Nicholas Duque
ENC 1939
7 November 2017
Paper 3 Rough Draft
Persuade Me To Do What?
In a 21st century United States of America, the people of the country live life at a fast pace, surrounded by consumerism, and absorbing all the advertisements thrown at them. The media and popular culture shape individuals into wanting to fit in the norms. However, in my opinion, societies norms and culture are set with profit motives and established on self-interest. Not falling into these norms when everyone else does, makes one stand out as a unique individual.
In, In Persuasion Nation, George Saunders depicts in a jokingly manner how society is so absorbed in persuading people to consume certain products through advertisements. Individuals sometimes are …show more content…
In the short story “my flamboyant grandson”, the grandfather describes his grandson: “Singing and dancing, sometimes even making up his own steps, which I do not mind, or rather I try not to mind it” (13). Clearly, in one way or another, seeing his male grandson do all that made him uncomfortable and uneasy, as he tried “not to mind it”. Consequently, society imposes gender roles that cannot be crossed by different genders, or else it is seen wrong. However, the grandpa represents the community in the 21st century America. Although grandpa was startled and uneasy about his grandson’s actions, questioning his sexuality, he was able to put his beliefs aside to understand and accept his grandson for who he is. Today’s America has progressed into being less conservative and close minded, to more accepting and compassionate to those identified in the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, while grandpa represents the community we live with, his grandson represents the individuals that stand out and take their beliefs into consideration. He is happy singing and dancing, not minding what others may say or think about him. And although the media and society may set a certain norm, the grandson’s identity is shaped as a strong minded individual through the love and support from his grandpa. In the end, it pays off because like him, there are people who do not have a straight sexual orientation, and may take on the roles of different genders. He is not
ENC 1939
7 November 2017
Paper 3 Rough Draft
Persuade Me To Do What?
In a 21st century United States of America, the people of the country live life at a fast pace, surrounded by consumerism, and absorbing all the advertisements thrown at them. The media and popular culture shape individuals into wanting to fit in the norms. However, in my opinion, societies norms and culture are set with profit motives and established on self-interest. Not falling into these norms when everyone else does, makes one stand out as a unique individual.
In, In Persuasion Nation, George Saunders depicts in a jokingly manner how society is so absorbed in persuading people to consume certain products through advertisements. Individuals sometimes are …show more content…
In the short story “my flamboyant grandson”, the grandfather describes his grandson: “Singing and dancing, sometimes even making up his own steps, which I do not mind, or rather I try not to mind it” (13). Clearly, in one way or another, seeing his male grandson do all that made him uncomfortable and uneasy, as he tried “not to mind it”. Consequently, society imposes gender roles that cannot be crossed by different genders, or else it is seen wrong. However, the grandpa represents the community in the 21st century America. Although grandpa was startled and uneasy about his grandson’s actions, questioning his sexuality, he was able to put his beliefs aside to understand and accept his grandson for who he is. Today’s America has progressed into being less conservative and close minded, to more accepting and compassionate to those identified in the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, while grandpa represents the community we live with, his grandson represents the individuals that stand out and take their beliefs into consideration. He is happy singing and dancing, not minding what others may say or think about him. And although the media and society may set a certain norm, the grandson’s identity is shaped as a strong minded individual through the love and support from his grandpa. In the end, it pays off because like him, there are people who do not have a straight sexual orientation, and may take on the roles of different genders. He is not