Language and argumentation

Part of your essay must focus on the linguistic and argumentative features used by Ishmael Sistrunk in “Walking while black: Michael Brown, black men and white police officers”. Along with open and closed argumentation and language features such as choice of words and anecdotes, we will also present you other linguistic and argumentative features such as rhetorical devices and forms of appeal.

Language

The language used in the article is generally simple and easy to understand. Ishmael Sistrunk mostly uses formal words, the main exception being when he reproduces the rap slang: “Nearly every rap song on the radio glorifies ‘the trap,’ guns and drugs, despite the fact that many of the artists recording those songs are far away from the ‘hood and that lifestyle.” (ll. 55-56)

You should also consider the photo in the article. The photo shows an African-American man facing several police officers who appear to be blocking the road. The caption reads: “A local man from Canfield Green Apartment Complex had an inadvertent face-off with local police at West Florissant and Ferguson avenues while trying to get home on Monday.” The photo helps hint at some ideas that will be mentioned in the article. The fact that one African-American man is face-to-face with the policeman conveys the ideas that African-American are vulnerable and cannot fight against biased police officers who typically defend each other when accusations are brought against one of them.

Choice of words

The choice of words is directly related to the topics of the article: racism and violence. As a result, the article includes many words that have a negative meaning and convey the writer’s criticism. Some examples are: “Violence and looting” (l. 2), “destroyed buildings” (l. 7), “wrong” (l. 8), “second-class citizens” (l. 11), “racism and prejudice” (l. 13), “bogus stops” (l. 22), “the feeling of being nervous” (l. 37), “inherent danger” (l. 47), “the negative, dangerous image of black men” (l. 52), “violent criminals” (l. 54), “tragic, televised killing” (l. 69), etc.

The positive words used by Ishmael Sistrunk are mainly present at the end when he encourages social unity: “good ones” (l. 42), “comforted” (l. 71), “unified” (l. 72), “solutions of inclusion, diversity and building better relationships” (...