New York Times Opinion Column Comparison

Article 1: How Blackface Feeds White Supremacy

Main Idea and Purpose (thesis)

White people started doing blackface as a means of entertainment and as a means of

conveying that blacks were somehow “grotesque” and bizarre, unlike the ideal,
“biologically correct” nature of whites.

Evidence & Commentary

The author notes the many ways blackface was used throughout history, especially in
entertainment and advertisements. The blacks were almost treated as subhuman and were
not respected. He also gives many examples of yearbooks from the mid 1900’s, when adding
blackface photos was very common.

Style & Language (choices, appeals, tone)

He talks a lot about what influence people have over others, especially if in a
prominent position. This idea of ethos is conveyed through modern and past
examples. He talks about Gucci and Katy Perry, both accused of blackface, and
yearbooks from the 1950’s. A doctor who did blackface is coming under scrutiny
because doctors are supposed to be impartial to patients and because they have so
much influence.
His tone is very respectful and calm. He raises a good argument that quells even
skeptics. His writing style is very much like a case-study, but with multiple cases.

Article 2: The Racist Trope That Won’t Die

Main Idea and Purpose (thesis)

Black people are often equated with apes and chimpanzees, along with words that pertain to
apes and chimpanzees, like "beast", "savage", "overpowering." This racist idea is ingrained in
our society, and "won't seem to die."

Evidence & Commentary

The more people associate blacks with apes, the more discrepancy exists between the ages
they predict and the actual ages of the blacks. This also leads to "disparate treatment in the
criminal system”, where innocent people are accused of crime just because they are seen as
black and not humanlike.

Style & Language (choices, appeals, tone)

Again, the author maintains a respectful and polite tone throughout even though his issue is
definitely a controversial one. One difference from other articles is his use of empirical data;
that is, he makes use of research papers often. This is in line with the article’s logical mood. I
also note that he not only very subtly underscores the complexity of the issue as he concludes
the article, but also offers a solution to the problem.

Article 3: African-Americans and the Strains of the National Anthem

Main Idea and Purpose (thesis)

The Star Spangled banner symbolizes freedom, but it is a false meaning because
African Americans still have no freedom. Sometimes, African Americans feel
hesitant to sing and stand to the anthem because they still have an "outsider”
feeling.(termed “double consciousness” by DuBois)

Evidence & Commentary

He mentions historical events. For example, during the slavery and lynching period,
African Americans would make their own songs. He contrasts the 1950s to today,
when athletes kneel down on the field.

Style & Language (choices, appeals, tone)

He worded the sentences so that the historical events he talked about were analogous to
today's events. Today, athletes kneel on the field as a method of protest today, but in the
1950’s, they would remain seated. Although the environment and circumstances differ, the
idea is more or less parallel. Analogies such as these help readers understand the issue better.
 Article 4: How the Suffrage Movement Betrayed Black Women

Main Idea and Purpose (thesis)

The women's suffrage was mainly for white women and not black women, and black
women had to work for their own rights.

Evidence & Commentary

If black men could vote, but white women couldn’t, the suffragists reasoned, blacks were
superior to whites. In a time when blacks were thought inferior to whites, this made for a
strong argument and was a major driving force behind the suffragist movement. It also
explains another tenet of the author’s argument- why black women were excluded. The
author makes a strong case not just with evidence and examples like these, but by
contextualizing these in the respective time period.

Style & Language (choices, appeals, tone)

He uses many quotes- he quotes historical figures like Frederick Douglas. He has a very polite
tone, that is, he does not sound condescending.
One thing to note is that he mentions many well known African Americans and
quotes them. By talking about figures whom many Americans know and revere, he is able to
gain a sense of credibility. For readers to disagree with the author, they would need to
disagree with Frederick Douglas and others.

Finally, Assessing the language, which do you find most persuasive despite your
personal point of view? Why? Put your opinions on the shelf and analyze these articles
for elements of effective writing.
I think Article 4 is the most persuasive. I have always thought that ethos and the power of
recognition is one of the most powerful tools of persuasion, because people respond best
to what or who they know best. The author quotes many historical figures who agree with
his perspective. He notes that “Douglass cut to the central fallacy of the white suffragist
push that African American women could magically separate their blackness from their
femaleness.” Douglass is a man whom many Americans respect due to his abolitionist
work. By quoting him, the author will the affirmations of those who admire Douglass as
well as those readers who are unwilling to disagree with Douglass.