Love and Race -- Critical Thinking Questions

Assignment: In “The New World Reader,” reread the essay, “Love and Race,” written by Nicholas D. Kristof. Once the reading is complete, answer all of the questions for critical thinking.

1.) What is your opinion of interracial love? What assumptions and attitudes do you bring to the subject? How open are you to an essay entitled “Love and Race”? Why would such a topic invite – almost demand – careful critical thinking? What assumption do you think that Kristof makes about his readers?

After reading the essay, “Love and Race,” written by Nicholas D. Kristof, I was able to gather many of my own personal opinions. First of all, I would like to start by saying that I agree completely that interracial intimacy is a positive step in showing that our society has and is becoming more racially tolerant. Secondly, I would like to comment that the title is indeed a good fit for this particular essay because it describes the content of the essay very simply yet very well. Third, such a topic would guarantee the need for critical thinking for it a rather complex matter with a good deal of history behind it. If you have ever studied American History or the Civil War, you know this first hand. Racism and each individual’s thoughts and opinions can vary greatly. This is why this topic requires very careful critical thinking. Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that Kristof probably assumes that his readers are younger, probably in high school or college, he most likely assumes that they are liberal and agree that racism is wrong, and he also probably assumes that his readers follow the developments of and with this trend in their everyday lives and know some history behind the topic as well.

2.) Why does Kristof refer to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) at the beginning and the end of his essay (paragraphs 3 and 15)? When answering this question, use your knowledge of civil rights history to broaden your understanding of Kristof’s purpose.

I would assume that Kristof refers to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in the third and fifteenth paragraphs of his essay because he is trying to show how different students at the university might have felt about this particular topic of interracial dating and love.

In paragraph three, a black student of the university quotes “I will say that they are always given a second glance.” In this case, I believe that this student is referring that those who interracially date are most often looked down upon by other members of the academic community. In paragraph fifteen, Kristof was looking forward to gathering research on this topic however was not able to find anyone willing to speak publicly about the topic.

Some reasons for individuals not wanting to speak publicly could include that they are afraid that others might look down upon them or that their opinions might be considered bad or might have the tendency to stir up controversy. It is probably a combination of a good many things. If you want to look at it from a civil rights perspective, many people in the southern United States are still in agreement with old beliefs of racism and are uncomfortable with our ever changing society.

However, back to the main point, Kristof’s main reason for referring to Ole Miss was to show how members (students) of a particular academic community felt towards the uprising trend of interracial dating. Whether they were in agreement or not, he wanted to display all opinions and beliefs.

3.) Where does Kristof use description and narration to organize part of the essay? What is the effect?

When reading the essay “Love and Race,” I felt that a large portion of the essay used description and narration as a form of organization. I felt this to be most demonstrated in paragraphs four through eleven. However I would say that the author, Nicholas D. Kristof used narration and description throughout the entire essay except for a few sentences once in awhile. Using this form of organization, I was very easily able to understand the author’s message and what the essay was all about.

4.) Kristof employs numerous expository strategies in this essay. Locate and identify them, explaining what they contribute to the substance and the organization of the essay.

Some expository strategies used by Kristof include the following:

Ø In the introduction, Kristof explains the content of his essay and tells his audience about the growing trend of interracial dating.

Ø In paragraph 3, C.J. Rhodes, a black student at Ole Miss quotes “I will say that they are always given a second glance.” In order to clarify what Rhodes means by this quote, Kristof responds by writing “He adds that there are still misgivings about interracial dating, particularly among black women and a formidable amount of “white Southerners who view this race-mixing as abnormal, frozen by fear to see Sarah Beth bring home a brotha.” With this given response, I feel that Kristof is able to clarify Rhodes’ statement and adds more definition to its meaning.

Ø In paragraphs eight and nine, Kristof resorts to explaining some history of how racial behaviors had affected our society in the past. This in itself was an expository strategy to help the essayist and the reader correlate an understanding together of the central meaning of interracial dating.

Ø Paragraph thirteen states “These days, interracial dating can be seen on the big screen, on TV shows and in the lives of some prominent Americans. Former Defense Secretary William Cohen has a black wife, as does Peter Norton, the software guru. The Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas has a white wife.” Paragraph fourteen goes on to say “I find the surge of interracial marriage to be one of the most positive fronts in American race relations today, building bridges and empathy. But it’s still in its infancy. As I am sure you are aware, paragraph thirteen is suggesting to the reader that he or she probably has seen interracial relationships in their everyday lives whether they may realize it or not where paragraph fourteen states the author’s own personal opinion.

Ø The closing paragraph is simply stating that Mr. Kristof is in belief that racial differences will soon blur and that all will be seen differently within time to come. You may have noticed that the ending paragraph and paragraph fourteen are both very much alike.

5.) Does Kristof construct an argument in this essay or is he simply reporting a cultural development?

In all honesty, each individual may see Kristof’s writing in a different light. However, since this particular question is asking me to tell whether Kristof is constructing an argument or is reporting a cultural development, I would have to say from my perspective that he is reporting a cultural event that has the potential for being an argument. From the context that is provided within the essay, you see the Kristof is reporting the cultural development that is taking place in our everyday lives. However, if you are to take a closer look, you will likely note that he has listed some of his own personal opinions. As is the case with almost all opinions, not everyone is in agreement. Therefore when the author lists his personal opinions he is allowing others to agree or disagree while at the same time, reporting a cultural development.