DiAngelo Discussion

In DiAngelo’s White Fragility the central argument is on white privilege and how a lot of white people are sensitive when it comes to the topic of racism. This sensitivity that DiAngelo identifies she gives it the name of “White Fragility”; white fragility is defined as intolerable stress caused by the topic of racism on any white person. This “White Fragility” can come from even a small conversation about racism but can trigger different defensive motives from the white person because they are uncomfortable. In the passage, she also exposes that white fragility comes about because, in conversations about race, any other race that is not white is considered the minority; because of this white people fear being considered the oppressor in conversations. By the same token, white fragility is many times avoided when they avoid race conversations altogether or sweep it under the rug, for the fear of being painted in the wrong light. When faced with these conversations they many times result in irritation from the white person in the conversation. When one states that race is “socially constructed” means that is a creation of our society. Scientifically, there is not a genetic or anything in the brain that separates people of different races rather, over time we have conformed ourselves into groups that we identify with that have formed races. Similarly, it has been noted that we have conformed to the social construct of race by creating these different racial groups based on one’s physical appearance. The social construct of race is something that is accepted because society enables it and has made it a norm.  

“Asian-Americans Are Being Attacked. Why Are Hate Crime Charges So Rare?”

The NYT article “Asian-Americans Are Being Attacked. Why Are Hate Crime Charges So Rare?” by Nicole Hong and Jonah E. Bromwich, the article brings to light the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans in the United States and the difficulties faced when charging a crime as a hate crime. The rhetorical situation of this article is an informative article; although we all live in the NYC area Asian hate crimes haven’t always been in the media and not something that has been addressed or had attention brought to it until recent months. The article begins with a most recent hate crime that has happened in our city and then dilutes it into the other issue the author addresses; why it is hard to charge a hate crime. Throughout the article, the authors use facts and statements from government officials and activists in the area that help strengthen their argument. When addressing the hate crimes mentioned the authors use a more sensitive tone while also enforcing the seriousness of the issue at hand.  I believe that the author’s purpose in this piece is to bring light to an issue that has been happening for a while but hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. I also believe that the authors wrote this piece to unite people outside of the Asian communities to be allies for them. In reading the article I find that the intended audience is people in the New Yorke City Area but, because of the information provided the article is understandable and can be for anyone who reads it.

Lebron Discussion

After reading “‘Black Panther’ is not the Movie we Deserve” by Christopher Lebron I believe that the genre of his piece has pieces of an editorial article while also contributing a review aspect in his writing, but altogether it is informational. Lebron’s target audience from this piece is marvel fans, moviegoers, and American citizens. Lebron’s audience is easily identifiable because the topics he addresses are target to these groups, and these groups would be familiar with the events and references he is making. Although Lebron does have a specific target audience after reading the article I believe that anyone can read this article and understand the message that he is relaying. In Lebron’s piece, he identifies the powerful movie that is “Black Panther” and connects it to the reality of black people in America. Throughout the article, he proves how even though the movie “Black Panther” depicts a strong black lead nation, it also is hypocritical. Lebron elaborates on how T’Challa kills his cousin; his cousin in the film (the antagonist) was a product of his environment and wanted to share the wealth and success of Wakanda with the black people who are outside of Wakanda. Finishing his entire piece on the idea that we aren’t ready for a film like “Black Panther”. Lebron states “Why should I accept the idea of black American disposability from a man in a suit, whose name is synonymous with radical uplift but whose actions question the very notion that black lives matter?”. Lebron uses facts and connects the movie to events that have happened in our world today to strengthen his argument. One major action was Lebron’s use of diction and the way he pieces together his argument; allowing for the reader to even sympathize with the antagonist and changing the perspective of the movie. Lebron forms his argument by dissecting the movie and analyzing it; he then adds facts and outside examples to prove his point.