Writer's Notebook Prompts
Reflecting on Writing Strategies
What are some strategies of side-writing -- marginalia, brainstorming, troubleshooting, play -- do you already engage in?
I often find that I, as a writer, have many unique and abstract ways of getting to my 'finished product' so to speak. I employ various means and ways to ensure that my pieces turn out just how I intend them to. Sometimes I pace back and forth behind my massive computer chair talking to myself and imagining that I'm speaking to some grand audience with the purpose of affecting change within them. Other times I lay in bed thinking about how to construct my paper (and trust me it keeps me up for a while, and sometimes even turns into dreams). And yet still at times I find myself scribbling down notes that only I could translate into relevant meaning; webs, a connect the dots of ideas, sometimes a big mess of words, phrases and thoughts of varying sizes, fonts and forms. But this is how it must be done for me. Whenever I start any paper, I find that I'm verbally constipated, and I just have to kind....vomit it all out onto paper....and then from there I can start sorting through the chaos and find what I need to keep and incorporate, and what needs to be discarded. These quirky actions of mine serve as the springboard that help me to achieve my goal with any paper I write.
The pacing that I do back and forth behind my exceptionally large and comfy computer chair serves as my brainstorming session really. I try and come up with ideas, concepts, what I want to say, how I want to say it, etc. In this pacing to and fro I contemplate who my audience is, and what they need to/anticipate hearing from me. 'Will this phrase work', I ask myself. Could something be strengthened? This brainstorming session serves as my starting point. When I find a phrase or sentence that I love and want to use, I can quickly get to my computer and type it before it escapes me. This is a vital part of my writing strategies.
When I lie in bed it is usually because I'm having writer's block and can't find what it is I want to say. I lie there and try and break down this mental barrier. Sometimes I don't, and fall asleep as to wake up with new energy and resolve. Other times I shatter the wall, and hop out of bed to go and write my sentence, paragraph, or thesis down - whatever the case may be. Sometimes 'sleeping on it' really helps me to come back to the computer with clearer focus and more determination to tackle the paper at hand. This is also a strategy that I find very useful, for me anyways.
Throwing all of my thoughts and impressions down on paper initially is extremely important. I always have so much to say about any one issue, that if I don't start somewhere and try and organize all my thoughts, it will never make any sense, it will be too excessive, and therefore overwhelming. I've found that once I have all my thoughts written down, usually in varying fonts (each representative of which tone or feel I want to give each thought; for example if the thought is a key concept then it is large and bold, if it is a delicate issue that I need to address carefully I usually write it in cursive or something more elegant, if it is an issue that I'm unsure whether I want it in my paper or I'm questioning its purpose, then I write it in a very hap-hazard, scribbly font that would tell me to be cautious of this thought, etc), I can start to connect them all via lines that connects thoughts, and organize how I want to situate things in my paper. This is perhaps the most important and precious part of my writing process. I have a black journal with metallic, magnetic bindings, and blank paper (no lines) that serves as my canvas where I can put all my thoughts down and hopefully extract art from it. I don't let anyone read or view my writer's notebook, because, first of all they wouldn't understand anything in there, and secondly, its for me . This book is the keystone in my writing process.
What strategies have you tried in your Writer's Notebook work (writing activities, writer's notebook prompts, writing in class)?
The writing activities and notebook prompts that we've done with each assignment have been extremely helpful and supportive of my writing in many ways. They help me 'flesh-out' ideas and expand my thinking. They help me focus in on my true issue and point. They assist me in organizing the structure of my paper. They have been helpful without a doubt, and I've enjoyed using them. At the beginning of the class I was worried when I saw prompts that had anything to do with images, or cartoons, or comics/strips because I'm not artistically gifted in any way. I'm a very good photographer, but I only excel in that because my picture is already painted for me, I simply need to capture it. But for me to create something from scratch....is terrifying. Even my stick figures are hard to identify. So as I saw these prompts and activities I thought initially, 'Oh well I'm definitely screwed!'. But as I gave it my best effort on those assignments and sincerely thought about how I could use them to my strength, I was thoroughly surprised at how much they assisted me.
Most recently I selected a WN prompt that asks you to select several images and discuss how they relate to your issue. This was daunting at first, even though I brought it upon myself by choosing this prompt of my own free will and choice. But I knew that it would be useful in helping me and my readers see why I'm so passionate about melanoma education and advocacy for tanning bed bans. As I selected images and used them to tell a story, I learned how useful images can be in conveying your message. This was a very effective prompt. It taught me that words can't do all the talking, visuals are just as, if not more, important.
An additional WN prompt that challenged me and forced me outside my usual routine was creating a comic strip about my issue. In this comic strip, which can be viewed below, I'm having a conversation with my mother, which in fact did take place, about melanoma. I'm expressing concern to her about my issue and the legislation that has been passed which restricts tanning bed use. I'm in favor of this legislation, but am frustrated that other people aren't understanding or accepting it's necessity. My mom was instrumental in showing me what I was failing to consider/see and how I should approach my argument. To have the conversation was one thing, to put it into a comic strip was a totally different thing. One might think things don't change much between the two mediums, but I learned a great deal. By having the conversation in front me in a visually depicted format, I was more able to see exactly what it was my mom was saying, I had an image to connect the issue/conversation/story to. This was important because, as with any issue, if you can't envision it, how will your readers? By putting the story of my conversation/research into a visually stimulating perspective, I was able to truly see more POVs surrounding my issue and gain a greater appreciation for those who don't feel as I do about melanoma/tanning bed use.
The last writing activity that I want to mention is that of the haikus that I used to refocus my issue or main point in my position argument paper. The purpose of the haikus was to really for the writer to take a step back and reconsider what it truly is you're addressing and ask yourself if the current path you're taking is going to get you the destination that you're intending for you papers to go. The haikus, I thought, would be much easier than they actually turned out to be. I struggled with them for a while. But I am so grateful that I selected that prompt because it pushed me as a writer and really made me rethink my whole issue and purpose of the paper. It made my paper stronger by helping me to refocus and weed out extraneous detail or concepts that weren't as powerful or effective. This prompt with the haikus, was my favorite writing activity of the whole semester that I've engaged in. It was the most helpful, the most inspiring, and was truly the 'ah-ha' moment for me when it came to re-defining my issue.
What works?
I believe that will careful reading of the above information, one can see why these writing prompts and activities have worked for me. They all have their unique purpose and use. Some of the prompts help me to tell a story, some help me to connect images and see the importance of visuals, others helped me to refocus my thinking and organization of my paper. Writer's Notebook Prompts are designed to help the writer reconsider their issue and look at their piece through new eyes with a new sense of perspective. As we honestly do this I know that we as writers will see a strengthening presence in our papers. I know this because I've seen it in mine. I can say that as I've finished rough drafts I've said to myself, 'I love it, I don't want to change anything because it couldn't be better and its exactly how I want it!'. But then I apply some of WN prompts and other writing activities associated with the revision process (as well as peer reviews) and I go back to my rough draft and say, 'alright is there anything I can keep because I kind of want to change everything!'. So definitely, in their own way, each writing activity and prompt has helped me and I'm sure they will continue to do so in this class and beyond.
What might you use for writing your report/review? Why?
As I embark on what I'm sure will be a difficult journey in writing my report I intend to rely heavily on the images that I used in my most recent prompt #3 to help me structure a sort of story line, or organize a method in which I chronologically tell the story of tanning beds and melanoma, with the purpose of introducing legislation that is currently being enacted. As I use the images that I found in this prompt to tell my story, I also will use, to great lengths, my journal of complex webs and thoughts and ideas. This will be heavily emphasized because right now, even in this moment, I still don't know how exactly I'm going to start and end my report. I have no idea what line I want to open with. Often I know right from the get-go how I want to start a paper almost verbatim; and from there the rest of my paper just flows out of me. But with this report.... I'm struggling. So I want to use the images from prompt #3 I selected because I need to tell a story in my report, a 'story of my research'. Additionally I will use my method of webbing ideas and concepts to find organization and order and ensure that I'm using information, ideas, and sources that are of the most relevance and pertinence to my report. I also think I am also going to use haikus for a second time. I really hope that by so doing I can find the start I'm looking for. The haikus were so wonderful in helping me focus on my issue and really point out what it was I needed to address. Haikus are so effective because you have to stay to the point, you don't have words/space to waste. So I know that, with needing to find a focus and direction for my report, by using haikus I can pick up on a thread that will hopefully lead me to the treasure trove that is my finished piece.
I often find that I, as a writer, have many unique and abstract ways of getting to my 'finished product' so to speak. I employ various means and ways to ensure that my pieces turn out just how I intend them to. Sometimes I pace back and forth behind my massive computer chair talking to myself and imagining that I'm speaking to some grand audience with the purpose of affecting change within them. Other times I lay in bed thinking about how to construct my paper (and trust me it keeps me up for a while, and sometimes even turns into dreams). And yet still at times I find myself scribbling down notes that only I could translate into relevant meaning; webs, a connect the dots of ideas, sometimes a big mess of words, phrases and thoughts of varying sizes, fonts and forms. But this is how it must be done for me. Whenever I start any paper, I find that I'm verbally constipated, and I just have to kind....vomit it all out onto paper....and then from there I can start sorting through the chaos and find what I need to keep and incorporate, and what needs to be discarded. These quirky actions of mine serve as the springboard that help me to achieve my goal with any paper I write.
The pacing that I do back and forth behind my exceptionally large and comfy computer chair serves as my brainstorming session really. I try and come up with ideas, concepts, what I want to say, how I want to say it, etc. In this pacing to and fro I contemplate who my audience is, and what they need to/anticipate hearing from me. 'Will this phrase work', I ask myself. Could something be strengthened? This brainstorming session serves as my starting point. When I find a phrase or sentence that I love and want to use, I can quickly get to my computer and type it before it escapes me. This is a vital part of my writing strategies.
When I lie in bed it is usually because I'm having writer's block and can't find what it is I want to say. I lie there and try and break down this mental barrier. Sometimes I don't, and fall asleep as to wake up with new energy and resolve. Other times I shatter the wall, and hop out of bed to go and write my sentence, paragraph, or thesis down - whatever the case may be. Sometimes 'sleeping on it' really helps me to come back to the computer with clearer focus and more determination to tackle the paper at hand. This is also a strategy that I find very useful, for me anyways.
Throwing all of my thoughts and impressions down on paper initially is extremely important. I always have so much to say about any one issue, that if I don't start somewhere and try and organize all my thoughts, it will never make any sense, it will be too excessive, and therefore overwhelming. I've found that once I have all my thoughts written down, usually in varying fonts (each representative of which tone or feel I want to give each thought; for example if the thought is a key concept then it is large and bold, if it is a delicate issue that I need to address carefully I usually write it in cursive or something more elegant, if it is an issue that I'm unsure whether I want it in my paper or I'm questioning its purpose, then I write it in a very hap-hazard, scribbly font that would tell me to be cautious of this thought, etc), I can start to connect them all via lines that connects thoughts, and organize how I want to situate things in my paper. This is perhaps the most important and precious part of my writing process. I have a black journal with metallic, magnetic bindings, and blank paper (no lines) that serves as my canvas where I can put all my thoughts down and hopefully extract art from it. I don't let anyone read or view my writer's notebook, because, first of all they wouldn't understand anything in there, and secondly, its for me . This book is the keystone in my writing process.
What strategies have you tried in your Writer's Notebook work (writing activities, writer's notebook prompts, writing in class)?
The writing activities and notebook prompts that we've done with each assignment have been extremely helpful and supportive of my writing in many ways. They help me 'flesh-out' ideas and expand my thinking. They help me focus in on my true issue and point. They assist me in organizing the structure of my paper. They have been helpful without a doubt, and I've enjoyed using them. At the beginning of the class I was worried when I saw prompts that had anything to do with images, or cartoons, or comics/strips because I'm not artistically gifted in any way. I'm a very good photographer, but I only excel in that because my picture is already painted for me, I simply need to capture it. But for me to create something from scratch....is terrifying. Even my stick figures are hard to identify. So as I saw these prompts and activities I thought initially, 'Oh well I'm definitely screwed!'. But as I gave it my best effort on those assignments and sincerely thought about how I could use them to my strength, I was thoroughly surprised at how much they assisted me.
Most recently I selected a WN prompt that asks you to select several images and discuss how they relate to your issue. This was daunting at first, even though I brought it upon myself by choosing this prompt of my own free will and choice. But I knew that it would be useful in helping me and my readers see why I'm so passionate about melanoma education and advocacy for tanning bed bans. As I selected images and used them to tell a story, I learned how useful images can be in conveying your message. This was a very effective prompt. It taught me that words can't do all the talking, visuals are just as, if not more, important.
An additional WN prompt that challenged me and forced me outside my usual routine was creating a comic strip about my issue. In this comic strip, which can be viewed below, I'm having a conversation with my mother, which in fact did take place, about melanoma. I'm expressing concern to her about my issue and the legislation that has been passed which restricts tanning bed use. I'm in favor of this legislation, but am frustrated that other people aren't understanding or accepting it's necessity. My mom was instrumental in showing me what I was failing to consider/see and how I should approach my argument. To have the conversation was one thing, to put it into a comic strip was a totally different thing. One might think things don't change much between the two mediums, but I learned a great deal. By having the conversation in front me in a visually depicted format, I was more able to see exactly what it was my mom was saying, I had an image to connect the issue/conversation/story to. This was important because, as with any issue, if you can't envision it, how will your readers? By putting the story of my conversation/research into a visually stimulating perspective, I was able to truly see more POVs surrounding my issue and gain a greater appreciation for those who don't feel as I do about melanoma/tanning bed use.
The last writing activity that I want to mention is that of the haikus that I used to refocus my issue or main point in my position argument paper. The purpose of the haikus was to really for the writer to take a step back and reconsider what it truly is you're addressing and ask yourself if the current path you're taking is going to get you the destination that you're intending for you papers to go. The haikus, I thought, would be much easier than they actually turned out to be. I struggled with them for a while. But I am so grateful that I selected that prompt because it pushed me as a writer and really made me rethink my whole issue and purpose of the paper. It made my paper stronger by helping me to refocus and weed out extraneous detail or concepts that weren't as powerful or effective. This prompt with the haikus, was my favorite writing activity of the whole semester that I've engaged in. It was the most helpful, the most inspiring, and was truly the 'ah-ha' moment for me when it came to re-defining my issue.
What works?
I believe that will careful reading of the above information, one can see why these writing prompts and activities have worked for me. They all have their unique purpose and use. Some of the prompts help me to tell a story, some help me to connect images and see the importance of visuals, others helped me to refocus my thinking and organization of my paper. Writer's Notebook Prompts are designed to help the writer reconsider their issue and look at their piece through new eyes with a new sense of perspective. As we honestly do this I know that we as writers will see a strengthening presence in our papers. I know this because I've seen it in mine. I can say that as I've finished rough drafts I've said to myself, 'I love it, I don't want to change anything because it couldn't be better and its exactly how I want it!'. But then I apply some of WN prompts and other writing activities associated with the revision process (as well as peer reviews) and I go back to my rough draft and say, 'alright is there anything I can keep because I kind of want to change everything!'. So definitely, in their own way, each writing activity and prompt has helped me and I'm sure they will continue to do so in this class and beyond.
What might you use for writing your report/review? Why?
As I embark on what I'm sure will be a difficult journey in writing my report I intend to rely heavily on the images that I used in my most recent prompt #3 to help me structure a sort of story line, or organize a method in which I chronologically tell the story of tanning beds and melanoma, with the purpose of introducing legislation that is currently being enacted. As I use the images that I found in this prompt to tell my story, I also will use, to great lengths, my journal of complex webs and thoughts and ideas. This will be heavily emphasized because right now, even in this moment, I still don't know how exactly I'm going to start and end my report. I have no idea what line I want to open with. Often I know right from the get-go how I want to start a paper almost verbatim; and from there the rest of my paper just flows out of me. But with this report.... I'm struggling. So I want to use the images from prompt #3 I selected because I need to tell a story in my report, a 'story of my research'. Additionally I will use my method of webbing ideas and concepts to find organization and order and ensure that I'm using information, ideas, and sources that are of the most relevance and pertinence to my report. I also think I am also going to use haikus for a second time. I really hope that by so doing I can find the start I'm looking for. The haikus were so wonderful in helping me focus on my issue and really point out what it was I needed to address. Haikus are so effective because you have to stay to the point, you don't have words/space to waste. So I know that, with needing to find a focus and direction for my report, by using haikus I can pick up on a thread that will hopefully lead me to the treasure trove that is my finished piece.
Writing Activities; Replacement Poem and Postcard
Replacement Poem
Adapted from "The Word" by Pablo Neruda
The Tanning Bed
The tanning bed was created
in the heart of Europe,
it made its way to the vain Americas, shining,
and invaded the skin and body.
From one continent to another,
still, still it spread
from greedy businesses and from aspiring companies,
from industries that had turned non-human,
that had exhausted their current customers,
because when disinterest became apparent in the market
the customers disappeared and hid,
but came together for enhanced products and promise
to search for their joy yet again.
And that's why we are as we are now:
this is the debacle that consumes us
with the cancerous beds and with the health risks
that customers face who lie down.
Still the population bakes,
with each session
resulting
with color and satisfaction.
It grows
from the skin
and even now there is no medicine
that cures with the healing touch
of that disease,
the terrible
cancer speaks:
perhaps it was just bad luck, a misfortune,
but its lies still percolate and deceive.
Later on, truth educates our minds.
It stayed hidden and was covered with money,
everything was dollar signs and transactions:
beauty, attraction, popularity,
satisfaction, sex appeal, color:
the truth faced all the critics
and fought deception with logic
in its honest sincerity.
Human flesh, vulnerable, prone
to agonizing pain and deadly disease,
crushing defeat that accompanies
the outbursts of the afflicted:
it is here that regret was discovered by
the entirety of the medical field
and not to act is to be apathetic towards patients:
resolve erupts outward to the government,
the doctors talk without ceasing their concern:
suddenly restrictions and legislation are law.
I'm encouraged by the law and pray
for it, as if legislation were
the redeeming cure,
its words please some and gratitude soars
in every state of the country:
Critics mumble and they murmur
and between the businesses of cosmetics,
anger rages, they break tight-lips.
We look to the news, watching
for a repeal or advanced legislation,
in silence we await
the results of debate
or ceaseless discourse,
differing opinions of every nature,
and arguments and quarrels and altercations
provide fodder to the cannon
because the law is controversial
and not universally accepted: it is divisive,
the disputations that attack its morality,
and thus its undoing is desired:
history condemns health to tyrants,
responsibility to the barons,
and relinquishes well-being to money.
-Enoch Zenger
Explain how the meaning of the poem changed. How did embedding words/ideas related to your issue in a different medium/genre help you see your issue/purpose of the essay in a new way?
The meaning of the poem changed in many aspects between the original poem by Neruda, and myself. Neruda's poem was focused on the word, this new life force that was permeating boundaries and promising new hope and life despite tribulation. It wasn't always easy, but it was welcomed and appreciated because of the new promise it offered. It offered hope and new beginnings. It transcended the past and brought life to the future. This is what I interpreted from the poem in my own way. My poem had a darker feeling to it. I focused on how tanning has become such a debatable issue and how there are many points of view on the subject. I mentioned how controversial legislation is how much some critics are trying to oppose/repeal it. Yet there are some doctors and others who are still pushing for further legislation. The issue of tanning is just getting started and I know that the debate will be ongoing and increase in intensity before a resolution, if one, is found. So it was very challenging, interesting and helpful for me to use this poem. It helped me to realize which direction I want to take my report; a historical report on the story of tanning beds and the controversy that surrounds them today, and how we're all inevitably tied to it.
This activity greatly enhanced my ability to see my issue/report in a new light. It helped me realize that it is ok to have strong opinions and voice in a report, as long as it is represented equally and fairly from many sides. Also I learned that I can indeed use little pathos of my own and focus more on the reportive aspect of the paper; presenting OTHER opinions, facts, perspectives, and feelings. As a writer, I've always felt the need to be so passionately involved in my papers in the sense that it is MY feelings and MY voice and MY opinions and beliefs. I'm learning that with this reporting assignment, I can still present passions and perspectives that parallel mine, therefore giving me the feeling that I'm represented in my paper, while still "interviewing" the other side so to speak, in a fair and equal manner. Reporting is about presenting facts in an unbiased way. But you can still use strong opinions, and passionate voice to make the article interesting, lively, and engaging, as long as both sides are represented fairly; this is how you achieve equality and an unbiased report. This activity was very beneficial for me and I have much more faith, hope, and confidence in myself going into this report. I hope I can find the balance I'm searching for.
Adapted from "The Word" by Pablo Neruda
The Tanning Bed
The tanning bed was created
in the heart of Europe,
it made its way to the vain Americas, shining,
and invaded the skin and body.
From one continent to another,
still, still it spread
from greedy businesses and from aspiring companies,
from industries that had turned non-human,
that had exhausted their current customers,
because when disinterest became apparent in the market
the customers disappeared and hid,
but came together for enhanced products and promise
to search for their joy yet again.
And that's why we are as we are now:
this is the debacle that consumes us
with the cancerous beds and with the health risks
that customers face who lie down.
Still the population bakes,
with each session
resulting
with color and satisfaction.
It grows
from the skin
and even now there is no medicine
that cures with the healing touch
of that disease,
the terrible
cancer speaks:
perhaps it was just bad luck, a misfortune,
but its lies still percolate and deceive.
Later on, truth educates our minds.
It stayed hidden and was covered with money,
everything was dollar signs and transactions:
beauty, attraction, popularity,
satisfaction, sex appeal, color:
the truth faced all the critics
and fought deception with logic
in its honest sincerity.
Human flesh, vulnerable, prone
to agonizing pain and deadly disease,
crushing defeat that accompanies
the outbursts of the afflicted:
it is here that regret was discovered by
the entirety of the medical field
and not to act is to be apathetic towards patients:
resolve erupts outward to the government,
the doctors talk without ceasing their concern:
suddenly restrictions and legislation are law.
I'm encouraged by the law and pray
for it, as if legislation were
the redeeming cure,
its words please some and gratitude soars
in every state of the country:
Critics mumble and they murmur
and between the businesses of cosmetics,
anger rages, they break tight-lips.
We look to the news, watching
for a repeal or advanced legislation,
in silence we await
the results of debate
or ceaseless discourse,
differing opinions of every nature,
and arguments and quarrels and altercations
provide fodder to the cannon
because the law is controversial
and not universally accepted: it is divisive,
the disputations that attack its morality,
and thus its undoing is desired:
history condemns health to tyrants,
responsibility to the barons,
and relinquishes well-being to money.
-Enoch Zenger
Explain how the meaning of the poem changed. How did embedding words/ideas related to your issue in a different medium/genre help you see your issue/purpose of the essay in a new way?
The meaning of the poem changed in many aspects between the original poem by Neruda, and myself. Neruda's poem was focused on the word, this new life force that was permeating boundaries and promising new hope and life despite tribulation. It wasn't always easy, but it was welcomed and appreciated because of the new promise it offered. It offered hope and new beginnings. It transcended the past and brought life to the future. This is what I interpreted from the poem in my own way. My poem had a darker feeling to it. I focused on how tanning has become such a debatable issue and how there are many points of view on the subject. I mentioned how controversial legislation is how much some critics are trying to oppose/repeal it. Yet there are some doctors and others who are still pushing for further legislation. The issue of tanning is just getting started and I know that the debate will be ongoing and increase in intensity before a resolution, if one, is found. So it was very challenging, interesting and helpful for me to use this poem. It helped me to realize which direction I want to take my report; a historical report on the story of tanning beds and the controversy that surrounds them today, and how we're all inevitably tied to it.
This activity greatly enhanced my ability to see my issue/report in a new light. It helped me realize that it is ok to have strong opinions and voice in a report, as long as it is represented equally and fairly from many sides. Also I learned that I can indeed use little pathos of my own and focus more on the reportive aspect of the paper; presenting OTHER opinions, facts, perspectives, and feelings. As a writer, I've always felt the need to be so passionately involved in my papers in the sense that it is MY feelings and MY voice and MY opinions and beliefs. I'm learning that with this reporting assignment, I can still present passions and perspectives that parallel mine, therefore giving me the feeling that I'm represented in my paper, while still "interviewing" the other side so to speak, in a fair and equal manner. Reporting is about presenting facts in an unbiased way. But you can still use strong opinions, and passionate voice to make the article interesting, lively, and engaging, as long as both sides are represented fairly; this is how you achieve equality and an unbiased report. This activity was very beneficial for me and I have much more faith, hope, and confidence in myself going into this report. I hope I can find the balance I'm searching for.
Postcard Activity
Friedrich Wolff introduced tanning beds to America in 1979 before selling his patent to his brother Jorg, head of Cosmedico Limited; the leading pioneer in the tanning industry. For the first 7 years no restrictions were placed on tanning beds. Then, in 1986, the FDA, with assistance from other organizations like WHO and ACA, started placing restrictions on tanning bed manufactures and operators; like intensity and power of bulbs, length of exposure, and warning labels for health risks. As time has gone on and studies have increased, evidence shows that tanning is extremely harmful and life threatening. Because of these facts doctors and policy makers have come together to defend the young, naive tanners and implement legislation that places bans on teens younger than 18 from tanning in many states with few exceptions. This legislation is in effect in 33 states currently, with more joining this controversial conversation.
Friedrich Wolff introduced tanning beds to America in 1979 before selling his patent to his brother Jorg, head of Cosmedico Limited; the leading pioneer in the tanning industry. For the first 7 years no restrictions were placed on tanning beds. Then, in 1986, the FDA, with assistance from other organizations like WHO and ACA, started placing restrictions on tanning bed manufactures and operators; like intensity and power of bulbs, length of exposure, and warning labels for health risks. As time has gone on and studies have increased, evidence shows that tanning is extremely harmful and life threatening. Because of these facts doctors and policy makers have come together to defend the young, naive tanners and implement legislation that places bans on teens younger than 18 from tanning in many states with few exceptions. This legislation is in effect in 33 states currently, with more joining this controversial conversation.
Writing Prompt #3 for Report/Evaluation; Select several images, and tell how they relate
I selected this prompt because I feel that my issue is largely supported and stimulated by visuals. It is by visuals that I most effectively convey my message to readers, as well as connect them and help them understand why my issue needs more attention. These images are organized in a cause/effect as well as 'full circle' format. You can see what happens with tanning beds; from initial use to burns, burns to cancer, cancer to treatment, and treatment to legislation against tanning which will hopefully prevent the first step, tanning, from even taking place among minors.
I selected this prompt because I feel that my issue is largely supported and stimulated by visuals. It is by visuals that I most effectively convey my message to readers, as well as connect them and help them understand why my issue needs more attention. These images are organized in a cause/effect as well as 'full circle' format. You can see what happens with tanning beds; from initial use to burns, burns to cancer, cancer to treatment, and treatment to legislation against tanning which will hopefully prevent the first step, tanning, from even taking place among minors.
This image made me shake my head because it is so misleading. I will credit them by saying they make tanning seem appealing by objectifying it. This makes tanners feel like they will also feel and look sexy, tan, relaxed, and beautiful if they use tanning beds. However this is a gross lie. Tanners need to understand that images like these are deceiving and do not depict how tanning really is. Tanning IS harmful and dangerous. It leads to serious burning and increases your chances of receiving skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Burns like these can easily occur with prolonged or frequent tanning. Evidence I've provided in the past shows that burns and other similar damage can result in even one short use. Tanners need to be more cognizant of what they're exposing themselves to, and for how long. Tanning in tanning beds is not safe or healthy. It poses real danger. Burns from tanning beds should not be taken lightly, or considered funny in any way. So many people laugh at friend/family sunburns. But it is no laughing matter. Burns of this nature pose a very real threat to your health. Burns, like this one at the right, serve as stark images of what happens when tanning beds are used - the beginning of a down-sloped path that can lead to fatal skin cancer, such as melanoma.
Once burns have occurred, skin cells, or melanocytes, undergo mutation as a result of having been literally fried. These mutations can sometimes heal with time as the skin 'sheds' and new cells are formed. Other cells, if they mutate and are damaged enough, can metastasize, or spread, to other cells....causing a chain reaction that results in marks like this on the skin. The word melanoma is formed from the prefix 'mela' (meaning skin), and the suffix 'oma' (meaning spreading or tumor like growth). Thus we see that melanoma literally means that due to mutation from having been burned so extensively, your skin cells are unable to heal and mutate into cancerous growths.
When those cancerous growths go too far and become too large, invasive, or life-threatening, surgery is required. If this image to the right doesn't make you utter some form of 'oh my goodness...' then I don't know what would. This woman had invasive melanoma that was growing in her pelvic region. The mass necessitated surgical intervention. The two tubes leading away from the incision are drains that are intentionally put in place underneath the skin to evacuate blood and other fluids that can accumulate near the site. I hope you're starting to see the pattern. Go tanning, and you can get a burn. Burn, and you could get a growth. That growth can become something that requires surgery, like at the right. And such surgery should lead us to believe in the need for legislation, legislation intended to stem this disease from growing.
Legislation regarding tanning beds is spreading quickly. The image to the left outlines states' restrictions with respect to tanning beds. As you can see there are a handful of states that completely ban tanning bed use to minors. Others have restrictions or complicated processes to get around, and still there are some states who have yet to implement any legislation against tanning beds, arguing that it should be entirely up to parents to decide, not the government. I can see their reasoning, but I disagree with it. There are already laws in place to protect minors from tobacco, drugs, and alcohol consumption. These laws are in place because there is proof of how harmful they are. What then, could possibly be the difference with tanning? It is just as, or more harmful, than these other actions. Tanning causes burns, which can lead to melanoma, which can lead to surgical removal of the tumor. Don't you see the pattern? Legislation will stop the whole process before it even starts. Legislation is necessary and ethical.
Image Sources Used;
Melanoma. ND. Photo. avonro.info. 20 Oct. 2013.
Bikini Line Burn. ND. Photo. buzzlamp.com. 20 Oct. 2013.
Tanning Beds. ND. Photo. insun.us. 20 Oct. 2013.
Tanning Bed Restrictions by State. Updated August 2013. National Conference of State Legislature. 13 Oct. 2013.
Wide Excision Melanoma. ND. Photo. livingwithmelanoma.blogspot.com. 20 Oct. 2013.
Melanoma. ND. Photo. avonro.info. 20 Oct. 2013.
Bikini Line Burn. ND. Photo. buzzlamp.com. 20 Oct. 2013.
Tanning Beds. ND. Photo. insun.us. 20 Oct. 2013.
Tanning Bed Restrictions by State. Updated August 2013. National Conference of State Legislature. 13 Oct. 2013.
Wide Excision Melanoma. ND. Photo. livingwithmelanoma.blogspot.com. 20 Oct. 2013.
Writer's Notebook Prompt #7 for Position Argument/Cartoon Activity; Tell someone about your project.
Writer's Notebook Prompt #25 for Position Argument; Visual Satire "The Satire of Cecily Bayken
Writer's Notebook Prompt #2 for Profile; 5 Statements from my research
Statement #1; Taken from personal interview with Dr. Tawnya Bowles; M.D.
While asking Dr. Bowles some questions during the interview, I asked her this one in particular, "What is being done on a public scale to increase awareness about the threat that melanoma poses?" Her response was really shocking. She informed me that just recently there was legislation passed in Utah that she fought for that prohibits those 18 and younger from visiting tanning salons without a parent or legal guardian present. I asked her how she was able to get this approved and she said that there has been enough scientific evidence to prove that UV radiation (what we absorb from sun and tanning beds that can lead to melanoma) has been found to be harmful enough to be classified as a carcinogen. So based upon this evidence, she and others fought for legislation to be passed that would help prevent those of a younger generation who don't yet understand the real risk that UV exposure poses from naively participating in tanning salons. Much to her delight, as well as mine, their wishes were granted and it is now law in Utah that no minor 18 or younger can tan without parental permission via presence at time of tanning. Great to know that there is something being done here to fight back against the spread of melanoma. The most harmful contributor to melanoma spreading is lack of knowledge and protection. So this legislation is a great step in a positive direction; further prevent us from attracting skin cancer by educating us of the risks and protecting the youth from activities that will significantly jeopardize their health.
Statement #2; Taken from www.mdanderson.org , "Facts of Melanoma"
While further researching my topic and looking for statistics that would serve as 'eye-openers' to my readers, I came across this fact from MD Anderson Cancer Center's (where Dr. Bowles did her intense training for cancer research) website. "It’s one of the most frequently occurring cancers in young adults ages 20 to 30, and it's the main cause of cancer death in women 25 to 30 years old." I knew that melanoma was serious and dangerous, but I had no idea that it was one of the leading cancers in young adults, and, more importantly, the leading killer of cancers in women ages 25-30. I think the majority of the population, myself included, would think that the leading killer for women in that age range would be breast cancer, considering all of the media attention and donations that go towards breast cancer awareness. But the facts make it quite clear, melanoma is more deadly for women ages 25-30 than any other type of cancer. And if I'm just coming across this fact, I know that there are few others who know about it, and we all need to know about it. I will definitely use this statistic and source in my future papers to underline the importance of increasing awareness for melanoma.
Statement #3; Taken from the AMF, or American Melanoma Foundation, which is designed to increase awareness for melanoma
I've come across another statistic that is scary in its reality, and one that I really, truly hope will open all of our eyes and take melanoma more seriously. The website, www.melanomafoundation.org states that, "Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime". Now I am fully aware that the quote cites that it is only an estimate, but given that this estimate is based around research, it must be fairly accurate. Even if it was a number or two off in either direction, that is still a very startling number to hear. That means that you, or someone you know, very close to you, will likely acquire melanoma to some extent (aggressive or very mild in severity) during your or their lifetime. I hope this reinforces the claim that I've made several times that more must be done to increase awareness about melanoma. So few people, and I mean FEW people, really even know what the word melanoma means, and even fewer know the real threat or risk that it poses to them. This statistic highlights how many of us are to likely be affected by melanoma in our lifetime, therefore serving as a testament as to the importance of increasing education regarding the dangers, facts, statistics, and risks associated with this deadly cancer.
Statement #4; Taken from the Melanoma Foundation of New England's website www.mfne.org. This foundation is highly respected in their research surrounding melanoma, and is recognized as a leading authority on the issue.
While perusing this website and reading some of the findings they've discovered, I came across a section that addressed the genetic predisposition that some people have regarding their chances of acquiring melanoma. This was a fascinating section to read. It informs as that those of us who've had parents, or grandparents, or other family members that have been diagnosed with melanoma have a higher likelihood of developing the cancer ourselves. This is due to the fact that those of us who have relatives with melanoma have the same skin type, and other health characteristics that made them vulnerable to being diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma is more likely to strike those with fair skin tones, and of Scandinavian or European descent. Considering that an overwhelming number of us in America come from this demographic, you can see why melanoma is striking so tragically in the United States as opposed to countries of South America. So if you have relatives who've experiences sunspots, or scares with melanoma, you should watch yourself very closely and ask your doctor about any suspicious skin marks that may show up, because remember, you're more prone to receiving it if its already in your family.
Statement #5; Taken from personal interview with Dr. John Hyngstrom, M.D. (partner of Dr. Bowles)
Dr. Hyngstrom works alongside Dr. Bowles in battling all types of skin cancers, particularly melanoma. While he graduated at a later time than Tawnya did, he too studied at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, therefore he is also very knowledgeable on the topic of melanoma, and recently gave a lecture/talk at the University of Utah that was broadcast to other hospitals in the state regarding melanoma research/diagnoses/and treatment. As I was working with him in the O.R. last week we got into a discussion concerning melanoma. After the case we were doing, we were able to sit down and delve into more depth regarding our conversation. I asked him why Utah seems to have higher instances of melanoma than other parts of the country. He referred me to a great map that shows UV exposure levels throughout the country (follow this link to see map http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index). And while Utah is only in the middle of the index (meaning it receives more than some states, but less than others) we see higher levels of diagnoses because Utah is known for its outdoor recreational activities like skiing, hiking, camping etc, and also because Utah has a high demographic of Scandinavian/European descent - those more prone to receiving melanoma. I found this very interesting and upon further contemplation thought back to those who settled Utah (predominantly Caucasian). The connections make sense. So we see here with having looked at the map index provided by the EPA, as well as information provided by Dr. Hyngstrom, why it makes sense that Utah sees higher numbers of cases reported regarding melanoma. This only further imposes the need for education and increased awareness regarding melanoma and why it is so deadly. I plan on using this map, and other information provided in the interview, as well as all other statements above in my argument/proposal paper as evidence to why more must be done to increase knowledge and protect the public from this cancer.
While asking Dr. Bowles some questions during the interview, I asked her this one in particular, "What is being done on a public scale to increase awareness about the threat that melanoma poses?" Her response was really shocking. She informed me that just recently there was legislation passed in Utah that she fought for that prohibits those 18 and younger from visiting tanning salons without a parent or legal guardian present. I asked her how she was able to get this approved and she said that there has been enough scientific evidence to prove that UV radiation (what we absorb from sun and tanning beds that can lead to melanoma) has been found to be harmful enough to be classified as a carcinogen. So based upon this evidence, she and others fought for legislation to be passed that would help prevent those of a younger generation who don't yet understand the real risk that UV exposure poses from naively participating in tanning salons. Much to her delight, as well as mine, their wishes were granted and it is now law in Utah that no minor 18 or younger can tan without parental permission via presence at time of tanning. Great to know that there is something being done here to fight back against the spread of melanoma. The most harmful contributor to melanoma spreading is lack of knowledge and protection. So this legislation is a great step in a positive direction; further prevent us from attracting skin cancer by educating us of the risks and protecting the youth from activities that will significantly jeopardize their health.
Statement #2; Taken from www.mdanderson.org , "Facts of Melanoma"
While further researching my topic and looking for statistics that would serve as 'eye-openers' to my readers, I came across this fact from MD Anderson Cancer Center's (where Dr. Bowles did her intense training for cancer research) website. "It’s one of the most frequently occurring cancers in young adults ages 20 to 30, and it's the main cause of cancer death in women 25 to 30 years old." I knew that melanoma was serious and dangerous, but I had no idea that it was one of the leading cancers in young adults, and, more importantly, the leading killer of cancers in women ages 25-30. I think the majority of the population, myself included, would think that the leading killer for women in that age range would be breast cancer, considering all of the media attention and donations that go towards breast cancer awareness. But the facts make it quite clear, melanoma is more deadly for women ages 25-30 than any other type of cancer. And if I'm just coming across this fact, I know that there are few others who know about it, and we all need to know about it. I will definitely use this statistic and source in my future papers to underline the importance of increasing awareness for melanoma.
Statement #3; Taken from the AMF, or American Melanoma Foundation, which is designed to increase awareness for melanoma
I've come across another statistic that is scary in its reality, and one that I really, truly hope will open all of our eyes and take melanoma more seriously. The website, www.melanomafoundation.org states that, "Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime". Now I am fully aware that the quote cites that it is only an estimate, but given that this estimate is based around research, it must be fairly accurate. Even if it was a number or two off in either direction, that is still a very startling number to hear. That means that you, or someone you know, very close to you, will likely acquire melanoma to some extent (aggressive or very mild in severity) during your or their lifetime. I hope this reinforces the claim that I've made several times that more must be done to increase awareness about melanoma. So few people, and I mean FEW people, really even know what the word melanoma means, and even fewer know the real threat or risk that it poses to them. This statistic highlights how many of us are to likely be affected by melanoma in our lifetime, therefore serving as a testament as to the importance of increasing education regarding the dangers, facts, statistics, and risks associated with this deadly cancer.
Statement #4; Taken from the Melanoma Foundation of New England's website www.mfne.org. This foundation is highly respected in their research surrounding melanoma, and is recognized as a leading authority on the issue.
While perusing this website and reading some of the findings they've discovered, I came across a section that addressed the genetic predisposition that some people have regarding their chances of acquiring melanoma. This was a fascinating section to read. It informs as that those of us who've had parents, or grandparents, or other family members that have been diagnosed with melanoma have a higher likelihood of developing the cancer ourselves. This is due to the fact that those of us who have relatives with melanoma have the same skin type, and other health characteristics that made them vulnerable to being diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma is more likely to strike those with fair skin tones, and of Scandinavian or European descent. Considering that an overwhelming number of us in America come from this demographic, you can see why melanoma is striking so tragically in the United States as opposed to countries of South America. So if you have relatives who've experiences sunspots, or scares with melanoma, you should watch yourself very closely and ask your doctor about any suspicious skin marks that may show up, because remember, you're more prone to receiving it if its already in your family.
Statement #5; Taken from personal interview with Dr. John Hyngstrom, M.D. (partner of Dr. Bowles)
Dr. Hyngstrom works alongside Dr. Bowles in battling all types of skin cancers, particularly melanoma. While he graduated at a later time than Tawnya did, he too studied at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, therefore he is also very knowledgeable on the topic of melanoma, and recently gave a lecture/talk at the University of Utah that was broadcast to other hospitals in the state regarding melanoma research/diagnoses/and treatment. As I was working with him in the O.R. last week we got into a discussion concerning melanoma. After the case we were doing, we were able to sit down and delve into more depth regarding our conversation. I asked him why Utah seems to have higher instances of melanoma than other parts of the country. He referred me to a great map that shows UV exposure levels throughout the country (follow this link to see map http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index). And while Utah is only in the middle of the index (meaning it receives more than some states, but less than others) we see higher levels of diagnoses because Utah is known for its outdoor recreational activities like skiing, hiking, camping etc, and also because Utah has a high demographic of Scandinavian/European descent - those more prone to receiving melanoma. I found this very interesting and upon further contemplation thought back to those who settled Utah (predominantly Caucasian). The connections make sense. So we see here with having looked at the map index provided by the EPA, as well as information provided by Dr. Hyngstrom, why it makes sense that Utah sees higher numbers of cases reported regarding melanoma. This only further imposes the need for education and increased awareness regarding melanoma and why it is so deadly. I plan on using this map, and other information provided in the interview, as well as all other statements above in my argument/proposal paper as evidence to why more must be done to increase knowledge and protect the public from this cancer.