Fresh Fruits and Veggies

      An article titled "Healthy, Nutritious Food Would have Saved the Titanic" was written by Michelle Obama on theonion.com on April 13, 2012. The article discussed how if the passengers of the Titanic had just eaten some fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains as well as made healthier eating choices, they would have been saved from the tragedy. The article mentions how almost a century ago, the Titanic  went down, and took the lives of 1,500 passengers with it. Obama claims how the passengers died, since they did not make healthy eating choices, and therefore could not survive, since they had no strength or energy.
      This article is important, because it reminds us of the tragedy that claimed so many lives. However, it is also satirical because of its tone as well as its subject matter. The passengers could not have survived if only they had eaten healthier. There might have been cases were some passengers were healthier than others, and could therefore survive longer, but on a larger scale, eating healthy could not have saved everyone. This article also parodies Michelle Obama, because she constantly advocates healthy eating and exercise, although in this context it would not have made much of a difference.  

"Red, White, and Beer"

      This week, one of the essays that we read was titled "Red, White, and Beer". This essay was written by Dave Barry. It was a satirical essay, commenting on patriotism and how it is used in commercials. Barry gives examples such as car, beer, and other types of commercials which supposedly evoke a sense of patriotism. He mentions how even the Statue of Liberty, who is used in commercials since it is a patriotic symbol gets its value lessened because of it.
      This essay was a reflective, satirical essay. It is reflective, since Barry brings in some of his experiences, and whatever he has seen relating to patriotism in commercials. It is a satirical essay,  because Barry wants us o laugh along with him at how patriotism is used inaccurately in commercials. The purpose of this essay is to tell a story, and also to inform. His intended audience was the people of America, who are always exposed to these types of commercials. The tone of the essay was humorous, sarcastic, and light. These three characteristics fit in with what the content of reflective and satirical essays are like.