Introduction: “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
This article, “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics,” is authored by Eduardo Porter and published in The New York Times, a widely respected newspaper with broad circulation in the United States. The rhetorical situation presented in this article revolves around the unexpected shift of the working class, traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, towards supporting the G.O.P. This shift is particularly surprising considering the Republican Party’s consistent support for tax cuts benefiting the affluent, suggesting a shift from economic considerations to focus on race and ethnicity.
Eduardo Porter identifies a form of ethnic division within this phenomenon and poses a fundamental question to Americans: Why support those who may not be actively working in their favor? Beyond this immediate query, Porter has a broader objective — to illustrate that American politics, historically grounded in rational public decisions, is now evolving towards identity politics. His overarching message is a cautionary one, warning readers that the increasing polarization of the American public based on racial and ethnic identity has the potential to lead the nation into an “outright political war” along racial lines (Porter).
The writer contends that race and ethnicity, which may have been dormant issues, are resurfacing as significant political factors. Porter effectively conveys this argument through metaphorical language and employs various rhetorical strategies, including rhetorical questions, to engage the reader and convey the gravity of the emerging situation.
Metaphors in “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
The writer skillfully employs metaphors to enrich the language of the argument. Notably, the phrase “a main driver” is used to describe the role of identity in politics (Porter). Additional metaphors, such as a “fluid sense” and a “lived reality,” are used to convey the tangible experiences of people in the real world (Porter). The careful selection of words enhances the overall tone of the essay, transforming it into a compelling piece of rhetoric that resonates with readers.
The use of metaphors by the writer serves to strengthen both logos and pathos in the argument. The metaphor “a main driver” effectively captures the significance of identity in politics (Porter). Other metaphors, including a “fluid sense” and a “lived reality,” contribute to the emotional appeal of the argument. In terms of pathos, the writer establishes two crucial emotional connections. Firstly, he explores the nostalgia experienced by white Hispanics due to their declining numbers, emphasizing how figures like Trump, with xenophobic and anti-immigrant stances, become their primary defense against increasing ethnic diversity (Porter). Secondly, the writer instills fear by highlighting the decline in the non-Hispanic population from 83 percent to 62 percent, framing this statistical shift as a source of understandable fear (Porter). This strategic use of pathos lends credibility to the argument, reinforcing the idea of a rising ethnic politics driven by emotional undercurrents.
Logos in “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
In terms of logos, the writer judiciously incorporates statistical evidence and comparisons to support the argument. Initially, he cites a Pew Research Center Analysis report to highlight the educational background of Republican voters, emphasizing that 43% have a high school education or lower. Additionally, the writer draws attention to Trump supporters, noting that 54% have not completed college (Porter). The inclusion of statistics from a Quinnipiac University poll reinforces the idea that those with lower levels of education tend to favor Trump (Porter).
Furthermore, historical references, such as President Lyndon Johnson’s era, are invoked to trace the historical trajectory of racial politics, adding depth to the argument. The writer bolsters the logos by quoting research from Edward Glaeser and Alberto Alesina, as well as researchers from the University of California. These references suggest that an increase in immigrants correlates with more white children attending private schools, providing additional layers of support for the claim that racial politics is on the rise (Porter). The integration of these quotes and references fortifies the writer’s argument, presenting a compelling case for the emergence of racial politics in the American landscape.
Ethos of “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
The writer effectively establishes ethos by strategically utilizing his own authority and incorporating references to researchers and experts. The careful inclusion of statistical data, historical references, and expert opinions enhances the credibility of the argument. The writer’s authority is reinforced through a nuanced use of comparison, contrast, and inferences, particularly evident in the reference to Lyndon B. Johnson’s era, which contributes to the overall strength of the ethos (Porter).
Additionally, the writer reinforces his credibility by referencing white nationalism in Germany and Europe, providing a broader context for his argument. This global perspective contributes to the solidity of his claims and positions the argument on a well-founded basis. The title itself, with its serious and somewhat alarming tone about the “return” of identity politics, sets the stage for the reader to perceive the issue as significant and urgent. As the writer dispassionately explores various aspects, the tone becomes more serious and alarming towards the conclusion, explicitly stating that “racial identity and its attendant hostilities” have returned to politics (Porter). This tonal shift aligns with the rhetorical techniques employed and contributes to the overall impact of the writer’s argument.
Rhetorical Devices in “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
The writer employs rhetorical questions strategically, incorporating them for specific purposes. The initial rhetorical question, “Why do working-class Americans vote as they do?” serves as an attention-grabber, aiming to engage readers from the outset (Porter). This rhetorical device functions to pique curiosity and draw the audience into the discussion.
In the first paragraph’s closing rhetorical question, the writer uses it as a tool to involve readers directly. By posing a question and subsequently providing a response, the writer creates a sense of intrigue and encourages readers to consider the complexities of the topic at hand (Porter). This technique not only serves to make the audience ponder the subject matter but also enhances the overall persuasiveness of the argument.
The writer’s use of metaphors and tone complements the deployment of rhetorical devices. Metaphors enrich the language and contribute to the overall rhetorical appeal, while the serious and somewhat alarming tone aligns with the rhetorical techniques employed throughout the article. These elements work in tandem to strengthen the impact of the writer’s argument, creating a cohesive and persuasive narrative.
Conclusion: “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
In short, the speaker has strategically employed a plethora of rhetorical devices, envisioning each one to be effective within the context of the discourse. Not only is his argument timely and pertinent, but it is also succinct and direct, delivering its message with precision. The speaker adeptly integrates various rhetorical devices, skillfully balancing logos, pathos, and ethos to strengthen the overall impact of his message. Through meticulous word choices and the incorporation of literary devices, the speaker enhances the allure of his language, making it both engaging and compelling.
Moreover, the strategic use of rhetorical questions adds an extra layer of effectiveness to the speaker’s communication. By prompting readers to ponder specific inquiries, he actively involves them in the discourse, fostering a deeper connection with the material. It appears that the writer has conscientiously harnessed every available device that he deems beneficial to reinforce his argument and engage the audience effectively. This thoughtful utilization of a diverse array of rhetorical tools showcases the speaker’s mastery in crafting a persuasive and captivating narrative.
Works Cited: “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
- Porter, Eduardo. “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics.” New York Times, 6 Jan. 2016, p.
B1(L). Global Issues in Context, ccco.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A439093022/GIC?u=aur58810&x
id=a09f2d67. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
Relevant Questions: “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics”
- How does the strategic use of rhetorical questions in “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics” contribute to shaping the overall tone and persuasive nature of discussions regarding racial identity in the realm of American politics, as explored in The New York Times on January 6, 2016?
- Within the context of the article “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics,” can you pinpoint instances where rhetorical questions are employed to stimulate critical thinking or underscore specific viewpoints on the evolving role of racial identity within American political discourse?
- Examining “Racial Identity Returns to American Politics” from The New York Times (January 6, 2016), what influence do rhetorical questions exert on the reader’s engagement with the subject of racial identity in politics, and how do they contribute to shaping public opinion or influencing discourse on this sensitive issue?
