, a

bigger picture that is made clear through the telling of a story, and to make sense of it. That

means breaking the essay down, putting some thought into it, making realizations, and then



Based on what I have learned about the occasional essay, I have considered the

meaning and overall goals of this subgenre in relation to essay genres as a whole. As Atwan and

Brooks noted, the essay has evolved from the twentieth into the twenty-first century. Essays

previously held a stronger literary merit and were less introspective, but now they are primarily

focused on research. Research experts are not as eloquent, but they can be intimidating to other

writers simply because of the knowledge they possess. Yet, the internet and self-improving ethos

have revived essay writing, making room for deeper thought and new ideas. Furthermore, essays

are broad in focus, and have no set guidelines to their structure. In grade school, students are

taught to organize their essays into five paragraphs, with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

It is assumed that this is the standard format of essays, because students do not know otherwise.





occasional essay.




















of writing.













evolved over time.
















essay.

Works Cited





The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays DRAFT

Contemporary occasional essays are full of meaningful commentary, but there are certain

strategies essayists must use to separate them from becoming a rant. In Mark Edmundson’s

“Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here?” and Wesley Yang’s “Paper Tigers,” the

essayists apply their own strategies to their writing, giving meaning to larger cultural issues, as

well as establishing their authority and credibility to their audience.



activities and excelling in both academics and personal relationships to earn a diploma. It is

about challenging the institution and choosing a major based on one’s passions, rather than

focusing on another ulterior motive, such as being rich, owning a luxury car, or purchasing an

expensive house. What one majors in is the type of work that they will likely be doing for the

rest of their life, and even if their career path does not pay as much as a doctor or a lawyer, if

they enjoy it and equate it to play-work, then they will truly be able to excel. Edmundson’s

unique perspective on this topic shapes the reader’s understanding of this cultural issue and

validates his authority, and I chose it because of how relatable it is to my own life regarding my

recent change in majors.

Furthermore, Yang’s essay talks about Asian-Americans and their stereotype in society,

from school aged to beyond. Asian-Americans are often alienated both in school and work based

on their race, due to upbringing, cultural barriers, and false assumptions. However, by taking the

time to learn about Asian-Americans’ role in society, one can understand their true nature. They

are more than just another nameless face in the crowd, and Yang emphasizes this. His personal

experience, and the experience of other Asian-Americans whom he interviews, ultimately help to

establish his authority of this cultural topic. I chose this essay because, like Edmundson’s essay,

it is relatable to my life, since I am an Asian-American student.

Similarly, the topics of both Edmundson’s and Yang’s essays are common events that

happen in our daily lives, and this personal understanding by the audience builds their trust with

the essayists. This trust exemplifies the authority of each writer, which they use to inform and

convince their audience. Each essay is told with examples of personal experiences, and from a

perspective that forces the audience to think about everything from a perspective that is not their

own. This opens their mind to new concepts and ideas, fulfilling the authors’ purpose of getting

the audience to challenge and ultimately reconsider their previous knowledge of false,

misunderstood, or unknown viewpoints. Both strategies work successfully for each essayist, and

they are able to effectively convey their thoughts about their respective cultural issues with

authority.


successful strategy in both essays for maintaining authority because of the new concepts and

ideas they open up to speculation and further thoughts. Often, when one first reads an essay, they

are narrow in their thinking. For instance, Edmundson shares, “You now may think that you’ve

about got it made. Amidst the impressive college buildings, in company with a high-powered

faculty, surrounded by the best of your generation, all you need is to keep doing what you’ve

done before: work hard, get good grades, listen to your teachers, get along with the people

around you, and you’ll emerge in four years as an educated young man or woman. Ready for

life” (Edmundson, 89). Aside from his sarcastic tone, this statement is meant to be realistic and

relatable. Edmundson starts to build his authority from the beginning, by making sure that his

audience is on the same page as one another, and so that they know he understands their own

logic. He knows the common thoughts of students, and their desire to excel, often for the wrong

reasons. Hence, he introduces it from the start, so that he can use it as a reference to influence

and shape their thoughts about their education throughout the rest of the piece.

This example emphasizes the importance of thinking about topics from another









As Edmundson’s essay progresses, he gets into detail about what education should mean

to students. He says, “Education is about finding out what form of work for you is close to being

play-work you do so easily that it restores you as you go” (Edmundson, 100), validating his

belief on the value of an education, and ultimately majoring in a field one is passionate about.

With this transformation from his introduction to his attempt to change students’ perspectives on

educations, Edmundson has initiated his plan of building authority over his audience, by getting

them to tap into their own thoughts regarding their interests. For instance, by this point a student

who is reading this may be thinking, “Is this Biomedical major really worth the luxurious

lifestyle I envision, even though I have no interest in the field of science whatsoever? My

passion is the film industry, and even though jobs are limited and on average pay less than

doctors, at least I would enjoy going to work for the next thirty to forty years of my life.” This

makes them re-consider their life choices up until this point, as well as into the future.

Edmundson even makes it a fun read, by relating work to play, to get students to think hard about

these choices, because they will stick with them for the rest of their lives. If they want to stick to

their major, then that is up to the students. However, if they can see the reality behind their

decisions in the present, then it can ultimately better prepare them for their future.

College is a time of self- discovery, and Edmundson uses his authority as a writer to guide

students in the right direction.





experience as an Asian-American as well. He wants to inform the general public about the true

nature of Asian-Americans, including their personalities, values, and academic life, and to

change their perceptions about them.

By introducing himself as an Asian- American, he has already started to earn the trust and

build authority of his audience. Because he can relate to the topic he is writing about, it makes

his writing personal and more emotionally-driven, so his audience knows that what he says

matches up with the person he claims to be. This firsthand knowledge is important in winning

their trust, and showing that he has personally experienced everything that he writes about.

Hence, this builds his authority over those who are just now getting an idea of the true nature of

Asian-Americans in society. It is an important cultural issue to him, because not only is he being

falsely portrayed, but his family, friends, and acquaintances are as well. Hence, he writes with

the purpose of making others understand his perspective through his examples of personal

experience.

An important concept that Yang brings up is “the bamboo ceiling,” which is “an invisible

barrier that maintains a pyramidal structure throughout corporate America” (Yang 281). One

point that he touches on is Asian- Americans in the workplace, and how they are often over-

looked as leaders. This is due to cultural barriers, such as not speaking English well and other

times because of a false sense of character. Those who judge Asian-Americans are often not

familiar with their upbringing, or they misunderstand it because they have never been in their

shoes. Hence, Yang makes it a point to confront this situation, and to make it relatable to readers.

Everyone is different, and it is important to realize this, but to further take the time to understand

a person for who they are, not where they come from, what they look like, or how they were

raised.

The Rhetoric of Authority in Contemporary Occasional Essays FINAL








































change it.



















reader.



























to realize this.











do as well.


















Works Cited






Small Town Living DRAFT











shorter boards.
































my community.








Hence, while my town may not be the most cultural, fashionable, large, or entertaining place, it

definitely has its own unique way of providing entertainment. I think that it has taught me to

appreciate the little things even more, and not to let life escape you. Some people wait for things

to happen, and other people make them happen; how one chooses to act all depends on their

mindset. I am fortunate to have formed strong connections with the people and places around

me. I have become an ocean lover, I have developed passions, and I have done and seen things

that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Small Town Living FINAL











shorter boards.
































my community.






















outcome.






including Hurley.















interview.










over you.

hailey swanson e- portfolio

Documents

essay writing

occasional essay final

occasional essay draft

occasional essay subgenre

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