04.19.10- Java Man & Toys

what makes “Java Man” a successful research essay? Where does it lack in terms of research?

“Java Man” by Malcolm Gladwell makes a successful research essay because he gives a long time line of the history caffeine has played a role in the history of the world. The use of medical facts of how quickly caffeine can be metabolized into the body’s blood system, the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee or tea and the ratio of concentration of caffeine to body weight determine how fast the effects of caffeine can leave the body’s system. He also brings up some interesting points of research when he talks about the idea of how caffeine helped develop the industrialized America- “caffeine gave workers enough energy to start work at a certain time and continue as long as necessary”.

He lacks in research by one, not give citations for the reader to look into if he or she became interested in a particular area of the paper’s ideas or facts. Secondly, he does give a broad range for a timeline on the life of caffeine in the world. He does not just focus on one particular product that has caffeine in it but relates other things. Gladwell gives more of a story of caffeine rather than a research essay.

What makes your selection (either “Tight Jeans” or “Toys”) a successful essay? Where does it lack in terms of research? How can this selection be altered to be more like “Java Man?” Where would you start?

The essay “Toys” by Ronald Barthes has a nice idea behind what he wanted to focus on- that “French toys literally prefigure the world of adult functions”. Barthes, I believe, wanted to show us the relationship of how toys are presupposing children to the adult world- the world of a career. Barthes lacks tremendously in the area of research. He writes more of a philosophical view on this paper instead of using facts and case studies to prove his idea. I would probably start with more of a psychological child brain growth aspect to start with my research to help prove the point Barthes makes on how simple wood blocks give the child the imagination to create anything the child wants. Then attempt to tie Barthes philosophical aspect and knowledge into it for some kick. Why not try and read something that is beyond the daily vocabulary of every day life, why not expand one’s self and thought.

I guess I it could be more like “Java Man” in the sense that it could tell more of a story along with the back ground knowledge and research done on the subject instead of making all the thoughts blur together. It could also bring up the thought of there being a creative side in the types of toys that usually teach you how to fit into a typical adult roll but maybe show the possibilites of that roll. They things the ways that one can create new things after one has already learne the basic steps to fit into society.

a box of sand?

Once you are outside this sandbox you are free to come and go as you please. You cannot bring anything inside the box as proof of this outside world, but you can show the people inside that there are doors that lead to this world if they so choose to go through them. I chose to go explore these doors. I have been able to see over the walls of the sandbox and learn about this world. A world that allows me to analyze who I am, a world that can teach me things beyond the views of the Christian religion, a world that will not always judge me for thinking differently. I have found that philosophy had prepared me to be capable of opening these doors that lead outside, yet I remain living inside the sandbox. I know that I am close to finding the courage to step through the door and leave the sandbox but not today. I feel I am so close to becoming something that will put part of my soul at ease, even for a short time.