Tara Timberman
July 26, 2012
Argumentative Essay “If I Were a Poor Black Kid”
In the article “If I Were a Poor Black Kid” Gene Marks, the author, offers steps to solve the problem that black people face with education. He emphasizes that good grades, studying really hard, going to a good school and taking advantage of every learning opportunity is the key to success. He gives a wide range of ways to find resources and to find all the help needed. Although Marks is not a poor black kid, he knows that inequality is true and understands that things are harder for them. He explains in every way how success is achievable through technology, guidance, and good grades. Poor black kids have all the opportunities to succeed if they would take advantage of resources available for them.
In the article Marks emphasizes the importance of access to technology for the purpose of learning. As Marks claims that computers can be purchased cheap from Dell and Tiger outlets. Also, he touches on various websites that can help students with scholarships and assistance. Mark pronounces “I would take advantage of study websites like Ever Notes, Study Rails, Flashcard Machine, Quizlet and free online calculators.” Marks assumption is true because in my urban community there are libraries and various after school programs that allow students to use for free. Also the community centers post flyers around the town in Camden NJ every year, my parents were actually granted a free used computer with internet access for one month about 2 years ago. These resources are free and there shouldn’t be any excuses as to why a student cannot access them. Even if some parents could not afford computers there are always computers in schools, afterschool programs, and libraries.
It is obvious that access to quality education can open up the door to exceptional opportunities for any student. As Marks explains that, “Most private schools are filled to the brim with 1%.” This is