Write (type in a Microsoft Word document) a 4-6 paragraph essay on one of the
following questions.
1. William Raspberry, in his essay, “The Handicap of Definition” says, “Unfortunately, many of the things about which blacks make this assumption are things that do not contribute to their career success-except for that handful of the truly gifted who can make it as entertainers and athletes. And many of the things we concede to whites are things that are essential to economic security” (para.12). Explain the assumptions the author is referring to with references from the text. Further, identify some of the “things” [blacks] concede to whites, and discuss how they are essential to economic security as Raspberry
2. Explain what Raspberry means when he states, at the end of his essay, that black children have to be indoctrinated with a new mindset that will enable them to make it in the American mainstream and “not just in a black subculture” (para.14). Use references from the text to pinpoint some of the features of black subculture.
3. In his essay, Raspberry argues, “But the real problem is not so much that things defined as ‘black’ are negative. The problem is that the definition is much too narrow” (para.13). Do you agree with his thesis? Why or why not? What alternative view might there be?