“Sex Lies and Conversation” by Deborah Tannen and “Why I’m Black
After reading “Sex Lies and Conversation” by Deborah Tannen and “Why I’m Black, Not African American” by John H. McWhorter, I noticed that the articles differ in purpose. While Tannen’s articles seem to inform the reader of the difference in communication between men and women, McWhorter’s article seems to persuade the reader why people regarded as African Americans should instead be referred to as Black. The two articles make a specific point and provide support and reason to support the arguments. Tannen’s point is that men and women should have a cross-cultural understanding regarding communication, which would eliminate the misunderstanding in a conversation between men and women. McWhorter argues that most African Americans have been born and raised in America and only know America as their home. Therefore they should be called Blacks instead of African Americans. Both articles use a point by point organization addressing one point of comparison at a time. In terms of style, I think Tannen’s article takes the form of expository writing since it aims at explaining. In contrast, McWhorter’s article is persuasive since it contains the opinions and biases of the author, combined with justifications and reasons.
After reading “Sex Lies and Conversation” by Deborah Tannen and “Why I’m Black, Not African American” by John H. McWhorter, I noticed that the articles differ in purpose. While Tannen’s articles seem to inform the reader of the difference in communication between men and women, McWhorter’s article seems to persuade the reader why people regarded as African Americans should instead be referred to as Black. The two articles make a specific point and provide support and reason to support the arguments. Tannen’s point is that men and women should have a cross-cultural understanding regarding communication, which would eliminate the misunderstanding in a conversation between men and women. McWhorter argues that most African Americans have been born and raised in America and only know America as their home. Therefore they should be called Blacks instead of African Americans. Both articles use a point by point organization addressing one point of comparison at a time. In terms of style, I think Tannen’s article takes the form of expository writing since it aims at explaining. In contrast, McWhorter’s article is persuasive since it contains the opinions and biases of the author, combined with justifications and reasons.