Argument Analysis Using Toulmin Model

Argument Analysis Using Toulmin Model

ITT Technical Institute

“Calling Blue: And on that farm he had a cellphone” Is hands down one of the worst articles I’ve ever read. Either this is satire or I’ve lost faith in humanity and in many ways I’m actually mad. What cellphone? What is this article even about? Why put such a misleading title in the article? Virginia Heffernan from the New York Times is clearly underestimating a child’s mind while complete missing the point of the show and focusing on the business aspect of Nick Jr. I would say cell phones have absolutely changed the way we communicate. No longer are we reliant on operators to connect us to our lines and no longer do we need to be home to answer it. Growing up I’ve lived in the countryside and yes we have cell phone service an internet so to say these are “Abnormal” is ridiculous. Why not teach kids about farm life? Kids love farm animals and showing a loosely based show about an average day could be fun for them so why spoil it?

What is the claim? To me the claim is farm life and the people who do this type of work are minorities and have no real place on television or there lifestyle. While I think Virginia Heffernan is an ignorant buffoon in some ways I could see what she’s trying to convey. Most of the population lives in a suburbia or large condensed cities so showing more of a city life could be more relatable. Then again its kids, If you have them you know a show could be set on the moon and it’s possible they would like it. Why does everything have to be for the majority? Why not do a spin off on a farm? I think the claim is loosely based on nothing more than a person who truly hates blue’s clues and the idea of a spinoff. Maybe she grew up watching the original show and is in many ways hurt about a quick cash grab show but it feels like a personal attach against the network I believe there is more to this than stated.

In this article the argument is transparent I know what was trying to be said but it was so poorly worded it can taken out of context. This has to be an opinion piece by a user submitted article, I’m a bit surprised someone actually has an issue with farm life and teaching this to our kids. This article does not convince me of anything other than some people believe kids should focus on modern day society without learning about rural life. Calling out a kid’s actor from the previous show as a creepy Old McDonald seems a bit childish, it’s clear it was unintentional but it brings up a valid point. From what I see on kids television is when an adult male is surrounded by puppets or children it’s a natural thing to think it’s creepy. The internet has ruined me and many other people it’s easy to attack a character like this he mas as well have a target on his back as he parades around kids. Question is does that make it ok for passive judgements? Absolutely not, and this is what makes this article so cringe worthy to read, it’s full of misconception and closed minded thinking.

While there is no direct article rebutting these claims I may personally write one to the New York Times taking a different approach. I fully understand that the article is presented as Satire but I feel people truly believe this is an appropriate way of thinking. Learning about natural farm life and essence of food, such as chicken, Beef, and all dairy products. It’s important for young children to learn about everyday life and what it takes to get food to your home including the grocery and the process is actually pretty interesting. A quote from the article “Brave new world and were still teaching our children about milking cows?” Yes, we are still teaching our children about the basic functions of life. This is the major issue I have with the article its based on millennial way of thinking what would be more educational, how to update your iTunes or learn about animals? I worry about the future of America and Virginia Heffernan has done nothing to help.