LSAT Logic Prep: Jay Z's Blueprint vs. Occupy All Streets

In this LSAT Blog post, I cover Jay Z's approach to charitable giving in two different situations, giving an example of a principle that might underlie each.

Why?

Because the LSAT Logical Reasoning section has increased the number of principle questions in recent years.

The LSAT more frequently asks you to take a given principle and apply it to different situations.

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On 9/11, Jay Z dropped his sixth album, The Blueprint. He toured during the months of September and October 2001, donating a dollar from every concert ticket sold to 9/11 relief organizations.

This week, Jay Z's Rocawear clothing line will release a line of T-shirts with the message "Occupy All Streets." His spokesperson stated:

The 'Occupy All Streets' T shirt was created in support of the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement. Rocawear strongly encourages all forms of constructive expression, whether it be artistic, political or social. 'Occupy All Streets' is our way of reminding people that there is change to be made everywhere, not just on Wall Street. At this time we have not made an official commitment to monetarily support the movement.

(Although they were briefly removed from Rocawear.com, they're back, should you be interested.)

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So, what principles might help to justify Jay Z's donations (or lack thereof) in each situation?


For Jay Z's concerts surrounding the release of The Blueprint:

Principle: "If an artist drops an album on the same date as that of a national crisis, the artist should make some financial contribution to the victims of that crisis."

Application: Jay Z dropped The Blueprint on 9/11, and he made donations to 9/11 victims.



For Jay Z's new T-shirts:

Principle: "Even if an artist makes a profit from the sale of merchandise related to a political movement, this does not obligate to make a financial contribution to that movement."

Application: Jay Z makes money from selling "Occupy All Streets" T-shirts, but he doesn't give any money to Occupy Wall Street.


For both:

Principle: "Supporting those affected by political or economic events does not constitute a requirement to provide financial support for those affected."

Application: Jay Z supports both 9/11 victims and Occupy Wall Street, yet gives money to the former, but not the latter.