Intention

The main intention of Ben Okri’s article “ ‘I can’t breathe’: why George Floyd’s words reverberate around the world” is to show readers that racism is a pressing concern that affects everyone, regardless of skin color. Okri does this by focusing on George Floyd’s death and the way it has impacted people. 

In this way, Okri shows readers that racism is not a thing of the past, but a very real and deadly issue that will continue to affect people unless action to address systemic racism is taken. Okri appeals to logos to show readers how different aspects of society continue to exclude black perspectives. He also appeals to pathos when he highlights the dangerous and violent nature of racism. He also calls out to the people who claim to be ‘colour-...