Kaley Key January 27, 2014 Response to How Not to Respond To Virginia Tech-II 1.

Why does Sokolow begin his essay by discussing what pundits and talking heads think should be done to stop campus violence Is this an affective opening strategy? He uses that vernacular to indicate to the reader he does not approve of how the media projects the Virginia Tech shooting. I feel as though it is an affective strategy because the audience immediately knows the author disagrees and has his own ideas as to what measures should be taken. 2. In paragraph 2, Sokolow says, Heres what I think. These are just my opinions. Do these two statements undercut or enhance his credibility? Why do you suppose he includes them? At that point in the piece, I think it undermined his credibility because, first, he doesnt introduce himself, and secondly, he says it in a casual, nonchalant manner as though it should be overlooked. I think he included his opinions merely to take credit for the ideas he presents. 3. How does Sokolow propose to make campuses safer? Do you agree with his suggestions? Why or why not? He believes schools should install loudspeakers throughout campus, establish lockdown protocols, and consider mechanisms for early intervention with students who exhibit behavioral issues. I agree with all of his suggestions that should be put into effect, however; I disagree that text messages should not be sent in case of emergencies. I feel as though some of his reasons were not well thought out, and the disadvantages do not outweigh the advantages; one being that every student willing to give a phone number be notified in case of emergency. 4. Is Sokolows argument a refutation? If so, what arguments is he refuting? Sokolows argument is a refutation to the claims made about doing everything possible to avoid school shootings and violence. 5. In what sense is this essay an ethical argument? This essay is an ethical argument because it argues what views people have on what is right and wrong; particularly something so controversial such as school shootings, its fatal affects, and gun control.

6. In his concluding statement, Sokolow says that the real issue is mental health. What does he mean? Do you agree? Throughout this entire essay, his focus was getting rid of useless measures and replacing that worry wit mental health. This was his main concern. I think this entails studying students mental status before they are admitted into the university, and monitoring it throughout their time at the school.