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Rhetorical Analysis- Hudibel Ovalles

Posted by Hudibel Ovalles on

 In the Chapter “Defining Racism” include in the book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? . In her words, the author illustrates experiences from her perspective as a black psychologist who has seen the real world and can connect her argument with facts through her stories that she has witnessed, making the argument and herself a reliable source. The author’s exigence fits perfectly in her view, basically exposing all the world’s injustices and discriminations that are wrong but still is something that we have to live every day with. You can notice the author’s intention by just looking at internal questions with no answers. The author uses to keep her message and, by asking questions, expects the audience’s reaction to her arguments and bias. Tatum’s definition of racism is complex and different from what we are accustomed to hearing in society. Her message goes especially to people from the outside bubble of prejudices and discrimination don’t understand WHO the word “racism” covers. In her way to redefine the concept of “racism” that society has accustomed to, she attempts to change society’s perception of racism. Simultaneously, she explains the ignorance and lack of knowledge of people due to what the own society “teaches”. At the same time, she talks about how people are wrong with the concept of “racism” as something related to the past; she redefines the idea of something that has evolved. Tatum’s purpose of redefining “racism” as something that only affects a specific type of people and does not benefit the people we are taught is supposed to be the real victim in society’s daily lives. Therefore, she does not extend the word “racist” to people of color because they cannot benefit from the system. Similarly, white people who do not possess active evil or malice toward people of color are still racist in that the system helps them whether or not they act. As a personal book, she is trying to expose her thoughts by telling others stories she has seen and her own story behind her words. 

The final author’s stance goes to portrays racism as something that we continuously avoid. Hence, it is easier for us to think that discrimination is only based on prejudice about our race or gender. Because we are continually trying to protect our feelings, we all want to believe that “The United States Country of Opportunities for everyone” is right. Still, the reality behind that is other; there is always a gap. That’s why it is to understand that this system of oppression, disadvantages, and injustice will continue until people truly understand the difference of genuine racism, as a system where the real oppressors don’t take advantage of the system as if it should be. 

http://seattlequest.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Why-Are-All-the-Black-Kids-Sitting-Together-in-the-Cafeteria.pdf

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