The Viewpoint

Private opinion on a public problem

What Does it Look Like?

Some Clues It’s a Viewpoint

• Often are found in sections of a newspaper or website called Opinion, Viewpoint, Perspective, etc.

• Don’t make a claim to objectivity: they want you to think/feel/do something.

• Respond to a current situation that can and should be altered somehow.

Who is this guy?

What is this publication?

Public Problem

• What is the problem? Is it a problem that can be solved? Must be confronted? We should be aware of?

• How long as the problem existed?

• Who is the public? What are they like? What are their opinions on the problem? What are their core values?

Private Opinion

• What about the current situation makes you mad? Sad? Excited?

• Now, why should anyone else care about your opinion?

• How could your opinions influence others?

Who Cares?

• Who is affected? (Stakeholders)– Immediate impact?– Secondary impact?

• Who can solve the problem?– Causal responsibility– Political responsibility

Causal Responsibility Political Responsibility

Those who did or didn’t do it.

-What caused it?

Those who make the rules

-Where does the buck stop?

Public Problem Example

• “I’m an agricultural science student, so I care about cows.”

• “I hear cows produce a lot of methane.”• “There’s a cow-tax idea that’s controversial.”• “Stakeholders include ranchers, politicians, people

who breathe the air (everyone)”• “An audience for this public problem would be

voters, breathers, ranchers and ranch-related industries. Also people who like cheap beef, milk and other cow products.”

Copia!

– Come up with 50 potential topics of controversy. You should feel comfortable with the idea of writing on any of these 50.

– Avoid clichés (e.g.: is the death penalty okay?)– Engage as specifically as you can (e.g: not just “is

Head Start a good program?” but “Is Head Start an effective use of public funds in deterring crime in inner cities?”)

– Post on class discussion board.