Oluo and Wong

Oluo and Wong both discuss race, but in different ways. Oluo discusses race in a more straight forward and informative way. She is trying to teach her readers how to interpret their feelings of racism and prejudice, so they can address and change their ways. Oluo does this by providing basic tips for conversation about race. Some of these tips include, “State your intentions”, Do your research”, and “Do not tone police”. She writes in a way that challenges her readers to examine their inner prejudices, and rise above them. Oluo understands that having conversations about race can be difficult and uncomfortable, but she claims it is essential as long as racism is ruining the lives of people of color. Her audience is geared towards students, or people in general, who want/are willing to learn about how race is a big part of everyday life. I interpret Oluo’s rhetoric as informative and authoritative, because she shares so much of her own experiences that help contribute to her arguments throughout the book.

Wong, on the other hand, discusses race through comedy. She brings up racial topics in a satirical way that makes you laugh, but also makes you think deeper about how race affects certain people. After the initial laugh of hearing the punchline, you stop and think how ridiculously people are treated just because of the color of their skin. Her goal was first and foremost to make people laugh, but I think Wong also wanted to shed light on racial oppressions she has grown up watching and experiencing. Wong’s audience is more geared towards younger to middle-class people who appreciate real world topics being discussed in a comical way. There are certain people that are attracted to this kind of humor and rhetoric.

While both platforms conveyed the topic in different ways, there are some similarities between Oluo’s and Wong’s discussions of race. I noticed that they both mentioned “privilege”. Oluo explores this topic in depth throughout chapter four of “So You Want to Talk About Race”, whereas Wong brings it up in one of her jokes. They both show that white people, for example, tend to forget and take for granted the privilege that is bestowed upon them in today’s society. Both creators also tie in their own life experiences and points of view. I think that this helps readers/viewers connect with and trust what they have to say.