Matt Scinto's Blog

This paper does a terrific job of fulfilling the criteria outlined in the document you gave us. In going down the questions, the author has a very relevant message, that institutionalized racism exists throughout communities and society today. Furthermore, he explains in detail what exactly this type of racism is, drawing on quotes and his own prior knowledge. The author does a good job of making sure the reader has a good understanding of his topic. The author also has a thesis statement that does evolve. At first I thought it was a pretty stagnant, but the way he offers up solutions at the end, weaves together quotes with his arguments, and builds arguments off of his primary data is very well done. I especially liked when the author included pictures of the street signs which he talked about; it brought a real sense of reality into his claims and strengthened his arguments in this way. His primary research is very well done; the interviews he uses are essential to building his arguments, and vice versa. Without his primary interviews, such as those with educators and with the police chief, he would have an essentially bland argument with no real backing. The use of real interviews puts quite a perspective on his arguments and once again, brings the relevance of the matter to the front of the readers eyes. It’s clear that his arguments are valid when interweaved with great primary data. Likewise, his source use incorporated smoothly and strategically. Not only that, but he really takes his sources and brings them to the next level by basing questions and arguments off of them. The author doesn’t just drop quotes in only for backing up his arguments, but also builds on them. The dialogue on the 6th page regarding the different reactions to the drug signs is a terrific example of how the author does this well. In regards to the different sources, the author ends with “In comparing the answers, it would seem that those invested in protecting the image of the school would be more likely to give more biased and positive answers than those who have no vested interest. ” This is a great way in which the author brings everything together.

The writers credibility, again, his echoed by his connection with the schools in discussion, being that his hometown is the topic of his entire essay. His connection in this way, as well as the connection to his primary data really gives him a positive ethos. Overall, I found this essay to be A work. His use of primary data, his connection with the arguments and topic, explanation of terms, interweaving of sources, and even the citation format was very well done. The author deserves the highest of marks for a very relevant and interesting paper.