Ta-Nehisi Coates explains the concept of white people using the “N” word through his own past experiences of not being able to use words or phrases associated with white people, women, etc. He makes the point that he does not join in with his wife and her friend in using the word “bitch” to talk about others. He knows it is not his place to do so, and he would not feel right doing it, so he doesn’t. Coates uses the same logic when telling a story about his white friends’ cabin that the friend referred to as “the white trash cabin”. Whether he agreed with that statement or not, Ta-Nehisi feels uncomfortable referring to the cabin as “white trash”. He relates these two instances to white people using the “N” word, and how it is not their place right to use it. He claims that white people grow up believing they are entitled to everything (like the right to use the “N” word), when they actually are not.

Oluo makes a similar claim, and states that “people of color can freely say some words that white people cannot without risking risking scorn or condemnation” (141). She is saying that white people should not be using the “N” word, and that is fair. The word itself is centered around racial oppression and discrimination, so “the real unfairness lies in the oppression and inequality that these words helped create and maintain” (141). This discussion between Oluo and Coates is applicable to the learning in this class, because language and how people say things is so important to a message’s overall meaning and understanding. The “N” word has a lot of history and background, which gives it a deeper meaning. Not everyone has the right to say such a word that invokes so much emotion and grief. In this class we are learning that rhetoric controls the way “language shapes the world”, which is apparent in a word such as the “N” word that has such a negative connotation.

Oluo’s use of questions for titles in her book set a tone for the chapter, and makes readers think. She includes the questions because she knows that there are a lot of people out there that do not know how to discuss racial topics, and need answers to be able to better understand how to communicate their thoughts and feelings without coming across as racist or prejudice. It shows that she is trying to educate people and help them learn about issues regarding race, instead of judging them. Oluo knows it is a difficult topic to discuss, but she feels it is important and needs to be addressed. This may be considered logos because she uses reasoning to explain different racial topics, without trying to offend anyone in the process. She includes a lot of straightforward facts that contribute to her claims. An example of one of the facts is wage gaps that are still in place in this country; “White women still make only 82 cents for every white man’s dollar, black women only earn 65 cents for every white man’s dollar, and Hispanic women earn even less at 58 cents for every white man’s dollar” (115).

Another use of language in Oluo’s book is all of her personal experiences and struggles growing up. When she begins a chapter with a story from her past, it helps connect her to the lesson/message she is trying to convey. It helps readers trust in he more as an educator of race, because she has witnessed first hand the concepts mentioned in the chapters. It makes the author seem credible, which is why this relates to ethos. By including personal narratives, such as the story about her struggles with workplace racism and sexism, she is appealing to readers emotions while making herself seem like an expert on the racial topic at hand (considering she went through it in her past). I find Oluo’spersonal experiences very interesting because they help me better understand the theme of the chapter by providing an example.

Oluo states the definition of intersectionality as “the belief that our social justice movements must consider all of the intersections of identity, privilege, and oppression that people face in order to be just and effective” (74). She claims that it is the number one requirement of all the work that she does. Oluo describes scenarios about how people can be overlooked for certain traits that define who they are as a person. For example, Oluo is a black, queer woman, but her queer identity may be overlooked by feminist or anti-racist movements. The concept of intersectionality was coined by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989, as “a way to shed light on the ways in which experiences in both race and gender intertwine to uniquely impact the lives of black women and women of color” (77). He stressed the need to consider this term in social justice movements. The theory and execution of intersectionality was originally practiced by black feminists because they felt there needed to be a more interconnected view of race and gender, but it eventually spread to also include sexuality, class, and ability. Intersectionality makes sure that fewer people are left behind while making systems more effective and fairer. Even though this belief seems like it would improve social justice for everyone, Oluo provides several reasons why it has not been so openly accepted; intersectionality “slows things down”, it “brings people face-to-face with their privilege”, it “decentralizes people who are used to being the primary focus of the movements they are part of”, and it “forces people to interact with, listen to, and consider people they do not usually interact with, listen to, or consider” (78-79).

I think intersectionality is a positive term that only aids in inclusion and understanding of everyone and their unique traits. I understand it can be hard for people to fully embrace it, but I think it is something that is worth trying since it could benefit so many people and make them feel like they are valued.

An example of intersectionality in pop culture could be the t.v. show ‘Modern Family’ because they aim include people from different races, nationalities, sexual orientations, ages, and genders in that show. Even though they do not account for everyone, such as lower income people, at least they are taking that step in trying to showcase a more diverse group of characters on t.v.

 

 

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.

Oluo claims that Americans can not agree on what the definition of racism really is. She personally defines it as “any prejudice against someone because of their race”, or “any prejudice against someone based on their race, when those views are reinforced by systems of power” (26). The author chooses to use the second definition because she wants people to take into account how racism is carried out in America; often subtly and without some people’s knowledge. Oluo writes that racism, specifically in America, is something that exists to exclude individuals of color from progress and opportunities, so that there is more of those things left over for those that are “deemed superior”(12). The author claims that race has a lot to do with our country’s economic system because people tend to link status and class with race. People have developed a mindset of “you will get more because they exist to get less” (12). This negative way of thinking is what makes certain members of society act like they are better or deserve more than others of different cultures or races. Oluo proposes three basic rules to determine if something is about race; “It is about race if a person of color thinks it’s about race”, “It is about race if it disporportionately or differently affects people color”, and “It is about race if it fits into a broader pattern of events that disproportionately or differently affect people of color”. These rules are very broad and basic because race touches almost every aspect in life.

Oluo’s definition of racism is different than I’ve heard racism defined before. In the past, I have heard racism defined in more simple terms, as just prejudice or discrimination against someone of a different race. Oluo, on the other hand, explores the definition more intensively, and provides insight into how racism directly affects people of color.

Oluo’s definition applies to Ramsey’s video because it displays how people of color have to wonder/worry about if white people in this country are going to treat them differently, or as inferior. The video shows that even the smallest acts of prejudice/racism are acknowledged, and that they can change someone’s mood and make them feel targeted.

The theme of this course is much different than the themes of any other English courses I have taken in the past. I have briefly discussed the theme of race, and also status, in previous English classes, but it has never been the sole topic in which the class revolves. I think it is important to discuss race because it affects our society every day. People are not being treated with the appropriate level of respect just because of their race and/or background. It is not fair for individuals of certain races to have to put up with the racist comments they receive from others. Coming from a mostly white town and going to a high school that was majority white, I feel like discussing this topic will broaden my understanding of racial injustice and prejudice. I am so used to seeing and conversing with people of the same race, that I feel like I have not had the opportunity to meet a lot of people that are different than me. Even though I may not be the target of racial slurs, injustices, or prejudices, I feel that no one should have to deal with that negativity in their lives. I have been fortunate enough to grow up not having to worry about being targeted or insulted for my race or culture, but that does not mean I should not be informed about how others are being treated. I hope to gain insight into different points of view and broaden my horizons on the theme of race.

I hope this topic opens my mind to new ideas and conflicts that I did not previously think about. This theme also feels more relevant than topics I have learned in past English courses, which makes it more interesting to learn about. Learning about a current, real world issue that society is facing seems like a valuable lesson to learn.

My name is Carolyn O’Brien and I am a member of the Fairfield University Class of 2022. I am currently enrolled in the Dolan School of Business as a Business Undeclared major. I am from North Easton, Massachusetts, which is about 40 minutes south of Boston, so I am a big fan of all Boston and New England sports teams. I live at home with my mom, dad, and older sister Julia. The previous four years, I attended Oliver Ames High School in my hometown of Easton, MA. In high school, I played basketball my freshman year, was a member of the indoor track and field team for 3 years, and was a member of the outdoor track and field team for 4 years. I was the throwing captain for the outdoor track team my junior and senior years. I threw the shot-put, discuss, and javelin. I was also involved in Random Acts of Kindness Club, which focused on spreading kindness throughout my school’s community. For the past three summers, I have worked at a nursing home and rehabiltation center as an activities assistant and receptionist. Even though I do not want to go into nursing field, or the medical field in general, I still love my job because I get to hear the resident’s interesting and funny stories while also gaining valuble communication and people skills. Outside of work and school, I love spending time with friends and family, working out, and traveling. My favorite place to visit is Walt Disney World in Florida. I am a Disney Vacation Club Member and an Annual Pass Holder. I am excited to be at Fairfield, and I am eager to see what is in store for me here. I hope to improve my writing, analyzing, research, and critical thinking skills in this course. I am looking forward to exchanging new ideas with classmates, as well as growing and improving upon all the things I have learned in previous English classes I have taken.