In-Class Lab: "Reading Sources Critically"

Bela Burns
Holly Snider
Leah Nieman
Grace Demeurisse

In Class Lab: 11/10/15

1.       The author makes the argument that racial terms should stick with the race they are founded from. The author presents a number of different positions, such as views from “red necks” or “jews”. We are analyzing the argument through these questions.
2.       He spoke with authority, which helped his speech be persuasive. The author considers counterarguments, such as young white people who think it is okay to use the word because their friends use the word. The whole speech was given without citations.
3.       The author’s speech seems biased because the whole speech is about his opinions. He also shares with us personal experiences. He gives the example that he grew up in the south, therefore he could be considered racist.
4.       Boston College is a private, Jesuit Catholic research university. The college shares the same opinions as the author, because they invited him to speak at their university. The college may have a reoccurring issue with the use of this word.
5.       We have not seen any other similar sources on this topic.
6.       This is a topic that people should acknowledge. An opinion to be considered is where do we draw the line between equality and privilege. The term used by white people can be racist, or be misunderstood.

7.       The intended audience is white people at the Boston College, or viewers of the video. We are members of the addressed audience. The main topic of this video is to inform readers about the topic, as well as argue a certain point.