America As Good As Its Promise By Smiley Analysis

This editorial found in TIME magazine, written by Travis Smiley, is talking about the unjustness towards African Americans; especially in this years election. The title itself, Why I Fear America Could Enslave Black People Again, sets the tone for the paper. It obviously shows that the writer is worried about what direction our country is headed for. The author begins his paper by telling the audience that he was in Bethlehem Pennsylvania for a talk entitled “Making America As Good As Its Promise”. Hearing this, the audience obviously automatically thinks of Donald Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again” but the author quickly informs the audience that they have nothing in common with one another. Smiley then shares with the
If the Congress is willing to ignore this Constitutional mandate, what else would they be willing to ignore? It does seem outrageous to believe that African Americans could be enslaved again, and the author does understand that; he even tells the audience that most people would believe that it is impossible. However, by admitting that it seems outrageous, he shows the readers that he understands both sides of the argument. The author finishes his editorial by saying, “With the hair-raising, bone-chilling, spine-breaking, nerve-wracking path we’re on right now, I shudder to think where this democracy could end up one sad day, if we don’t get off this low road and make our way to higher ground soon.” Smiley uses asyndeton again to really make the readers feel how severe this topic is. Smiley has no conjunctions to interrupt his flow of thought, which in turn makes the reader feel the severity of the issue at hand. Smiley uses many tools, including tropes and schemes, rational thinking, and many others to prove his side of the argument. He is successful in doing so, because he carefully thought out where everything in this article would be placed and made sure that he was able to back up all of his points with proven