No, it's not a dumb exercise.
My advice to you: figure out the point you want to make, then write up an outline of your argument in favor of that point. Just make sure that you provide a reasoned, well-justified argument.
When you figure out the point you want to make in your paper, come back here and let us know.
Anyways, welcome to Free Republic. Make sure to leave a tip, and stay away from famished Viking kittens.
My essay is going to be about sweatshop labor and how I consider it to be a good thing, while my teacher thinks it is a horrible thing.