1) How does Oswalt define the terms geek, nerd, and otaku? Why is he defining these terms--that is, what is the point of this essay? What is his larger point about society? What do you think about his point? Has geekiness become normal?
Oswalt defines these terms as being your own person and kind of going against the grain of mainstream society. Oswalt claims that back when he was growing up these terms were much more meaningful, and that in modern society they have lost their true identities and are now just stereotypes for cliques. His whole thesis is the fact that these terms have lost their true meaning because now individualism is becoming less and less common. It’s much harder in our modern technological society to stand out as being dramatically different. There are so many ways to express yourself that too many people can access certain trends or behaviors and therefore individualism in essentially lost. We live in a society in which communication is quick and word spreads like wildfire. It’s hard to stay different for very long. Our society is so fast paced that people don’t stick to one thing for very long and this is why less and less people can express themselves and truly embrace their inner geek. I see value in what Oswalt has to say. I agree that geekiness has become somewhat normal because in our modern society many things are accepted that would have probably been rejected thirty years ago. But I don’t necessarily think that this is a bad thing that we’re “coated in topsoil.” I think it’s a great thing that people can find their own avenues of interest and share common grounds with other people. The fact that our society accepts geekiness or diversity in my opinion is an awesome thing and I don’t think that this should be altered in any way.
2) What is Supermarket Pastoral? Why is Pollan talking about it? What does it say about the culture of "organic" agriculture?
Supermarket Pastoral is a literary form that helps to set a scene for a narrative in which the agribusinessmen are the bad guys and the American family farmer the good guy. The author describes supermarket pastoral as being a seductive form of literature because it persuades consumers to buy organic foods and pay the extra penny for a higher quality of product that you can feel good about. Basically, the author is talking about this because he sees this topic as a positive movement towards a healthier and more natural lifestyle. The whole idea behind this culture of “organic” agriculture is the idea that people will come together and go back to the origin. Choosing organic is choosing to embrace our past heritage and relive it in our world today. We are now capable of having the best of both worlds- the simplicity of nature and the creativity and innovation of modern society.
B. Ok, not bad responses but be sure to read carefully. You aren't entirely wrong an either account. I like how you picked up on the individualism from the first one and I sympathize with your disagreement. With the Pollan piece, be careful there. He's definitely a lot more critical of organic than you indicate. In fact, he's writing for quite the opposite reason you state.
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