Topic Proposal for Essay 2
For Essay 2, I have chosen to write about my toothbrush. It is an object that I use everyday and reflects a lot about me and my lifestyle. The surface message of the toothbrush is that it is a tool for cleaning one’s teeth. Toothbrushes can be used for cleaning of other objects, but mine is used only for my teeth. The toothbrush’s design is not overly complex, but not as simple as toothbrushes once were. The side has rubber bristles that help for the cleaning of gums.
The part of toothbrushes that interests me the most is the way they reflect American culture. They show that we as Americans are very interested in our cleanliness and appearance. Toothbrushes and toothpastes always promise to whiten and improve one’s teeth with their new design, special bristles, etc. Today’s more complex toothbrushes are just another object that reflects the importance of image and cleanliness to Americans. In other countries, not everyone even owns a toothbrush, let alone a complex one with rubber bristles and special designs for cleaning.
My thesis is as follows: Though a toothbrush seems to be a simple object, it ultimately reflects the importance of cleanliness and appearance in American culture. The audience of my essay is general. It probably would not be enjoyed by younger children; however, it is aimed toward the majority of people, from teenagers to adults.
3 comments:
I think this will be a very good essay. A toothbrush is an interesting object to write about and you made a good analysis of it by connecting it to American beliefs and culture.
I think this is an interesting object to select. I think it is a good thng to right about because everyone uses a toothbrush.
Anne Katherine, this is a very good object to analyze. You have obviously given thought to the connection between this seemingly simple object and the larger values of the society. Now you need to make sure that smaller-scale generalizations are also related to the design of one particular toothbrush. You are welcome to compare the brush you own to other brushes that are out there (showing the need for versatility, or dependence on fashion). You are also very welcome to compare the contemporary toothbrush to its predecessors. Were they as colorful? Did they fit as well in the hand? Could they reach as far and clean as well? Is this an affordable possession now? Also, you mention both cleanliness and concern for looks as American values - make sure that you give enough detail to the specific elements in the design that reflect these values.
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