Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

A friend of mine introduced to me to this band over winter break called Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Don't let the name fool you because I know it sounds kind of ridiculous. They're an alternative band with like a 60s folk twist. Their different from any music I've ever listened to, so that attracted me right off the bat. Probably their most popular song, Home, really gets to me. It's pretty simple, it talks about how 2 people who are madly in love with one another (the 2 main singers). The chorus is also simple, it goes:

Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is whenever I’m with you
Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is when I’m alone with you

Listening to the song makes me think of my friends and family and good memories I've had with them. Obviously, I think about home too and no matter how many times I listen to it I get in this great mood. I get in this very relaxed, peaceful zone where everything is right. It's amazing what music can do for people some times.

Pathos

I think Pathos is most effective when reading anything. Although ethos and logos are crucial when supporting an argument, it's pathos that really effects the reader in a positive or negative way. For example, advertisements feed us propaganda constantly, yet we believe what they're saying because of its emotional appeal and we disregard how accurate the facts really are. I think it's the same with reading. If the essay, or book ignites enough emotion to someone, the accuracy of the facts don't seem to matter as much. I'm speaking for the majority of readers because I know most of us (in English 101) pay way more attention to what we read to not be fooled by solely emotion.

Krakauer uses all 3 pretty frequently, but I'd have to say he establishes his credibility the most. I think he feels he must in order to change the naysayer's point of view. He constantly is putting in letters before every chapter, verifying his research, and mentioning interviews. Half the book is proving McCandless' nobility, so that's why I feel ethos is so crucial in Krakauer's writing.

To hitchhike or not to hitchhike?

Hitchhiking in America has definitely decreased over the past decade and even more. Although we've upped our security in cars we've also upped our fear. People are very suspicious these days and not as willing to pick up someone they don't know. But I think it has decreased mainly because of technology. Everyone has cell phones, where a ride is only a call/text away. Communication is so advanced today that hitchhiking isn't too far from being totally extinct.

To be honest, if for some reason someone stole my phone and I happened to be 100 miles from civilization I would hope a kind stranger would give me a ride. I don't think it's as dangerous as the movies make it out to be. I once gave an 80 year old man a ride to the super market when I was leaving the YMCA, but I was with a friend. Would I have done it without my friend with me? Probably not.

I would never name my child Gallien.

Immediately Gallien became aware of Chris’ unique outlook on life. He later found out he hadn’t talked to his family in two years, he’s not too fond of the government, and clearly wants to do everything on his own. As we all have read, Gallien tried several times to offer anything he could to Chris to help him on his adventure or avoid it all together. After parting with Chris, I think Gallien realized that Chris’ journey was something that was out of his hands, something only Chris could do on his own. I feel if he had picked someone up with the same plans, but who was less sure of her/himself Gallien would have called the police. But Chris was different. He was so confident in himself despite his lack of supplies. And although it seemed ridiculous I think Gallien began to believe he could do it too.

On the other hand, it could have gone the other way. Although Gallien was a pretty nice guy to let Chris hitch a ride, maybe the fact that Chris hadn’t talked to his family in two years, wasn’t too fond of the government, and wanted to do everything on his own pissed off Gallien a little bit. That when he thought about the police, his “he’ll be okay” remark was a cover up for his subconscious feelings. “If that little guy thinks he can handle the wild, then I’ll let him handle it.” Maybe that quote would have been more accurate to describe his train of thought.

But then again, a lot of people go out of their way to help people and sometimes our subconscious instincts get in the way. The fact that Chris was a stranger may have been Gallien’s subconscious feeling.

Introduction

My name is Cara Brown. I come all the way from South Bend, Indiana. If you're not familiar it's the city that surrounds Notre Dame. But just so you know, I'm not a fan I swear! It's my first year here and my major is undecided. I chose to come to WSU to play for the tennis team. We're going to have a great season and I encourage everyone to come to the home matches. Plus, there's free pizza! I really enjoy music and I am very open to new things.