How race affects a person’s ability to succeed
Texts for Essay 3
“Black Like Them” by Malcom Gladwell
“Horatio Alger” by Harlon L. Dalton
“The Whole United States is Southern”
“How to Tame A Wild Tounge” by Gloria Anzaldúa
Essay 3 Prompt
For this assignment, argue the extent to which you believe race influences one’s ability to be successful. Using the articles about race, as well as thinking about Anzaldúa’s story, construct an argument about how you think race can help or inhibit (or possibly both) someone’s ability to take the steps needed for advancement.
In other words, are there additional obstacles people of different races face on their way to being successful, and do these obstacles prevent them from achieving success? You will use the information in the article we read to support your argument and point of view.
Your essay should:
Include a strong main statement claim and reasons in support of this claim
Include details, examples, and quotations from the texts to help you develop your argument.
Talk about complexities—for example, you might think about Anzaldúa’a grittiness, explain how her family helped him to become gritty. Make sure you use specific examples to help you support your ideas.
Use your critical voice to explain WHY you’ve reached your conclusions about the relationship between race and success.
Be written in 3rd person only
