In “From Notes on the State of Virginia,” Thomas Jefferson includes some proposed changes to Virginia's laws and discusses some differences between blacks and whites. First it describes one of the proposed revisions regarding slavery: all slaves born after the amendment takes effect will be freed; they will live with their parents until a certain age, then they will be raised with public disbursements and sent out of state to form their own colonies to avoid intermarriage and conflict between blacks and whites. Next, Jefferson points out some physical differences between blacks and whites, including skin color, hair, the amount of exudates secreted by the kidneys and glands, the level of perspiration, the structure of the lung organ, the amount of sleep and calm in the face of danger. As he notes, these differences emphasize that blacks are inferior to whites in terms of body size. Furthermore, Jefferson also states that the reasoning and imagination of blacks are much inferior to that of whites after observing some of the artwork and writings of blacks. Consequently, based on his observation, he comes to the conclusion that whites are superior to blacks both in terms of body and mind. However, Jefferson's use of hasty generalizations, unwarranted questions, and abusive language in his analysis is a huge flaw that ruins the credibility of his argument and offends his readers. Throughout the excerpt, Jefferson uses hasty generalizations to support his points. Instead of providing readers with evidence and statistics suitable for the entire population, Jefferson uses generalization without providing adequate evidence or statistics to sway readers to his points; this not only discourages readers from believing his argument, but... half the paper... if they are attracted to black women, Jefferson might offend some readers. As a result, the use of offensive language can anger and offend readers who may stop reading Jefferson's work. Jefferson's use of strategies and language is ineffective in supporting his points and persuading readers of his arguments. Using hasty generalizations, asking questions, and insulting language in his analysis is a huge flaw that diminishes the credibility of his argument and offends his readers. Jefferson should use other argumentative strategies and avoid using offensive language to convince readers of his arguments. Works Cited Jefferson, Thomas. “Give him notes on the state of Virginia.” Rereading America: Cultural contexts for critical thinking and writing. Ed. Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, Bonnie Lisle. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2010. 378-383.