Orlando Galan Blog #2 Devitt

After reading Amy Divett’s article, “Teaching Critical Genre awareness”, I feel overwhelmed… in a good way! I was not aware that a genre can have such a significant meaning. I always thought that a genre was just a simply way to describe a category of music, movie, film, book etc. As time has passed, I have noticed that the amount and types of genres have expanded, even though what is projected is similar to already existing genres. For example rap to trap music or alternative to rock music. Back in the day, I didn’t think there was much significance to the difference between two similar genres. But now… after making observations over the media and seeing how Divett specifies what an individual genre is, I completely understand the importance of a “genre”. As Divett states, genres are so strong and meaningful, that the spread of genres even creates “shared aims and social structures”. It is crazy to see how a genre can actually make a person who they are is, and how their life is identifiable towards a genre. And fortunately, now a days, almost any genre is acceptable which means one can truly be who they are and can identify themselves to a genre they most feel right with. The reason why I am writing about how a genre can relate to an individual or group, is to demonstrate how strong a genre can really be. This can also be a sign of how hard Divett’s article got me thinking! Now when Divett talked about the genre of essay writing, the 5 paragraph essay paper, it intrigued me because the use of the method is true! Not saying it is bad, I use it too, but might not be useful in certain situations. Divett states how using the 5 paragraph method can reinforce distance from the subject. I agree with this to a certain extent. I truly believe this method can be useful when needed to write a quick and affective essay or paper. However, I don’t believe the 5 paragraph method should be used when writing an important paper or thesis that withholds a lot of research or studies. Overall, over time and after reading Amy Divett’s article, I have learned that the variety of genres are highly important, as it truly differentiates cultures and social structures. The expenditure of genres has really made it so that everyone can feel accommodated to their wants and needs. It is great to have options when in desire.