For the assignment, the coach asked us to submit an article that has at least 3 different rhetorical devices. Here's mine below. Can you spot the rhetorical devices?
Why I Fight the iPad
Kids who are raised in the digital
age do not understand how it feels to be a gaptek (gagap teknologi – or
technology illiterate). They seem to be equipped by a sixth sense for
technology related stuff: they know exactly the differences between touch
screen phones and the ones with keypads, they can adjust easily with new
gadgets, and they usually can find the best shortcuts or tricks in our phone-
long before we even knew that they existed.
My 4,5 years old son amazed me every
time he played with his iPad. Beating my score in Temple Run, sailing easily
through the dead end levels in Candy Crush, or showing me the ways how to play
Angry Birds correctly. I watched with mixed feelings when his fingers moved
across the screen, like a cheetah chasing his prey.
I realized that nowadays iPad has
played a huge role in children’s education and brain development. A study
conducted at Longfield Academy in Kent, England, showed positive impacts of the
iPad when being used as educational tool for students and teachers. The study
mentioned that iPads have revolutionized teaching and encouraged collaborative
learning.
Meanwhile, some companies like
Vivity Labs had launched scientifically designed brain-training games to help
develop children’s brain. One of the games, Sparky’s Adventures, has Parent’s
Corner that gives parents insight into how their kids’ brains are developing
while playing the games.
But besides all the glitters, can
iPad really replace the green scenery and the fresh air? Or the pleasure of
playing outside with your friends, socializing with real people? I don’t think
so.
If you grew up before the 90s, I’m
pretty sure you still remember the beauty of playing outdoor with your friends.
I remember vividly my excitement every time I walked outside my house and
anticipated a long, fun afternoon. Playing tag with the neighbor kids and
fishing in the nearest pond and riding bicycle and exploring the neighborhood. The
joy that my son, along with so many kids out there, missed a lot these days.
I noticed that my son spent so much
time indoor, glued into his iPad screen, and only spent little time outdoor socializing
with his friends. Every time I had prepared other activities for him, iPad
always allured him to find some excuses to check on it. Even more unbelievable
is whenever we have a playdate with other kids, they keep on busy playing (or
exchanging) iPads! And this is when I finally declared my war against the iPad.
The first time I tried to separate
my son with his iPad, it was so hard. He’s furious: kicking, screaming,
wailing. I’ve developed a schedule that limits his time playing with iPad.
Homework first, then he can play for 30 minutes. On weekends, I prepared
outdoor activities for him, from swimming lessons to museum trips and biking in
Car Free Day. Anything that can separate him with his iPad, even only for a
while.
Of course it’s not easy. Another
day, another battle, another drama. My son still asks for his iPad every time
he doesn’t have interesting thing to do, or if he sees other kids playing with
their iPads. Moreover, I know that sometimes, when I was busy with works or had
to catch up with something else, I was the one who’ve been tempted to pull out
the iPad from its hiding place and give it to my son so he wouldn’t disturb me.
But gradually, the effort works.
Last week I accompanied him to his swimming lesson and he didn’t want to come
out from the pool even though his lesson was already over. And the last time we
met with my brother’s kids, the children were playing football instead of being
busy with their gadgets. It’s relieving to see kids having fun outside and
laughing out loud for a change.
I agree that it’s impossible to
eliminate the role of gadgets in this digital era. And like other gadgets, iPad
has its own perks and positive traits. But I’m glad to say that although the
iPad still becomes a part of our lives, its grip is not as strong as before and
my son is less dependent on it.
It is indeed good news but with the
school holiday just around the corner, I know the challenge is not over yet.
And my fight will continue- maybe for many years to come.
