Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
Session 1 (8.30.23) - Infographic on media b
They say in the infographic that there are a number of media companies that are on either end of
the political spectrum, there are companies that go left, lean left, are moderate, and then on the
other side there are companies that are right. On the left side that means the companies that are
being listed are more biased towards the democratic side while on the the right side of the
infographic it means that the companies are more republican side. They say that the companies on
the left are Buzzfeed, CNN, MSNBC while the companies that are on the right side are those such
as Fox News and the Daily Wire.
I say that all of these companies definitely have some influence on being more towards the right
or the left and that comes from who they hire and who funds these companies. For example, if
Buzzfeed is hiring more writers that are having a liberal opinion they are going to end up as a
company all to the left. The overall option of each writer carries the whole organization from either
the left or to the right. The people who fund the companies also influence who they hire so the
ownership overall has a huge say with each hire whether overall they will end up to the left or to
the right.
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
Session 2 (Aldean, 9.6.23)
They say that, “The video and its subsequent removal from CMT quickly blew up into one of the
periodic culture war clashes, with several conservative figures speaking out in favor of Aldean”,
which goes to show that the writer, Maria Sherman, is saying that Aldean has caused major
controversies with his music video but there are people that are still supporting him. She is saying
that multiple influential people have spoken out in favor of him. Furthermore, she goes on to quote
him to say, “When you can walk in somewhere and you can get one in 5 minutes, do a background
check that takes 5 minutes, like how in-depth is that background check?” She chooses this quote
out of the many quote she could choose to say that he has a valid point in what he is saying. She
mentions the Las Vegas shooting as well right before she uses that quote from him to place a
horrible violent scene as an example to support what he saying.
I say that I remember when this music video came up that I remember that it caused a lot of
commotion. With so many social issues happening in America in this day and age in the 2020s it
seems like everyone is trying to make a statement or get noticed. This may or may not be a good
thing depending on what they are saying. Sometimes people will say things to start a commotion
and then more bad things happen after in retaliation as people begin to argue more. I think that
however the music video shouldn’t have been banned just like Maria is suggesting because
America is a place of freedom of expression. But I can see why it got banned, to stop a bad reaction.
Session 3 (9.13.23, Ghorbani, et al. 2017)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
They say that, The Arabic word Islam literally means “submission,” and MER expresses this
central feature of Muslim spirituality in such self-reports as, “Experiences of submitting to God
cause me to feel more vital and motivated.” In the passage they talk about how the MER scale
and Islam and spirituality has four different sides or scales that all talk about how close the
Muslim is tied to their religion. They say that it is super important to understand all of the social
demographics of Iran it is important for someone to understand all four sides of Islam and fully
understand the MER scale.
I say that Islam and all religions all have several different perspectives that all cause a lot of
social demographic problems. If you look at most of the what the world fights over it usually
relates to religion. Whether it is in Islam and how Muslims practice it or Christianity as well, the
same thing, there are people who practice it more close to them like the author is saying in the
beginning but also people who do it outwardly. As one group may look at it one way or the other
it, how they all get along depends on how they view each other in terms or religion most of the
time.
Session 4 (9.20.23, Collins’s Interview of Dr. Cornel West)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
They say, or Dr. Cornel West, says that the system is broken and that the global power system is
also broken, so the USA and the world powers are all tilted towards the top. He says this in every
single topic that they talk about. The first question presented to him by Collins gives him the
chance to present his overall views on how society from top to bottom is driven by the bosses.
Then Collins asks him about the world powers. He then says that the world and the global power
system is also completely broken from top to bottom in the same way as well and that the USA
should not have the military everywhere. He said that if he was in office he would make sure that
society is dismantled from its power system and give the power back to the people and
community and then he said that he would take the USA military out of everywhere in the world.
Collins tees him up for every question so he can continue to give his full perspective on power in
society and the world and how his ideologies would change it all if he was in office.
I say that Dr. Cornel West is a bit extreme in his approach to tear down the system and that a lot
of people may think this is very un American. America is based on the principal that the
Constitution and the government where formed for the people. The right to govern and
capitalism is what gives the American people the right to be free. This often leads to the groups
that Dr. Cornel West is saying have too much power. Capitalism may not be fair in all aspects
but it best to think twice before taking everything apart.
Session 5 (9.27.23, Sacks’s book)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
They say, “Societal freedom cannot be sustained by market economics and liberal democratic
politics alone. It needs a third element: morality, a concern for the welfare of others, an active
commitment to justice and compassion”. Sacks opens by saying that we have worked hard over
time to get to where we have gotten and that being a society that competes with one another is a
great thing. He commends us as people for getting as far as we have gotten and all of the great
things that we have achieved. He talks about how a lot of people think that we have gotten as far
as we have because of technology but that is not true. However, he says that because we have
worked hard as people and our humanity has taken us as far as we have gotten but that we are
also losing this. The debates and polarization are causing us to be further and further apart as
people and he ends the passage saying that this is causing all of the problems in society such as
loneliness, violence, and drug abuse.
I say that technology is one of the main reasons that people are also becoming distant from each
other that is decreasing what we need to achieve together as well. Although social media may get
news to us faster and bring us information that we all need it is actually making us much more
isolated. People spend so much time just on their phones consuming all of their information and
then also on top of that they usually follow channels that are either left or right. This is always
driving more people apart and having polarized views. I agree with Sacks and that we need to
continue to progress society forward by being human and being there for each other.
Session 6 (10.4.23, Weaver’s book)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
They say, in the passage, the author argues that with humans firmly integrated into the natural
world, it becomes imperative to reevaluate the fundamental basis of human motivation. They
assert that scientific materialism has already settled the question of human origin by attributing it
to biological necessity and the concept of the survival of the fittest. Given this acceptance of
environmental determinism in shaping human beings, the author contends that it is only logical
to apply the same causal theory to human institutions.
I say, while the author's argument regarding the integration of humans into nature and the
consideration of environmental influences on human development is valid, I believe that the
passage oversimplifies the complexity of human motivation and the formation of institutions. It
is true that humans are products of their environment to some extent, and evolutionary biology
has certainly contributed to our understanding of certain aspects of human behavior. However,
reducing all human motivation to a single cause, such as survival of the fittest, is overly
reductionist.
Human motivation is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a wide range of factors,
including biology, culture, society, psychology, and individual experiences. While biological
necessity and environmental pressures play a role, they are not the sole determinants of human
behavior and institutions. Human agency, culture, and conscious decision-making also shape our
motivations and institutions. Therefore, while it is important to consider the impact of
environmental pressures, it is equally important to recognize the complexity of human nature and
motivation, which cannot be fully explained by a single causal factor.
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
Session 7 (10.11.23, Lowry’s book)
The passage argues that the American cultural nation has been supremely important throughout
history. It points out that during the American Revolution, the majority of colonists were of
British descent and shared common cultural traits, including language and religion. The passage
suggests that cultural homogeneity played a significant role in shaping the United States.
Furthermore, it contends that American nationalism has been defined by big, nationalist projects
aimed at achieving goals such as independence, territorial expansion, and the assimilation of
immigrants. The passage emphasizes the power of nationalism, describing it as a natural force
rooted in love for one's home and people, deeply intertwined with culture and resistant to
eradication.
I think that while the passage highlights the significance of nationalism in American history, it
overlooks the richness and complexity of the United States' cultural landscape. It is true that
cultural elements such as language, religion, and shared values have played a role in shaping the
nation. However, America's history is also marked by its incredible diversity, coming from
immigration and people coming to America from all over the world. This diversity has been a
source of strength and innovation, contributing to the nation's world reputation as a melting pot
of so many different cultures.
Session 8 (Thomas’s Article & Winberg’s Interview)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
The interview discusses the recent achievements of two transgender swimmers, Lia Thomas and
Iszac Henig, in the Ivy League championships. Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, had
previously competed on the men's team before medically transitioning and now competes on the
women's team. Her participation has sparked a debate, with some arguing that her assigned male
at birth status gives her an unfair advantage over cisgender women. However, many at the
championships expressed support for her, and experts suggest that after hormone replacement
therapy, the performance advantages diminish, allowing for meaningful competition. Iszac
Henig, a transgender man, also competed and won an event. Both athletes received support from
the transgender community and their peers at the championships.
I think that the experiences of Lia Thomas and Iszac Henig shed light on the complexities of
transgender participation in sports. As transgender individuals, they have faced unique
challenges and decisions related to their athletic journeys that no one else would have to go
through. The support they received from fellow athletes and the display of trans pride at the
championships demonstrate the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming environments
for all athletes, regardless of their gender identity. However, while I think that it's necessary to
address concerns about competitive fairness, I think that they should have their ability to be able
to feel respected and compete in the same sports as everyone else.
Session 9 (10.25.23, Sperandeo’s documentary)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
In Sperandeo’s documentary, they say that the life of a refugee is not one that is easy by any
means at all. The documentary shows the life of a refugee camp and it is hard to watch. Everyone
is living in tents and surrounded by trash at all times in close quarters. They show that the
drinking water is a single water fountain and even show that most people have all of their items
they own in plastic bags. The film shows all sides of refugee living including even child birth in
the end where a medical assistant helps give birth to a baby that she then holds in a foil blanket.
I say that this is absolutely so terrifying to watch and makes me realize that refugees need to be
let into sanctuary countries. The camps are not enough to be able to take care of all of the
refugees that are their clearly as the living conditions are not any way for someone to live. We
need to be able to find a way to bring refugees into places where they are wanted and can live in
a new community peacefully.
Session 10 (11.1.23, Williams’s op-ed)
In the passage, the author, a black Southern woman, speaks out against the commemoration of
Confederate monuments and the legacy of the Confederacy. She describes her own heritage as a
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
product of rape and non-consensual relationships between white men, who were her ancestors,
and black women who were their domestic servants. She argues that her existence itself is a
living testament to the injustices of slavery and Jim Crow in the South. The author challenges
those who defend Confederate monuments, asserting that these monuments do not represent a
truthful or noble history but instead celebrate oppressors at the expense of the oppressed. She
calls for the removal of all such monuments as they perpetuate a legacy of hate.
I think that author's perspective on Confederate monuments and her personal history provide a
powerful and thought-provoking perspective on this contentious issue. Her story illustrates the
deeply troubling and often unacknowledged aspects of America's history, particularly in the
South, where the legacy of slavery and racism still looms large. It is essential to recognize that
her experience is not unique, as many black Americans share similar ancestral histories of
exploitation and abuse.
She challenges the idea that these monuments represent a legitimate part of Southern heritage.
She highlights the need to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and acknowledge the
pain and suffering inflicted on black Americans. While some may argue that these monuments
are historical artifacts, the author compellingly argues that they are symbols of oppression and
should be removed.
Session 11 (11.8.23, Kwoh and Chung Joe’s op-ed)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
The passage discusses the complex reactions within the Asian American and Pacific Islander
(AAPI) community to the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions on affirmative action in the Harvard
and University of North Carolina (UNC) cases. It highlights that there are both supporters and
opponents of affirmative action within the AAPI community. Some AAPI individuals and groups
have taken legal action against affirmative action policies, arguing that they discriminate against
Asian American applicants. However, the majority of Asian Americans support affirmative
action, believing that racially diverse campuses benefit AAPI and other Black, Indigenous,
People of Color (BIPOC) students. The passage emphasizes that AAPI communities are not a
monolith and face disparities in college attainment rates and income levels, particularly within
Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities. It argues that affirmative action can help
address these disparities by creating opportunities and removing barriers for marginalized AAPI
students.
I think that passage provides valuable insights into the diversity of perspectives within the AAPI
community regarding affirmative action and its impact on higher education. It is crucial to
acknowledge that the AAPI community, like any other racial or ethnic group, is not all the same,
and opinions on affirmative action may vary based on individual experiences and backgrounds.
Affirmative action, when properly implemented, can be a tool to promote educational equity and
ensure that marginalized AAPI students have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.
Session 12 (11.15.23, HeGetsUs.com video)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
Session 13 (11.29.23, Anti-Trans ads)
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
Session 14 (12.6.23, Irwin’s essay) continued on next slide.
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
Session 15 (12.13.23, McAdams’s syllabus)
They say, or McAdam’s in his syllabus builds it in a way that he progresses about the importance
of the class and he builds it in a way that he talks about how the class and what their purpose at
the University of Notre Dame is by the end of the syllabus. He does this in a very clever way, he
first starts off by talking about the importance of political truth in the context of current times
and situations that are going on right now. He explains that political truth right now is so
important and that people are exaggerating so much in the name of democracy that truth is being
lost. He talks about what is happening Ukraine and the reporting around it as well as the 2020
election and jokes about in the end that he is trying to trigger his students on purpose. Then he
goes to talk about how in the class how the sections and structure will be broken up to support
the discussions around driving political truth. By the end of the syllabus he talks about how how
the students have a purpose at the University of Notre Dame to spread the political truth and they
are doing their duty by taking this class. He give a great call to action for his students!
I say, that he has structured and presented the class in a genius way compared to any other
syllabus and that he presents the class in a great contextual light as to why it is super important to
take right now in particular. The way he wraps it up in the end and presents a call to action
makes his students want to take the class as well. The cartoon is essentially a satire play on how
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Daisy Bhardwaj
They Say/I Say (15 entries)
important it is to tell the political truth and how this is the basis of legislature in the United States
which is being lost.
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