Summary and Critique of Argument
Summary and Critique of Argument
In “if you assign my book don’t censor it’’ published in Kernersville, N.C on November 28, 1999, Mark Mathabane argues the high school that assign his novel ‘’Kaffir Boy’’ should not censor chunks of his book that contributes to the meaning of the novel. This novel is about Mathabanes childhood, living in Africa during the during the apartheid period. There is mature scene and language in this novel that parents would disagree with, but all with reason and purpose. He argues that those parts censored teach lessons, not to take everyday things like food or freedom for granted, to utilize education as a tool to make our society better, and to always to have the urge make the right choices in life. Mathabane uses all three logos, pathos and ethos to support his claim; he also uses his personal experiences to contribute to his argument to not censor parts in his novel that serve a great importance and lesson.
Mathabanes strongly fights his argument by using logos, ethos, and pathos. Although, his logic could have been taking as a fallacy when explaining peer pressure, because some kids are strong minded and don’t fall under peer pressure. None the less, he was still very convincing and proved the point that taking away parts of his novel is wrong because it takes away major purpose of the book. Mathabanes shows the audience a different and more positive way to look at the more mature parts of the book as a lesson and shows them how to understand the bigger meaning and purpose of those parts. By sharing experiences from his personal life he creates a connection with the readers and gave him the opportunity to receive a lot of feedback. He connects to both sides by letting the audience know that he also pays close attention to what his three children ages 6, 8 and 10 read so he carefully writes the mature scenes in way they would understand. He proves that his novel is useful and can be used to improve the reader’s sense of duty in
In “if you assign my book don’t censor it’’ published in Kernersville, N.C on November 28, 1999, Mark Mathabane argues the high school that assign his novel ‘’Kaffir Boy’’ should not censor chunks of his book that contributes to the meaning of the novel. This novel is about Mathabanes childhood, living in Africa during the during the apartheid period. There is mature scene and language in this novel that parents would disagree with, but all with reason and purpose. He argues that those parts censored teach lessons, not to take everyday things like food or freedom for granted, to utilize education as a tool to make our society better, and to always to have the urge make the right choices in life. Mathabane uses all three logos, pathos and ethos to support his claim; he also uses his personal experiences to contribute to his argument to not censor parts in his novel that serve a great importance and lesson.
Mathabanes strongly fights his argument by using logos, ethos, and pathos. Although, his logic could have been taking as a fallacy when explaining peer pressure, because some kids are strong minded and don’t fall under peer pressure. None the less, he was still very convincing and proved the point that taking away parts of his novel is wrong because it takes away major purpose of the book. Mathabanes shows the audience a different and more positive way to look at the more mature parts of the book as a lesson and shows them how to understand the bigger meaning and purpose of those parts. By sharing experiences from his personal life he creates a connection with the readers and gave him the opportunity to receive a lot of feedback. He connects to both sides by letting the audience know that he also pays close attention to what his three children ages 6, 8 and 10 read so he carefully writes the mature scenes in way they would understand. He proves that his novel is useful and can be used to improve the reader’s sense of duty in
Cited: Mathabane, Mark. "If You Assign My Book Dont Censor It." Washinton Post. N.p., 28 Nov. 1999. Web.