Douglas Todd: Reducing immigration to protect culture is racism at its finest

The following text is an opinion column that follows a structural composition of a Pastiche. The style  is inspired by the writer Douglas Todd as I contradict his opinion and standpoint on immigration within America. This pastiche is juxtaposed to the use of rhetoric and the racist style that Todd's unravels his ideas within. I chose to write through a contrasting style in order to address this issue through dynamic conventions of style that enable myself to express my opinion yet, follow his style. This is ironic because, although this is crafted through his style, I am still able to reinforce my values and beliefs that ultimately contradict his. I chose to identify this opinion column as it is a controversial topic that delves into the realm of politics, making this the most suitable text to base my pastiche on.

Link to Opinion Column by Douglas Todd

Douglas Todd: Reducing immigration to protect culture is racism at its finest:

White supremacy is seen as a product of white superiority, ultimately leading to the sub cautious discrimination of ethnic minority groups. These issues can combine to kindle great anger, hatred and division between groups. Scholars coined the term: “White hegemony” in order to address the rising issue of superiority that puts pressure towards inferior groups. This dominance can be traced back since the beginning of time. Slavery, World war and important agreements like the Sykes Picot agreement are all just several events that had lead to the apparent cultural division today. This creates a sense of patriotism, developing an allusion of dominance. With dominance, the White Man is able to implement this motif of Euro centralization that puts pressure on other colored groups. Groups coming from Latin are forced to reshape their thoughts and belief system for the sake of conforming to the dominant race. Whether these minority groups conform or not, the groups are still discriminated regardless of their political, social and economic standpoint. This is due to the development of division from the sub-cautious mind that creates this instant boundary. Such subliminal bias does not happen in one night, rather, it is a constant depiction of manipulative images that distort the way certain groups are marginalized or depicted.

By tackling this issue peacefully through diplomatic clauses, we will be able to use our first world power for the benefit of our nation, and the diversification of our economy. Unfortunately, there is a distinct correlation between issues like safety and crime with minority groups. This means that this led to the establishment of immigration laws that have been politically implemented by the Western government seems to raise tension.

A Vancouver-raised demographer has discovered that people of good will or any intellectual from across the globe would have an identical definition of Racism. The term is coined as: “Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that ones race is more superior.”  There agreement should lead to often a balancing perspective in order to flourish the coexistence of empowerment within ethnic minority groups, including: Mexicans and Colombians. Fascinating research by Prof. Eric Kaufmann of the University of London, Birkbeck, breaks new ground showing the harmonious ways people in 18 countries understand the hyper-charged term, racist.

With the federal Liberal government announcing they are attempting to show support towards these minority ethnical groups in order to increase immigration rates, they believe it is the “existence of both these cultures”, in order to sustain such a effective yet, diverse community. This would fulfill the needs and expectations of the West as a whole since this group would add value to not only increasing employment rate, but also GDP and literacy rates. Most of these minority groups have families to provide shelter and healthcare to, meaning addressing this issue is like addressing two birds with one stone. Ending discrimination will support our countries wealth and the minority group’s vast opportunities as well.

His research grew out of an article by Brookings Institutions Shadi Hamid, in which Hamid contend white “racial self-interest” as an effect on euro centralization due to the suppression put against minority groups. This should not be ignored, and should be considered as the key to our countries success and sustainability. Ladies and gentlemen, do not fear the shadows of the darkness that establish this ultimate ethnic division between on another. But rather, face it with all the courage you have. Alas, this bias must be worn-out in order to further end discriminations for the sake of weakening extreme white nationalism.

As Kaufmanns research sheds light on immigration values conflicts that are triggering the West, it is important to note the positive co-existence of all ethnicities that we should champion. By doing so, we will be able to strive to fulfill our socially politically motives like a freedom and equality. Kaufmanns findings also might illuminate how Westerners should approach immigration trends, such as those reveals last week in Census Canada, which portrays how whites should not be considered a minority in the metropolises of Toronto and Vancouver. For example just because another ethnic group is expanding, does not mean that the white population has declined.

In a nutshell, the Kaufmann believes that people are considered racist if they want less immigration for ethno cultural reasons.

HL Class: IOC of the poem Tulips by Sylvia Plath

IOC found here!

Practise IOC- Moons of Jupiter Passage #1

IOC found here!

This is Water Analysis

 In what ways could Wallace’s theory about education be applicable to the writing of Alice Munro? Justify your conclusion.

David Foster Wallace was known for being an American writer and university instructor. One of his most intellectually instigating and inspiring commencement speeches is commonly known as This is Water and was published in 2009. In this speech, Wallace aims to address the reality of education towards intellectuals specifically, seniors in order to provoke a thoughtful response about our own human nature.

 In the beginning of the speech,Wallace uses a parable as he depicts an image of two fish swimming in the water. When the old fish meets up with the young fish, one of them replies with: "What the hell is water?" To justify, the young fish are symbolic of the guileless youth as we are unaware of the striking reality and the "default-setting" that we are not cautiously aware of. Instead, he intensively expresses how adulthood will not discourage you to think out side the box, but rather conform to this realm of operating through your default-setting. We know this because, he further showcases the notion of a typical "day in day out" day in America, where most people go through the same struggles in life as they all face "boredom, routine and petty frustration.". This is apparent as he creates a realistic image of daily encounters at the supermarket that almost everyone endures after a tiresome working day where he's "worked really hard all day and is starved and tired and can't even get home to eat and unwind because of all these stupid god-damn people." Moreover, Wallace's blunt and frustrated tone establishes an aggravated mood in order to reinforce the importance of cautious decision making. 

There is no doubt that Wallace essentially champions the idea of being cautious about our surroundings, thoughts and actions due to the fact that we as humans, perceive freedom as: "being able to truly care about the people and to sacrifice for them, over and over again". This ultimately contradicts to what is seen as the default setting, in other words the "rat race" that is known as the endless, self-defeating and aimless pursuit of life we end up living. Obviously, most adults end up getting lost in their own bubble, completely brain washed by their own brain ,their default-setting. However, his whole purpose of delivering this speech is to address the sad reality of adulthood in order to convince seniors at Kenyon Collage to be cautious about their choices, specially when it comes to education.

This brings Wallace back to his opinion towards schooling, specifically, the importance of choosing the correct system. He continues to manifest the essence of our human nature coinciding with real education, which really has no correlation with intellect. Instead, it has to do with our awareness and cautiousness with our surroundings, but most importantly, being cautious of our inner thoughts and well-being. This can be further supported by an article published by the New York Times, titled: For Better Social Skills, Scientists Recommend a Little Chekhov. In this article, the writer Bellock addresses the importance of literary fiction that enables students to have a creative imagination of which stimulates better emotional intelligence. Of course scientists recently discovering the value of emotional intelligence in fields like medicine, law and engineer thus, encourage the preservation of literary fiction and are in a journey to encourage such books across all schools. 

Ultimately, Wallace's theory about education can be applicable to the writing of Alice Munro due to the fact that Munro also writes about human experiences. This means that her variety of short stories such as: Royal Beatings, Passion, Boys and Girls, Moons of Jupiter and Runaway all hold great value in regard to human relationships within literature as the readers are able to experience the characters lives as well. This is because her distinct style of writing where she writes about our own human nature enables readers to spiritually and emotionally associate their own personal lives with the experiences/conflicts of the characters. By doing so, Munro inevitably stimulates a chance for readers to acknowledge the value of literary fiction on an empathetic and emotionally intelligent level. This essentially allows them to apply such stimulating knowledge to the real world. To justify, this palpable social perception enables readers to reshape their own thoughts, values and ideas in the real world as they are now socially aware of their surroundings, shapes them to make cautious and well-rounded decisions.   All in all, the coexistence of such shared humanities of both literature and education re-invents the way we perceive certain circumstances. This is because both Munro and Wallace's ideologies  exchange with one another that undoubtedly, transcends between contexts, thus re-inventing the function of literature. 

The coexistence of art and language

Philosophically speaking, art is considered to be one of the oldest and most expressive languages to ever exist in history. Dating back to periods of time in Europe spanning from avant-garde, impressionism and fauvism, one can only comprehend so much. That’s what I thought too, until I visited the greatest, if not the best art gallery ever to exist. Located in the heart of Saadiyat is a place that every one should definitely consider visiting. As I first walked into the gallery, I felt serene, calm and in full tranquility with myself, right in front of the artworks placed on the high white washed walls. Ultimately, the first masterpiece that caught my attention is definitely one painted during the Renaissance Era. I guess it was the warm tones and hues of red that harmonizes with its juxtaposed colors, all balanced in a flare that would establish unity from within. No. No it was not that actually. It was the insignificant details of the painting, commonly known as the credits of the painting. I clearly remember it being said to enable viewers to experience an “instigate illusion”. To justify, the artist Frans Floris aims to enable viewers to experience an allusion. This is due to the use of mathematical and geometrical perspective, with a set of principles that’s supposed to give them that allusion. This was painted during the search and quest of illusionism through the help of Alhazen, an Arab mathematician during the 11^th century whom was one of the founding principles of European paintings. However, this exploration had been illustrated through the use of mathematical perspective that balances with our natural realm, comprising of human figures, pots and natural plants. This is only for the sake of finalizing the principles of illusionism whilst birthing a new artistic movement. Undoubtedly, this is commonly known as, or as I like to call it, “the coexistence of art and language”. 

With that being said, the development and improvement of artistic theories wouldn’t grow without it coexisting with another language, in this case, the language of math. To justify, the breadth and depth of a certain ideology is further intensified with the connection of another, ultimately harmonizing within one another to create coexistence. This brings me back to the short stories I’ve analyzed in detail, written by the one and only Alice Munro who shed the light on the theme of human relationships. Her basic purpose in almost every story is to demonstrate the ramifications of certain ideas (i.e.: love or fear) in order to provoke a thoughtful response about our own self-destructive human nature. Similarly, to the artist Floris, who aims to explore mathematical principles in order to enable viewers to sense an allusion. Although one is a writer and the other is a painter, both take similar pathways as they attempt to fulfill their aim through the coexistence of certain ideologies (1-Art and Math, 2- English and Psychology). All in all, one can unravel the power of a subject and language coexisting as it inevitably equips viewers/readers to have a well-rounded core that’ll re-shape their way of thinking.

Summer and its treasured memories

Completing grade 11 left me feeling not only astonished, but excited for what the future holds. As far as I remember, the last time I've visited my country Jordan with this much anticipation was probably when I was five... only because I was excited to celebrate my Eid holiday with my old friends. However, it was not the family reunions, sun glistening beaches and the mouth-watering meals that got me up at night this time. It was rather the ancient carved sandstone cliffs, Roman theatres and the old Museum’s found by the side of the Red port. As soon as I boarded the A380 plane, I began to realize how important it is to hold onto cultural values. Whether this is through visiting old museums, reminiscing childhood memories or even just re-educating yourself about the significance of certain landmarks. With the advantage of hindsight, I can admit that I had a bittersweet feeling towards going back, more of a sentiment of guilt. This was due to the notion of neglecting the essence of Jordan’s history since I never completely appreciated its antiquity. Although I knew I was going back, I still took this as an opportunity to reshape my historical and cultural knowledge, as I become a tourist in my own country (strangely).

The first site that I visited was by far one my favorites. It was located in the heart of downtown Amman, one of the busiest places to ever be in. I saw this as a chance to enjoy a musical show with friends whilst appreciating every corner of such a breathtaking theatre. The theatre was probably built around the 2nd century AD during the reign of Antoninus Pius (AD 138–61). This theatre comprises of three sections, known as the rulers, the military and of course the general public. But what caught my attention was the tiny shrine onto the seats that once housed a statue of the goddess. It almost reminded me of the architecture during the 1900’s; similar to when the novel Things Fall Apart by, Chinua Achebe was set in. All in all, I believe that I now acknowledge the feeling of relief and success, as Achebe once wrote: “A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.”

Thesis Statement and Outline

Prompt: The personal history of an author can have a significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influence in Things Fall Apart.

Thesis Statement:

 In Things Fall Apart, Achebe's historical background significantly influences the construction of his writing as he uses secondary foil characters, his personal experience and the depiction of Christian missionaries arriving to the Igbo community to ultimately drive his purpose of renegotiating a relationship to traditional Igbo Society

Topic Sentence 1: Achebe's aim of reconnecting to his roots enables Achebe to use secondary foil characters like Mr. Brown and Smith in order to reinforce how the cultural values of the Igbo people coincides with the British missionaries.

Topic Sentence 2:  Furthermore, Achebe's background as a devout Christian influences the way he represents the arrival of missionaries of which, is manifested through an unbiased perspective in order to develop his purpose.

Topic Sentence 3: Throughout the novel, Achebe is able to critically take advantage of being an African author at that time in order to re-negotiate a relationship to traditional igbo society as he looks back to reciprocate and be critical of colonisation.

TFA Gender Thesis Statement & Outline

Create a thesis in response to this question, as well as an outline with effective topic sentences that would develop your argument. Post on your blog.

With reference to Things Fall Apart, discuss how an understanding of gender influences how the text may be understood.

Thesis Statement: 

Throughout Things Fall Apart, Achebe reveals how the complexity and role of women is suppressed through the use of secondary characters like Ojiougo, Obiereika and Ekwifi of which indirectly characterises Okonkwo's hyper masculinity in order for Westerners to comprehend Okonkwo's development as a tragic hero archetype that conforms to and deviates from his cultural values and Igbo traditions.

Topic Sentence 1: In the beginning of the novel, Achebe reinforces the theme of gender through the use of Okonkwo's   fearless nature where his charisma is driven by his harmatia that prevents him from conforming to his cultural values.

Topic Sentence 2: Furthermore, Achebe establishes power dynamics where men are inherently more privileged than women in order to drive Okonkwo's journey as a tragic hero archetype. 

Topic Sentence 3: Subsequently, Achebe manifests certain cultural adaptations in order to characterise Okonkwo's hyper-masculinity that develops his journey as a tragic hero archetype.

Thesis Statement

Prompt: With reference to Things Fall Apart, show how sub-plots or secondary characters contribute to the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the work as a whole.

Thesis Statement:

Through a culturally authentic perspective, Achebe is able to use secondary characters like Unoka, Nwyoe and Ekwifi in order to intensify the appreciation of the context, conflict and themes.

Aristole's Tragic Hero Archetype- Okonkwo

Why would Achebe, taking into account cultural context, choose to characterise Okonkwo using the tragic hero archetype?

The Greek Philosopher Aristole (322 BC-384 BC)  stipulates a Tragic Hero as a "good man of high status" of which demonstrates a tragic flaw known as 'hamartia', experiences a dramatic reversal in other words 'peripeteia' in addition to an intense moment of recognition commonly defined as 'anagnoris'. Throughout the novel Things Fall Apart, one can acknowledge how Chinua Achebe characterises Okonkwo through the tragic hero archetype while taking into account the cultural context of that era. He effectually establishes Aristole's 3 essential notions through the characterisation of Okonkwo as a "flawed" character.  Okonkwo's fear of being like his father establishes a hyper masculinity that allows him to be arrogant towards his loved ones. This eventually leads to his suicide and allows us to define him as a tragic hero. Ultimately, as an African writer during the era of colonisation, such authentic characterisation allows him to manifest a different outlook onto the Colonisation of Nigeria for his intended audience. 

In the beginning of the novel, Okonkwo is presented as a fearless warrior as his charisma is driven by his harmatia of which is the fear of being lazy like his father, Unoka. This is evident when he beats up his wife during the Peace Week as he: "Walked back to his Obi to await Oijuogo's return. And when she returned he beat her heavily. In his anger he had forgotten that it was the Week of Peace." (4, 20, 21-23) Ultimately, Okonkwo's fragile masculinity establishes his aggression towards his wife of which is driven by the fear of being like his father. 

As of his reversal of fortunes, commonly known as Peripeteia, Okonkwo chooses to murder Ikmefuna as evident when he: "Drew his machete and cut him down. He was afraid of being thought weak." (6, 44, 14-15). Okonkwo thought that by killing Ikmefuna, he would be seen as a powerful and more masculine figure however, this murder of Ikmefuna allows the audience to see him as a powerless figure. 

Towards the end of the novel, one can acknowledge Okonkwo's moment of anagnorisis where he comes to the conclusion that he cannot go to war with the missionaries as the clan: "Had broken into tumult instead of action" (24, 152, 30-31). The portrayal of Okonkwo through the lens of Aristole's essential elements of a tragic hero archetype allows us to comprehend how his arrogant pride drives the notion that the clan leaders would primarily unify the clan and escalate the British Colonisers out of Umofia. However, Okonkwo's spontaneously murders the British messenger that sent to break up the village meeting regarding the possibility of going to war. Ironically, the clan did not fight back but rather was shocked by such savagely actions. This sparks Okonkwo's moment of angnorisis as he recognises that he must endure his shame independently.

Substantially, through a culturally authentic voice, Achebe is able to orchestrate the main events that drive Okonkwo's Tragic Hero archetype in order to establish the cultural context of the pre and post colonial life in late ninetieth century Nigeria. As of Aristole's definition of a tragic hero, Achebe metaphorically mimics Okonkwo's journey as a tragic hero similarly to the colonisation of the Igbo society. To justify, Okonkwo is unable to become a powerful Igbo man since he ironically dies the same way as his father, without preserving Igbo values and culture as his hubris overrides his power. There is no doubt that his melancholic death is a symbolic representation of the death of his culture, traditions, values and an Igbo realm. This predominately showcases the contextual significance of an Igbo man holding onto his culture because without the Igbo people caring for their culture, the culture will subside similarly to its inhabits.  Obviously, Achebe is able to inaugurate an authentic approach to the perspectives of Colonisation as he effectively characterises Okonkwo using the tragic hero archetype in order to reinforce the theme of Colonisation through the embracement of Igbo society and norms.

Igbo Background

Good evening honourable ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to have the honour to give a toast of "Prosperity to the Royal Colonial Institute" as I confess to you my honest intentions towards the Igbo culture.

 Looking back in history, it is clear how the Bight of Biagra allows us to penetrate the inferior of Igboland for our own interests. This includes certain interest groups that pushed Europe cultural, commercial and influence into the African interior with the sole purpose of trade and the politics of abolition. Although we perceive this as prosperous economical, social and political gain for Africa, we ignore the fact that colonisation destructs their culture, communities and civilisation. Our inherit supremacy allows us to neglect the contextual significance of Africa and continue to shed blood as our main purpose is driven by global expansion. We ironically preach superlative civilisation yet continue to dehumanise certain civilisations as we believe we are doing a virtue for them when in reality, they could be doing a favour for us. Instead of being in denial, we have to accept the notion that there is no one way of living but rather, many ways. By believing in this, we will be open-minded towards the Igbo culture and respect and learn certain cultural values.

Change. Igbo people appreciate change and constantly expect it as they believe that the world is a "market place and it is subject to bargain". So instead of accepting such a transparent living society, we blindly watch the demolishment of such a harmonic and peaceful society shattering in our own hands? Wake up. We need to be able to enhance our civilisation and use its superiority for the most beneficial reasons. It is our responsibility to build upon our civilisation independently without the assimilation of the Igbo culture. We shall not suppress, we shall champion the Igbo culture. We shall not destroy, it is our duty to nourish the Igbo society by watering their seeds. As long as we are alive, we have the right to appreciate and acknowledge the effectiveness of the Igbo society. 

Diplomacy. Our fathers should take into consideration the cross-cutting ties of such extremely democratic government that function effectively with no centralised government. Through the lens of an Igbo man, without status he is not perceived as a man anymore. The Igbo society were so organised and family oriented, it is difficult to find something wrong about it. For example, the Oto Umo Ada were an association of women that regulated meetings with the purpose of good will, mutual respect and diplomacy. Such system establishes the effectiveness of the Igbo society and how well-developed their civilisation is.

It seems to me that we have the obligiation as being Great Britain to illuminate and spread our advancement worldwide however, without being so patriotic. We should dread the thought of being called a "wicked man" but rather should strive to be known as a "valuable man" whom cares for the Igbo civilisation. Blood shed, terror and destruction is not what we want to be remembered for. We have to live up to our British Empire and become role models for our future children.

Achebe Interview

During the Shared Inquiry Discussion, my group and I were able to  reflect on Achebe's Interview with 'The Atlantic' that was published on August 2000. In this SID, my group and I considered the notions that are articulated in the Interview while taking into account Achebe's context of composition that allows him to have a culturally authentic approach to the questions being interrogated. Ultimately, the most meaningful takeaway from the discussion relating to the cultural context of Achebe's work is the fact that he is able to manifest the establishment of his purpose when writing his 'Things Fall Apart' (1958) novel. This is evident as he expresses how he writes not only speaking for African-Americans but rather for a whole "range of people across the globe that does not have the chance to speak about power". I think this really spoke to me as Achebe is able to celebrate his pure Ibi culture that further spurs a sense of nationalistic pride in order to challenge the asserting hegemonic power. By doing so, Achebe is successfully able to establish his cultural authenticity as he showcases the transition into a colonised nation. 

A quote that stood out amongst the rest is definitely when Achebe expresses the imperilment of a single story that instantly would lead to the dangerous effects to our linguistic ethnic like ignorance and cultural divisions between nations. Achebe directly achieves a solid response as he denotes how: "Its not because they don't have something to say, it simply has to do with the division of power, because storytelling has to do with power. Those who win tell the story; those who are defeated are not heard. But that has to change". Such directive tone through the use of the rhetoric persuasion of logos effectually provokes a thoughtful response about our ignorance that reinforces the theme of injustice colonisation. To justify, Achebe highlights the unfair reality of "storytelling" as he expresses how it is the asserting power that write their own perspectives on stories however, Achebe is able to dissent from the norm and exploit linguistic ethnic through his cultural authenticity.

Paper One - Malcolm X's Political Speech the Ballot or the Bullet

 Hala Ariqat

Mr. Michael Molenaar

English Language & Literature

11-3

9/4/2017

1460 words

English Paper One

          The text presented is an extract from a political speech ‘The Ballot or the Bullet’ by African-American Muslim minister Malcolm X. This speech was delivered on April 3^rd 1964 and can be classified as a political speech since it contains a variety of conventions such as rhetorical devices, slogans and memorable advice with the sole purpose of reminding African-Americans of their rights to vote for freedom. The use of political references in history enables the speech to have a distinctive style, as he is able to appeal to his audience and call them to action accordingly. Malcolm X political speech comprises of literary techniques, stylistic features of the text and contextual significance that drives the purpose of persuading African-Americans to stand up against their discrimination through Black Nationalism.

         The audience of this speech is directed towards African-American voters with the exclusive purpose of persuading the audience to stand up for their rights through the championing of Black Nationalism. This is evident when Malcolm X uses pronouns referring to African-Americans by saying: “And it will take black nationalism- that to bring about the freedom of 22 million Afro-Americans here in this country where we have suffered colonialism for the past 400 years”. The use of pronouns like “we” suggests that he is referring to himself as being apart of the African-American race that were discriminated and is directly addressing their lack of social justice during the 1960’s. To justify, Malcolm X suggests that national liberation comes from their own effort rather than white liberals as he continues to champion the philosophy of Black Nationalism. Such use of personal pronouns implies to readers that his purpose is to persuade African-Americans to stand up for their freedom through Black Nationalism. This is also clear when he expresses how: “In 1964 you’ll see this young black man, this new generation asking for the ballot or the bullet”. Obviously, Malcolm X informs African-Americans of his future goals as he strives for change by directly encouraging African-Americans to join him to stand up against discrimination by championing the notion of Black Nationalism. There is no doubt that the audience of this speech is targeted towards African-American voters with the persistence of urging the audience to stand up for their rights through advocating Black Nationalism.

          The Ballot or the Bullet progresses Malcolm X’s need of change in society in order to express the theme of inequality, hope and Black Nationalism. In the beginning of the extract X says: “It is nationalism that brought about the independence of the people in Asia.” in order to drive the theme of black nationalism through the credibility of Asia gaining independence due to nationalism. Such use of historical references reinforces the theme of black nationalism by emphasizing its importance in society in order to gradually progress X’s purpose. Further more in the text, X progresses his need of change in order to drive the theme of inequality by expressing how: “they try and make you think they set you free by calling you a second-class citizen, oh, you’re nothing but a 20^th century slave” in order to denote the cruel way that African-Americans were being treated. Obviously, the speech encourages African-Americans to fight against injustice through the practice of Black Nationalism. X effectively contrasts the action taken towards the struggle for justice between the hegemonic power and the subaltern African-American race in order to further drive the theme of hope by saying: “So today, our people are disillusioned. They’ve become disenchanted. They’ve become dissatisfied, and in their frustrations they want action.” To justify, he expresses how the trickery and false promises of the white man is not something that African-Americans should fall for since their social justice was not seen as a serious problem by the supreme regime. Moreover, X perceives the vital notion of change rather in the peoples hands thus, encourages them to fight against racial discrimination through nationalism. The Ballot or the Bullet progresses Malcolm X’s need of change in society in order to express the theme of inequality, hope and Black Nationalism.

          X employs an assertive tone of which advocates African-Americans rights to vote that develops an inspiring mood in the political speech.  X evokes a sense of assertiveness when he introduces his speech by saying: “It’s time for us today to starts doing some standing, and some fighting to back that up”.  There is not doubt that his clear and directive statement about the notion of Civil rights carries the tone of assertiveness that re-enforces the importance of change that X is striving for his people. Moreover, his tone develops an inspiring mood that is evident when he says: “This new generation asking for the ballot or the bullet. The young generations don’t want to hear anything about the odds are against us. What do we care about odds.” Clearly, his certainty on the young generations perception of politics stimulates an inspiring mood that is also evident when he says: “And in 1964 you’ll see this young black man asking for the ballot or the bullet”. To justify, the use of such determinations allows the audience to evoke a sense of inspiration towards the justice of African-Americans, as he is determined that he will be the change. X employs an assertive tone of which champions African-Americans rights to vote that develops an inspiring mood in the political speech. 

          X uses a variety of literary devices such as bandwagon appeal, anaphora and hypopohra that intensifies the theme of black nationalism in order to drive his purpose of encouraging African-Americans to have the rights to vote. In the beginning of the speech he says: “You can stay in any kind of civic organization that you belong to and still take black nationalism as your philosophy. You can be an atheist and still take Black Nationalism as your philosophy”. X provokes a sense of encouragement towards African-Americans by expressing how suitable nationalism is for anyone through the use of two similar clauses. This is obviously anaphora as he is able to repetitively repeat how an individual can be apart of any belief and still support African-Americans fight for civil rights. As of the use of bandwagon appeal, he conveys how: “If you are black you should be thinking black, and if you are black and you not thinking black at this late date, well I’m sorry for you.” X evokes an image of someone sitting that develops a call of urgency in order to drive the purpose of gaining African-American rights. Further more, X directly asks: “What do you call second-class citizenship? Why, that’s colonization. Second class citizenship is nothing but 20^th century slavery”. Clearly, this implies how the use of hypophora intensifies the importance of black nationalism since their treatment should not be acceptable in society as they are regarded as “20^th century slaves”. X uses a variety of literary devices such as bandwagon appeal, anaphora and hypopohra that intensifies the theme of black nationalism in order to drive his purpose of encouraging African-Americans to have the rights to vote.

          X uses a suitable structure for his political speech that comprises of literary devices in order to develop the importance of the title and text. He structures his ideas in a coherent and organized manner. This is evident where each paragraph focuses on a main theme in order to drive his purpose of encouraging African-Americans to stand up for their voting rights where the first paragraph focuses on the philosophy of Black Nationalism and how it’s a “self help philosophy where once you change your philosophy, you change your thought patter, Once you change your attitude, it changes you behavior pattern and then you go on into some action”. Introducing the philosophy of Black Nationalism cements to the audience the contextual significance that X is striving for during that era. Furthermore, he builds up his need of change by encouraging African-Americans in the second paragraph that: “ American is more so a colonial power as France ever was. In fact, American is more so a colonial power than they because she’s a hypocritical colonial power behind it.” Clearly, he establishes the idea that the superior hegemonic power in charge of the government did not fulfill their needs in terms of racial equality, civil rights and voting rights but rather are being hypocritical. This is further developed in his last paragraph that focuses on the theme of hope where he concludes how: “They’ve become dissatisfied, and in their frustrations they want action.” This concludes how X calls for urgency as he exemplifies the inclusivity of Black Nationalism that drives the audience to stand up for their rights.

         The text is an extract from a political speech given by Malcolm X with the purpose of persuading the audience to stand up for their rights through the championing of Black Nationalism. The political speech comprises of literary techniques, stylistic features such as anaphora, hypophora and bandwagon appeal and contextual significance that drives the purpose of this speech. The Ballot or the Bullet progresses Malcolm X’s need of change in society in order to express the theme of inequality, hope and Black Nationalism.

IOC Passage- Act 4, Scene 5 of Coriolanus

Attached is my IOC of a passage extracted from Act 4, Scene 5 of the play Coriolanus and my annotated version of the extract.

Click the following link for my IOC:

IOC of Coriolanus Passage

Annotated Passage:

Theme of Power

Shakespeare develops the theme of power in the political play Coriolanus (1605-1608)  through the use of portraying contrasting characters during a paradigm shift of the political structure in Elizabethan England. The characterisation of characters like Coriolanus, Volumnia and Aufidius further divulges into the political contextual significance of the play as Shakespeare is able to display the controversy of social and political power. Further more, Shakespeare demonstrates the juxtaposition of certain characters like Coriolanus whom unveils traits like swallowing his pride as opposed to Aufidius whom is able to manipulate Coriolanus for his own advantage. Coriolanus is perceived as a demigod due to his courageous self that is determined to battle in war as he is driven by his ambition to take the throne. However, he struggles to succeed as his tragic flaw of not being able to swallow his pride leads to his downfall. To justify, Coriolanus character of being powerful anachronistically is not suitable for the transitioning political system in this era. Unlike Coriolanus, Aufidus is emotionally powerful as he is capable of indirectly manipulating Coriolanus by gaining his respect in order to use Coriolanus as a weapon against Rome for his own advantage. Although Aufiidus has an envious nature towards Coriolanus, he isn't afraid to swallow his pride of which is what allows him to defeat Coriolanus. Shakespeare effectually portrays such contrasting characters solely for the purpose of allowing the audience to grasp the sense of what political power meant during the Elizabethan era. Not to forget Volumnia whom is Coriolanus' mother plays a vital role in her son's life as he always depends on her convictions. As evident in Act 5, Shakespeare demonstrates how Volumnia was the only character that was able to convince Coriolanus to not attack Rome in order to connote the sense that she has a cardinal say in his actions and responsibilities. To justify, her superior beliefs and outlooks on particular facets overrides Coriolanus' individual persona. Shakespeare effectively cements the contextualisation of the transitioning political system in Elizabethan England through the use of certain characters that drive the theme of political power.

Characterisation of Coriolanus in Act I

Act I of the play Coriolanus manifests to the audience how Shakespeare effectively denotes his purpose of solely emphasizing essential historical and political contextual concepts such as the genre, setting and future conflicts of the play, in order to establish the fundamental essence of the play.

Throughout the exposition of the play, Shakespeare essentially introduces the tragic hero and protagonist of the play known as Caius Martius from the perspective of the rioting Plebeians in order to portray the political hierarchy during the early Republican period of Rome. In the beginning of the play, the audience are presented with the rioting of the aggravating plebeians against the Patricians specifically, Maritus because he has set a high price of grain that they are not capable of affording. This is evident when the Plebeians compare Maritus to an animal by describing him as: “a very dog to the commonalty” (I.i.27-28) that clearly portrays the hatred the civilians have towards him of which allows the audience to decode the characteristic traits of Maritus as a powerful figure. Ultimately, Maritus does not prioritise the basic needs of the civilians but rather focuses on his political power during war at the battlefields. Further more, Shakespeare continues to establish a fundamental understanding of the political hiearchy that further demonstrates the unraveling sense of Maritus' arrogant and short-tempered character where he distinctly says: "You dissentious rouges, That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs?" (1.1. 179-181) There is no doubt that such use of a rhetoric question towards the plebeians represents to the audience how Martius is taking advantage of being a Patrician as Shakespeare depicts the political contexts of the hierarchal system during the 20th century. Moreover, Shakespeare establishes the political and historical importance of the play rather than a common conventional tragedy by depicting the hierarchical system in order to develop Martius' figure.

Shakespeare divulges to the audience crucial cognizance of the setting specifically, the two worlds that is evident throughout the play including the battle field vs. the city and the capitol building, in order to establish the pivotal understanding of the play. When Maritus is engaged during the Battle at Corioles, he is represented as an influential and courageous figure, similarly to a demigod, he is brave and is willing to take injury for the sake of his country. This is evident where he says: "Fight with hearts more proof than shield." The audience is able to appreciate the determined and patriotic self of Martius as he is portrayed as a brave heroic fighter that obviously contrasts to how he was perceived by the Plebeians in the beginning of Act I. 

Shakespeare further establishes a sense of conflicts by foreshadowing future conflicts with Coriolanus. This is evident when the plebeians were rioting against him wishing him death. Clearly, this foreshadows how they exile of him to Rome. Not to forget another conflict that was mentioned was the tribunes including Brutus and Sincinus that further establish how they are involved in future issues.

Shakespeare efficiently depicts his purpose of emphasizing  historical and political contextually concepts in order to establish important aspects such as the genre, setting and future conflicts that further portray the exposition of such a tragic flawed hero known as, Coriolanus.