Annotations for Sound: Sound Effect

Walt Whitman adopts the satirical perspective of a reformer, using evocative language to lament the changes in Brooklyn due to a steady and rapid gentrification. The modern reformer '[raises] the devil' and 'breaks things'.

Jodie Nicotra provides the academic definition of 'rhetoric'. In many ways, rhetoric acts in a set of modes- here, one audio, one writing. This annotation is a mode- this audio is another.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote arises from a sermon he made at Columbia University, which presses that change requires action in order to occur.

Introducing myself and the topic I'm focusing on: Gentrification in Austin, TX, specifically how local South Congress businesses have been facing displacement. By bringing awareness to the issue through a podcast, it brings out the emotion in listeners, intriguing them to continue listening and expanding their knowledge on the topic. I use my personal experience and tone of voice to connect with the audience and help them understand how this issue affects real people in their community.

Thesis: How introducing a bill to protect local businesses from being displaced is a step toward preserving Austin’s history, culture, and community. The part of the podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local shops while recognizing the value of growth, encouraging listeners to see that both local shops and high-end retailers can coexist. Through a calm and informative tone, I aim to persuade without alienating those who support new development.

Local businesses having to face rising rent costs: Explains how the rising cost of living in South Congress is displacing both small businesses and long-time residents, showing how the economy and cultural loss are connected. This helps listeners see the broader impact of gentrification on the entire community, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. This encourages both residents and policymakers to consider what’s really at stake when rents start to rise.

Proposal: Encouraging both new and long-time residents to get involved through community-led engagement like petitions and city council meetings. By directly addressing this issue, it invites listeners to see themselves as active participants in change, not just bystanders. My proposal helps engage the audience, especially stakeholders who care about preserving Austin’s local identity while still encouraging growth.

Conclusion: Restating my thesis that gentrification is threatening Austin’s cultural identity, and proposing a bill as a solution, serves as a call to action. This shows how the bill could help protect local businesses and preserve the city's culture and image. The conclusion helps the audience understand what’s truly at stake and why it's so important to not only protect these local businesses but also maintain Austin’s culture.