Chapter 1: Everything is an Argument

When I first read the title of Lunsford and Ruszkiewicz book, Everythings an Argument, I found it nearly impossible that everything infact was an argument. There has to be something that wouldn't be considered an argument. After having read chapter one I realized that it very well is possible. I have never read a book for a class where I wasn't like "yadda, yadda, yadda, I already know that, this is bogus," but surprisingly with this book, I was interested and felt as if I was learning new information, yet I completely understood what was being read and actual could relate. "Thus an argument can be any text- whether written, spoken,or visual- that expresses a point of view." (pg. 4) It occured to me that this is completely true. Everthing is an argument; it may not have to be defined as raising a voice and being violent, but just people having opinions.
The other thing I found interesting was the topic about the "distinction between argument and persuasion." On page 8 it mentioned that:

"Argument (discover a truth) ------->conviction"
"Persuasion (know a truth) ------>action"

I had never looked at it this way. In a way, it kind of reminds me of junior high grammar, where you have to break down words.

Same goes for the categories regarding whether arguments are about either the future or the past, and how one another can affect each other.

Basically, arguments can be anything, from a person's statement regarding politics, sports, food, etc., a person favorite color, a painting, to even the type of ice cream someone likes. Sometimes it is extremely important, life changing, and might effect others such as the story about the egg donor on page 14, or how people interpret the word "cowboy" on page 24. Personally, the first thing I think is the Dallas Cowboys, but lets face it, I'm a fanatic fan, despite the pitiful lose on Sunday during the playoffs, which I have still not gotten over yet. I give myself a year or two. Let's just say, I have plenty to argue about regarding that game!

-Stone