As many would agree, we were trained and conditioned not to write "I" in our essays. That word was strictly forbidden in professional writing and if you wanted to be a good writer! All throughout middle school and high school as well as my first college RWS class, all of my prompts did not ask for my opinion - just to constructively write an essay based on what I think without sounding too opinionated and restraining myself from using the words "I", "me", "personally". Not until my previous RWS class, my professor had us write all of our short papers and essays using our opinion using the word "I". It was very uncomfortable at first, being so accustomed to straying away from the word "I". For me, it was so liberating to speak out what I wanted to say. I got my assignments done quickly because I could just use the word "I" instead of carefully working around using that word.The transition from objectivity to subjectivity was empowering and allowed me to articulate my own opinions into my writing rather than feeling restraint. Even this blog, I appreciate that I can give an out-pour of my thoughts into an academic setting. After all, we are the minds that make the future, so why not learn to express our thoughts in an academic setting?
Through blogs responding to a rhetorical situation, it allows them to enter into the discussion room on the situation. The writers make their position seem relevant by putting context of the rhetorical situation into their writing and often comparing the rhetorical situation at hand to other rhetorical situations or past issues that are of relevant concern. Thus, this makes readers side with the op/ed of the writer who has put their opinion out there with general context as to what led them to their opinion.
If I were to respond to current rhetorical situations, I would definitely respond to these rhetorical situations: the government shutdown and the Catholic priests holding nuns as sex slaves and nuns being told to get abortions. I stand against the president's reason for elongating the length of the government shutdown and making strides for his border. I am against the way he undermines immigrants in a rude manner; especially since many people have loved ones who are possible deportees. For the second rhetorical situation, I am just appalled by the entire thing. There is one too many issues to cover with this situation - abortion, teachings of the church, repertoire of the church.
Lastly, I just want to conclude by saying op/eds will appeal to certain audiences while it may be unfavorable to other audiences. This is because op/eds lean to one side that a group of people may also be in favor of and support the opinion. On the other hand, these opinions may be perceived a different way and simply refuted by other groups of audience. Which is completely natural, everyone has their own set of beliefs and opinions and they will always try to flock to those who share similar values.
