James Baldwins a Talk to Teachers free essay sample

Ian Crum 9/26/10 AP Junior English Bi-Weekly Journal #1 Though no idea of how this relates to the audience, the teachers, comes to mind, this speech by James Baldwin gave me some ideals to contemplate. It recounted the horrors that the American way of life afflicted the African American populous. Furthermore, Baldwin connects the American way of life to how it is the American white man who has long since lost his grip on reality. (p. 28) Truly, this is not a speech intended for school teachers, but an explanation of how racism forced hildren to believe the lies; the lies about their humanity. Baldwin ties many of Americas problems to the foundation of the thought of society itself. Societies, according to Baldwin, want only one thing, a citizenry who will follow that societys rules. Once this is achieved, the civilization as a whole breaks down. His message in this speech is conflicting. We will write a custom essay sample on James Baldwins a Talk to Teachers or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The beginning explains that rule breakers are a necessity to the continuity of civilization. However, later in the speech, it is made clear that deviants will be crushed under a socially depriving hammer. Yet again he contradicts himself, saying that the oppressors follow the rules of their society. Then why is it that our social structure stands? If the majority of the social classes follow the rules, and following the rules leads to destruction, how is it that our socially inept, ignorant, intolerant civil classes manage to stay somewhat stable? Baldwin recounts his experiences in life as a poor black child. He connects the socially depriving factors of the ghetto inflicted upon the people by themselves as ell as those put on by their oppressors. He appeals to the audiences sense of logos through his explanation of how many blacks thought they deserved the treatment they received. Baldwin lists many of the racial stereotypes used against the blacks in the ghetto, appealing to the audiences sense of pathos. Finally, his previous works of literature and his renowned experience enables him to appeal to the audiences sense of ethos. Still, though no connection to how this relates to teachers appears, James Baldwin id convince many to support the African American equality movement. His use of appeals to the three persuasive senses, abstract thoughts, personal experiences, links to the present through the conflict with Castro, and addressing the audience as a member of a conversation make for a formidable argument. Though this speech was given forty seven years ago, it is still relevant today. Still there is racism. Still there is oppression. Still there is a need for understanding and acceptance.