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Is Higher Education Worth the Price? A Critical Exploration

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  Introduction : “The Rising Cost of Knowledge”      Higher education has long been considered the gateway to success, promising better career opportunities, intellectual growth, and upward mobility. However, in recent decades, the price of pursuing a degree has skyrocketed, raising the question: is it still worth it? The documentary Ivory Tower paints a sobering picture of this crisis, highlighting how tuition rates have risen by over 1,000% since the 1970s, leaving many students saddled with insurmountable debt.      This financial burden has forced millions to question the return on investment of a college degree. While the benefits of education remain significant, the commercialization of higher education—characterized by lavish amenities, climbing walls, and multi-million-dollar sports facilities—has shifted the focus away from academic quality to revenue generation. As Ivory Tower argues, the current system seems more geared toward creating profi...
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The Power of Pop Culture: Is It Good for You?

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  What Is Pop Culture and Why Does It Matter?     Pop culture is everywhere shaping the way we think, connect, and engage with the world. Whether it’s binge-watching the latest Netflix hit, sharing a viral meme, or debating plot twists in our favorite TV series, pop culture reflects the shared interests and ideas of society. But it’s not just entertainment; it’s a mirror to our values, challenges, and creativity.     According to Steven Johnson’s essay, “Watching TV Makes You Smarter,” modern pop culture has evolved into a space that challenges our intellect. Shows like The Sopranos and Lost engage audiences with layered plots and moral ambiguity, fostering critical thinking. Pop culture can also unify us in unique ways—remember the global phenomenon of PSY’s Gangnam Style, as highlighted in a TED Talk? It connected billions of people with nothing more than humor and a catchy tune.     Yet, critics like Malcolm Gladwell warn us to tread...
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Is Fast Food the New Tobacco? A Critical Examination

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  Introduction: A Growing Epidemic      Fast food has become a staple of modern life, offering convenience and affordability in an increasingly fast-paced world. But beneath its golden arches and irresistible jingles lies a troubling reality. Just as tobacco once dominated the market with slick advertising and widespread accessibility, fast food has created a global epidemic of poor health. Rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease draw stark parallels between fast food and tobacco, making us question: is fast food the new tobacco?      Advocates argue that the marketing tactics and health impacts of fast food closely mirror those of tobacco. From targeting children to downplaying the long-term risks, fast food companies have prioritized profits over public health. Critics, however, emphasize key differences, such as the necessity of food versus the optional nature of smoking. While the comparison has its nuances, the growing health crisis t...
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My Journey with Literacy

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Introduction      Hey there! My name is Brayan, and I’m a senior at NJCU. Even though I’m in my final year, this is actually my first semester on this campus, and I’m excited to be here! I’m majoring in Marketing, and I took this class to explore the role literacy has played in my journey so far. From learning English as a second language to navigating school, work, and internships, literacy has been a constant companion, shaping my experiences in different ways.      Outside of school, I work for GYFR, where I focus on sales outreach and partnerships. It’s a role that has challenged me to sharpen my communication skills and think creatively about reaching clients. Alongside that, I’m also a car enthusiast and spend time learning about the automotive world, which surprisingly ties into my love for learning. In this blog, I’ll share some of the key moments in my literacy journey, the people who inspired me, and how it all connects to where I am today.  ...
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