ANALYZING THE RHETORICAL SITUATION

1. Editorial. Yglesias explores how the ways we define race and whiteness is in a constant state of change in America. He uses his own ancestry to show how he is a mix of races and can be accurately described as both “of Hispanic origin” and “a white dude.” Are there ways that your racial ancestry could be variously described?

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2. Editorial. How do Yglesias’s references to the roles Odette Annable has played function in the essay? What do they add, or, what would be missing if they were taken out?

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3. Poster / ad campaign. In the poster ads created by the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, the featured individuals, Shameya and Jeff, look straight out of the page as if to make direct eye contact. Note also the statements they make about themselves. What argument is the Homeless Coalition putting forth about people who are homeless? How do the images and words affect how you perceive Shameya and Jeff? How you perceive homelessness?

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4. Social history/editorial. What is the central purpose of Ted Merwin’s editorial, “What Makes the Jewish Deli Quintessentially American?” How does he use tone to support his artumeng?

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5. Editorial, social history / editorial, & poster / ad campaign. How do all the pieces in this cluster together confirm or challenge your ideas about what it means to be American? Explain by citing specific passages or images from these readings.

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COMPOSING IN GENRES

6. Define whiteness. Write an essay that attempts to define whiteness in America. Use personal anecdotes and evidence, just as Yglesias does, to support your claims.

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7. Create a collage about group or national identity. Think about different ways you define yourself as a part of a larger group(s), perhaps in relation to the Unites States or your country of origin. Create a collage of images that gives viewers a sense of how you identify yourself in relation to that group. (For guidance on collages, see pp. 000–00.)

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8. Research a writer. Research either Matthew Yglesias or Ted Merwin. Learn about the writer’s life, publications, and current projects. Then imagine you have the opportunity to interview him on radio or television. Develop a set of questions you would use for the interview.

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9. Create an ad for a cause. Homelessness is an issue that carries negative stigma. Choose another social issue that may be misunderstood or viewed negatively, and sketch out an ad or two to help your classmates better understand it. Alternatively, gather ads or other materials, perhaps created by local nonprofit groups, that promote the understanding of a stigmatized issue. Then present and analyze these materials for your class.

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10. Research local homelessness. Based on some of the issues raised in the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County’s ads, create a list of potential research questions to explore this issue in your own community. Choose your three strongest questions and do some preliminary research to start collecting potential sources (at least ten), including local and government organizations.

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