Blog #8- "I Agree with Me"
I have never been one for politics, however I did find this article interesting. Reading this article by P. J. O'Rourke has made me more aware of the behaviors of conservatives in particular. It amuses me how he states that as a conservative he now thinks that "fun is bad" (90) as that is more or less my view on conservative behavior. This article also makes me think that conservatives, for the most part, are narrow minded.
This article is essentially about how people in general love to argue and convincing others to have certain values and beliefs. O'Rourke comments at the beginning how he doesn't understand what people get out of listening or watching political programs in which you agree with everything they have to say (91). He uses a more humorous/sarcastic tone as a way to keep readers interested in what he is saying. His purpose is more to show how "obnoxious"(93) we tend to be. I personally am not one for arguing or convincing others to think or feel a certain way. Rather than always feeling as though I am right about everything, I have more of an open mind and listen to other points of view. I guess it is a good thing I have no aspirations to become a politician.
Throughout this article, O'Rourke uses examples of comparisons between Conservatives and Liberals. There are distinctive differences between the two. I like to categorize Conservatives as being more "traditional" with their beliefs and values, while Liberals could be considered more "free-spirited". Differences are what lead to argument, and there certainly is a lot of that with all politics, especially American politics, as this article refers to American politics specifically. As far as the audience O'Rourke is aiming towards with this article, I would have to obviously say individuals with more of an interest in politics whom are young or middle aged adults, as I can not see seniors, for instance, being interested in such an article.
O'Rourke states at the beginning how he used to be a "hippie" and thinks drugs are fun, yet is now a Conservative (90). Is he Conservative more because he enjoys arguing? That would be my assumption, as reading this article I am under the impression that he is more Liberal.
This article is essentially about how people in general love to argue and convincing others to have certain values and beliefs. O'Rourke comments at the beginning how he doesn't understand what people get out of listening or watching political programs in which you agree with everything they have to say (91). He uses a more humorous/sarcastic tone as a way to keep readers interested in what he is saying. His purpose is more to show how "obnoxious"(93) we tend to be. I personally am not one for arguing or convincing others to think or feel a certain way. Rather than always feeling as though I am right about everything, I have more of an open mind and listen to other points of view. I guess it is a good thing I have no aspirations to become a politician.
Throughout this article, O'Rourke uses examples of comparisons between Conservatives and Liberals. There are distinctive differences between the two. I like to categorize Conservatives as being more "traditional" with their beliefs and values, while Liberals could be considered more "free-spirited". Differences are what lead to argument, and there certainly is a lot of that with all politics, especially American politics, as this article refers to American politics specifically. As far as the audience O'Rourke is aiming towards with this article, I would have to obviously say individuals with more of an interest in politics whom are young or middle aged adults, as I can not see seniors, for instance, being interested in such an article.
O'Rourke states at the beginning how he used to be a "hippie" and thinks drugs are fun, yet is now a Conservative (90). Is he Conservative more because he enjoys arguing? That would be my assumption, as reading this article I am under the impression that he is more Liberal.