Figurative Language Assignment Ideas

I believe my argument for my figurative language assignment will revolve around the constricting limitations of technological materialism in America. In my mind, while the technology currently in place has helped bring us closer together, I believe it has simultaneously made us prisoners to it’s own moral limitations. I am interested in the topic, because I view myself as somewhat of a nonconformist to many social norms that are commonplace in our society. I plan on using a variety of different images to inspect just what it is that defines our culture as a materialistic society. Potential images include internet search engines such as Google and social networking outlets like Facebook. Other non-computer technological innovations will also be used to help support my thesis. I am tinkering with the idea of exploring the domineering role of technology in society and our relationship to it as agents of it’s potential.

Symbols of Hope and Hate in America

This picture represents the ever-growing tension between the United States and the Islamic world stemming from events such as 9/11, the Iraq War, and our position in on-going conflicts throughout the Middle East. While the picture can be viewed as a symbol of hate, spawned from the increasing radical Islamic, anti-American sentiment that has resulted from the aforementioned circumstances, it can also be viewed as a symbol of hope. Though this may sound outlandish, if we are to truly overcome the anger that ravishes our inability to see things from one another’s perspective, we must understand that there are those on both sides with whom we need to begin this quest.

This is Ellis Island. The picture represents hope and opportunity in the United States, because it symbolizes the humble beginnings of many of our ancestors. For many American citizens, Ellis Island marked the initiation of their ancestors’ quest for a better life in a brave new world. In modern times, we can revisit the symbol not only as a reminder of our roots, but as an object of determination when one’s future appears bleak.

The above picture represents hope for America’s youth. The silhouette has become synonymous with Michael Jordan, considered by many, myself included, to be the greatest basketball player of all-time. The jumping figure, soaring in for a dunk, can be viewed as a leap of faith towards acheiveing one’s dreams.

I don’t truly hate anyone for who they are personally, only the unnecessary attention they garner/demand from the media. The media continues to waste countless hours of news coverage on celebrity banter that should be saved for grocery store checkout-line tabloids. Instead of hearing about things that matter in our world today, we are force-fed 24/7 updates on every major news channel concerning Britney’s new baby’s daddy. I take that back, I hate Britney Spears.