Summary of Chapters One and Two
Danelle Stone
English 101
Chapter 1&2 Summary
In their book “un-Spun”, Brooks Jackson and Kathleen Hall Jamieson point out the prevalence of spin in society, how spin is used to deceive the public, and what people can do to protect themselves from this type of deception. Spin can take multiple forms such as lying by omission, lying outright, misinterpreting the words of others, or by bending facts. In chapters one and two, Jackson and Jamieson provide examples of spin being used in both commercial advertising and political campaigns, and they reveal warning signs that the public can utilize so they are not as susceptible to the harmfulness of spin.
In chapter one, Jackson and Jamieson point out the pitfalls of spin when either electing a politician or deciding which beauty products one should purchase. Spin is prevalent in all aspects of society, and it is extremely profitable. The public is constantly being deceived by major corporations and politicians because we believe that they are trying to maintain our best interests. Instead, they are pursuing their own hidden agenda. Commercial products claim that they are “prescription strength” and/or “clinically proven”, and politicians have a major tendency to disregard facts and misinterpret the words of others. Unfortunately, false ads can run for months before they are taken off the air, and lawsuits for political deception are extremely rare which heightens the exposure of spin to the public.
Chapter two describes numerous warning signs that the public can utilize so that they are capable of recognizing and avoiding spin. Spin uses a persons fear and insecurities to sell a product or raise support for a political campaign (Bush’s “Day of Horror”). Extravagant claims that seem too good to be true can be a potential warning sign for spin such as gun control or the removal of weapons of mass destruction. “Dangling comparatives” and superlatives are used by corporations to make their product stand out above their competition. Obvious warning signs that signify the usage of spin are the “pay you Tuesday” scam and when the “blame game” occurs. The last warning sign is known as “glittering generalities” (such as the U.S. Army referring to itself as the “path of strength”) which can cause people to purchase a particular product or buy into an idea without asking questions. Jackson and Jamieson realize that we live in a world surrounded by spin which is why they are challenging us to be skeptical but willing to research all evidence so that we may find our own truth.
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Danelle
I thought your summary was well written. I enjoyed reading this I felt it flowed very well. I am however finding out that making a list of the major points seems to be better for a summary. I did paragraphs too and found that mine is closer to an essay than a summary. I really did like yours I found it informative and as I said well written.
Jadyn
chapter two works better
The summary of chapter two is working better at this point than is the summary of chapter one. Chapter two would be a bit more succinct, and make it clearer that these are Jackson and Jamieson's ideas, if you were to write something like "Jackson and Jamieson's first warning sign is . . . " and "The second warning sign they provide shows us that . . . " and so on. Otherwise, a good job with chapter two.
Chapter one needs to build on the bold headings that introduce each section, from snake oil to emu oil, prescription strength malarkey, and so on through the chapter. These are not as straightforward as the chapter two major details, but that's the way it goes at times. Whichever one is given a fuller summary and response there is a need to take the summaries a bit further than they have gone so far. Bradley
Very well written. You
Very well written. You pinpointed most/all of the major details.
good
It is very difficult to wrap it up in two little paragraphs and I see now why the lists were done, it has made it a lot easier. For the most part you were in order and general, but really try to get the points across when you do the essay, so we as the reader understand. I do think your chapter two paragraph is your stronger point.
very nice
i feel that you have well written and hit all points on the head. very nice.