We've Discussed And Read About Several Topics That Exemplify

Weve Discussed And Read About Several Topics That Exemplify

For the Final Exam Prompt #1, students are asked to select one of two provided essays—either Dylan Scott’s “Coronavirus is Exposing All of the Weaknesses in the US Health System” or Cathy Park Hong’s “The Slur I Never Expected to Hear in 2020”—and craft an 800-word reactionary or opinion piece. The purpose of this assignment is to analyze the issues and themes raised by the chosen essay through a personal, critical lens, developing a clear argument that reflects the student’s voice. The essay should be structured with an introductory paragraph containing a thesis statement, a body that offers analysis, connections, and commentary, and a conclusion that is independent of the earlier paragraphs, avoiding mere repetition. Students must support their perspectives with passages from the chosen essay, but over-quoting should be avoided; instead, quotes should be thoughtfully integrated and analyzed to reinforce the student’s own ideas.

In terms of grading, the paper will be evaluated on comprehension of the essay and its context, clarity and focus of the topic, a well-crafted thesis, coherent organization, clarity in writing, and depth of analysis. Incorporating intersectionality into the discussion can earn additional points, emphasizing the importance of analyzing how various social identities intersect and influence the issues presented.

Paper For Above instruction

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked widespread reflection on systemic vulnerabilities and social injustices across numerous sectors, revealing underlying issues that have persisted beyond the crisis. Selecting Cathy Park Hong’s “The Slur I Never Expected to Hear in 2020” offers a compelling lens into how racial and linguistic discrimination surface even amidst a global health emergency. My response critically examines Hong’s exploration of racial slurs, identity, and systemic bias, emphasizing the importance of language as a battleground for social justice. Throughout this essay, I will connect Hong’s insights to broader issues of systemic racism and social inequality, arguing that the pandemic exposes and amplifies these persistent injustices, which demand active acknowledgment and confrontation.

Hong’s essay vividly details her personal experience with a racial slur directed at her in a context that seemed initially unanticipated for such an offense in 2020. Her narrative illustrates how language and racial prejudice are not relics of the past but dynamic tools that continue to perpetuate social hierarchies. The slur, which Hong describes as “the N-word,” symbolizes the persistent presence of racial hatred encoded within everyday interactions, especially for marginalized communities. Her candid recounting underscores that systemic racism is embedded not only within institutions but also manifests constantly in rhetoric and social exchanges. This aligns with the concept of language as a form of systemic violence—something that is often overlooked but crucial for understanding social dynamics.

By critically engaging with Hong’s account, I argue that the pandemic has functioned as a mirror reflecting societal faults, including racial inequities. During crises, marginalized groups often bear disproportionate burdens; similarly, language and discriminatory acts reveal underlying power structures. For example, in healthcare disparities exposed by COVID-19, racial minorities have suffered higher infection and mortality rates, highlighting systemic neglect and prejudice (Williams et al., 2020). These inequalities are intertwined with everyday encounters, such as Hong’s experience, where racial slurs serve to reinforce hierarchies and diminish marginalized identities. Recognizing this connection emphasizes that language is not just personal but institutional, shaping perceptions and reinforcing systemic biases.

Hong’s narrative also prompts reflection on the role of social awareness and resistance. Her quiet yet powerful refusal to accept bias—"I didn’t expect to hear that in 2020"—challenges the normalization of racial hostility. This resonates with contemporary movements advocating for language reforms and racial justice, such as the removal of racist terminology from public discourse and policy (Kendi, 2019). It also emphasizes that confronting systemic injustice involves scrutinizing not only overt acts of discrimination but also subtle, normalized forms of prejudice embedded in everyday language. The pandemic period has heightened sensitivity to such issues, as increased awareness of racial disparities makes it imperative to challenge linguistic violence at its root.

Furthermore, intersectionality enhances our understanding of Hong’s experience, highlighting how race, language, class, and societal structures interact to shape individuals’ realities. For marginalized communities, discriminatory language is compounded by economic and social disadvantages, making systemic change even more urgent. As Crenshaw (1995) argues, intersectionality reveals that social oppression is multi-layered, and addressing one aspect without the others remains insufficient. In the context of COVID-19, intersecting inequalities—such as housing, employment, and healthcare—aggravate racial and linguistic prejudices, illustrating the need for comprehensive approaches to social justice.

In conclusion, Cathy Park Hong’s essay illuminates how language acts as a battleground for social justice, especially amid a crisis exposing systemic flaws. Her personal story reveals that racial prejudice endures in subtle and overt forms, reinforced through everyday language. The pandemic amplifies these disparities, making it crucial to confront not only structural inequalities but also the linguistic and cultural biases that sustain them. Recognizing and addressing these interconnected issues is essential for building a more equitable society, where systemic reforms are complemented by cultural shifts that challenge the normalization of racial slurs and prejudice.

References

• Crenshaw, K. (1995). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of anti-discrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.
• Kendi, I. X. (2019). How to be an antiracist. One world.
• Williams, D. R., Lawrence, J. A., & Davis, B. A. (2020). Racism and health: evidence and needed research. Annual Review of Public Health, 41, 105-125.