Unit 1 Expository Exemplification Research Essay On Discrimi
Unit 1 Expository Exemplification Research Essay On Discriminationde
Decide on which THREE authors you would like to use as part of your essay. Read the selections. For each article/essay, find THREE examples of how the author experienced discrimination. The introduction should start with an interesting statement, fact, definition, quote, or question to grab the reader’s attention (HOOK). Next, you should have a brief historical overview of discrimination in America. You will research facts to show how events and laws developed in hopes of ending and preventing discrimination. You MUST use MLA in-text citations to give credit to the sources of these facts whether they are paraphrased or quoted. No more than one quote per paragraph in your essay! There should be a transition sentence that will connect this history to the idea that minority authors have expressed their experiences and frustrations with discrimination in their literary works. The last sentence should be your thesis statement where you state that minority authors have exemplified their experiences with discrimination in their writing/literary works. You should state the names of the authors in the order that they will appear in your body paragraphs. In the body paragraphs, you must state the title of the reading selection and the author’s name. The examples in the body paragraphs must include: • the discriminatory act/event • how the author felt as a result • how the author reacted/responded to this experience Each body paragraph should end with a transition sentence that leads the reader to the next paragraph. The conclusion should restate the thesis statement in different words. Follow it with a brief summary of the evidence provided in the body. End the paper with a concluding sentence which highlights the importance of this topic, hopes for the future, or a quote. Make sure the ENTIRE PAPER IS WRITTEN IN THIRD PERSON! This is a research essay that should use formal language. Avoid contractions, slang, or informal words or phrases. All sources must be cited in the essay using MLA in-text citations. The last page of your paper should be the Works Cited page which lists, in alphabetical order, the sources you used. Please refer to MLA 8th edition guidelines
Paper For Above instruction
The history of discrimination in America is rich with a turbulent past marked by systemic inequalities, racial segregation, and legislative efforts aimed at promoting equality. Beginning with the post-Reconstruction era, laws such as the Jim Crow statutes institutionalized racial discrimination, disenfranchising African Americans and legitimizing segregation. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, highlighted by landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, represented pivotal efforts to combat discrimination and promote civil liberties. Despite these advances, discrimination persists in various forms, affecting minority groups across social, economic, and political spheres. Such historical context underscores the ongoing struggle for equality and frames the experiences shared by minority authors in their literary works, which serve as poignant accounts of injustices faced. These authors use their writings to shed light on personal encounters with discrimination, illustrating the emotional toll and social ramifications of racial bias and prejudice. This essay exemplifies how minority authors have used their literary voices to depict these experiences and advocate for societal change.
Introduction
The enduring history of discrimination in America continues to influence the social fabric, inspiring minority writers to challenge injustices through literature. From the institutionalized segregation of Jim Crow laws to modern-day racial profiling, discrimination remains a critical issue. The experiences expressed in literary works serve as vital testimonies and catalysts for awareness. This essay will analyze how three authors—Henry Louis Gates Jr., Martin Luther King Jr., and Brent Staples—have exemplified their encounters with discrimination in their writings, highlighting the emotional, social, and political impacts of such experiences.
Support #1: Gates’ Experiences in “What’s in a Name?”
Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s essay “What’s in a Name?” explores the discrimination experienced based on racial identity and cultural misunderstanding. One example includes Gates’ own experience being profiled by law enforcement while attempting to enter his own home, illustrating racial profiling and suspicion directed towards African Americans. Gates describes feeling insulted and humiliated as police officers questioned his intent and background, perceiving him as a threat due to his race (Gates 2). Such incidents reflect the societal tendency to associate Black identities with suspicion and criminality. Gates reacted to this discriminatory act with a sense of frustration and a desire to challenge racial stereotypes, often using his academic and cultural influence to foster understanding. The emotional exploitation and societal marginalization he faced exemplify the persistent racial bias embedded in American institutions. These personal experiences contribute to the broader narrative of racial discrimination, emphasizing the need for social change and awareness, which connects seamlessly to the next support about civil rights activism.
Support #2: King’s Advocacy in “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” articulates the discrimination faced by African Americans during the Birmingham campaign where false accusations and legal barriers hindered racial equality. King recounted the discriminatory arrest and the unjust treatment by police, which sought to suppress peaceful protests against segregation (King 558). He felt a profound sense of injustice and moral outrage as the systemic oppression targeted his community’s dignity and rights. King’s response was one of resilient nonviolent resistance, through speeches and writings, aiming to expose the brutality of segregation and motivate societal transformation. His reaction exemplifies the civil disobedience strategy to confront racial injustice head-on, inspiring future generations of activists. This account illuminates how personal and collective experiences of discrimination catalyzed a broader movement for equality. Transitioning from protest to everyday violence, Staples’ narrative reveals more subtle forms of discrimination encountered in public spaces.
Support #3: Staples’ Reflection in “Just Walk on By”
Brent Staples, in “Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space,” discusses the discrimination encountered in everyday encounters with strangers in urban environments. An example involves Staples’ recognition that his mere presence can evoke fear in others due to racial stereotypes, leading him to develop strategies like avoiding eye contact and walking confidently to avoid suspicion (Staples 233). Staples felt frustration and guilt over the fear his appearance instigated in others, yet he also recognized the societal stereotypes that perpetuated these reactions. His response was to assert a composed demeanor to challenge the passive acceptance of racial bias and stereotype reinforcement. Staples’ experience underscores how societal prejudices influence individual behavior and perceptions, shaping interactions in public spaces. These narratives collectively reveal varied forms of discrimination, from explicit racial profiling to subtle biases, emphasizing the pervasive impact of racial prejudice on personal identity and social interaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the literary works of Gates, King, and Staples directly exemplify the manifold experiences of discrimination faced by minority Americans. Gates’ account of racial profiling, King’s fight against segregation and unjust treatment, and Staples’ insights into everyday racial biases illustrate the multifaceted nature of discrimination. These authors employ their narratives to raise awareness and foster understanding of racial injustices, emphasizing that discrimination remains a profound obstacle to equality. The enduring relevance of their experiences underscores the importance of continued efforts to eradicate prejudice. As society moves toward greater inclusivity, it is essential to recognize and learn from these voices, ensuring that future generations live in a more equitable world. This collective literary voice acts as a catalyst for ongoing social change, inspiring hope for a future free of discrimination.
References
- Gates, Henry Louis Jr. “What’s in a Name?” The New York Times, 2004.
- King, Martin Luther Jr. “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The Atlantic, 1963.
- Staples, Brent. “Just Walk on By: A Black Man Ponders His Power to Alter Public Space.” Harper’s Magazine, 1986.