Becca+J.+-+Comparison+Essay

Home Comparison Essay Assignment Comparison Essay-Student Posts Works Cited Exemplar Internal Citation Exemplar Civil Society Defined Great Man Continuum

In this essay I will compare 3 influential topics from the 1920s to each other and 3 influential topics from the 1980s to each other. To do this, I will explain the 4 criteria's (significance of accomplishment, endurance of legacy, extent of influence, and impact on daily life) from the Great Man Criteria to determine which topics are more influential in their century and in the 21st century today. For the 1920's, I have decided to compare "Franklin D. Roosevelt - Infantile Paralysis (Polio)" by Corbin D., "Broadway - George Gershwin, Eugene O'Neil" by Michael M., and "U.S. Treasury Department, Volstead Act - Eliot Ness" by Stacy G. The topics I am going to compare for the 1980s are "Hip-Hop, Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five" by Corbin D., "Personal Computers - Apple II and Microsoft" by Graham D., and "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" by Jacob B. The reason I picked these specific topics is because they had the most information given in wikispaces and were easy to understand. The significance of an accomplish would be the topic's achievement's in the goals that they originally had and sometimes more achievements that were effects from the topic's presence. Franklin D. Roosevelt became president in [] and opened civilian's eyes to a disease called polio, or infantile paralysis (Corbin D.). He dedicated his life to America when [] into office, but had a vision to find a cure for polio. March of Dimes, an organization that supported the finding of a cure for polio, was largely affected by FDR's dedication and vision. They found no specific cure for polio but have found ways to prevent it from happening. In this sense, FDR and March of Dimes have saved many lives emotionally and physically. Broadway hit the billboards when it started to attract the rich and poor in the 1920s. After the war, Broadway helped America get "back on track (Michael M.)". It was a great way to get money circulating throughout the economy. Also, it started to break down barriers between the rich and poor, in a sense creating a more united country and economy. An accomplishment that people are highly grateful for, is that Broadway helped push the inventions of TV, Radio and Hollywood (Michael M.). The last topic for the 1920s had a short lasting accomplishment of prohibition, where the Volstead Act outlawed alcohol. The government attempted to put rules on morals but the long term effect of this was only organized crime and controversy. The endurance of the topics legacy shows how long lasting the topic's influence stays in the nation or world. FDR's brave reign ended when his terms were up, but the legacy of polio still effects many families. Along with polio, March of Dimes has kept up its goals to find a cure and is still going strong today. Though Broadway became instantly popular in the 1920s and still strives today, it became less popular as time passed. Broadway is still popular but not very influential and the actors and actresses are not seen as international heroes as they were before (Michael M.). Prohibitions was cut down very soon after it was put into order because of riots and the negative influence it had on homes and families (Stacy G.). Though prohibition was shut down very quickly, it's effects (organized crime) and controversy about morals are still around and argued about today. To be influential, an event or individual must have a widespread attraction, thus the extent of influence. In FDR's case, polio was worldwide and any family could have a kid with it. FDR had gone through growing up with this disease and decided it was time to take action. March of Dimes and he effected mostly the nation, but there scientific discoveries have helped everyone around the world. Though Broadway's heroes became internationally like, the influence of Broadway stayed at a national level. At this national level it attracted people from all over the country, rich and poor, but stayed as a form of entertainment. Unlike Broadway, the Volstead Act and prohibition stayed at a national level but effected every single household, regular people, business people, and companies (Stacy G.). Drinking against the law happened throughout the country causing abuse and violence in families & riots and protests on the streets. To top it off, bootlegging became an organized crime helping business people to make fast cash. The extent of these influences stayed mostly national but some ventured out into other parts of the world. To become influential and important, a topic must effect people on a daily basis and stay etched into their mind. Being a president, FDR was known throughout the country and all problems or achievements in the government or national accomplishments were related back to him. With this "fame", FDR was able to open societies eyes and for most of his terms, polio was all anybody could talk about. There was a national fear from the realization that a disease like that could effect any family. With this realization also made America more excepting as a whole. Now, in the 21st century, polio doesn't have as much as an impact and our minds are not always on it but many people are saved from the scientific accomplishments supported by the March of Dimes organization. Back then, when Broadway was seen as an almost everyday entertainment, the plays introduced new popular songs (Michael M.). Now, the songs aren't as popular or "modern" and the entertainment is only seen as an occasional-vacation form of entertainment. In this sense, Broadway doesn't hold an impact on daily life. Prohibition created problems in everyday life and every person was effected by it. It held the most impact during the 1920s compared to other topics. It held the power to tear apart families and break down individuals. Now, it does not hold any impact but it's effects (controversy about morals and organized crime) are argued about everyday and used in the crime world. The impact is very important to become influential because it is how much a person thinks about that event or individual. In the 1980s, with more scientific and life knowledge, more accomplishments were achieved. For example, hip hop became a whole new genre of music instead of conforming with the cliché, white, rock era. Hip hop even ended up becoming the most popular music with teens (Corbin D.). Even more accomplished would be Personal Computers (PC), Apple, and Microsoft. These companies used new technology to create items that made work easier and faster (Graham D.). In the long run, these companies shaped how people interact and communicate with each other. The most outstanding and influential individual of the 1980s and beyond, Michael Jackson, has the longest list of accomplishments. MJ, also known as the King of Pop, defined the new era of music. He was the first African-American musician to go on MTV and to gain mass crossover appeal (Jacob B.). With this, he broke down several racial barriers. His original and mind blowing music won 3 Grammys: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Vocal Performance (Jacob B.). All in all, the accomplishments and achievements in the 1980s triumphed over the 1920s. These accomplishments have lasted till this day. Hip hop is still the most influential and popular music with teens. It has even become more popular as time passed on even though most individuals fade out of the scene. This is about the same with computer/technology companies; as time passes by, the companies' popularity rises and their expansion and necessity grows. As of today, Apple is one of the most profitable companies in the world economy. Though MJ is no longer around, respectfully, his legend stays etched into our minds and his performances, songs, and dance moves will forever be remembered. All through his life and after, he has been able to inspire and help everyone around the world and will always be seen as the King of Pop (Jacob B.). All events and individuals from the 1980s have created legacies that are still lasting to this day. In the 1980s, it became easier and more possible to extend influence around the world. Hip hop started in America but soon spread to become worldwide. This was possible through the internet and television. Computer companies also became worldwide (America, China, England, France, etc.) Computers and other technology has become a worldwide revolution of communication because it's able to connect people from all around the world within the click of a button. MJ, becoming famous at a very young age, struck the world instantly with his unbelievable talent. He had "indefinite" world tours that were almost always sold out. MJ inspired millions that loved him. Other than being an amazing musician, MJ was also a charitable celebrities and contributed to world hunger awareness (Jacob B.). With internet, television, and more efficient transportation, the 1980s became a more world wide civilization. Since it was easier to spread out the influences in the 1980s, it also impacted more lives. In the 80s, hip hop was just starting off but effected all teens, the fashion industry, and our language. Companies used the upcoming hip hop artists as a new way to advertise fashion because teens started to want to be exactly like those artists (Jacob B.). "Slang" was introduced and our language became more relaxed and our daily language was changed forever. The 21st century is still impacted by hip hop because of the constant fashion, language, and actions done by the artists that are in the music industry. The music has now traveled into an older range of age, from lower teens to older 20s. The effects can be negative sometimes because of violence and profanity used in the songs that are listened to everyday. The computer company was a whole new road for the 1980s and changed people's perspective on the Earth and life (Graham D.). With these computers, the world became "smaller" and people were able to communicate. The companies also shaped how people think about competition in companies and business. Now computers are a must and have become a new form of work and education. The technology and science is still increasing and there is now face to face communications. When MJ finally hit the world status, he was the main topic of all conversations. He stuck out from the crowd with his unique and natural voice & brilliant shows and costumes (Jacob B.). The King of Pop set new standards for all musicians in any genre (singing, dancing, entertainment, etc.) His new sense of fashion inspired a more outgoing and individual nation. He is reflected back as as the face of pop music and a charitable celeb. MJ made special effects a common use in any performance. He ended his days with legendary music, iconic fashion, and music videos that were unbelievable (Jacob B.). MJ was seen as a true and natural talent. In the 1920s, FDR and polio would be the most influential topic. Polio effected the most amount of people and saved the most amount of lives. Second would by prohibition. It would not be the most influential of its time because it only at a national level and effected America. It still had a negative effect on everyone's life from business workers to regular families. Still influential, but the least out of the 1920s topics, Broadway's reign only lasted for a little while. Instead of impacting daily life on a daily basis, it became an occasional fling. In the 1980s, Michael Jackson was by far the most influential individual to ever live, and could possibly be called great man. MJ won 3 Grammys. He broke away from the cliché of being a celebrity and just a form of entertainment. Michael Jackson took on the world at a personal level and wasn't afraid to show it. Altogether, Michael Jackson seen as an international hero. On a lower level, computer companies would be the least influential. Though Mac is the most profitable company, the others have faded out of the competition. The computers mostly have specific tasks they are designed for whereas hip hop is listened to everyday no matter what the person is doing. Hip hop also effects others aspects of life such as fashion and clothes, how people act, and how people speak. Most of the individuals and events that impacted the world during the 1920s and 1980s were closer to Great Man than Civil Society. There were new roads taken and some roads were even formed and made. The society did not effect the world as much as great men did and still are today.

Works Cited B., Jacob. “Michael Jackson ‘King of Pop.’” //BuchholtzSidorAmericanStudies//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2012. .

D., Corbin. “Franklin D. Roosevelt and Infantil Paralysis.” //BuchholtzSidorAmericanStudies//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2012. .

D., Corbin. “Hip Hop Run DMC, Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five.” //BuchholtzSidorAmericanStudies//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2012. .

D., Graham. “Personal Computers, Apple II, Microsoft.” //BuchholtzSidorAmericanStudies//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2012. .

G., Stacy. “Elliot Ness, U.S. Treasury Department, Volstead Act.” //BuchholtzSidorAmericanStudies//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2012. .

M., Michael. “Broadway, George Gershwin, Eugene O’Neil.” //BuchholtzSidorAmericanStudies//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2012. .

RUBRIC

A quality comparison essay will

•Use the __four__ criteria of Great Man Continuum to analyze the significance of three 1920’s topics and three 1980s topics. consistently well analyzed

•Analyze of each of the 6 topics with evidence taken from the 1920s and 1980s wikis, Analysis is focus and supported by evidence

•Develop a thoughtful and thorough conclusions on all 6 topics, all topics thoughtfully considered

•Rank the three topics for each decade and explain why one topic is more influential than the other two, yes

•Answer the essay question with a clear, well reasoned argument, yes

•Explain why the __second__ choice fell short compared to the __first__ choice but is more just than the __third__ choice, yes

•Organize ideas in extended power paragraphs, consistently done except in closing paragraph

•Identify the source and establish its credibility with an appositive phrase, done

•Cite evidence with internal citations and in a Works Cited. Click links for exemplars. Sources are correctly cited--IF you truncate the web address in the WC--stop after .com