Rhetorical Analysis Of Where Are We Now By Gary Orfield

In BROWN V. BOARD: Where Are We Now, Gary Orfield argues that the process of desegregation in schools have dwindled since the Brown V. Board case, a case that proved laws segregating schools to be unconstitutional. Orfield writes of how schools are more segregated than before and why people should promote desegregation. He utilizes logos, ethos, and pathos to convey his ideas. Logos being logistic proof, ethos as an appeal to credibility and, pathos as emotional appeal. Orfield urges his audience to sustain desegregation through the use of logos, ethos, and pathos. Throughout Orfield’s argument evidence and logistics are featured. These facts enhance his reasoning with the audience as they provide support for his reasoning. He writes that social science research has proved that integrated classrooms provide students with “enhanced learning, higher academic achievement for minorities, higher educational and occupational aspirations” and etc. The author uses this to support the reason that integration in classroom is important. He lists the benefits that students could possibly attain if people started working together to end segregation. These facts support that integration is important because without it students will have missed the chance to improve their education and experiences. Logos adds support to Orfield’s ideas and elevates them. …show more content…
This use of ethos applies a sense of credibility or reliability to the argument. Orfield is a “professor of education and social policy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and co-director of the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University.” The fact that he is a professor in Harvard, an ivy league school shows that he is highly educated. Orfield is also a co-director of the Civil Rights Project verifying that is experienced in the subject of the argument. Ethos proves Orfield to be reliable and ensures that readers understand that he knows what he talking