critical thinking

Question

This is the instruction of this paper from my instructor, and for articles available online, just send me the URL.:
Letter To The Editor
Start by finding an article (a news story, or whatever) written by a person, in which that person makes an argument that exhibits a failure of critical thinking. The argument must appear in the print mass media, be in English, and be published sometime between Sep.1, 2014 to Nov. 9, 2014. (Articles published both in print and on the Internet are also acceptable, even if you only have access to the online format.)
Having found a bad argument, write a response in which you explain the problem. Your response should take the form of a letter to the editor. You do not have to use the technical jargon developed in class: you are encouraged, in fact, to write your letter as if you actually intended to mail it to the appropriate person. You need not deal with every single problem you found in the person’s whole essay, letter, or whatnot. Just pick out a problematic argument made by the author, one that exhibits a failure of critical thinking, and use your letter to point out the problem.
Be sure that it is the author of the article who actually makes the argument you criticize! Do not write about a bad argument quoted in an article but not actually endorsed by the article’s author. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a grade of D or F, so please do pay attention to this point.
Some people have a hard time finding arguments in the mass print media. If that sounds like you, you might start by looking in newspapers or magazines. Columns by columnists, editorials, and letters to the editor are usually good bets, though some magazines and newspapers are better than others. Macleans, in my experience, rarely contain arguments made by the authors of the stories, though often others’ arguments are quoted (so watch out!). Sports Illustrated is a source, which has worked for some students in the past. When it comes to newspapers, the Winnipeg Free Press has proven to be a good source in the past, and the Globe and Mail have also been used. It is usually possible to gain access to a free online version of a newspaper if you are already a subscriber. You may also check online news services to get opinion pieces. If this is the case, copy and paste the article, and include it with your letter.
When you actually sit down to write your response, you will naturally find yourself writing a fairly hostile letter. After all, you are criticizing someone else’s reasoning! Even so, as a matter of good style and good manners, avoid insulting the person to whom you address your letter. Try to write in a style, which is firm but polite.

Answer

Nathan Blixter

Professor Harriet

Critical Thinking Paper

9 November 2014.

Letter to the Editor: Mia Rabson Should Give Facts, Not Assumptions, on Men and Sexual Harassment

On November 7, 2014, Winnipeg Free Press columnist Mia Rabsonwrote an article on the problem of sexual harassment in Canada. The only problem I have with this article is that the author of this took to speaking for others while at the same purporting to give his opinions regarding sexual harassment. I disagree with his assertion that many people are not happy with the way sexual harassment allegations against two Members of Parliament are being handled. I disagree because Rabson fails to give examples and name at least some of the people who have expressed dissatisfaction with this matter.

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In my view, it is wrong to make assumptions regarding other people’s views and to pass them off as facts. Rabson should have adopted a balanced, objective view of public perceptions regarding the topic. There are two ways through which a columnist may strive for a balanced outlook of a situation. The first one is to make assumptions on the views that are likely to emerge from both sides of the debate. The second one is to investigate facts emerging from both sides of the story and the accompanying views from both supporters and critics.

Rabson chooses the former strategy, which is based majorly on assumptions and generalizations. For instance, she points out that some people a concerned about the threat the sexual harassment allegations pose to the careers of the two MPs. She adds that other people are happily cheering on the accusers, thereby encouraging the public to trust the victims’ side of the story. This approach is wrong because it leads the columnist into leaving out the finer details of the story, which would otherwise have been relied on by readers to take a stance based on an objective analysis of the issue of sexual harassment against women.

Works Cited

Rabson, Mia. Too many men still don’t get the message on harassment. Winnipeg Free Press, November 7, 2014.