Intention

The article “Walking while black: Michael Brown, black men and white police officers” by Ishmael Sistrunk explores the topic of racism and violence in the US in the context of the Ferguson shootings of 2014.

The writer’s overall intention with the article is to discourage violent reactions in the African-American community and encourage solidarity while criticizing authorities’ bias. 

Criticize African-American violence

Part of Sistrunk’s intention with the article is to criticize the violence and stealing following the Ferguson shootings. He also intends to convince his readers that such behavior does not help the African-American community or their image in the media.

To achieve this goal, the writer first uses imagery and appeals to reader’s emotions:

…young children were ushered into stores through broken glass windows to grab free trinkets. It was disappointing to see young black men videotaping themselves looting and eventually burning down the QuikTrip that has become a rallying point for protesters. It was disconcerting to watch our people running out of destroyed buildings with rims, hair weaves, shoes and more. (ll. 3-7)

Additionally, Sistrunk uses logos to show African-Ame...