Tim Soutphomasane: Racism Analysis

Improved Essays
A series of videos posted online showing acts of blatant racism has fuelled a stream of media responses over whether Australia is a racist country. In the opinion piece by TIm Soutphomasane, titled "We must stamp on the cockroach of racism" (The Age, 8/4/2013), Tim contends that the expression of racism is deeply disconcerting and reflects the failure on the part of society to recognise and eliminate it. By applying a critical and concerned tone, Tim challenges the reader's perception on the implications of racism in Australian society and how it can be addressed.

(intended effect)
Tim opens his piece by asserting "Racism is like a cockroach of civilised society". Tim associates racism with cockroaches which have connoations of uncleaniness and lack of desirability. Through the use of this metaphor, Tim encourages the reader to share in his view that racism is abhorrent. He follows with strong descriptive language such as "vile" and "revolting" to try to further position the reader to view racism negatively. These two elements are strategically placed at the very beginning of the piece in order to grab the attention of the reader and set the tone for his arguments.
…show more content…
He attempts to draw up anger in the reader by accentuating the targeting of children in racist attacks and thus predispose the reader to respond emotionally to his arguments. He refers intimately to his audience, "Melburnians will remember", and this has the effect of compelling the reader to respond

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