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  • Essay / The Logic of the Stupid Poor by Tressie Mcmillan Cottom and Impulsive Judgments

    Table of ContentsAnalysis of “The Logic of the Stupid Poor”ConclusionReferencesIn Tressie McMillan Cottom's essay, “The Logic of the Stupid Poor,” she skillfully uses her experiences personal. and observed patterns to challenge the erroneous practice of judging and generalizing the logic of a population based on unknown experiences. Specifically, Cottom argues that the logic of the poor is deeply rooted in their daily struggle to confront the scrutiny of white bureaucracy, driven by their primal instinct for survival. She urges readers to reevaluate their worldview by sharing her own reality, presenting thought-provoking questions, and highlighting the absence of statistical evidence in her argument. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get the original essay Analysis of "The Logic of Poor Stupid People" Cotton's persuasive tone, marked by its concrete side, highlights the absurdity of trying to convince individuals that doing whatever it takes to survive is illogical. She boldly asserts that “nothing is more logical than trying to survive” (1012), describing her family history as one of survival – a universal human instinct that resonates with all. By describing the “classic family of black American migration” as commonplace and relevant, Cottom reinforces the credibility of his critique. Additionally, she emphasizes that her conclusions are drawn from in-depth observations of prejudice in action, stating, "I learned by observing my mother..." (1012). This approach strengthens her argument by emphasizing that her authority is rooted in her lived experiences and her upbringing by black women who intimately understand the system. Cottom intentionally avoids relying on statistical evidence or using logos to convey his message effectively. Cottom masterfully asks questions that encourage self-reflection and exploration of one's relationship with survival. These questions, however, draw their authority from Cotto's own lived experiences. For example, she asks: "What is the retail value of a school principal..." (1013), using the phrase "retail value" to challenge the notion of assessing value of an individual based on their material possessions or physical appearance. Cottom challenges readers to confront the existence of a legacy of slavery that influences how black people are expected to present themselves. In this way, she seeks to emphasize that the worldview of poor people is shaped by a fundamental human drive: survival. Cottom uses the concept of survival to create understanding and empathy among his audience. Returning to the debate over the opportunities afforded to poor people, particularly through discrimination based on appearances, Cottom argues that material goods acquired by low-income individuals are “hard-to-earn” investments. tailor-made dividends” (1013). These statements help Cottom understand that understanding the impact of these material possessions on livelihoods is beyond the reach of those who have not experienced poverty. She goes on to say that she is “living proof of the return on her investment” (1013). By using her own identity as a black woman, Cottom reinforces her authority by conveying the true logic of the poor. Furthermore, she asserts that "there is no evidence of denial of access" (1013), emphasizing that there is no specific data available to support her claims. Cottom's statement.