Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to realize the purpose of commentary and utilize the intellectual tools needed to write a distinct opinion regarding a significant trend . In order to achieve this result, sections of this chapter focus on practice writing assignments that attempt to convince the reader that the writer’s opinion is more effective than other opinions. This section also includes discussion on the characteristics that comprise and differentiate the trend from fad. Students must grasp the difference between a strong, relevant, and far-reaching trend as opposed to a superficial, short-lived obsession. This chapter closes with an in-depth, detailed outline on the organization and final draft of the commentary essay.

The Definition of Commentary

The term commentary is derived from the medieval Latin word commentarius, which translates to “a message, letter, daily entry in a written log, diary, a form of written communication, or tabulation” (Lewis & Short, 1879). In modern-day society, the word commentary has transformed in meaning to denote an expression or assertion of opinion, either verbal or written in form, which discusses a definite belief on a particular subject or occurrence—specifically, a current event or trend. These topics range in theme and include, but are not limited to, world news and politics, controversial social issues, business or technology, professional sporting events, celebrity news and gossip, art, cuisine, fashion, and/or foreseeable progressing trends. A commentary is similar to an intellectual discussion in that various viewpoints are considered, debated, and rebutted or confirmed. The purpose of the commentary is for the writer to persuade the reader that his or her standpoint is compelling and ultimately conclusive when compared to other opinions. These persuasive opinions are found almost anywhere, but specifically in academia, art, newspapers, especially in the form of editorials or opinion-editorial pieces, magazines, or through broadcast media, such as television or radio. With the onset of the 21st century, a new type of opinion piece was introduced and communicated in the form of online blogs or videos posted on sites such as YouTube. Some commentaries are communicated live by broadcast media, and these commentators chronicle the events of art performances, professional sports matches, and political debates. Academic commentaries are theoretical in nature as in a collection of supplementary, analytical, or thought-provoking annotations on a literary work, such as a commentary on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Commentaries also may serve as a record of personal events, such as a memoir, autobiography, or journal ("Commentary," 2014). However, in alignment with the objectives of this chapter, only opinion-based pieces centered on trends, current events, and policies will be studied and analyzed.

Commentators' Function

Commentators perform various roles in their profession; the main objective is in analyzing and interpreting ongoing events or controversial subjects. The aim of the commentator is to formulate an insightful, well-informed, distinctive point of view. Commentators voice their opinions in the anticipation of inciting a reaction from the general public. Another function appropriated by the commentator is in the field of language. Commentators must have the foresight to see and predict change. Commentators utilize this ability in order to create neologisms , new terms or expressions, that center around the identification and naming of contemporary trends; this is known as labeling (Trimbur, 2014, p. 283). The terms or labels hashtag, hipster, locavore, selfie, and twerk (Fox, 2013) were nonexistent until they recently became part of the common vocabulary with the onset of change. In other words, labeling consists of creating new terminologies that reflect current trends. Some commentators have the objective of establishing the significance of prevailing events; these commentators seek to discover such incidents and answer why they occurred. In this respect, commentators serve to question local and world events and create conversations whereby people think, discuss, analyze, and conclude as to the root cause that led up to a sequence of events, trends, or concepts (Trimbur, 2014, p. 283). For example, Laurie Roberts and EJ Montini are commentary writers who explore the world around them and form strong opinions for discussion and analysis of public events and interest. The goal of the commentator is to inspire critical thinking on the part of the general public by creating a forum where individuals not only examine the reasons why these events occurred, but also possible outcomes of these events or trends (Trimbur, 2014, p. 283). For example, business commentators are in the field of predicting trend changes especially in reference to stocks and investments. Specific commentary writers and corresponding examples will be read and discussed in further detail through the progression of the chapter.

Understanding the Trend

There are two imperative, basic, and fundamental factors in the comprehension and validity of the trend.

· Trends are new events that occur during the present time, specifically within the past five to eight years.

· Trends are omnipresent—that is, they appear everywhere because they transpire in different states or around the world, are present in certain populations or age groups, manifest in diverse cultural settings, or are frequent among social groups.

At times, the term trend is assumed to be the equivalent of the term fad ; however, that is inaccurate. Trends emerge and transform into durable and long-lasting change, whereas fads disappear over time. This evolution tends to be significant in nature and creates a marked change in the way people think or live their lives. Trends normally are found in the field of education, social or political matters, business, health, or technology. Finally, trends can be positive or negative, depending on the opinion of the individual. For example, consider the ever-changing trends associated with the Internet. This phenomenon was a novelty in the early 1990s; its initial purpose was for business communication (“Early '90s Predictions,” n.d.). This evolved to the use of email, and, with time, revolutionized the way people communicate through use of chat rooms, social media, and online dating. Online services are now commonplace and are employed for banking, travel, news, education, and the overall exchange of communication and ideas. Although the Internet is omnipresent and a predominant factor in society, it has several adverse qualities, including fraud, hacking, online bullying, lack of privacy, academic dishonesty, errant information, and stalking. The ongoing and changing world of cyberspace is a trend as it progresses technologically and, in doing so, alters the course of action people may take in conducting their business or in leading their personal lives; these changes may either aid or be a detriment to humanity.

Fleeting Fads

A fad can be described as a fleeting craze pursued passionately by a group of followers. Fads are frivolous in nature, change rapidly, and evolve into an undetermined, unspecified, and ultimately forgotten commodity. Fads are difficult to predict as they lack stability. Examples of fads can be seen in

· fashion (Hypercolor T-shirts, acid-washed jeans),

· hair (scrunchie, the mullet),

· foodstuffs (ring-pops, Strawberry Shortcake cereal),

· vocabulary (ditz, mimbo),

· playthings (Beany Babies, Cabbage Patch Kids), and

· attitudes (protest movement, political correctness).

Fads fade away into memory as their newness and freshness disappears.

Exercise 1

· Conduct an online general search and find both a significant trend and a fad that are of interest.

· Describe and define the trend and fad. Mention when the trend began and when the fad began and ended. Discuss the factors that give the trend importance, and address why the fad is short-lived and trivial.

Social and Political Commentary

Art and Caricature

Social commentary can be found in a variety of multimedia forms, not necessarily limited to written or verbal speech. Art as a form of commentary on the human condition can be a very powerful form of persuasive expression; at the very least, it allows for the opinion of the commentator to be heard. At times, commentators use visual media to convey a theme that centers on social issues faced by a community; oftentimes, these themes encourage the public to embrace change. This is done through various approaches, including, but not limited to, the use of bold color, emotional appeal, shock-value, irony or sarcasm, and farce or whimsy. Political cartoons also fall under the category of using art as a medium to express opinions on bureaucracy, government, and national or foreign policy. These political caricatures attempt to persuade public opinion through various appeals, including honesty and integrity, or truth and justice; furthermore, these commentators attempt to awaken a sense of political responsibility or duty and to inspire a desire for reform in society.

Op-Ed Commentary

The opinion-editorial , commonly known as an op-ed, differs from traditional editorials found in newspapers or magazines. Op-ed commentaries are written by those who are not professionally associated with the periodical. These opinion pieces are freelance in nature as the writer decides what cause to support or oppose and when to discuss it publicly; this is done without a formal contract or any employer-employee affiliation with the publisher. Finally, op-ed commentaries differ from “letters to the editor,” as these manuscripts are in letter form and are written in response to an opinion stated by a columnist or editorialist officially connected to the newspaper or magazine. At times, letters to the editor have themes centered on social-political issues, discuss events in a local community, or express thoughts about overall society or world-wide predicaments.

Exercise 2

Read " A Jesuit Inspiration " (McCarthy, 2014).

· What is this op-ed about?

· What is the opinion of the author expressed in this op-ed piece?

· Do you agree or disagree with the point of view expressed by the author?

· By what means does the author attempt to persuade his audience? Is it an emotional appeal? A logical appeal? A researched appeal? A moral appeal? Does this type of appeal persuade the reader into agreement with his main point? Why or why not?

Editorial Column Commentary

An editorial column is a form of commentary authored by a professional writer whose opinion piece is featured in a newspaper or magazine on a regular basis. The term editorial is a formality used to express the phrase opinion piece. It is standard for this type of commentary to reflect both the beliefs of the editors and publisher, but is not necessarily absolute.

Exercise 3

Harvey Mackay is a syndicated columnist who is a bestselling author and successful businessman. Mackay gives effective and motivational advice in his column, which is published in a number of newspapers across the United States. Read "Failing doesn't make you a failure" (Mackay, 2014).

· What is this editorial column about?

· What is the main point of the author?

· Do you agree or disagree with the point of view expressed by the author? Why or why not?

· By what means does the author attempt to persuade his audience? What is the literary style utilized by the author? Does this type of appeal persuade the reader into agreement with the writer’s main point? Why or why not?

Blog Commentary

The onset of the twenty-first century created an Internet revolution; it is now commonplace for business, news, social activity, and communication to be conducted online. With this new set of circumstances, a new form of commentary emerged known as the blog . These types of opinion pieces are normally casual, relaxed, and colloquial in nature. Blogs span a wide range of themes, which include politics, psychology, self-help, banking, stocks, bonds, investing, education, fashion, personal experiences, music and fine arts. Microblogging is a form of blogging in which a writer posts simple phrases and statements, reveals random thoughts, or shares access to online links. The purpose of this type of blogging is to share thoughts and opinions and communicate these ideas through an online platform with Internet readers.

Exercise 4

Conduct and complete an online inquiry focused on blog writing. Find a blog that asserts a strong opinion about an important issue and is written by an author considered an expert in the field. Blogs must not be focused on a superficial theme or fad; microblogs, including Twitter, are unacceptable.

· What is the title, author, and webpage address of the blog you researched?

· What information leads the reader to believe that the author of the blog is an expert in the field?

· What is the blog about?

· What is the opinion asserted by the writer?

· What kind of language does the author use? Does the writer use formal language? Strong language? Humor? Research and logic?

· Describe the type of language that the author uses and compare it to the language used by a previously studied commentator in this chapter.

· How does the author attempt to persuade his/her audience?

· Do you agree or disagree with the point of view expressed by the author? Why or why not?

Prewriting Activities

Academic commentary is based on the trend and not on the fad. Before any definite decisions are made regarding what trend subject to write about, review the invention questions and outline provided below. Confirm that the subject written about is indeed a trend and not a fad.

Choosing a Trend

To choose a trend to write about, students should begin by brainstorming and creating a list of current events or trends that are of interest. Conducting general research related to a student's major, field of study, future profession, or hobbies is another way to identify trends. For example, a student who is a music major conducts research to discover trends in his or her field of study and learns about the trend of i-dosing. I-dosing is the use of binaural beats to alter the chemistry of the brain and create a virtual high similar to an illegal drug-induced experience. This is a current trend that is happening in the teenage population. Furthermore, this is a substantial trend as trends not only have lasting permanent change, but also are either beneficial or detrimental to society. However, in some English 105 classes, particularly those studied online, trend topics are pre-selected. In this case, please follow guidelines as directed by instructor.

Before any definite decisions are made regarding what trend to write about, students should ask the following invention questions:

· What is a current, problematic trend? Why is it problematic?

· What is the history that has led up to the issue related to the trend?

· What other issues or problems is this one like or not like?

· What are some potential causes or effects of this problem?

· What are some of the common opinions about this trend?

· What are some potential solutions?

· What new idea could one add to those common opinions?

· Why does this issue matter? What is at stake, and for whom?

Evidence and Support

As with all genres, commentaries tolerate certain kinds of content better than others. In general, commentators do not use personal experience as a type of evidence (though there are exceptions). Because commentaries are about problematic issues that affect the public generally, they are more likely to rely on content that the public shares, such as:

· Narrative accounts of an event,

· Several recent instances of a phenomenon that indicate a trend (for example, if high school students have been abusing Adderall to perform well on exams or using energy drinks to stay awake all night to study, finding news stories about these instances can help the writer show that a trend exists),

· Historical evidence that shows how the trend, event, or policy came about,

· An explanation of a policy and what its intended/unintended effects are, and

· Brief summaries of various points of view about a problem.

If a trend is too new, it is possible that it might be difficult to find acceptable academic sources for citation. It is important that students keep in mind that the trend they select for study, discussion, analysis, and writing must be supported by proper academic sources. Students must support statements, assumptions, beliefs, or opinions that are not common knowledge with scholarly material. This is in order to learn the academic value and integrity of citation, sharpen research skills, elevate language, and ultimately strengthen the argument presented. General online webpages, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia are not acceptable sources for academic citation; however, for a commentary dealing with current events these informal sources might be acceptable. All information used to inform a student's paper must be cited properly within the text and have a corresponding reference note; both must adhere to GCU Style. However, there is the possibility that the instructor requires additional or fewer standards, in such case, always follow the guidelines as given by the instructor.

Thesis Statement and Outline Creation

The thesis statement must be clear and concise. The reader needs to know what the writer is trying to prove or disprove, and the thesis statement provides this direction for the reader. Writers are strongly encouraged, though not required, to use the following example as thesis statement.

Figure 10.1

Thesis Statement Formula

“Picture is of a Thesis statement formula. It contains a sentence with three blanks to create well-written thesis. The first blank reads State the trend, The next states beneficial/detrimental and the last blank sats Society/community/group/etc.”

As stated in Chapter 3, the thesis statement must appear in the introduction paragraph, or as directed by instructor.

In addition to the introduction, commentary essays also require many of the same elements as other genres of essays, including body paragraphs and a conclusion; essays are typically composed of at least five paragraphs. However, most commentaries are short and have many paragraphs. Commentators use various strategies implied by the invention questions listed above. Students may find it helpful to create an outline to help structure the ideas and evidence they plan to use in their commentary essay. For the purpose of illustrating an example, a three paragraph outline as opposed to a five-paragraph outline is given below:

I. Introduction

A. Describe the controversy about a recent report released by the Senate Intelligence Committee about enhanced interrogation techniques used by the CIA at Guantanamo Bay. Use brief newspaper accounts that explain what the interrogation techniques were and what the political mood was when the Senate Intelligence Committee released the report. Explain why some aspect of the issue is thought to be good or bad.

II. Body

2. Explain why enhanced interrogation techniques are controversial and why the Senate Intelligence Committee felt it needed to get involved.

2. Explain the potential effects that enhanced interrogation techniques would have for our country. Are they helpful or harmful to the United States and its reputation in the world?

2. Compare the enhanced interrogation techniques to other activities that have helped or hurt the United States’ reputation in the world, such as the war in Iraq. Based on that comparison, explain how the techniques could also help or hurt the reputation of the United States.

2. Explain different points of view: some might defend the techniques, while others will want to stop them.

2. Explain how we should think differently about the role the CIA plays in national security, and why.

1. Conclusion

3. Explain the potential advantages of thinking differently about the CIA, and how doing so could have beneficial results. Explain also how doing nothing could make the problem worse.

Organization of Commentary Essay

Introduction

The first paragraph in the organization of the commentary essay must give an overall introduction to the topic trend and state the purpose of the paper through the use of the thesis statement. This paragraph is vital as it gives valuable background information and proves that the subject discussed is indeed a trend. Begin by stating the topic, and then follow it with a brief history of the trend by answering the following questions:

· Where did the trend originate?

· What is the origin of the trend?

· Out of what need was the trend created?

· When was the trend formulated? What year did it come into being?

· Where is the trend happening? For example: U.S. college campuses? Among preschool-age children?

Body of the Essay

The second paragraph should identify and describe the trend. Writers need to familiarize the reader with the trend topic. Writers must answer the following questions:

· What exactly is the trend?

· Who does the trend effect?

· What do people think of the trend discussed?

· What contribution, if any, is the trend making?

The third paragraph should discuss the importance of the trend. In this paragraph, writers must address the following questions:

· Why is this trend important?

· Why should the reader care?

In order to determine importance, writers should discuss why some people believe the trend to be useful or beneficial. If the writer believes that the trend is negative, he or she needs to research why people are gravitating towards the trend. For example, consider the trend of electronic cigarettes: If the writer believes the trend to be negative and, thereby, lacks importance, then the writer needs to research why people are smoking electronic cigarettes instead of traditional tobacco ones. If the trend lacked significance in the smoking population, people would not partake in the use of electronic cigarettes and it would not be a trend. There is a reason why the topic is trend.

The fourth paragraph should discuss possible problems with the trend. Writers must discuss the predicaments with the trend. If the writer believes that the trend is beneficial, then he or she must conduct a general research inquiry to discover problems associated with the trend. A starting point is through online research investigation; from there, writers are able to conduct a thorough examination and scrutinize proper academic sources found in the GCU Library databases to provide evidence and support. Writers need to exercise caution, however, as there may be a temptation to write a problem-solution type paragraph. Writers need to focus only on the call of the question and the problems. For example, if the writer discusses the trend of the vegetarian-gluten-free diet, and the writer only sees the benefits, not potential issues, the writer needs to do a general online search to find problems that people have encountered with this diet. The problems with this trend may include anemia, which may lead to rapid heart rate and lightheadedness, or difficulty in remaining on the diet as it is often grainy and tasteless. The writer will need to then find academic sources to provide evidence and support to the problems discovered through Internet research. The writer need not offer solutions to these issues.

The fifth paragraph should discuss future outcomes and projections, including how long the trend will last. Writers should answer the following questions:

· Is this trend a fad?

· Will this trend evolve into something else?

· What are the possible consequences of the trend?

The sixth paragraph should discuss if the trend is a positive or negative. The writer must evaluate and fully discuss whether the trend is beneficial or detrimental. The writer should not argue for both sides of the issue.

Concluding Paragraph

In the conclusion, the writer must summarize main points of essay. The topic sentence must state the final thought of the essay.

In summary, smoking electronic cigarettes is harmful and a detrimental to society.

Using different language, the remaining portion of the paragraph may restate the main points of the essay. No new information should be provided in the conclusion.

Helpful Hint

Writers must to be aware of specifics and use of language. Do not stray from discussing the trend introduced in the first paragraph as it leads to irrelevant information. For example, if a writer discusses the trend of eating disorders found in preschool girls, but then later discusses eating disorders in young men ages 18 to 25, a divergence in theme has occurred. Writers must remain focused on the trend stated in the thesis statement.

Conclusion

In summary, commentaries are varied and range from social commentary, political commentary, op-ed pieces, editorials, blogs and microblogs. Commentaries are not only text based, but also can be visual. Commentators have the function of creating neologisms that reflect the changing times and trends or serve as critical thinkers in the analysis and interpretation of complicated topics and trends. Ultimately, commentators strive to have their voices and opinions heard and attempt to convince others that their point of view is more logical and valid than others.

Commentary Essay Outline Template

Chapter Review

· The word commentary comes from the Latin word, commentarius meaning daily recorder. Modern-day terminology refers to an opinion piece either written, verbal, or visual. Commentaries may also be live descriptions of events as they occur, notes or interpretation on a literary work, or a personal story or memoir.

· Commentators create new words or labels that reflect current trends.

· Commentators focus on significance of the trend, why the trend is happening, or the outcome of the trend. Commentators may inspire critical thinking on the part of the reader.

· Trends are based on current events. Trends are new phenomenon and happening within recent years and are found to occur in various locations, populations, and age groups.

· Trends create a lasting impression on society and can either be positive or negative in effect.

· Fads are superficial in nature and die out quickly or transform into some other whim.

· Art can be a form of social or political commentary on the human condition. By means of images, commentators express their opinions in order to generate a reaction on the part of the viewer and, if possible, arouse a sense of responsibility and stimulate change.

· Editorial commentary is an opinion-piece written by a commentator who is officially affiliated with the periodical who publishes his or her commentary.

· Blog commentary is found online. The language in this form of commentary may be colloquial or relaxed in nature. The subjects of blogs vary and commentaries may be lengthy or in the form of a microblog.

Key Terms

Blog: An online form of commentary that sometimes uses colloquial or informal language. The subjects and length of blogs vary.

Commentary: An opinion piece, either written, verbal, or visual, that expresses the beliefs of the author. It is standard for commentators to write about current trends.

Commentator: A person who focuses on the significance of trends, why the trends are happening, or the outcome of the trends. Commentators may inspire critical thinking on the part of the reader.

Editorial: An opinion piece written by a commentator affiliated with the periodical that publishes the commentary.

Editorial Column: A form of commentary authored by a professional writer whose opinion piece is featured in a newspaper or magazine on a regular basis.

Fad: A craze that is superficial in nature and dies out quickly or transforms into some other whim.

Labeling: New terms or expressions that are created with ongoing social changes and contemporary trends, such as hashtag, hipster, locavore, selfie, and twerk.

Microblogging: A form of blogging in which a writer posts simple phrases and statements, reveals random thoughts, or shares access to online links in order to share thoughts and opinions and communicate ideas through an online platform with Internet readers.

Neologism: New terms or expressions that center around the identification and naming of contemporary trends; also known as labeling.

Opinion-Editorial: Commonly referred to as an op-eds, differ from traditional editorials found in newspapers or magazines. Op-ed commentaries are written by those who are not professionally associated with the periodical.

Political Cartoon: A type of commentary that uses imagery and art as a medium to express opinions on bureaucracy, government, and national or foreign policy.

Trend: Trends are based on current events. Trends are new phenomenon and happening in the now, within the past five to eight years, and are found to occur in various locations, populations, age-groups, etc. Trends create a lasting impression on society and can either be positive or negative in effect.

References

Commentary. (2014). In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commentary

Early '90s predictions: Imagining the Internet's quick look at the early history of the Internet (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.elon.edu/e-Web/predictions/early90s/internethistory.xhtml

Fox, D. (2013). 5 trendy words that are dominating the English language. Retrieved from http://englishharmony.com/5-trendy-words/

Lewis, C. & Short, C. (1879). A Latin dictionary [Perseus Digital Library]. Retrieved from http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0059%3Aentry%3Dcommentarius

Mackay, H. (2014, March). Failing doesn't make you a failure. Buffalo Law Journal, 86(13). Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edo&AN=96172623&site=eds-live&scope=site.

McCarthy, M. (2014, November 14). A Jesuit inspiration. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/jesuit-inspiration/docview/1624976148/se-2?accountid=7374

Trimbur, J. (2014). The call to write. Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.