+1 862 207 3288 Reclamation of the word Chicano
Impressive! You‘ve just been asked to write an (imaginary) Op-Ed piece for The New York Timeson-line edition. Your subject? Linguistic reappropriation of a word used to insult others (“bitch,” “queer,” etc.)
*Note: If you speak another language, you may use a non-English word that you see fitting the definition of reappropriation. Just make sure an American NY Times reader could understand the cultural context.
Begin by explaining the concept of reappropriation. (You may use Beverly Gross as an example, or you may come up with any examples of your own).
Then discuss and provide context for your specific word. What does this word mean? Does it always mean the same thing? How has this word been used by a dominant group in order to control (or hurt) a smaller or less powerful group? How and why does the smaller or less powerful group choose to reappropriate the term?
Finally, give your opinion on the matter. Should this word be reappropriated? Why or why not? And why should this matter (your stakes!)?
Things to keep in mind:
Be convincing! (Use at least one of Aristotle’s three appeals – ethos, pathos, or logos)
Try to avoid academic jargon – newspapers are written for an audience with about an 8th grade reading level, so keep the language simple.
The Times’s Op-Ed pieces are traditionally written in passive voice (that is, avoid using “I” when writing this one!)
You may use whatever examples you feel may help you explain your position and/or strengthen your argument (the use of “bitch” as a common replacement for woman/girlfriend in popular music lyrics, etc.)
You needn’t cite any articles.
You will need a title (it can be something simple like “Reclaiming ‘Bitch’”).
If you enjoy formatting, you may structure this essay like an actual newspaper Op-Ed piece (with a byline and a small photo of yourself), but this is not necessary.
Format: 2-3 pages, typed, double-spaced, with standard margins, in Times New Roman font (12 point), written for the (generally highly intelligent) readers of The New York Times.
Outcomes Addressed: Write for a nonacademic audience in the style and genre of an Op-Ed piece (Outcome 1) as you practice forming an articulated and persuasive argument with clear stakes (Outcome 3).
Outcome 1: -Employs style, tone, conventions appropriate to an Op-Ed -Writer has a clear understanding of how various aspects of writing (ex: content, structure, appeals, tone, syntax, word choice) are strategically pitched to Op-Ed audience.
Outcome 3: -The argument is appropriately complex for an Op-Ed. -The stakes are articulated and persuasive. -The argument uses at least one rhetorical appeal (ethos, pathos, logos), and takes into consideration multiple points of view. -Clear organization and effective transitions.
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