Sheryr Sonia
Dr. Despain
CODES 121
21 September 2024
Reflection 3
The argument I chose was “Why So Many Children of Immigrants Rise to the Top.”Throughout this piece, the author provides an interactive economic ladder that progresses as the reader scrolls through. Each stair step represents roughly 20% of the household income distribution. Following the economic ladder, a chart is provided to put the data in perspective. Then, two maps of the United States are shown describing the changing geography of immigration in 1910 and comparing it to 1980.
Finally, a graph explains the share of the U.S. population that was born abroad. There is no specific target audience; it is just anyone interested in learning about the facts about immigrants’ socioeconomic advancements. The author wrote about immigrants from 100 years ago and compared that data to those from 1980 to the present date.
The project is structured with an even balance of text and images. This piece is easily understandable and aesthetically appealing. The transitions flow smoothly throughout this piece; after the few paragraphs surrounded by a question, an image or graph is shown below to put the information from the paragraph into perspective. This technique provides the reader with a frame of reference after reading the small paragraphs, giving a deeper understanding of the reading. Interactive scrolling immerses the reader in the storytelling experience. This approach creates a coherent experience where the reader feels as if they are involved in the story.
The words immigrant and jobs are heavily involved in this piece. This reading associates immigrants settling in locations with high job growth or numerous job opportunities. The image that the author portrays compares the reality that the imagery of our citizens has changed. Still, the truth is that the process of immigrants assimilating into American society. The citizens think now that the immigrants are not suitable for the country, like they’re hurting their jobs because the politicians are painting that picture for the Americans, and that’s what they started to believe. The truth is that they were helpful in American society 100 years ago and are beneficial to society today.
The author refers to two professors who wrote the book “Streets of Gold: America’s Untold Story of Immigrant Success” to show their thought process while analyzing the charts and graphs giving background information. The author uses data to back up the statements, proving the mass perception of immigrants as false or correct. However, the author does not glorify any hypothetical examples in this piece; it’s based on accurate data collected. The style of this article is backed up by actual research, such as charts and graphs, and the author does not use any hypothetical assumptions. However, he does mention the interferences drawn by the general public towards immigrants.
The author persuades the reader by presenting both viewpoints very clearly. He discusses both sides regarding immigrants and the rise of themselves in their offspring. The author then presents the conclusion based on the data and research collected. The author discusses the long history of second-generation immigrant success stories, which is simply a part of America’s history. The author slightly criticizes the perception of immigrants today as unfavorable to the public, portrayed mainly through politicians.
The author, Peter Coy, uses ethos because he is a Helen Hayes award winner, and the audience will believe what he is writing since he’s an award winner. To support his article, he uses data from professors from Ivy League schools, and all these factors lead to the authenticity of the piece and its believability.
He uses pathos by describing how immigrants are at the very bottom and work themselves up the socioeconomic ladder; these immigrants come with nothing, leaving their families behind, looking for a better future for themselves and their whole families back home, living in poverty. He uses logos to back up his claims, using supporting evidence such as graphs and charts.
Throughout this piece, the author uses various information, such as the data collected and historical facts, to persuade the reader. The author also uses rhetorical fallacies, such as sentimental appeals, when writing about how immigrants must sacrifice to come to the United States to build a better future.