What I am trying to figure out is how air and water quality affect the health of individuals and society. I chose this topic because it is a relatively non-controversial issue. I cannot think of a single person who does not want clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. It is an issue we can all get behind, regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, region, or ideology.
There are noticeable health differences between individuals who grew up in a geographic area with high quality water and air and those who did not. I am going to attempt to show those differences (all other factors controlled for), outline why they exist, and propose solutions. My primary audience is both federal and local government. The federal government is in the strongest position to implement change. However, given the political dysfunction in Washington these past few years, I think it is important for state governments to act upon my solutions as well. While the federal government argues about taxes, spending, debt, and the role of government, states and city governments should overcompensate if they wish for their citizens to have access to clean air and water. In fact, one could argue that it is more of a local government imperative given the geographic disparities.
I agree that most folks would prefer to have clean air and water for themselves, but that’s probably where the agreement (and lack of controversy) ends. Once you start thinking about access to these resources and policies to ensure that, things get complicated, but for a researcher trying to build an argument, that’s a good thing!
As you’re considering how to move forward, remember that it will be crucial to think about what your audience’s expectations will be, and to plan a text that can meet those expectations. For an audience of policymakers, that will probably be a relatively formal and highly detailed document. Plan accordingly, and let me know what questions you have. We’ll talk more about this next week.
I really like your topic, because it is something that influences everyone – as you mentioned, it is a right that absolutely everyone should have. Like Professor Oakes, I think that your audience of policymakers would be a tough one, not that you can’t do it, but it will be hard to get across to such an audience. A point of improvement could be targeting local organizations that have already taken on these issues (Truth, Clean Water Action, etc.).
What format are you thinking of? Will this be an informative essay, an essay where you take a stance? etc. I think these questions are important to think about when it comes down to figuring out how you want to convey your message. It’s great that you have thought about your audience, now you have to think about your purpose and format that you will be taking from here on out. Really good ideas and great topic to talk about as this affects everyone in our society.
This is interesting particularly because of the current water crisis in Michigan. Maybe you can draw on some information from that to use in this project. With your audience, you could use real life examples of how policy makers fell short in Flint and how the outcome has been disastrous.
I think you mentioned in class that you will also be using the TED talk from early in the semester as a source. I am interested to see how you incorporate that as well.