1. I think his quote makes some sense because when a person is educated or is taught, he/she will have thoughts and ideas about the society that educated them. They will examine what that society is really like. I think Baldwin’s quote means that an educated person always thinks he/she should contribute something to society to help or improve it. However, each person perceives and contributes to society in a different way, since people have a different conscience so there will be arguments. In addition, this is connected with my own experiences in school as we will learn different things so there will be different ways of doing something and perspective which is similar to the quote that finds yourself at war with your society because sometimes we change our original perspective by society.
2. I think the experiences of other marginalized people or groups resonate with Baldwin’s sentiments because they may have to face what Black Americans face, and they may face the same treatment or encounters in their lives as Black Americans. As well as their thoughts and perceptions may also be more Black Americans like because of the perceptions of others in their lives.
3. Ethos: “It would seem to me that when a child is born, if I’m the child’s parent, it is my obligation and my high duty to civilize that child.” (Baldwin 1) This quote shows the author’s character and appeals to ethics and morality.
Pathos: “He is aware that there is some reason why, if he sits down in the front of the bus, his father or mother slaps him and drags him to the back of the bus. He is aware that there is some terrible weight on his parents’ shoulders which menaces him.” (Baldwin 2) This quote appeals to emotion because it will create an emotional response from the audience that the boy is pathetic.
4. I can relate to Baldwin’s articulation because there was a teacher who left a deep impression and influence on me. Well, it was a positive influence for me, when I came to America for middle school, everything was new to me, I couldn’t speak English at all, I was shy, sometimes I wouldn’t even say a word all day at school, but there was a teacher who tried to talk to me, and when he had time, he taught me basic English skills and told me some interesting things that happened in his life, and that made me improve a lot in English communication.
Hello Arianna, I like your answer to the first question. Curiosity is in everyone, and it’s a non-stop nature we humans have. It’s almost like a thing we have to keep surviving and evolving.
I do agree with what you are saying, I would also like to add that it’s important for an educated person to properly guide and educate the ones who would be holding on and contributing to society. It’s important to think what is the real purpose of educating someone and what can they do with that benefit for themselves.
Hi Ariana, I agree with Afiea- your first answer is really solid. Education can very much equip you with a specific/unique sets of tools, but it’s what you do with them that carries true weight. I was intrigued by your assessment of pathos. Which part, do you feel, indicates that the boy is pathetic? I feel there may be some historical implications that can be drawn from the quote you provided. Definitely worth taking an additional look.
Lastly, I love your story regarding your English teacher! Amazing how taking just a little bit of extra time with a student can yield amazing results. Great work, Ariana!