First, you will summarize the article “Outbreak of the Irrational, Sarah Dzubay, p. 825”, identify the author’s point of view (argument/thesis), describe the author’s approach and writing strategies, assess whether the author’s strategy is effective or not, and provide evidence from the essay to support your point of view. For the evaluative section of the essay, it is recommended you write in 3rd person point of view
Sample Solution
In her essay “Outbreak of the Irrational,” Sarah Dzubay examines how fear and irrationality can become widespread during times of crisis. She opens by describing the panic caused by Spanish Flu in 1918 that led to a range of strange and absurd behaviors. The author then goes on to discuss how this same phenomenon continues to occur today, citing examples such as the panic surrounding Y2K or the fear and misinformation spread by anti-vaccination movements. To make her point, she explains how humans are prone to emotional decision making when under pressure which leads us to ignore facts in favor of our emotional responses.
Sample Solution
In her essay “Outbreak of the Irrational,” Sarah Dzubay examines how fear and irrationality can become widespread during times of crisis. She opens by describing the panic caused by Spanish Flu in 1918 that led to a range of strange and absurd behaviors. The author then goes on to discuss how this same phenomenon continues to occur today, citing examples such as the panic surrounding Y2K or the fear and misinformation spread by anti-vaccination movements. To make her point, she explains how humans are prone to emotional decision making when under pressure which leads us to ignore facts in favor of our emotional responses.
Dzubay’s approach is primarily analytical as she provides an overview of historical events as well as modern day occurrences then draws conclusions from them about human behavior in times of crisis. Throughout, she applies logical reasoning backed up with scientific evidence and personal anecdotes about her own experiences with friends and family members who have chosen emotionally driven decisions over rational ones. Her writing style is direct yet engaging; for instance, she opens with a memorable example from 1918 which serves as an effective hook for readers while also helping set up her main thesis that irrational behavior becomes more common during periods of stress or duress.
Overall, Dzubay’s approach is highly effective at conveying her message. By using relevant examples both past and present combined with valid data supporting her claims, she successfully demonstrates why people act irrationally while under pressure without resorting oversimplifying descriptions or relying too heavily on abstract concepts like emotion versus reason. While some may disagree with certain aspects if not all parts of her argument due to differing interpretations or points of view it cannot be denied that she puts forth an interesting perspective which encourages readers consider their own views while also challenging them reframe their beliefs when it comes situations where fear can lead people down dangerous paths.
For example, after discussing various instances throughout history where mass hysteria ensued despite factual information being readily available Dzubay writes: “It does not matter what truths exist outside our context – we are driven by our immediate concerns closer than truth” (p 825). This serves illustrate how emotions often trump logic even when presented concrete evidence disprove falsehoods being perpetuated thus highlighting importance understanding why this might happen so can better cope similar scenarios before they arise again future
