By: Brian A. Courtney Newsweek

Summary Thesis: “…American society makes being biracial feel less like a blessing than a curse.” (Courtney, 10) Forced to choose between black and white Blames society for the feeling of having to choose Pressure from friends to act or dress a certain way according to race

Audience Published in Newsweek by University of Tennessee student Addressed to nation –Aimed more at college students, biracial people, professors and other educated people. Tone: angry and disappointed Language used: well-educated but easy to read

Weaknesses Questioning ethos by mentioning friends –Friends don’t accept him for being biracial Complaining rather then helping the situation –Doesn’t give solutions to problem Anger kills credibility

Strengths Personal stories- appeal to pathos Anger shows passion for topic Appeals to logos Understands obstacles of being biracial Clear and descriptive –Paints pictures Shows, not tells

Logos Discussing job applications “One reason is the American obsession with labeling. We feel the need to label everyone and everything and group them into neatly defined categories.” (10) Appeal to logos helps credibility

Pathos Personal stories Anger –“…felt like a never-ending tug of war.” (10) “…a raisin in a box of cornflakes, so to speak.” (10) –Makes audience feel sorry for writer Offensive names or stereotypes –Dress “bourgie” meaning dresses white

Ethos Society’s ethics vs. Writer’s ethics –Society forcing him to choose Questioning ethics: –Non-accepting friends –Overuse of pathos –Anger towards society –No solutions to problem

Analytical Conclusion Writer is: honest, credible and sincere –anger gets in the way of all three, at times Brings up valid point but gives no rational solutions Persuades reader to see how (lack of) biracial recognition is important and real