One concept that I found useful in Ch. 8 were the certain words that could be used in general claims. In particular, I could relate to using the word “all” the most.
In the book, it states that “all” means, “every single one, no exceptions” Although using this word can lead to contradictions in statements.
“All Filipinos are talented. You’re Filipino. So you must be talented.”
This is a statement I hear all the time, especially from all my non-Filipino friends. When I tell them I play guitar, ukulele, piano, and can sing, they automatically stereotype every Filipino to be talented. It may be valid, but it’s not strong. Not every Filipino knows how to do these things. It just so happens that I’m Filipino, and I just grew up in a musical family. (And I learned how to do these things because I was bored and needed something to do.) In other words, “all” in this statement is extremely ambiguous.
If you were to use the word “all” in a claim, it has to be specific.
Sitting in my Environmental Studies classroom, waiting for my class to start, I see a sign on the white board stating, “…ALL windows are closed and latched.”
This is how the word “all” should be used in a claim. It’s specific and cannot be ambiguous in any sense. All the windows in this particular classroom are closed and latched at the moment, if you’re wondering.
;P
Hey Chynna! I feel like I always comment on your posts! LOL. I think because we’re some of the only few that start our posts on Mondays. Anyways, your post about using the word “all” in general claims was very clear and easy to read. I also really liked your examples since the first one is very entertaining. I think that it is very common for someone to think that Filipinos are talented. I always get “Oh, you’re Filipino? You must be able to sing good”. When in fact I don’t, nor do I play an instrument. It is just very common in our culture to have musically incline talents that’s why people assume the fact. You’re examples are great! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeletecvgotsoul,
ReplyDeleteYour examples of using the word "all" was very useful. "All Filipinos are talented" would be a weak argument because the word "all" means with every single one, with no exceptions. We do not know about all Filipinos,and we cannot assume that they are all talented. However, your example "All windows are closed and latched (in your classroom)" is a strong argument because if you are in your classroom, you can clearly see that all of the windows are actually closed and latched, and there is no exception. Overall, good definition, explanations, and examples of the word “all” and continue to keep up the good work!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCV GOT SOUL!
ReplyDeletehello.
I was browsing through the class earlier this week, and noticed your post about Filipinos. I try to get a feel for the firs topic. Anyways, i love how you use the example that "all Filipinos have talent". I agree that ALL is strong word, and that not ALL Filipinos are talented. EVERYONE is talented in various ways. It's weird that people think of us as being Creative, artistic, etc. I do agree that Filipinos find their own outlets of SELF EXPRESSION, but we aren't the only culture that does that. We just have a good way to keep that party going & running LATE =) haha.