Month: April 2020

What is your favorite song right now? Was it included in the 25 songs list? How did you first hear that song? Did someone share it with you or is it from an artist you follow? What do you love about the song? Are there certain lyrics that you find powerful or moving? Is there something about the beat that you like dancing to? Does the musician’s personality or identity resonate with who you are or how you identify?

Personally, I do not have a favorite song at the moment because I am a fan of most genres in the music industry but one song that I am listening quite often right now is ‘151 rum – JID’, it was not included in the top 25 list as JID is not a well-known rapper however he is one of the most unique artists I have ever encountered in the music industry, he is an artist with an amazing flow and unique lyrics. I heard of him through a friend and I am able to feel connected more with his songs because I can relate to it well. I think the aspect of the song that I love the most is the beat of the song, it is super catchy and there is a sense of culture within the beat. JID’s music isn’t something to dance to but it is rather to embrace, go with the flow and just vibe along with. His personality is shown in his music and it resonated with me because I am able to connect with his music well and I can feel the same flow of energy with the artist.

Article – How can we help one another during the coronavirus outbreak? What can you, your friends, family, and community do to look out for one another?

Does high demand for items like hand sanitizer and masks during a public health crisis justify higher prices? Are resellers who stockpile supplies and then sell them at a higher price providing a service? Or, are they taking advantage of people? Do you think what Mr. Colvin did is immoral?

I would like to express my personal opinion on this sensitive subject in the world right now, but I will also like to explain the reality of this situation. Personally, I think when the world is in a very desperate situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is greedy to take this as an advantage and sell high demand goods such as hand sanitizer and masks in order to make a large number of earnings. However, as an economics student, in reality, the high demand goods can bring in a lot of revenue for a producer and there is a large profit incentive established here. With that being said, though it is selfish, I would also consider it a smart thing to do because, in the modern ages, money is a driving factor that keeps the world developing. I think it is particularly greedy if you are taking advantage of the lower class of society as they may not be able to afford it in the retail price, and if the price is increased the situation only worsens for them. With that being said, I think Mr. Colvin’s action is immoral but smart.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2019/09/16/smoking-kills-and-funds.html

Title & Date of the Article: ‘Smoking kills and funds’ on September 16th, 2019 at 8:50 am

Summary of the article: The main purpose of this article is to inform that the Indonesian government plans to raise the indirect tax on cigarettes by 23% excise hike tax which would raise the retail price of each pack of cigarettes by 35 %. By increasing the indirect tax of this demerit good (goods that harmful or unhealthy for an individual or society as a whole), the government hopes that the rate of consumption is reduced as it causes a negative externality (effect) to society.

I think this is the main purpose of the article because the article starts with a large photograph of cigarettes where the caption states “An average 23 percent excise hike will increase retail cigarette prices by 35 percent, according to the Finance Ministry, after keeping the tobacco excise steady in the 2019 election year”.

The tone of the article makes it seem like the article is informing the readers and alerting them to be cautious of how the demerit good affects society negatively. The article also seems like it wants the readers to know that they are trying to reduce all of this, by increasing the indirect tax, so to the readers (ones who are smokers or have family or friends who smoke) in a more difficult situation.

What are the techniques employed?

• The headline of the article ” Indonesia to raise cigarette prices by more than a third at the start of 2020″ which effectively draws the attention of the readers as this article aims to alert the smokers (consumers) about the increase in tax & how this will affect them as the price would increase which would naturally increase the burden on each smoker as they have to pay more.
• Another skill the author used is the formal and unique style of language. Due to this type of language, it keeps the article very engaging and in line with the topic so that readers don’t deviate off-topic. This shows the readers that the article is to be seen in a professional manner and worth reading for valuable information.
• One last technique is the use of visuals but I personally do not think that it served too well as it did not have any real effect on the aim of the article. I think more visuals that have a more powerful message can be used, possibly pictures of cardiovascular diseases which is caused by smoking.

1. Excise Tax –  Excise taxes are taxes paid when purchases are made on a specific good, such as gasoline. Excise taxes are often included in the price of the product.
2. Cardiovascular diseases – Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the structures or function of your heart.
3. Impact – a marked effect or influence.