Blog #6

One of the strategies Oluo implements in her book is the careful use of language in order to spark thought and curiosity in the reader. One example of this is Oluo’s decision to make the title of each chapter a question. This is a simple, yet effective way to harness the readers attention, and get him/her thinking before they have even begun the chapter.     These rhetorical questions are put at the beginning of the chapter to get the reader thinking, or to emphasize a point. When presented with a question, most readers will formulate their own opinion on the topic, or create an idea of what the chapter might be about. I think that was Oluo’s goal with the chapter titles, as she wants the reader to think of their own idea or opinion of her topic, in hopes of maybe changing their mind.

Another language strategy that Oluo uses are the implementation of rhetorical questions within the chapter, usually correlating with the main idea of the chapter, as well as arguments or ideas that are in accordance with her main question of the chapter. These consist of ways that we can improve or work on racial issues in society. It is basically Oluo giving personal advice or opinions on how white people can move in the right direction in hopes of reducing racial tension and issues. I think this strategy works well, and provides emotional and logical appeal for the reader. Not only are her arguments logical and sensible in terms of building a more accepting society, but the emotional impact it has on the reader, given Oluo’s depiction of her own experience with racism, is extremely effective in convincing the reader. Oluo is able to back her arguments up with important statistics and powerful first hand experiences in order the harness the readers attention and maybe cause him/her to have second thoughts about their idea of race and racism in society.