Bitter Post for Bitter People ENHANCED!!
Jamaica Kincaid’s piece of writing that we studied in class contained multiple methods of writing that help engage the audience. Three of these things that I used in re-writing my own original piece about immigration are:
1) Facts
2) 2nd Person
3) Questions
Before:
All you anti-immigration people, this post is for you!
There are most likely a few reasonings behind your bitterness. For one, you might think that we, immigrants, are stealing your jobs. Not only are we not stealing jobs, we are, in fact, making more jobs. We bring money from our own countries and open restaurants, gas stations, etc. And you also probably think that we are ruining the economy. We are very much so doing the complete opposite of that. We are doing work, paying taxes, and spending money. Us spending money is what keeps the economy going, so you’re welcome for that. I think that you are, in fact, secretly against diversity, and since immigrants bring in new cultures, you are against us. If you don’t like diversification, go live in the woods or something. Did you forget that America was founded by immigrants and all of your ancestors are immigrants? If you’re so against immigrants, I guess you’re against yourself. In that case, go move back to the country where your ancestors are from, you’re not wanted here. See how you feel after that last sentence? That’s how you make me feel all of the time. So if you’re feeling pretty crappy after that, stop being so close minded and selfish. America is for everyone and was founded on equal rights. I have the same “right” to be here as you, so don’t be so close-minded.
Was that a bit harsh? Yes, most definitely. But it gets the point across. Don’t be bitter. Thanks :)
After:
This is a shout out to you anti-immigration people out there!!
Imagine that you are an immigrant, coming from halfway across the world. You are scared and lost when you step off of the plane, surrounded by foreign tongue and unfamiliar land. Your 13-year-old older sister, the one with the best English, has to ask a fellow passenger where the baggage claim is. He points and mumbles to himself as he walks away about how foreigners are taking over the country and are not wanted. How does this make you feel at this point? Probably very unwanted and unwelcome in this foreign country to you that you just traveled 15 hours by plane to get to. You just uprooted your entire life and are starting all over, and already you are getting treated poorly for no good reason at all. All of your friends, your relatives, and your loved ones are back home, and suddenly a wave of sadness washes over you. You wonder if you made the right decision.
This bitterness towards immigrants may come from several aspects of your previous perceptions of immigration. For one, you might think that we, immigrants, are stealing your jobs. Not only are we not stealing jobs, we are, in fact, making more jobs. We bring money from our own countries and open restaurants, gas stations, etc. Do you think that immigrants are ruining the economy? We are very much so doing the complete opposite of that. We are doing work, paying taxes, and spending money. Us spending money IS what keeps the economy going, so you’re welcome for that. I think that you are, in fact, secretly against diversity, and since immigrants bring in new cultures, you are against us. Did you forget that America was founded by immigrants and all of your ancestors are immigrants? If you’re so against immigrants, I guess you’re against yourself. So in that case you should also move back to the country where you came from. And another thing: America was founded on diversity and acceptance and rights for every human being. If you are so American that you think you have the right to tell other people to leave, then you are American enough to believe in the foundation of America. I have the same “right” to be here as you, so don’t be selfish and ignorant! Next time you think immigrants don't belong in America, put yourself in our shoes.
Reflection - How these three things enhanced my original piece of writing:
Adding second person really helped me engage the audience. It put the reader into the shoes of an immigrant and the experience of moving to a new country. Facts helped support the argument and disproved popular notions that people have of immigrants. Questions forced the reader to think about his stance and his beliefs. Overall, adding these things into my original piece allowed me to really get my audience to think about their beliefs and made them consider changing them.