Observing Argumentation

Observing Argumentation In the 21st century, people are very set in the stereotypical thoughts that society implants in their heads. Many people don’t like to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to values and stereotypes. In both stories, I personally think the theme is that everyone should step out of the thoughts that they are used to and be more open-minded about the world. In Fatema Mernissi’s article “Digital Scheherazade; The Rise of Women as Key Players in the Arab Gulf Communication Strategies” she is trying divert the attention of Spanish reporters away from the stereotypical mindset that the Arab world just consists of terrorism and women in veils. Mernissi is trying to get the reporters to focus on the positives of the Arab world and give women the credit that they deserve. In Richard Rodriguez’s story “Family Values” the author is trying to emphasize what “family values” really means and the open-mindedness of having a gay family member. Within different cultures there are different standards, expectations and reactions, but in the end it is all about acceptance and looking beyond the customs you are used to. Fatema Mernissi uses facts and statistics to tell her story about how the digital revolution, called alfitna raqmiya, has been a big influence in the Arab states. Mernissi tries to inform the reader on how ignorant the outside world is towards the reality of the Arab community. Some citizens look at the revolution as something to be worried about when their kids are sitting at home, watching videos that they don’t find appropriate. All they want to do is find a way to ban it, when there are actually many upsides. Mernissi uses real life examples, such as Mai Al-Khalifa, to emphasize how women are taking advantage of the advance in technology. She relates the story to her personal experience in Spain and how they didn’t have a TV that featured the usual channels she would watch at home. Mernissi shows how the Spanish reporters are