* First do Exercise 2

* Than with one of the essays you want to revise for the Final Portfolio. You can try using any of the templates in this chapter to set up your "so what?" move. Remember "so what?" moves should definitely be present in the thesis, and the conclusion as well, and you can also feel free to add it to body paragraphs where they fit/are appropriate and helpful for your argument.

Please include both the original and your revised version, that includes more of a "so what?" move, when you submit your assignment. The length may vary, depending on what you're trying to accomplish, from a sentence (thesis) to several (adding a "so what?" move to a conclusion or at the end of a body paragraph).

Exercise 2 question is:

Here are two more claims. What are the possible real world consequences of these arguments? Use the templates in this chapter to answer, in one or two sentences, the "so what ?" question for both arguments.

a. Violent video games do not cause mass shootings.

b. Because all combat roles are now open to women, both men and women should be required to register for the Selective Service.

- Templates for indicating who cares

1. This interpretation challenges the work of those critics who have long assumed that---------.

2. These findings challenge the work of earlier researchers, who tended to assume that--------.

3. Recent studies like these shed new light on ---------, which previous studies had not addressed.

You might refer to certain people or groups who should share about your claims:

1. If sports enthusiasts stopped to think about it, many of them might simply assume that the most successful athletes ------However, new research shows---------.

2. These findings challenge neoliberals common assumption that----------.

3. A first glance, teenagers might say------------. But on closer inspection--------.

- Templates for establishing why your claim matters.

1. Ultimately, what is at stake here is----------.

2. These findings have important implications for the broader domain of----------.

3. If we are right about----------, then major consequences follow for---------.

You can also treat the "so what?" question as a related aspect of the "who cares?" question:

1. Although X may seem of concern to only a small group of ----------, it should in fact concern anyone who cares about ------.

My original essay:

Analyzing the Electric Car through McLuhan's Lens

Marshall McLuhan's famous assertion that "the medium is the message" suggests that the nature of a medium itself, rather than the content it carries, is what truly influences society. Applying this lens to the electric car, we move beyond the surface level benefits of reduced emissions and delve into the broader implications of this technology. McLuhan's perspective prompts us to explore how the electric car transforms our interaction with technology, reshapes urban landscapes, and redefines societal values around energy and transportation. The electric car, as a technological medium, fundamentally reshapes our relationship with energy consumption, environmental consciousness, and urban infrastructure. This transformation, while often framed in terms of reducing emissions and fostering sustainability, carries deeper, unobvious consequences for personal identity and societal dynamics. By examining the electric car through Marshall McLuhan's concept that "the medium is the message," we can uncover how this technology not only conveys the immediate message of environmental responsibility but also subtly redefines our behaviors, values, and the structure of our daily lives.

McLuhan posited that each medium affects human perception and social organization in profound ways. Taking this thought into account, we can say that the way a message is sent is just as important, if not more important, as the message itself. McLuhan said that each medium has its own set of qualities that affect how the viewer understands and interprets the message.For example, the shift from oral to written communication drastically altered human cognition and societal structures. Similarly, the electric car, as a medium, impacts more than just transportation; it alters our approach to energy, urban planning, and even personal identity. This paradigm shift invites us to examine the nuanced ways electric cars integrate into our lives and how they influence societal norms and individual behaviors.

The electric car promotes a heightened awareness of energy sources and consumption. Unlike gasoline vehicles, where refueling is quick and ubiquitous, electric cars require planning for charging. This shift encourages drivers to be more mindful of their energy usage and its environmental impact, fostering a broader societal shift towards sustainability. The process of charging an electric car is slower and more deliberate, causing individuals to plan their journeys and think ahead, thus installing a new kind of discipline and environmental awareness.

Electric cars rely heavily on software and connectivity, integrating advanced technologies, like autonomous driving and real time traffic data. This dependence on digital technology enhances our reliance on and trust in complex systems, subtly changing our relationship with technology and increasing our comfort with automation and data exchange. This dependency also creates a scenario where drivers are more engaged with digital interfaces and data analytics, changing the nature of driving from a purely mechanical task to a hybrid experience involving both human and machine intelligence.

The proliferation of electric cars necessities changes in urban infrastructure, such as the widespread installation of charging stations and the development of smart grids. These changes influence urban planning, promoting more sustainability city designs and potentially leading to greener, more energy efficient urban environments. As cities adapt to accommodate electric vehicles, they may see a decrease in air pollution and noise, improving overall quality of life. Additionally, the push for renewable energy sources to power these cars can lead to broader adoption of green technologies across urban areas.

The initial high cost of electric cars creates a divide between those who can afford this technology and those who cannot, reinforcing socioeconomic disparities. Over time, however, as technology becomes more accessible, it could democratize access to clean energy transportation, altering social dynamics and economic structures. The gradual reduction in costs and increased availability of used electric cars may eventually bridge this gap, allowing more people to benefit from the economic savings and environmental advantages of electric vehicles.

Owning an electric car has become a statement of personal identity and values. It signifies a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This personal association with green technology can influence social interactions and perceptions, as individuals align themselves with a modern, eco friendly image. The electric car, therefore, becomes a symbol of progressive thinking and environmental stewardship, reshaping how people perceive themselves and are perceived by others.

The adoption of electric cars also fosters a greater sense of environmental ethics among users. As individuals become more aware of their carbon footprint and the impact of fossil fuels, they are more likely to engage in other sustainable practices. This ripple effect can extend to other areas of life, promoting broader environmental consciousness and actions beyond just driving an electric vehicle.

McLuhan would likely view the electric car as a transformative medium that extends human capacities and reshapes societal patterns. He would emphasize the broader culture shifts it engenders, such as changes in our perception of distance and time, influenced by the quieter, smoother driving experience and the integration of autonomous features. The electric car's ability to change our interaction with space through reduced noise pollution and improved air quality would also be significant in McLuhan's analysis, as these changes alter the sensory balance of urban living.

Contemporary analysis often focuses on the environmental benefits and technical advancements of electric cars. However, aligning with McLuhan's perspective, it is crucial to recognize that these cars also shift our interactions with energy and technology, influencing our daily habits and long-term social evolution. Modern discussions may not always account for the deeper societal and psychological impacts, which are essential to understanding the full scope of this technology's influence.

The electric car, when analyzed through McLuhan's idea that "the medium is the message," reveals deeper societal and personal transformations beyond its immediate environmental benefits. It alters our energy consciousness, technology dependency, urban infrastructure, and even socioeconomic structures. Understanding these unobvious consequences enables us to appreciate the profound impact of electric cars on our lives and society, underscoring the importance of considering the broader implications of technological advancements. As electric cars become more prevalent, their influence will continue to shape our world in ways we may not fully anticipate. By embracing McLuhan's framework, we can remain vigilant to these changes and better navigate the evolving landscape of technology and society.

Work Cited

1. Marshall McLuhan - Wikipedia." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2024,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_McLuhan
2. Jones, Michael. "Urban Planning and the Rise of Electric Vehicles." Journal of Urban Studies, vol. 58, no. 3, 2022, pp. 233-250.
3. Smith, Rebecca. "Electric Cars: A Cleaner, Greener Future?" Energy and Environment Journal, vol. 32, no. 1, 2021, pp. 45-49