African American Thesis

The article entitled “Why I am Black and Not African American” written by John H. McWhorter argues that Americans should use the term black instead of African American. The term black is perceived as a symbol of strength and hard work. While the term African American transports blacks back to a time in history filled with bondage and discrimination. Therefore, McWhorter argues that the derogatory term of African American should not be used and that the term black is more appropriate. McWhorter was able to establish a strong argument because he met several of the standard criteria for a quality argument. The established criteria explain a quality argument must include a debatable thesis, supporting evidence, ethos, pathos, and an opposition.

McWhorter stated his thesis directly in the opening paragraph “It’s time we descendants of slaves brought to the United States let go of the term“African American” and go back to calling ourselves Black- with a capital B” (McWhorter 305). The use of a direct thesis made the essay, and the argument has a straightforward tone. This strengthened the overall essay because the reader was not searching for an implied thesis. The use of a direct and debatable thesis made for the reader to be able to clearly draw connections to the supporting evidence. McWhorter used substantial evidence throughout the whole piece. However, what made the essay have such strong evidence was the variety of the sources. McWhorter drew from several distinctive types of sources like court cases, history, personal experience, and public statements. Each piece of evidence was able to prove how different people like lawyers, politicians, historians and the author himself believe in his claim. However, this happens because each piece of evidence was not standing alone. Each piece of evidence was accompanied by a compelling explanation and a clear connection to the debatable claim. Overall, McWhorter's evidence was apparent and strong throughout the whole piece and helped the essay towards being a strong argumentative

The author must also include elements of ethos and pathos. Ethos is when the author establishes his or her credibility as an author, or on the debatable topic. The author of “Why I am Black, Not African American” establishes his ethos at the beginning of the essay. The author proves his ethos on both the topic and as a writer by stating his various degrees, the college they attended, and his previous work experience. Additionally, the author establishes himself as black. Thus, the author's opinion is more credible because he has personal experience on the topic and black culture. The variety of experience proves to the reader that the author has extensive knowledge of the topic. This makes the reader believes the author is credible. Since the reader sees the author's credibility they are more likely of believing the stance of the author.However, the author also employed elements of pathos throughout the essay. Pathos is an argumentative strategy author use to appeal to the reader's emotions. Pathos was sprinkled into the essay by the author's word choice. The author chose harsh and negative words when discussing the term African Americans, for example, “To term ourselves as part“African” reinforces a sad implication: that our history is basically slave ships, plantations, lynching, fire hoses in Birmingham, and then South Central” (McWhorter 306). All of the words McWhorter