This page is dedicated to the phase 2 assignment in engl 11000 of the spring semester
Andres Zacarias
Professor Morran
ENGL 11000
May-12-2023
Phase 2
Cover Letter:
Countries, facing differential treatment based on their identity. Throughout this phase, I have gained profound and meaningful insights. One of the most significant revelations is that language and its manner of expression hold little importance compared to understanding and recognizing the shared humanity of individuals across the world. The purpose of writing, as well as the works of authors who have written similar articles, poems, and personal essays, have deeply influenced my learning journey. These writings have revealed greater truths and meanings about the topic, demonstrating a perspective that envisions society as an equal place where everyone is viewed as the same. Moreover, these works have shed light on how language can serve as a temporary barrier, separating individuals who face their own struggles. As a result, my writing style has transformed to the point where I can write as if I were conducting an interview or addressing a live audience in the present moment. This phase has contributed to achieving a specific learning outcome of the course, which involves examining how attitudes towards linguistic standards can both empower and oppress language users. I confidently express this because I have extensively read poems and personal essays by various authors, which depict their own thoughts on the oppression faced by individuals who prefer to use a language they are comfortable with in a foreign country where people insist on using only the dominant language of that particular country. This exposure has facilitated personal growth, allowing me to view the world from diverse perspectives, encouraging me to ask questions and offer my own insights on the subject matter.
Being born in America can be considered a significant privilege for the majority of individuals, even if they belong to marginalized groups like people of color or Hispanics. After reading Langston Hughes’ “Theme for English B,” I have realized that this particular piece addresses both the white community and minority communities. By utilizing emotions, the author effectively communicates their feelings and motivations behind engaging in a specific argument or discussion. I was particularly intrigued by Langston Hughes’ utilization of the rhetorical strategy of comparison, where individuals or objects are juxtaposed for emphasis. It fascinated me how Hughes incorporated emotions and employed the compare and contrast technique to construct this piece. For instance, he states, “It’s not easy to know what is true for you or me at twenty-two, my age. But I guess I’m what I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you.” Through evoking emotions, Hughes candidly addresses the existence of discrimination, expressing his own experiences and how he perceives others’ discrimination based on their perceived superiority due to skin color. However, Hughes wanted to convey to the white community that, regardless of shared skin color or not, no individual should be subjected to comparisons. Langston Hughes aimed to promote awareness through his masterful use of writing and language, effectively conveying emotions on paper for anyone to read and contemplate. In his statement, “You are white yet are a part of me as I am a part of you,” Hughes highlights the interconnectedness of individuals, transcending racial boundaries. He sought to shed light on the unfairness of differential treatment based solely on skin color. By skillfully employing the written medium, Hughes intended to reach a broad audience, encouraging reflection on the injustices that arise from such discriminatory practices.
Being in an unfamiliar environment, far from the comforts of what one is accustomed to, can present significant challenges. This is particularly true when faced with language barriers and an unfamiliar educational system. Amy Tan’s narrative, “Mother Tongue,” explores various rhetorical strategies, predominantly employing ethos to establish her identity, provide insights into her family, and shed light on her linguistic background. Tan skillfully employs these strategies to communicate her experiences and engage the reader in a deeper understanding of the complexities she navigates. Within her narrative, Amy Tan addresses a diverse audience that encompasses both proficient English speakers and individuals who perceive their language abilities as limited, often labeled as “broken English.” Tan delves into this distinction while contemplating her mother’s proficiency in English. She shares her recent introspection, stating, “Lately, I’ve been giving more thought to the kind of English my mother speaks. Like others, I have described it to people as ‘broken’ or ‘fractured’ English.” Tan conveys her discomfort with the lack of adequate vocabulary to describe her mother’s language, as such terminology implies damage and insufficiency that necessitates repair. Ultimately, Tan seeks to bridge the divide between fluent English speakers and those with less proficiency, encouraging the former not to create a sense of differentiation based on language fluency.
My Poem:
In the tapestry of life, I find my place,
Amidst the shadows of prejudice and race.
A journey of identity, a struggle profound,
As racial discrimination seeks to confound.
My skin, a canvas, a mosaic of hues,
Telling a story, of triumphs and bruised,
But I refuse to be defined by the norm,
For within me, a fire, an uprising storm.
They try to categorize, to label and confine,
But my spirit soars, it knows no boundary line.
I am more than the pigment that they perceive,
A soul rich with dreams that won’t be deceived.
In the face of adversity, I rise strong,
Empowered by the melodies of those who long,
For equality, justice, a world fair and true,
Where identity thrives and prejudice is through.
For every scar inflicted by words unkind,
I find solace in the unity of humankind.
Together we stand, united in our fight,
To break the chains of darkness, to ignite.
Let us embrace the beauty of our diversity,
For it is our strength, our collective legacy.
