Week 2: Student Response to Discussion One and Two and Assignments

ThursdayApr 5 at 11:31am

Manage Discussion Entry

In the textbook Elements of Newswriting, the author talks about how to write editorials. He states,” An editorial is an unsigned statement by the editorial board of a newspaper. Editorials are short, argumentative essays designed to show opinion leadership. They are designed to convince the readership of a point of view.” (Kershner) I chose the USA Today article, “‘Roseanne’ the show is tackling Trump-era issues. Roseanne the person should pipe down.” It is written by Opinion Contributor, Sarah Kate Ellis. The article was about the reboot of the Roseanne television show that debut back in the 1980’s and was very popular based on the content that was depicted. Ellis discusses how the new reboot is focused on modern day social issues that have been in the news recently. She lists many different topics that are spoken upon, but her main thoughts are on Roseanne herself and her views on President Trump. Actress Roseanne Barr is a known Trump supporter whose views has triggered many people in different ways. The character, Roseanne Connor has more of a laughable approach to everything.

The author seemed very knowledgeable on the subject matter and even listed different percentages when it came to discussing some research done for the television reboot. When discussing one of the male characters in the show dressing more feminine than the social norm, Ellis writes, “Research from GLAAD and The Harris Poll shows that as many as 20% of Millennials identify as something other than strictly heterosexual.” Ellis views are the same as how she titled the article. She discusses how the actress is less tolerable than her TV persona. The article seemed to be one sided. There were no counter arguments nor any persuasiveness. Ellis mainly stated her opinions on the television show and gave a review on how she will continue to watch, knowing she can separate the personal life of the actress and her character.

-Kendra

Kershner, J. W. (2012). The elements of news writing. Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.

Ellis, S. K. (2018, April 05). 'Roseanne' the show is tackling Trump-era issues. Roseanne the person should pipe down. Retrieved April 05, 2018, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/04/05/roseanne-barr-should-let-tv-show-talk-trump-era-issues-column/483365002/