The Handicap of a Limiting Definition “The Handicap of Definition” is an article written by columnist William Raspberry. The article focuses on racism, particularly racism resulting from using “black” as an adjective to describe certain actions in a negative light. In “The Handicap of Definition,” William Raspberry explores the idea that using race as an adjective is negative through his own background, context, and style.
Author
William Raspberry supports the idea that using race as an adjective is negative through his own background as a black author. Raspberry begins his column with “I know all about bad schools, mean politicians, economic deprivation, and racism” (594). Raspberry grew up in the segregated town of Okolona, Mississippi. …show more content…
Pleasing the teacher is considered acting white. Using proper grammar and having educational toys and games is categorized as white. Even showing interest in the future by working hard in the present is “white” (Raspberry 595). Raspberry implies that using race as an adjective limits a person’s growth. By continuing to demean each other by using “white” as a negative adjective, black children are teaching each other that interest in education is white, and therefore not something a black child should attempt to achieve. This soon becomes a mental roadblock that hinders educational growth to its full potential. Raspberry believes that black children have the potential to develop their mathematical reasoning, elocution, and attitudes through practice and the belief that they can do it (595). Raspberry’s own experiences as a black child in a segregated town attribute to his belief that black children should not use race as a negative adjective to debase each …show more content…
Raspberry draws on his own personal experiences as a black man growing up in a period during which segregation and racism were widespread as well as the current events at the time. Raspberry further supports his argument using literary and rhetorical devices to convince readers of the negative effects associated with defining race. Although defining race may provide a sense of identity, a narrow definition limits growth for future
Author
William Raspberry supports the idea that using race as an adjective is negative through his own background as a black author. Raspberry begins his column with “I know all about bad schools, mean politicians, economic deprivation, and racism” (594). Raspberry grew up in the segregated town of Okolona, Mississippi. …show more content…
Pleasing the teacher is considered acting white. Using proper grammar and having educational toys and games is categorized as white. Even showing interest in the future by working hard in the present is “white” (Raspberry 595). Raspberry implies that using race as an adjective limits a person’s growth. By continuing to demean each other by using “white” as a negative adjective, black children are teaching each other that interest in education is white, and therefore not something a black child should attempt to achieve. This soon becomes a mental roadblock that hinders educational growth to its full potential. Raspberry believes that black children have the potential to develop their mathematical reasoning, elocution, and attitudes through practice and the belief that they can do it (595). Raspberry’s own experiences as a black child in a segregated town attribute to his belief that black children should not use race as a negative adjective to debase each …show more content…
Raspberry draws on his own personal experiences as a black man growing up in a period during which segregation and racism were widespread as well as the current events at the time. Raspberry further supports his argument using literary and rhetorical devices to convince readers of the negative effects associated with defining race. Although defining race may provide a sense of identity, a narrow definition limits growth for future