"On Being Black and Middle Class" - Discussion

Question 1

SOAPSTONE

Answer 1

• S: Steele, black + middle class, wrangling dual status (economic + racial)
• O: discussion w/ friend over race + class
• A: anyone thinking like him about race + economics
• P: argues of “double bind” of race and class
• S: anecdote, past familial experiences, history lesson
• TONE: philosophical, erudite

Question 2

focus: tools for writing about sensitive subjects

Answer 2

• in writing about sensitive issues, consider adopting a philosophical tone, which keeps it positive
• use anecdotes to humanize the issues
• use personal experience
• be tactful, mature, and positive
• becoming angry or confrontational can alienate your audience

Question 3

step 1

Answer 3

Steele

Question 4

step 2

Answer 4

alludes

Question 5

step 3

Answer 5

to historical events

Question 6

step 4

Answer 6

to explain how certain ideals became mainstream and “monolithic” within his culture

Question 7

note

Answer 7

• cataloging
• employs
• in order to convey that class values in America lead to happiness
• varied syntax
• to argue that the black middle class should be the ideal
• figurative language
• metaphors