Day: January 29, 2024

Introduction: Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

Setting aside the nuances of Carlyle and Engels concerning the poor conditions of the Irish and English, exploring how unsanitary conditions affected the Victorian Imagination poses a compelling question. In her remarkable book, “The Idea of Poverty,” written during the Industrial Age, Gertrude Himmelfarb asserts that the living conditions of the poor working classes were deplorable not only in London but also in other industrially advancing cities like Manchester (371). This dispute between two influential figures of that era sheds light on the horrendous living conditions of the laboring class, who toiled long hours and dwelled in unsanitary surroundings.

While the Industrial Revolution was expected to usher in prosperity and a better economic future for the general public, it, in reality, brought a surge of impoverished workers to the capital and other cities. These workers labored in looms, factories, mines, and various industrial centers, enduring exploitative working hours, filthy conditions, and hazardous handling of materials, coupled with mistreatment from industrial managers. Harold Perkins, in his article “Age of Great Cities,” cites a French visitor and Frederic Engels commenting on the conditions of industrialism during that time. Leon Faucher, according to Perkins, contended that industrial centers were breeding grounds for corruption, a significant contributor to immorality and ill health. Engels, too, referred to Manchester as having “squalid slums of the working classes” (06).

Comments of Intellectuals: Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

Although the sultry comments of the intellectuals of that time reflect the unsanitary conditions and unhealthy progress brought about by the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom, none depict the condition of the poor strata of life and other folks more than Henry Mayhem. In his four-volume mammoth tome, he has compiled almost all of his commentaries and articles published in the Chronicle at that time. In the description of different folks, he sheds light on the working conditions and ill impacts of the industrial conditions. For instance, a person tells him that he is “ill in health — poor in pocket” in “Of the Abodes, Tricks, Marriage, Character, and Characteristics of the Different Grades of Patterers” (134).

While he discusses almost all the folks working in London at that time, Gertrude Himmelfarb has summarized his major argument about the conditions prevalent in London in the fourteenth chapter of her book titled “London: A Special Case,” quoting Shelley that it was a “populous and smoky city” (307). However, the most harrowing comment comes from her, describing it as the “city of the poor,” and Rousseau’s comment about its own kind of “deadly breath” (309-310), which vividly portrays the atmosphere at that time.

If the conditions were indeed as dire as depicted, the ensuing health conditions have not been better summed up than in Anthony S. Wohl’s “Endangered Lives: Public Health in Victorian Britain,” an indictment of government failure on legislative and administrative levels. The workers were forced to work overtime, in dingy conditions, facing numerous diseases and toxicities amid the squalor and humdrum of the industries (257-258). These references reveal the situation of the entire society, which not only has been corrupted but also forced to endure the worst in terms of health and living conditions.

The culture of “occupation health” (259), as noted by historians according to Wohl, has been such that Chadwick’s report is quoted by him, likening the people of the working class to “the size of Lilliputians” in Swiftian terms (206). The depiction of such a culture in fiction, non-fiction, and other forms of arts must have changed the vocabulary and descriptive techniques.

Living and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

Regarding living arrangements, the prostitute’s interview conducted by Mayhem in his tome is an eye-opener. He stated that boys and girls, although not industrial workers, were living in deplorable conditions. To access treatment, they resorted to committing crimes to land in jails where treatment was available (209-211). Wohl also highlights the worst working conditions, quoting reports by Simon that emphasized the need for “good ventilation, cleanliness, control of dust and other impurities,” especially for women and children (263). It remains unclear whether the situation improved after this report.

Despite several governmental acts and their enforcement, it is evident that people suffered from diseases caused by these unsanitary conditions and exposure to hazardous materials like “lead, arsenic, and phosphorus,” resulting in anthrax and other illnesses (264). The question of whether these dingy conditions and their aftereffects on public health changed the culture is not difficult to answer. The proliferation of factories in major cities, increasing population, and unimproved, unhealthy working conditions undoubtedly provided writers and artists with the material to produce corresponding pieces of literature and paintings depicting the stark realities of that time.

English Literature and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

A brief review of the impacts of these transformations on English literature, particularly the Victorian depiction of that age by Dickens and paintings critiqued by Ruskin, provides a broader understanding of the illness and dingy living conditions and their effects on literature and arts.

Nidhi Malik, in her paper “Industrial Revolution: How it Affects Victorian Literature in a Progressive or Adverse Way,” succinctly explores the impact on Dickens’s fiction. According to her argument, Dickens’s work best illustrates the utilitarian and laissez-faire aspects of the Industrial Revolution and their effects on different characters (157). She contends that orphaned children, poor workers, and child labor were the norms of the day, and Dickens vividly depicted the “exploitation and repression of the poor” by officials and institutions, highlighting how this abuse became an institutionalized norm (157). Malik quotes Oliver Twist of Dickens regarding his observation of the treatment meted out to children in the schools of that time (157). In “The Idea of Poverty,” Himmelfarb points to the same fact, referring to Mayhem’s account of the cholera outbreak, stating that Bill Sikes’s death was a case of the same epidemic. Dickens likely read accounts of this disease in newspapers, and it is possible he visited the site and was inspired by it (314).

A more detailed study of “Hard Times” by Charles Dickens and Ruskin’s critique of painters of that time in his work “Modern Painters,” specifically in Chapter XI titled “Hesperid Aegle,” sheds detailed light on how the illnesses resulting from the aftereffects of the Industrial Revolution transformed literary and artistic expression.

Dickinson and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

Concerning Dickens’s portrayal of illnesses resulting from conditions produced by the Industrial Revolution, his novel “Hard Times” delves into great detail. The murky atmosphere of the novel vividly conveys the smelly and dingy conditions in which Stephen Blackpool was living. The evaluation of the impacts of these illnesses cannot be depicted better than the situation prevalent in the town of Coketown. In a paper by Stephen Spector, he eloquently presents the working class and their conditions with two epigraphs, one from Dickens and one from Locke, at the start, revealing the type of people living there (365).

Valentina Stinga’s opening statement in her article, “There has always been a close connection between real facts and their representation in literature,” is supported by Spector’s argument. He criticizes Dickens for not accurately portraying true working class conditions through Stephen and Rachael, who seem to embody “industry, honesty, self-denial, and deference” in their characters. Despite arguing that Coketown epitomizes the true industrial town and is a “model of a grimy factory town,” Spector suggests that Dickens may not have accurately captured the real living conditions of the working class or middle class. He contends that Dickens might have been an “observant professional” rather than someone with firsthand experience of the conditions. However, Spector acknowledges Dickens’s unmatched ability in describing conditions, offering a “verisimilitude of realism” for specific locations and societies (365-368).

In Deirdre David’s book, “Hard Times” is described as full of the actual hard times of that era, illustrating a “slump,” “scanty food,” and resulting “low wages.” This sheds light on the novel’s title, reflecting the overall situation due to the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution. David argues that the revolution transformed not only the landscape but also the lives of “men, women, and children” (11). These comments by different critics reveal the prevalent illnesses and their impacts on the Victorian imagination, particularly on Dickens.

Illnesses and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

When exploring the facts and realities resulting from living conditions and consequential illnesses in “Hard Times,” ample examples are found. In this context, facts and realities refer to information about the illnesses and living conditions of the working-class people, as well as how Dickens portrayed life in towns where factories were located.

Patrick Bartlinger, in his article “Dickens and the Factories,” begins by quoting Gissing and other critics in his critique of Dickens. He accuses Dickens of either being negligent or naïve in depicting the omission of the workers’ struggles in England, especially in the north. Bartlinger acknowledges Dickens’s portrayal of industrial scenes in several novels, including “Bleak House” and “Nicholas Nickleby.” However, when it comes to “Hard Times,” Bartlinger suggests a different approach and accuses Dickens of aligning with a party that supported Ruskin’s argument, praising British industry in his speeches. Bartlinger raises questions about Dickens’s presentation and views it as his unique vision of society as a dismal, unfathomable tangle, as seen in Coketown (270-271). Essentially, Dickens, according to Bartlinger, was well aware of the facts and realities of that time, which fueled his imagination in crafting “Hard Times.”

Building on this point, Joseph Butwin argues that “Hard Times” is a denigration of “hard facts” and an effort by Dickens to write self-consciously governed by facts. Even though it is a work of fiction presenting a town like Coketown, Butwin suggests that Dickens is writing with a conscious awareness of the facts (175). A closer analysis of the novel supports these arguments put forward by Bartlinger and Butwin regarding facts and realities and their depiction in “Hard Times.”

Hard Times and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

The first and most horrifying presentation of facts occurs in the opening chapter of the novel, where the education system and the way children are taught are laid bare. This reflects the impacts of the Industrial Revolution on the minds of writers, and Charles Dickens, too, could not remain immune to these unsanitary conditions. Above all, it is the harsh facts and realities that also constituted unhealthy activities. “Hard Times” reveals that children must only be acquainted with facts, echoing Gradgrind’s thunderous philosophy that suppresses the imaginative and creative powers of the children. The novel portrays Tom Gradgrind and Louisa Gradgrind, his children, as products of this utilitarian system imposed by Thomas Gradgrind. While this initial presentation of facts may not directly depict the illnesses and aftereffects of the working middle class, it is contrasted with the conditions of characters like Sissy Jupe and Rachel, who represent the working class. “Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts” (Dickens 01) is the resounding proclamation of Thomas Gradgrind. However, the narrative prompts us to question the meaning of these facts for someone like Stephen, who works most of his time, leading to the destruction of his family life.

Sickness and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

The second impact is evident in the presentation of unhealthy and sickly conditions, particularly in Coketown. Despite the Stone Lodge presenting a picturesque landscape, it stands starkly against the filthy background of Coketown, illustrating the adverse effects of the Industrial Revolution’s unhealthy and appalling conditions.

The first aspect of this impact is the widespread filth described by Charles Dickens in various ways. Coketown is portrayed as a place with a sky that is “unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage” (Dickens 34). Dickens likens the town to a place full of machinery resembling serpents, emitting smoke that spreads far before dissipating in the air. The water is polluted, giving off a foul odor due to factory waste, reflecting the artificial lives imposed on the working class and their working hours in the industrial town.

Stephen Specter argues that Dickens’ imagination was significantly influenced by the prevailing system at that time, and this is reflected in his novel. Specter asserts that Dickens vividly depicts a complete transformation of the natural landscape into an “unnatural red and black” (Dickens 34), resulting from the denaturalization and metamorphosis of nature into something resembling or truly savage. Dickens employs words like “savage,” “snake,” and “elephant,” describing a horrifying change from a city of human beings to a city of brutes or non-human machines. This defamiliarization and disorientation, according to Specter, represent the merging of human beings into the system, reducing them to objects due to their behavior. This objectification, he suggests, is a product of a mentality influenced by the prevailing conditions (368). Although this may not be a direct illness, such conditions can undoubtedly lead to the deterioration of workers’ health and the well-being of other inhabitants.

Impacts and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

These conditions provide a sufficient background for understanding the unsanitary conditions that could have led to widespread epidemics. In this context, Gertrude Himmelfab’s study is particularly apt, as she opens the discussion of the city of London with a phrase similar to Dickens’s description of Coketown. Both cities are undergoing a metamorphosis due to the rail and industrial revolution. Himmelfab mentions fumes, chimney pots, yellow fog, and the “noxious form of pollution” (307) prevalent in these transforming urban landscapes.

However, the true impacts of this pollution, the prevailing health situation in the city, and the conditions of illness cannot be fully understood by focusing solely on characters like the Gradgrinds and other important bourgeois figures. While the description of Coketown implicitly suggests how industrialization has transformed the city, it doesn’t explicitly address its toll on health. It can be inferred that this toll is exemplified by characters like Stephen Blackpool, who constantly suffers from the toxicity of poverty and its impact on health. In this context, a paper by Thomas J. Papadimos is worth mentioning, as it reviews “Hard Times” in modern terms of health and public policy. This perspective adds valuable insights into the implications of Dickens’s portrayal of the industrial landscape and its effects on the health of the characters in the novel.

Health and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

Regarding health and illness, “The Hard Times” presents a true picture of the impacts of the Industrial Revolution, as stated by Thomas J. Papadimos. He argues that Dickens was truly empathetic towards the workers when he visited Preston during the strikes and observed the poor, unsanitary conditions they endured (02). Papadimos contends that Dickens’ characters depict a society strikingly similar to the present-day, where one class enjoys health benefits due to profiteering, while the other class suffers. He asserts that almost all the poverty-stricken characters also experience the detrimental effects of the Industrial Revolution. For Dickens, presenting characters in their true nature was a natural choice, given his staunch realism, and avoiding such conditions would have compromised his art.

Papadimos specifically highlights Mr. Sleary and Stephen Blackpool as individuals suffering from the illnesses of their time. Mr. Sleary’s manner of speaking is portrayed as a manifestation of the sickness Dickens witnessed during his visit, describing him as “troubled with asthma, and whose breath came far too thick and heavy” (51). Papadimos notes that this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease represents not only small business and self-employment but also the conditions of the poor working class (02). Another character Papadimos mentions is Stephen Blackpool, who faces two major issues, as Dickens points out. Firstly, he suffers from arthritis, and secondly, his wife frequently remains intoxicated (03). Papadimos draws attention to The Hard Times concerning insurance, benefits, and public health policy, asserting that its impacts still resonate strongly with the minds of 20th-century individuals.

It is inconceivable that Dickens would have overlooked such pervasive issues. Indeed, he sketched these distressing pictures of cities and people through his portrayal of Coketown and the characters of Mr. Sleary and Stephen Blackpool. Consequently, it can be asserted with certainty that the deplorable living conditions and pervasive filth resulting from the industrial revolution left a lasting impact on the Victorian imagination. However, a further analysis of Ruskin’s critique of the paintings of that time would shed more light on this aspect of the argument.

Ruskin and Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

Initially, John Ruskin presents two major arguments in his book Modern Painter Volume V. The first concerns the impact of the Victorian Period, while the second focuses on the articulation of this impact on the imagination. However, the second argument, addressing the impact on the imagination, is predominantly evident in artifacts such as paintings.

Regarding Turner, Ruskin asserts that the conditions of the Victorian era led to the degradation of flora and fauna. For instance, when commenting on Turner’s painting “Cocytus,” he argues that it appears as if the apple were broken, not due to its weight and healthy condition, but rather as if “a diseased tree would break” (336). This succinct critique clearly highlights Turner’s profound impact, depicting the tree not as healthy but as diseased through the imagery of the falling apple.

In reference to the same painting, Ruskin notes that Turner has depicted it in “a sulphurous hue, as relating to a paradise of smoke” (336), reminiscent of the environment in Coketown in “The Hard Times” (43). This comparison in terms of a smoky environment signifies the deplorable and unsanitary conditions of the time. However, this is most evident in the depiction of the environment with a smoky background, a characteristic found in most nature scenes. For instance, Ruskin criticizes another painting, suggesting that Turner should have portrayed the sun in its strength, but instead, it is depicted as “the sun rising not through vapor,” indicating the influence of smoke, as mentioned earlier (337). Attributing these choices to the use of color, Ruskin asserts that Turner’s art is “distinctively the art of coloring, not of shaping or relating” (340). Such color usage implies that the Victorian mindset was under the negative influence of pollution and fumes emitted by factories at that time. The habitual exposure to the same color scheme transforming into different colors underscores the pervasive impact of pollution on the Victorian mind.

Ruskin further contends that Turner’s innovation in using scarlet colors in various works is significant. Unlike other painters who traditionally employed golden and blue tones when depicting figures like Erytheia, Hesperid Aegle, and related goddesses and gods, Turner chose to use the distinctive scarlet shadow. Ruskin asserts that “none had dared to paint, none seem to have seen, the scarlet and purple” (340). This deviation in color choice, according to Ruskin, reflects a departure from the established norm, and he suggests that this change must be attributed to shifts in the environment. He is adamant that the altered color palette is indicative of environmental degradation, a point he believes Ruskin overlooks.

Ruskin’s commentary on the color scheme includes a reference to the rose of dawn and sunset, describing how the hues are influenced by the sunbeams passing through the earth’s atmosphere. However, he fails to acknowledge that this polluted atmosphere, as described, is indicative of the acrid and smoky conditions prevalent during the Victorian period. As a painter of natural landscapes, Turner would likely have been impacted by this environmental change, explaining the color choices that mirror the urban situations of the time. This connection can be drawn to Dickens’s portrayal of Coketown in “The Hard Times” (43), where similar horrible and unsanitary conditions result from excessive industrialization. Ruskin, to some extent, explicitly articulates this correlation, emphasizing the vocal acknowledgment of the impact of these conditions on Turner’s work.

Concerning color, Ruskin argues that since it is a form of love connected with the earth, its changing and transformation in a painter’s work vividly reflects the shifts and evolution in the artist’s mentality. He further emphasizes that the pursuit of larger houses and the insatiable desire for more lead people to destroy the beauty of the earth, and this degradation of the earth’s beauty influences the mindset.

In addressing the depiction of social disparities and conflicts between laborers and the upper class, Ruskin cites Turner, noting that he painted “the labor of men, their sorrow, and their death” (357), a departure from what most other painters were doing at the time. In essence, Ruskin suggests that Turner’s artistic vision was profoundly influenced by the unsanitary conditions and the stark differences in the lives of people during that era. Turner’s choice to portray the struggles and hardships of laborers, according to Ruskin, is indicative of the impact of societal conditions on artistic imagination.

Conclusion: Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

In short, the Industrial Revolution wreaked havoc on the environment, leading to detrimental living conditions for laborers. Despite various government interventions and administrative measures over time to ameliorate these conditions, the situation deteriorated. This upheaval profoundly impacted both great writers and painters who were witnesses to the clamor and chaos of factories and the deplorable state of the laborers surrounding them.

Charles Dickens, reflecting this grim reality, painted a dismal picture of Coketown and portrayed characters suffering from respiratory issues, capturing the harsh consequences of industrialization. Similarly, Ruskin observed in Turner’s masterpieces the depiction of a smoky environment, symbolizing the polluted surroundings. Therefore, it can be asserted that the unsanitary conditions, filthy environment, and the resulting illnesses had a profound influence on the Victorian imagination, compelling artists to articulate these conditions through their writings or paintings.

Works Cited: Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

1. Brantlinger, Patrick. “Dickens and the Factories.” Nineteenth-Century Fiction, vol. 26, no. 3, 1971, pp. 270–285. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2933206.
2. Butwin, Joseph. “Hard Times: The News and the Novel.” Nineteenth-Century Fiction, vol. 32, no. 2, 1977, pp. 166–187. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2933187.
3. David, Deirdre. Fictions of Resolutions in Three Victorian Novels. Columbia University Press, 1981.
4. Dickens, Charles. Hard Times. The University of Adelaide, 2014. Ebook.
5. Himmelfarb, Gertrude. The Idea of Poverty: England in the Early Industrial Age. New York: Vintage Book, 1983.
6. Mayhew, Henry. London Labor and the London Poor Vol. 1-4. Gutenberg, November 19, 2017 [eBook #55998].
7. Malik, Nidkhi. ” Industrial Revolution: How it Effect Victorian Literature in a Progressive or Adverse Way.” International Journal of Advanced Education Research, vol. 2, no. 6 (Nov, 2017): 156-157.
8. Papadimos, Thomas J. “Charles Dickens’ Hard Times and the Academic Health Center: A Tale of the Urban Working Poor and the Violation of a Covert Covenant, an American Perspective.” Online Journal of Health Ethics, volume. 3, no. 2. (2006). 1-14. htp://dx.doi.org/10.18785/ojhe.0302.02
9. Perkins, Harlod. “An Age of Great Cities. From Victorian Urban Settings: Essays on Nineteenth-century City and its Contexts edited by Debra N. Mancoff and Dale J. Trela. London: Garland Publishing, 1996. 2-25.
10. Stinga, Valentina. “The Industrial Imaginary in Mid-Victorian Literature: Charles Dickens’ Hard Times.” University din Pitersti, (2013): 185-190. http://www.diacronia.ro/ro/indexing/details/A6051/pdf Accessed on 04 May. 2018.
11. Spector, Stephen J. “Monsters of Metonymy: Hard Times and Knowing the Working Class.” ELH, vol. 51, no. 2, 1984, pp. 365–384. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2872950.
12. Wohl, Anthony S. Endangered Lives: Public Health in Victorian Britain. London: J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd. 1983.

Relevant Questions about Unsanitary Conditions Affected Victorian Imagination

1. How did the pervasive unsanitary conditions during the Victorian era impact the collective imagination of society, influencing perceptions of health, well-being, and the broader understanding of social progress, and specifically, how unsanitary conditions affected Victorian imagination?
2. In what ways did the literature and art of the Victorian era reflect or respond to the unsanitary conditions of the time, and how did these representations contribute to shaping public awareness and attitudes towards sanitation and public health, exploring how unsanitary conditions affected Victorian imagination?
3. How did the prevailing unsanitary conditions in Victorian cities influence the development of public policies, urban planning, and social reforms, and what role did these responses play in shaping the societal imagination concerning the importance of sanitation and hygiene, and examining how unsanitary conditions affected Victorian imagination?

Introduction: Twitter Shaping Self and Character

“I Tweet, Therefore, I Am” by Peggy Orenstein illustrates unprecedented and explosive influence of Twitter shaping self and character. Orenstein asserts that Twitter has become a pervasive trend in our lives, serving as a platform for expressing our thoughts, beliefs, actions, or even inaction. Alongside other social media platforms like Facebook and MySpace, Twitter has seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of our daily existence, leaving no aspect of our lives untouched by the practice of crafting tweets. It appears that our entire realm of privacy has condensed into 140 characters, accompanied by various symbols and signs.

The use of social media platforms introduces both major and minor, negative and positive aspects into our lives, forming an integral part of our daily experiences. Despite Facebook’s broader reach, Twitter stands out as a more popular and influential medium, particularly in encouraging the expression of private thoughts in written form. Twitter, according to Orenstein, not only molds our identities but also lays bare our selves, fostering self-expression and self-promotion in the process.

Identities and How Twitter Shaping Self and Character

With the advent of Twitter, our awareness of both our identities and our surroundings has heightened. Orenstein explicitly communicates this shift from conventional attention to a tweet-worthy moment in the introduction of her article. Previously, she might have given her full attention to her daughter listening to “The Trumpet of the Swan,” but now she views the experience as “the perfect opportunity for a tweet” when the grass tickles their ankles (Orenstein). This transformation underscores the pervasive influence of Twitter on our daily lives.

As an author, Orenstein acknowledges the evolving landscape, where even her publisher requests tweets about her new book. This constant engagement with Twitter has become so ingrained that Orenstein admits to learning how to be “on” all the time, blurring the lines between whether Twitter is shaping her or she is shaping her “Twitter feed” (Orenstein). This contemplation leads her to question how she allocates her time, framing it as an expansion of our “digital universe” (Orenstein).

Orenstein contends that Twitter has not only altered our time-spending habits but has also transformed how we construct our identities. The platform serves as a medium through which individuals express their thoughts, actions, preferences, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates. The constructed identity is then propagated to friends and followers, forming a digital extension of oneself. Orenstein personally exemplifies this by sharing her Arabic heritage proudly with her connected audience.

Twitter Shaping Self and Character

Furthermore, Twitter serves as a platform that exposes our true selves. Orenstein, referring to MIT professor Sherry Turkle, highlights the notion that individuals engage on Twitter to craft a version of themselves for others to consume and interpret—a form of performance aimed at revealing their authentic identity. This performance, or outward expression, is confined to the limitations of 140 characters, leading Turkle to describe Twitter as “outer-directedness cubed” (qtd. Orenstein). The implication is that individuals project their selves outward but through a narrow channel, restricted by the concise nature of the platform.

Despite the constraint of characters, Twitter users retain control over what they reveal, presenting a curated version of themselves to the world. This curated identity, expressed within the confines of tweets, becomes a form of true performance, offering insights into one’s genuine thoughts and perspectives. The immediacy of sharing thoughts, as Orenstein notes, aligns with the idea that we tweet whatever we see, providing an authentic glimpse into our true selves—a facet that may remain concealed in face-to-face interactions.

However, this exposure of the self can sometimes lead to self-consciousness or a guarded approach. Orenstein alludes to this sentiment when she playfully remarks, “I will resist the urge to trumpet about the swan,” suggesting a conscious decision to withhold certain aspects of her true self. This hesitation to expose every detail echoes a common experience, as individuals often grapple with the balance between authenticity and privacy on social media platforms.

Your personal experience of editing and removing posts from your Facebook account to conceal your true self resonates with the challenges of managing the public and private dimensions of online identity. The dilemma you faced, triggered by a friend revealing private information, underscores the delicate dance between self-expression and the desire to maintain a level of privacy in the digital realm.

Opportunities of How Twitter Shaping Self and Character

Twitter, from another perspective, serves as a platform for both self-expression and self-promotion. In various ways, individuals strive to articulate their true selves while simultaneously projecting an image of what they aspire to be. Despite concerted efforts to control our digital personas, the inherently open nature of Twitter often reveals reflections and intimacies that we might otherwise attempt to conceal. Yet, embedded within this “performance culture” (Orenstein) lies a certain allure—what she describes as “its infinite potential for connection, as well as the opportunity for self-expression” (Orenstein)—which is essentially a form of self-promotion.

Orenstein references a University of Michigan study, noting that although Twitter has not explicitly encouraged self-promotion over self-awareness, individuals have naturally gravitated towards showcasing their achievements even in the midst of their busy lives (Orenstein). This inclination toward self-promotion is a testament to the platform’s capacity to allow users to craft and project their desired image.

Reflecting on personal experiences, even your own standout tweets often revolve around personal accomplishments, positive moments, and joyous family celebrations—a clear illustration of self-promotion. This aligns with the broader trend observed on Twitter, where individuals seize the opportunity to highlight their achievements and positive aspects of their lives, contributing to the overall ethos of self-promotion within the platform’s culture.

Conclusion: Twitter Shaping Self and Character

In short, Orenstein masterfully integrates research, facts, and statistics to underscore her argument that emerging media platforms, such as Twitter, have not only transformed our habits and communication styles but have also reshaped our self-perception. While these channels propel us towards greater openness, exposure, and authenticity, they simultaneously present the challenge of inadvertently revealing more than intended. Orenstein aptly cautions against indiscriminate sharing, urging restraint in certain instances, as highlighted by her metaphorical advice to resist the urge to “trumpet about the swan” (Orenstein). This metaphor underscores the importance of discretion, suggesting that some aspects of our lives are best kept private rather than being flaunted on the public stage. Ultimately, the evolving landscape of social media demands a delicate balance between self-expression and preserving the sanctity of personal boundaries.

Works Cited: Twitter Shaping Self and Character

1. Orenstein, Peggy. “I Tweet, Therefore, I Am.”30 July 2010. Web. 05 Dec. 2023.

Relevant Questions: Twitter Shaping Self and Charac

1. How does Peggy Orenstein, in her article “I Tweet, Therefore, I Am,” strategically employ rhetorical devices to explore the influence of Twitter on shaping individual identity and character, and are there specific instances where these devices enhance her message regarding the impact of social media?
2. Within the context of Orenstein’s article, how does she strategically integrate ethos, logos, and pathos to establish credibility, logical reasoning, and emotional appeal in her examination of Twitter’s role in shaping one’s sense of self and character?
3. Can you identify any rhetorical strategies, such as the use of anecdotes, metaphors, or tone, that Orenstein utilizes in “I Tweet, Therefore, I Am” to underscore the cultural and personal implications of Twitter on self-perception and character development, and how do these strategies contribute to the overall rhetorical effectiveness of her argument?

Similarities: Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value

Stoicism and the Rationalist Theory of Value intersect as philosophical perspectives, offering insights into the pursuit of virtue, ethical decision-making, and the inherent value derived from reason and rationality in navigating the complexities of human existence. Rationalism, or the Rationalistic Theory of Value, shares a profound connection with the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, exhibiting similarities despite notable differences. Stoics contend that the essence of human experience lies not in external events but in individuals’ judgments about those events (205). They assert that the material world operates on rational principles or logos, creating an ordered cosmos where individuals, in reaching a stage of pure reasoning, can maintain equanimity in the face of personal tragedies or the adversity of others. Embracing the belief in destiny, Stoics argue that events unfold as they are meant to (205). According to them, attaining perfect happiness involves living in harmony with nature and the world, as they affirm the divine presence within each person. Pursuing natural goals with equanimity, they categorize things into values such as preferred, shunned, or indifferent, asserting that a wise person can use things without becoming dependent on them, thus living in harmony with nature (207-208). The Stoics uphold the belief that the only true good is virtue, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature, logos, and God (208). They posit that a virtuous person can lead a good and pleasant life, viewing virtue not as an end goal but as a way of life.

The Rationalist Theory of Value, rooted in the classical age, aligns closely with Stoic philosophy on aspects related to the soul, humanity, God, and the ultimate purpose of actions. However, Immanuel Kant has revitalized and rebranded this theory by arguing that human perceptions or judgments give rise to natural laws and that reason is the sole source of morality and ethics. Kant emphasizes the existence of a priori concepts for acquiring knowledge, highlighting their significance. Much like Stoicism, the Rationalist theory underscores the importance of indifference, focusing on aspects that Stoics have prioritized in their philosophical framework.

Differences: Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value

• Limits on Existence, Free Will, and Immortality:
  • Rationalism acknowledges limits regarding the existence of God, the exercise of free will by individuals, and questions about the immortality of the human soul, all within the bounds of pure reason.
  • Stoicism, in contrast, operates without such limits, providing a more expansive framework for addressing these existential questions.
• Role of Reason and Flaws in Processing Experience:
  • Rationalism recognizes the importance of pure reason but acknowledges that reason can be flawed in processing pure experiences, particularly in judgments or perceptions, as emphasized by both Stoics and modern rationalists.
  • In Stoicism, the notion of pure experience, termed judgment, goes beyond the constraints of reason, suggesting a more holistic understanding that involves both reason and direct experience.
• Importance of Reason and Experience in Knowledge Formation:
  • Both rationalism and Stoicism posit the significance of reason and experience in acquiring verified knowledge. Rationalists assert that even moral truths are a priori, aligning with the Stoic emphasis on the interconnectedness of reason and experience in forming perceptions.
• Kant’s Retributive Justice and Stoic Parallels:
  • In the realm of ethics, Kant’s theory of Retributive Justice shares similarities with Stoicism, particularly in linking crimes to passions.
  • While Stoicism and Kantian ethics converge on the idea that crimes are rooted in passions, Kant introduces a nuanced difference by emphasizing the rationality of human beings, positing that a truly rational individual would not commit a crime. This perspective aligns with the belief in the correctness of the ‘eye for an eye’ principle.

In essence, while Stoicism and Rationalistic Theory of Value share common ground in certain philosophical aspects, their serious differences highlight nuanced perspectives on the limits of reason, the role of experience, and the nature of moral truths.

References: Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value

1. Melchert, N. (2014). The Great Conversation: A Historical Introduction to Philosophy. Oxford University Press. 7^th Ed.

Relevant Questions about Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value

1. How does the Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value intersect or diverge as philosophical perspectives, offering insights into the pursuit of virtue, ethical decision-making, and the inherent value derived from reason and rationality in navigating the complexities of human existence?
2. In what ways do Stoicism and the Rationalist Theory of Value contribute to a comprehensive understanding of ethical decision-making, and how do they address the role of emotions in shaping values, considering the intertwined nature of Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value?
3. How can the principles of Stoicism and the Rationalist Theory of Value be applied in contemporary contexts to guide individuals in navigating moral dilemmas and making value-based choices in their personal and professional lives, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between Stoicism and Rationalist Theory of Value?

Introductory Paragraph:Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions

Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions are addressed here to shed light on the detrimental effects of excessive caffeine consumption and viable strategies to overcome and manage addiction. The article addresses the harms of caffeine addiction and provides insights into the detrimental effects of excessive caffeine consumption. In his article “Coffee and Mortality: Urgent need for Clinical Trials to Assess Putative Benefits and Harms” published in the Journal of Caffeine Research (2012, p. 53), Jack E. James argues, “Well-controlled experimental studies have shown definitively that caffeine increases blood pressure acutely.” While James highlights various issues related to caffeine addiction, the acute increase in blood pressure emerges as a serious concern that requires urgent attention. This issue can lead to severe health problems within a short period, making it a critical discovery from the research studies mentioned in his work. Despite the debates on various other issues in different studies, addressing this specific concern becomes crucial to save a significant portion of the population already addicted to caffeine, considering popular drinks like tea and coffee are perceived as natural stimulants with no apparent risks. This observation demands careful attention, and people need to be alerted that transforming a simple act of sipping coffee into an addiction poses significant health risks. Providing guidance on ways to quit caffeine or consume it in moderation is essential for public health.

Outline of Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions

Thesis — To warn the people of the deadly caffeine addiction harms, it is imperative they be (1) informed that they need to be careful, (2) consult their physician regularly and (3) quit the addiction sooner rather than later.

Topic Sentence: The people should be warned that they need to take care of the coffee consumption to get red of its addiction.

1. In fact, when people consume coffee and other such drinks for relaxation and stimulation, they need to know;
2. They have caffeine in a huge quantity.
3. Using them on occasions that do not become regular is unregulated and causes harms.
4. Using with consciousness of caffeine presence means they are aware of the risks.
5. Comparing use of tea, coffee and other caffeine related drinks lead to the understanding of;
6. Long term addiction.
7. Finding out the total duration of the addiction and its reasons.
8. Understanding that precaution about the aspects need to be kept in mind.
9. Thinking about decaffeinated drinks
10. Knowing that decaffeinated drinks reduce the conscious consumption of caffeinated drinks and stimulants, while unregulated use causes various other issues.
11. Quote: “It can cause excessive  influence  on  the  central  nervous  and respiratory systems, characterized by restlessness, excitement, insomnia, and possibly mild delirium” (Ramalakshmi and Raghavan, 1999, p. 445).

Topic Sentence: Since caffeine taking becomes an addiction, it needs urgent attention of the doctor to regulate the consumption on regular basis so as not to let it slip into a deadly consumption.

1. A regular consumption needs to be regulated because;
2. Most addicts consider it just a natural stimulant on account of its muscle relaxation property
3. Mostly young people take it regularly to get sup[ort with their hard work in studies or research
4. Quote: “A typical cup of regular coffee contains 70 to 140 mg of caffeine, depending on preparation, blend, and cup size” (Ramalakshmi and Raghavan, 1999, p. 443).
5. Understanding that if this is regulated by the physician, it will not have adverse impacts is to ask too much;
6. It is because it could be that that the physician administers deregulation, but the person does not abide by it.
7. It could also be that this issue of precaution of the physician is not taken seriously.
8. In some cases, it may also not have any impacts on the dose containing different drinks taken at different times on social pressure.

Topic Sentence: Decaffeination of the body or of the drinks takes a lot of efforts on the part of the person himself as well as the relatives who are required to work as a support system.

1. Some steps include understanding and then deregulating it to make it not an addiction but a hobby and at times just leaving it.
2. Quitting needs a complete but gradual withdrawal with some medicinal support
3. Quitting also needs understanding of complete health risks
4. Quote: “It could be speculated that overcoming one’s dependency on caffeine could have secondary beneficial effects on health and weight” (Juliano et al. 2012,  p. 952-953).

Conclusion: Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions

Eventually, the need for quitting the use of caffeine related or containing drinks needs a priority on the basis of health risks. Working to quit it altogether needs the support of the physician as well as the family and other relations. Understanding that the use of excessive of addictive caffeine is posing serious health risks needs to lead to solutions as stated. The first should be warning that it poses some behavioral as well as psychological risks but then it should be combined with regulated use with the help of the physician. Quitting comes later but at considerable price and efforts where a holistic approach is required including support of the society, family and friends.

References: Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions

1. James, J. E. (2012). Coffee and mortality: urgent need for clinical trials to assess putative benefits and harms.
2. Juliano, L. M., Evatt, D. P., Richards, B. D., & Griffiths, R. R. (2012). Characterization of individuals seeking treatment for caffeine dependence. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 26(4), 948.
3. Ramalakshmi, K., & Raghavan, B. (1999). Caffeine in coffee: its removal. Why and how?. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 39(5), 441-456.

Relevant Questions: Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions

1. What specific detrimental effects on health are associated with the “Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions,” as discussed in the exploration of caffeine addiction?
2. How does the increase in blood pressure, highlighted in Jack E. James’ article within the “Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions,” contribute to the severity of health problems related to caffeine addiction, and what urgent solutions are proposed to address this issue?
3. In the context of popular beverages like tea and coffee being perceived as natural stimulants, what measures and strategies are suggested within the “Harms of Caffeine Addiction and Solutions” to prevent and manage caffeine addiction, considering its potential risks and the need for public awareness?

Introduction: Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

This famous speech is an assertion of womanhood in Sojourner Truth at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio, where she elevated the status not only of the entire female race but also of her population through her powerful message and passionate reasoning in her brief address. Though she was not a professional speaker or rhetorician, with just five paragraphs and a final one-liner, she left a lasting impact on the audience, leaving scholars and speakers speechless about the potent and robust message she conveyed through her simple, grammatically mistaken, and conversational language.

In fact, the Southern Negroes were enduring a form of slavery almost equal to that experienced by women in the North, a point she hinted at in the second line and elaborated on in the second-to-last and last paragraphs. Her argument is not solely for the rights of Southern women but for all women, specifically black women. What’s most remarkable about this short speech is that at a time when few women dared to speak on such matters, and that too with such boldness, it was quite surprising for the audience. It was not expected that a black woman would articulate such harsh words with such beautiful reasoning. Even rhetoricians were sometimes surprised at the use of very simple rhetorical devices and their effectiveness in her short piece. This short speech is not only an open and vociferous cry for freedom but also utilizes rhetorical devices and arguments to be effective for the audience. The speech demonstrates the effective use of repetition, colloquialism, and argumentative strategies.

Speech Title and Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

The title of the speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” is drawn directly from the speech itself, repeated approximately four times in the second paragraph. The timing of this repetition aligns with the argument presented each time it is reiterated. For instance, after stating that she hasn’t been helped and questioning the notion that women should be assisted, she asserts her womanhood by asking, “Ain’t I a woman?” Similarly, she reiterates this question after proclaiming her ability to work like women, raise children, and endure suffering, emphasizing that despite all this, she hasn’t been acknowledged as a woman.

This repetition serves not only as a literary device but also as a rhetorical question that enhances the effectiveness of the speech. Sojourner Truth follows a pattern: she makes a claim, presents her case with supporting evidence from her own life, and then poses the rhetorical question, “Ain’t I a woman?” The deliberate repetition of this question, four times in total, reinforces her assertion of being a woman and prompts the audience to confront the inconsistency in societal perceptions. For example, she emphatically states, “I could work as much and eat as much as a woman – when I could get it – and bear as much the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman?” This repetition not only underscores her claim but also bolsters the evidence supporting it, making her speech compelling and impactful.

Colloquialism and Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

The second rhetorical element employed by Sojourner Truth is the use of colloquialism. Her lack of formal education is evident in her language, suggesting that she spontaneously took the stage, expressed personal experiences in a speech-like manner, and departed. However, the informality of her delivery significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the message, resonating particularly well with the colloquial and spoken language of the Southern black community.

The speech is characterized by colloquial expressions, short forms, and specific words, reflecting the conversational style of the South where Truth lived. Examples such as “racket” and “kilter” in the first line, as well as abbreviated forms like “‘twixt,” “ain’t,” and “won’t,” contribute to the overall conversational tone. Short, direct conversational sentences like “Look at me! Look at my arm!” are followed by longer ones connected with conjunctions and rhetorical questions, the latter repeated four times for emphasis.

Throughout the speech, rhetorical questions, a common feature in conversations, are employed, such as “what’s this they call?” This technique invites audience participation and engagement. Sojourner Truth’s natural, conversational style, with its use of colloquial language and rhetorical questions, captivates and engrosses her audience, holding their attention with its down-to-earth authenticity.

Notably, she uses endearing terms such as “honey” in the second line, creating a warm connection with her audience. Additionally, she employs an informal approach by directly addressing an individual from the audience in the fourth paragraph with “Then that little man in black there…” This direct engagement enhances the effectiveness of her speech, allowing her to respond logically to the points raised.

Argumentative Strategies and Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

In terms of argumentative strategies, Sojourner Truth adeptly employs logos, pathos, and ethos in her speech. She begins by using logos, appealing to the audience’s sense of logic. She questions the audience logically, pointing out the inconsistency in advocating for women’s rights while neglecting to assist her, a woman. By framing it as a logical dilemma, she forces the audience to confront the inconsistency: either she is not a woman, which is clearly not the case, or she is being denied her rights, making her claim valid. This logical approach forms a compelling foundation for her argument.

Additionally, Truth utilizes pathos, appealing to the audience’s emotions. Through her personal experiences and vivid descriptions, she evokes empathy and stirs emotions. For example, when she declares, “Look at me! Look at my arm!” she not only presents a logical argument but also elicits an emotional response by drawing attention to the physical evidence of her strength and endurance.

Furthermore, she incorporates ethos into her argumentation. Ethically, she challenges the audience to consider the legitimacy of denying her rights as a woman. By questioning, “Ain’t I a woman?” at the end of her logical argument, she appeals to the ethical principles of fairness and justice. This rhetorical question serves as a powerful ethical appeal, questioning the morality of the audience’s stance on her womanhood and rights.

Emotional Appeal Regarding Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

Then she goes for an emotional appeal, stating that she has raised children and cried for help, but nobody has listened to her except “Jesus heard me” (Truth). Thirdly, she has used a very powerful biblical simile as a logos, stating that Christ came into this world “From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with him” (Truth). This statement is also an example of pathos, as it touches the hearts of her audience, swaying them to support her. All these argumentative strategies used by her won her a great reputation because she presented her case powerfully.

Conclusion: Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

In a nutshell, Sojourner Truth delivered a compelling short speech with effective repetition, powerful rhetorical questions, and convincing argumentative devices, all contributing to the strength of her case. This success is evident in her deduction at the end, asserting that it is now time for women to unite and restore the world to its intended state by God. She emphasizes that men should allow women to take on this responsibility by stating, “the men better let them,” suggesting that women are capable of rectifying the situation and deserve equal rights. Beyond her wit, Sojourner Truth’s mastery of language enhances the persuasiveness of her message. The concise and impactful nature of her speech further adds to its effectiveness. It is not just the rhetorical devices at play; her courage to step forward, the well-timed delivery, the appropriate situation, and the receptive audience collectively contribute to making her speech more powerful than ever. Therefore, her speech stands as an excellent piece for discourse analysis.

Works Cited: Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth, “Ain’t I a Woman?” 29 May 1851. Web. 30 Nov. 2023.

Relevant Questions about Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth

1. How did the “Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth” challenge prevailing stereotypes about women during her time?
   • Sojourner Truth lived in a time when societal norms and expectations for women were deeply ingrained. How did she, through the “Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth,” challenge the prevailing stereotypes of femininity and womanhood? Consider aspects such as her demeanor, language, and the content of her speech.
2. In what ways did the “Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth” intersect the struggles for both racial and gender equality?
   • Sojourner Truth was not only an advocate for women’s rights but also a fervent abolitionist. How did she, through the “Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth,” navigate the intersections between race and gender in her activism? Explore how her experiences as an African American woman influenced her perspective on both racial and gender equality.
3. How did the “Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth’s ‘Ain’t I a Woman?'” speech contribute to the broader women’s rights movement?
   • Sojourner Truth delivered her famous speech at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, in 1851. Analyze the impact of her speech on the women’s rights movement at that time. How did her, through the “Assertion of Womanhood in Sojourner Truth’s ‘Ain’t I a Woman?’,” words resonate with other activists, and what role did her message play in shaping the discourse around women’s rights?

Introduction: Social Media and Identities

Social Media and Identities intertwine in complex ways, shaping how individuals present themselves and connect with others in the digital landscape. Susan Cox rightly says that ‘the Internet really has been nothing short of culturally transformative’ (Cox). The case of social media, however, is even more distinctive in that these sites not only connect people but also provide them with opportunities to interact with each other. This mutual public interaction is now influencing how people perceive their identities. Whether on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, almost all networks offer individuals a chance to see themselves through others’ comments, likes, dislikes, and reactions. This collective social expression compels individuals to contemplate their image, whether positively or negatively, and construct their identity.

In this context, not only are these social networking sites potentially making teens egotistic and self-obsessed, but they may also contribute to heightened feelings of unhappiness and loneliness. This is despite evidence suggesting that identity construction depends on personal thinking and the utilization of social media.”

Use of Social Media and Identities

Indeed, social media usage has become a prevalent trend among teenagers. Regardless of the location, it is common to encounter a teenager engrossed with their smartphone, scrolling through images, briefly reading text, and expressing their feelings in kind. The constant preoccupation with their own profile and images of others prompts them to compare themselves, fostering an obsession with their personality and identity. Sarah Harris notes that this continual engagement with social media has led teens to develop “short attention spans” and a desire for “constant feedback on their lives” (Harris). Describing it as a form of “banality,” she refers to a study highlighting teens’ inclination toward “instant gratification” and the creation of a “mini-celebrity” status, akin to egotism or self-obsession (Harris). Rachel Simmons supports this perspective, stating that the feeling of being liked by others serves as confirmation of a “girl’s social status” (Simmons). This further emphasizes how teenagers construct their identities through social likes, dislikes, and comments, occasionally leading to negative self-perceptions.

Negativity, Social Media and Identities

The preoccupation with social media not only increases negativity about one’s body but also affects one’s emotional state. Maria Konnikova, writing for The New Yorker, supports this perspective by citing Ethan Kross of the University of Michigan, who argues that Facebook is intensifying feelings of loneliness and unhappiness among users. Another expert, Robert Kraut, similarly supports Kross’s view, noting a decline in happiness among people after joining social networking sites. Konnikova also refers to an analysis indicating that social media usage has detrimental effects on people’s emotional well-being, including the potential for negative feelings of jealousy and envy (Konnikova).

In Teen Vogue, Julie Pennell further supports this viewpoint, emphasizing that girls, in particular, may feel mentally and physically negative about themselves after comparing pictures uploaded by their friends (Pennell). This aligns with the perspective of Sarah Harris, who suggests that teenagers obsessed with social media define their identities based on how others perceive them (Harris). The impact, of course, depends on how others present their curated photos and comment positively. When such positive interactions do not occur, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, which can be destructive for a teenager’s identity.

Loneliness, Social Media and Identities

Loneliness has depressive effects, but according to Konnikova’s interpretation of the studies by Ethan Kross and Robert Kraut, it is the passive use of social media that specifically causes loneliness and depression, rather than the active use. In passive engagement with social media, people often experience “deleterious” impacts on their emotional health, exacerbating feelings of alienation. Konnikova suggests that the prevalence of passive experiences contributes to “feelings of disconnection and boredom” (Konnikova). This, in turn, can lead to negative identity formation or what Sarah Harris refers to as an “identity crisis” — a misconstruction of identity influenced by how others perceive and react to an individual (Harris). In essence, social media appears to have a negative impact on teens’ identity construction, but there are also arguments suggesting a reciprocal relationship.

Positivity, Social Media and Identities

Despite the detrimental impacts on identity construction, the use of social media is claimed to contribute to a positive self-image and an increased feeling of connectedness. Maria Konnikova cites Sebastian Valenzuela and others to argue that Facebook usage makes people happier than they were before. Quoting psychologist Matthew Lieberman, she asserts that this social participation is “reinforcing” for users and leads to a sense of connectedness with others, promoting positive identity construction (Konnikova). This suggests that social media is not solely responsible for negative identity construction.

Julie Pennell also supports this perspective, stating that social media usage itself does not cause negative body impressions. Instead, she suggests that it is the mental comparisons that girls make with the photos of their friends that contribute to these negative feelings (Pennell). In essence, social media networking sites are not entirely responsible for negative identity construction. However, they do play a partial role by influencing teenagers to focus on their smartphones, see themselves through the eyes of others, and construct their identities accordingly.

Conclusion: Social Media and Identities

In short, social media networking sites have both negative and positive impacts on identity construction. While teenagers may become impulsive and addictive users, leading to self-obsession and egotism about their identities, the situation exacerbates for some, particularly girls, who may develop a distorted self-perception based on the number of ‘likes’ received. This self-obsession can negatively affect their identity construction, especially if the perceived image does not align with reality. Additionally, social media usage has been associated with increased negative emotions, loneliness, boredom, and depressive moods.

Despite these drawbacks, there are also positive impacts on identity construction. When used judiciously and actively, social media can contribute to positive feelings and a sense of connectedness with others. Therefore, the relationship between social media and identity construction is nuanced, involving a mix of detrimental and beneficial effects that vary depending on how individuals engage with these platforms.

Works Cited: Social Media and Identities

1. Cox, Susan. “Facebook had totally reinvented human identity: Why it’s even worse than you think.” Salon. 26 Oct. 2014. http://www.salon.com/2014/10/26/facebook_has_totally_reinvented_human_identity_why_its_e
   ven_worse_than_you_think/. Accessed on 18 Jun. 2023.
2. Harris, Sarah. “Facebook and Twitter are Creating a vain generation of self-obsessed people with child-like need for feedback, warns top scientist.” Daily Mail. 30 Jul. 2011. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2020378/Facebook-Twitter-creating-vain-generation-self-obsessed-people.html. Accessed on 18 Jun. 2023.
3. Konnikova, Maria. “How Facebook Makes Us Unhappy.” The New Yorker. 10 Sep. 2013. http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/how-facebook-makes-us-unhappy. 18 Jun. 2023.
4. Pennell, Julie. “How Facebook Can Affect Your Body Image.” Teen Vogue. 22 Jul. 2015. http://www.teenvogue.com/story/facebook-effect-on-body-image. Accessed on 18 Jun. 2023.
5.  Simmons, Rachel. “The Secret Language of Girls on Instagram.” Time. 10 Nov. 2014. time.com/3559340/instagram-tween-girls/. Accessed on 18 Jun. 2023.

Relevant Questions about Social Media and Identities

1. How does the pervasive influence of “Social Media and Identities” impact the construction and expression of personal identities in today’s interconnected society?
2. In what ways do “Social Media and Identities” contribute to the formation of collective identities, and how does this phenomenon influence offline interactions and societal dynamics?
3. What are the potential psychological effects of maintaining and curating one’s identity on “Social Media and Identities,” considering factors such as self-esteem, self-perception, and the impact on mental well-being?

Introduction: Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

The competition of cigarette companies and associated health risks has ignited debates on the ethical responsibility of the tobacco industry in addressing profound public health concerns linked to smoking. However, the critical issue is that, while cigarettes prove fatal for public health, they also face competition both within and outside the industry, notably with the emergence of e-cigarettes—a new phenomenon in the tobacco sector. Cigarettes not only contribute to fatal cancers but also give rise to various dental and asthmatic problems. Beneath these health concerns lies the challenge of competition, making cigarettes appealing to teenagers. Despite warning signs on cigarette packets, such as “Smoking is Injurious to Health,” the number of smokers continues to rise steadily. This poses a significant challenge to the younger generation, exposed more to enticing advertisements than warning messages.

According to the CDC, the number of deaths specifically attributed to tobacco smoking is increasing daily. Therefore, an effective strategy is imperative to counter this upward trend in deaths resulting from competition among cigarette companies and the competition from e-cigarettes. Stringent laws, increased taxes, and awareness campaigns about the risks of e-cigarettes are necessary to mitigate these fatalities.

Laws, Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

The issue of implementing strict laws against smoking requires thorough debate, but progress in this direction is hindered without support from the medical community. Strict laws are essential because if teenagers face difficulty purchasing cigarettes, it becomes more challenging for them to engage in smoking. Immediate enactment and implementation of these laws are crucial to safeguard the well-being of future generations. According to Venciana-Suarez, “About 90 percent of all smokers begin smoking as teenagers, so it is very important that we keep young people from using or experimenting with any tobacco product” (Venciana-Suarez). Enforcing a stringent law that prohibits the sale of cigarettes to teens would effectively limit their availability.

Additionally, organizing special awareness campaigns within university and college classes could complement the impact of such laws. Educating teens about the risks associated with early smoking is crucial. Mayo Clinic has already taken steps in this direction on its website, advising, “Teen smoking is more common in teens whose parents smoke,” and urging parents who smoke to quit early, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of their teens becoming smokers. Even if these messages are not considered pearls of wisdom, they can, at the very least, protect the younger generation from falling victim to the competition among companies.

Real Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

Within the context of increasing competition, raising cigarette prices can automatically lead to a decrease in the number of smokers. This is attributed to the economic principle that as prices rise, demand decreases, consequently reducing sales. Affordability becomes a significant factor as individuals find it challenging to purchase higher-priced cigarettes. Despite claims from cigarette companies asserting that price increases do not impact their sales, internal documents revealed in tobacco lawsuits tell a different story. According to an article titled “Raising Cigarette Taxes Reduces Smoking, Especially Among Kids,” cigarette companies have opposed tobacco tax increases by arguing against their effectiveness. However, the internal documents disclosed in these lawsuits reveal that the companies are well aware that raising cigarette prices is one of the most effective ways to prevent and reduce smoking, particularly among young people.

This evidence suggests that while tobacco companies may experience a reduction in profits due to price increases, the ultimate result is a decrease in the number of smokers. Amidst the competitive landscape, this reduction is likely to be more pronounced.

Smoking Industry, Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

The introduction of e-cigarettes into the smoking industry has been somewhat delayed and gradual, gaining popularity for their perceived lower nicotine content. In a narrative shared by Palochko, a person who had smoked cigarettes for fifteen years managed to quit altogether within five years with the aid of e-cigarettes, illustrating the potential efficacy of this method (Palochko). This suggests that electronic cigarettes are increasingly being recognized as a substitute for traditional cigarettes in helping individuals quit smoking. However, there remains a lack of awareness among many regarding what electronic or e-cigarettes actually are.

Most people are unaware that e-cigarettes are a Chinese invention, akin to gunpowder. The first e-cigarettes were introduced by the Ruyan Company in 2004, and they come in various sizes and shapes, with many resembling traditional cigarettes. As explained in the article, “They all work the same basic way, with each cartridge being good for several uses” (Features). This highlights the evolving landscape of smoking alternatives and the potential impact of e-cigarettes in aiding individuals on their journey to quit smoking.

Conclusion: Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

In short, it is accurate to acknowledge that competition is contributing to the rise in teen smoking, and it is equally true that smoking leads to a significant number of deaths each year. Implementing strict laws, raising prices, and introducing e-cigarettes at earlier stages could potentially prevent these deaths. Additionally, raising awareness among students about the health risks and deceptive tactics employed by companies to attract youths may better equip them not only to quit but also to avoid initiating smoking in the first place. There is hope that the future holds positive developments in the realm of smoking cessation or prevention.

Works Cited: Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

1. CDC. “Adult Cigarette Smoking in USA: Current Estimates.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 02 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 June 2023.
2. Palochko, Jacqueline. “E-Cigarettes, a Solution to Addictive Smoking or Another Addiction to Worry About?” The Morning Call. 29 Nov. 2013. Web. 22 June 2023.
3. Veciana-Suarez, Ana. “Teens’ Use of E-Cigarettes is Growing.” Miami Herald, South Florida. 12 Aug. 2013. Newspaper Source. Web. 27 June 2023.
4. May Clinic Staff. “Tween and Teen Health.” Teen Smoking: 10 Ways to Keep Teens Smoke-Free. n.p. Web. 27 June 2023.
5. “Raising Cigarette Taxes Reduces Smoking, Especially Among Kids (And the Cigarette Companies Know It”. n.d. Web. 27 June 2023.
6. Feature, Daniel J. “E-Cigarettes Under Fire.” WebMD. n.d. Web. 27 June 2023

Relevant Questions about Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks

1. How do ongoing competitive strategies among “Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks” impact efforts to address and mitigate the health risks associated with smoking?
2. What measures are being taken within the “Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks” to prioritize public health over competitive interests, considering the well-documented risks posed by smoking?
3. In the context of the “Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks,” how are regulatory authorities working to enforce policies that effectively reduce health risks and protect consumers from the harmful effects of tobacco products?