In Baldwin’s argument, he firstly introduces his argument by setting up the historical context of slavery and the ideals of the American Dream. He then moves on to his personal experiences as a black man in America, starting from when he was born to later on in his 30’s. The shift in the way he viewed the world was due to the realization that there’s racial inequality that affected him. To make audiences realize that racial inequality doesn’t harm only black Americans, he draws to make stances on the impact of racism on society then advocates dwin’s personal experiences is meant to make them realize the impact of racial inequality, and call on that for change. Overall, Baldwin’s argument is meant to appeal to the audience and their empathy as Balem to take action. 

In Buckley’s argument, he starts off by countering Baldwin’s argument by saying that his skin color is irrelevant to the argument. He uses lots of facts and statistics to continue his argument, by saying that black people are not oppressed in the way Baldwin was arguing earlier. He then carries into discussing moments from Baldwin’s life in which racial inequality affected him and affirms that it is unfair and unjust. This allows him to start discussing steady changes to society that should occur naturally opposed to the government rushing it and using it as political advancement. 

Baldwin:

Ethos:

“And on the other hand, I, have to speak as one of the people who’ve been most attacked by what we now must here call the Western or European system of reality.”

Baldwin establishes his credibility by highlighting his first-hand experiences as a black man in America, an experience he can accurately depict. The tone of his argument was also stern and assertive, making what he had to say seem important. Additionally, when Baldwin is first introduced, they mention him as a well-known American novelist with fame, making him credible as a speaker.  

Pathos:

“nothing you can do, will save your son or your daughter from meeting the same disaster and not impossibly coming to the same end”

Baldwin makes the audience feel empathy by bringing up children, who are symbols of innocence and purity but contrasting it with something harsh and cruel. This causes the audience to feel bad, especially when Baldwin talks about how this is unpreventable if America keeps going down this route of racial inequality. 

Logos:

“The American soil is full of the corpses of my ancestors, through 400 years and at least three wars.” 

Baldwin discusses how black Americans have proved their value to America but yet are still treated discriminatorily. The use of historical facts is both informative in both facts and emotions. 

Buckley

Pathos:

“age of 12 you will find on reading his book he trespassed outside the ghetto of Harlem and was taken by the scruff of the neck by a policeman”

Buckley used a personal experience of Baldwin within his argument because he wanted the audience to empathize with Baldwin. Buckley felt that racial inequality existed, but their difference lied in how to change it. 

Ethos:

“Mr. William Buckley also an American very well known as a conservative in the United States”

Buckley had established credibility as a well-known conservative in American politics. The tone of his argument was monotone but his use of sophisticated language made him appear intellectual. 

Logos:

“7/10 of the white income of the United States is equal to the income that is made by the by the average negro”

Buckley uses a statistic to imply that black people in America benefit from capitalism. Buckley believes that this is used to prove that the American Dream isn’t at the expense of black Americans when some of them experience the dream.