Topic > Tressie McMillan Cottom's The Logic of Poor Dummies and Impulsive Judgments

IndexAnalysis of "The Logic of Poor Dummies"ConclusionReferencesIn Tressie McMillan Cottom's essay, "The Logic of Poor Dummies," she skillfully uses personal experiences and observed patterns to challenge the flawed practice of judging and generalizing a population's logic based on unfamiliar experiences. Specifically, Cottom argues that the logic of the poor is deeply rooted in their daily struggle to orient themselves under the scrutinizing gaze of the white bureaucracy, driven by the primal instinct for survival. He urges readers to reevaluate their worldview by sharing their reality, presenting thought-provoking questions, and pointing out the absence of statistical evidence in his argument. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Analysis of "The Logic of Poor Stupids" Cottom's persuasive tone, characterized by its matter-of-factness, highlights the absurdity of attempting to convince individuals that doing anything to survive is illogical. He boldly states that "nothing is more logical than trying to survive" (1012), framing his family's story as one of survival – a universal human instinct that resonates with everyone. By portraying the “classic black American immigrant family” as recognizable and common, Cottom strengthens the credibility of his critique. Furthermore, he emphasizes that his conclusions are drawn from keen observations of prejudice in action, stating, “I learned by watching my mother…” (1012). This approach strengthens her case by emphasizing that her authority is rooted in her lived experiences and education by Black women who intimately understand the system. Cottom intentionally avoids relying on statistical evidence or appealing to 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 Cottom's lived experiences. For example, he asks, “What is the retail value of a school principal…” (1013), using the phrase “retail value” to challenge the idea of ​​assessing an individual's worth based on material possessions or to physical appearances. Cottom forces readers to confront the existence of a legacy of slavery that influences how Black people are expected to present themselves. Through this, he seeks to highlight that the worldview of the poor is shaped by a fundamental human drive: survival. Cottom uses the concept of survival to evoke understanding and empathy among his audience. Returning to the discussion of opportunities available to the poor, particularly through appearance-based discrimination, Cottom argues that material goods acquired by low-income individuals are investments with “difficulty measuring dividends” (1013). These claims help Cottom to clarify that understanding the impact of these material possessions on livelihoods is beyond the reach of those who have not experienced poverty. He goes on to state that he is “living proof of the return on his investment” (1013). a black woman, Cottom reinforces her authority in conveying the genuine logic of the poor. She also states that "there is no evidence of denied access" (1013), noting that there is no specific data available to support her claims by Cottom forces readers to stop making assumptions about the experiences of the poor. He even uses a rhetorical device - the mockery of the "non-poor" - to arouse guilt and broaden the.