Michelle+Remmett+RP+Post+1

RP Post 1


 * I was thinking about writing a position paper, mostly because it works with the kind of stuff I'd like to research. I don't really have any questions on it, I'd probably like to see an example of it (if you've done this assignment with other classes before) just to get a better feel for it. This type of approach compares different viewpoints, and combines them into one paper.


 * 1) __Should all drugs be legalized?__
 * 2) __Is formal schooling necessary?__


 * For question 1, I think it might be interesting to compare the positions of people here and people in places like Portugal. Portugal completely decriminalized everything and it actually worked out really well for their country, statistically speaking. Use, complications, and deaths have all gone down. I'd have to see if other countries have done this too, but I think there are some. With the whole "war on drugs" thing going on in America, it's not a very popular opinion and there's definitely a ton of info out there on why everything should stay illegal.
 * For question 2, I read an article (essay? I don't remember) in the Writer's Presence about how compulsory schooling pretty much ruins children for life and shouldn't be happening. I've always had that opinion, but it's interesting that there's legitimate sources on that besides angry teenagers on the internet with blogs. I'd have to do more research into the topic since most of what I know now is more opinion than fact. As for the other side, I'm in a public school, so I (unfortunately) know quite a bit about that from my own experiences.

> > I think this work will actually go really well. There's definitely going to be a ton of research out there on schooling, especially the American public school system. It will probably take on a government related side too, along with a slightly legal side since there's laws about education and whatnot. I think exploring those sides will probably make my paper stronger though, it'll make my arguments more thorough. My worries and concerns for this paper is that the research for this kind of stuff will probably be incredibly boring and I have a very short attention span. But I think once I get all the preliminary stuff over with, I'll be able to write it easily. > > I want to pursue this to the end mostly for my own life purposes. I want to drop out and get my GED, and I think writing this paper will give me even more information about typical schooling and alternates. I need to be pretty convincing, no parent wants their child to drop out, but I think it's what would work best for me. Or maybe writing this paper will convince me to stay in school instead. Who knows? Either way, I'd want to see it out- it's interesting. I'd have to do this type of research before presenting the idea of dropping anyways, I might as well make it into a paper.
 * I'm leaning towards the formal, compulsory schooling question. I'm interested in this because I don't particularly like school, but I haven't had much legitimate information to back up my hatred other than the typical teenage complaints- those aren't exactly the best claims. I'd like to sound a little more educated when I'm when arguing or trying to explain my rationale, especially to adults. Also, I've had quite a few friends drop out of their schools in the past few months and I'm wondering if they might be better off than I am. It might just be the type of person to drop out, but they all seem much more creative, free, and happier once they leave. It got me thinking that maybe being confined in schools might have temporarily stunted them, and it might be cool to see if I can find some research on that. I have a lot of ideas for this paper.